<p>How long do parents usually stay during orientation week? Are they needed after the initial drop-off? Are they even allowed? :] Thanks</p>
<p>No they aren't really needed. My parents left the day of move-in day. I'm from Georgia though, so they didn't have to go very far to get home. I wouldn't recommend parents staying more than a day after move in. There is really nothing for them to do. Plus, the first week is when you meet alot of the kids who will be your best friends at Duke. It wouldn't be fun for a kid to be bogged down by having to hang out with his/her parents the whole time. I think the parents should leave as soon as both the student and parents can handle.</p>
<p>i'd have them stay at least a day, personally. the day after you move in is convocation which is a nice family event, and even though you move in, you won't entirely be settled. there still may be plenty of errands to run. my parents were really good about that-- because they wanted to know the area, so they did their own thing, picked things up for me, and let me meet people and hang out. they never bogged me down, but sort of helped out a LOT. but yeah, as soon as you (and them!) can handle parting, i'd recommend it.</p>
<p>in your orientation guide, i think they mention when parents should leave - at least i think they did last year.</p>
<p>Just an FYI: Parents aren't allowed at all into the convocation ceremony. They have to watch it on closed circuit TV, usually in the Griffith auditorium.</p>