<p>How many students here plan on attending orientation with their parents?</p>
<p>I was looking through the orientation website, and it says parents are encouraged, but is it really necessary for parents to attend?</p>
<p>Not necessary at all. But I think it's a nice thing for parents to have some idea of where their son or daughter will be and what they might be experiencing for the next 4 years. At most colleges there are separate activities for parents and students at orientation, so they would not be hanging around with you.</p>
<p>No, have them there for meals or little things but they shouldn't be tagging along. If they really want to go to a meeting, they can sit in the back. My orientation was used as a parting time. My first college meeting, completely away from them. I even found other people to eat with. They were proud of themselves that they stayed away too.</p>
<p>From reading past Orientation schedules where my S will be going, there are some activities the first day for parents and then an official "goodbye" that afternoon. The rest of the week is for students only.</p>
<p>We plan to go up a day or two before hand to help move in, buy anything we don't want to ship that far and stay for a session or two of the orientation. We've been through most of this before at another school and would only be interested in the things that are unique to this college. </p>
<p>On the other hand, our S is going to be further from home than he's ever been on a consistent basis. We suspect he'll miss us (at least at first) and we know we'll miss him. A hug and a kiss goodbye for the next few months are more than worth the trip for us.</p>
<p>I found USC orientation both helpful and necessary. There were discussions for parents on medical and food plans, housing, loans, and a chance to sign your child up for accounts at the credit union. Top level administrators were there to answer questions, and there was a very useful session on "letting go."</p>
<p>I would advise parents to go.</p>
<p>Parents should definately go to move in day and any scheduled events for parents. Most schools acknoledge the need for parents to come for a little bit but to say good bye and not hold the kids hand through everything.</p>
<p>What about for transfer students? Im going to be 18 but I will be a junior transfer, so I assume most people will be older than me. Im kind of nervous about my dad coming to orientation, especially since Cal's program leaves him with me for like 8 out of the 10 hours.</p>
<p>Wm & Mary has parent orientation on move in day and the morning after!</p>
<p>We left by mid-afternoon on move-in day after: we had moved him in to his room; went to Target for things we didn't bring from the east coast; bought him his athletic pass; walked with him to set up an appointment for his cold at the university health service; deposited money in the credit union; put money on his e-card; picked up the pre-purchased bedding; ate lunch; went to the bookstore and loaded up on logo stuff; met his roommate and his parents; and chatted with other parents especially those we met from Virginia who were also sending their children over 2,500 miles away from home. </p>
<p>Actually, I couldn't wait to go, we were beginning a vacation as soon as we left.</p>
<p>easymack - is the orientation for freshman going on at the same time? Your dad could attend the parent sessions intended for freshman parents.</p>
<p>no, the freshman orientation is not going on at the same time. I wasnt too worried about my dad but now I am worried that I will be the only one who isnt alone...</p>
<p>Easymack, I was wondering the same thing, do we bring our parents to orientation? Has Cal sent you information on orientation yet? I'm still waiting for UCLA to send me more information on what happenes now that they have my SIR.</p>