<p>We have a couple of questions as we plan for our son’s first year and our upcoming trip to move him from Wisconsin to Philly. First of all, do any of you remember what time of the day and how long the parent orientation was? What kind of information is presented? Also, are the dorms open over Thanksgiving break? Due to the distance and cost, he will not be able to come home for Thanksgiving. If the dorms are not open, hopefully he will find a friend who is somewhat “local” that will adopt him for a few days. </p>
<p>Hi AZKMom, the dorms are indeed open for Thanksgiving because they understand that some people are unable to go home because of distance and cost. They are closed over Christmas break, though, but I know special arrangements can be made if someone can't get a flight until a couple of days later or something....</p>
<p>My parents left by about noon the day after move-in, so they stayed for the early morning parent orientation stuff. There was a meeting for all new students around 7 or so the day of move-in and then there was a reception for the new students, and then we had a floor meeting around 9 or so. My parents didn't really feel it necessary to stay super long for parent orientation. They just introduced you to the school and all that welcoming stuff lol. They felt it was fine and it gave an opportunity to ask questions and all, but not crucial if someone can't stay for the whole thing...</p>
<p>haha, it's all very exciting. i remember i wanted the summer after senior year of high school to go by very very quickly, but get ready! it's going to be a pretty crazy ride! your son is more than welcome to get in touch with me at any point with questions about classes, dorms, etc! :-)</p>
<p>My D is also not able to come home to California for Thanksgiving break, so she may be at school as well. My husband is bringing my D to Philly on the 26th and staying until the morning of the 29th. My son is joining them at that time as he is finishing up a directing internship in New Jersey and they will help my D move into her dorm on the 28th. Then they will fly back to CA on the Friday, so my husband will not be able to attend the parent orientation. We only get to see our son 2 days out of this entire summer this way as he returns to Whitman College in Washington State on the Sunday. I did not realize the orientation was for that preceding Friday. It's hard to have 2 kids in college and be there for both of them. I can't go because I am a teacher and we start our professional development days (which are mandatory) on the 26th, sigh! However, I feel that I got a great parent orientation from BroadwayWannabe when we met with her in Philly in April, so I feel that I am not totally missing out. Thanks again, BroadwayWannabe. You are a terrific person and I am still very thankful for your help when we visited.</p>