2026 Orientation for Parents & Families

Starting college is a huge transition for students... and families. We invite you to start your own journey to learn about Western, too!

Parent & Family Online Orientation:
Parent & Family Orientation is an in-person and online course that helps prepare parents and families of incoming students. This seven-module course contains everything you need to know before your student arrives for New Student Orientation. Start the course here!

College 101 for Parents & Families: 
If you will be bringing your student to campus, we encourage you to join us for College 101 for Parents & Families. This program will feature a panel with members from Western's Senior Cabinet and our Dean of Students, Gary Pierson. Paul Giberson, Director of Student Retention and Completion, will moderate the panel. College 101 for Parents & Families will be followed by an optional reception to celebrate your family's transition. This is also an opportunity for parents to meet Western faculty & staff who will play important roles in your student's time at Western. Light appetizers and beverages will be served. Check out the schedule here...

Note: This program is only offered during New Student Orientation for First Year Students.

• We will be offering a Zoom option for anyone that would like to join remotely.
• If you will be coming to campus later on Friday, Aug. 21 for Transfer or Nontraditional Student Orientation, we welcome you to join your student for their program.
• Or, if you are bringing your student to campus on Thursday, Aug. 13 for Wilderness Based Orientation, Dean of Students Gary Pierson will meet with parents at 4 pm in the University Center. (Note: students arriving for whitewater rafting arrive one day prior on Aug. 12.)