Parents Campus Children Universities Events Special Students Orientation

When young adults "go off to college" (move out of their family's home and live independently while studying at the university), it can be difficult for parents to adjust to not seeing their children every day. Many universities make an effort to include parents in special events, inviting students' parents to come onto campus at certain times.

Universities have offered "orientation programs" to students for years as a way to help "orient" (guide and help feel comfortable) them to the campus and expectations for their behavior. But in recent years, many universities have begun offering "parent orientation" too, to help parents understand the new adventure that their children are "embarking on" (beginning). The parent orientation generally has information about paying for "tuition" (money paid to study at a school), "room and board" (money paid for food and housing), and books, but it also provides information about campus safety, healthcare, "counseling services" (opportunities to speak with a psychologist or counselor about one's concerns or difficulties), social activities, and more. Many parent orientation events also give parents an opportunity to express their feelings about becoming "empty nesters" (parents whose children have moved out of the home).

Many universities also organize a "parents weekend" when parents are invited back onto campus, usually a few months into the school year. The parents might stay on campus, or they might stay at a nearby hotel. Parents "accompany" (go with) their children to classes and participate in organized social activities, such as talent shows, special meals, and sports events.

Of course, parents also come to campus for special events, like "homecoming" (an important football game and other events where "alumni" (graduates) are welcomed back to the school), and "graduation" (ceremony for students who have completed their studies and receive their degree).