Do parents usually come to orientation?
Many parents do choose to come to orientation. The way orientation is structured is there is a program with session s just for parents and a different program for students. Meals are really the only time you will get to spend with your student. As a parent you get to pick what you go to which includes sessions on financial aid, campus resources, course previews, and more.
So a majority of parents go? Would you recommend my parents going if we live really close to campus?
Any chance my D would be the only one to not come with parents??
We didn’t go to orientation, she would not be the only one. it’s really for the kids and the sessions are often things you have heard if you have done formal visits previously. Not a big deal for parents not to attend, but also fine if they want to. For some it makes them feel better about the money they are spending. 
When does the Orientation take place?
Orientation is in the summer. 6 or 7 different sessions are offered, and the kids register for one. My kid went without us. We had already visited twice and didn’t feel the need to go again.