University of Vermont

Orientation might be a place for your student to learn the ins and outs of life at UVM, it's also a prime time for you to ask questions regarding your role in their upcoming college career. We're sure you've got tons of questions about Orientation as you and your student prepare for your first formal introduction to our campus. We're here to help.

Family members are encouraged, but not required to attend orientation with their student. These Family Orientation sessions are provided as a service to aid family members in their student's transition into their college career and many take advantage of this time to learn the in's and out's of what their student's life will be like on campus, as well as to ask any lingering questions they may have in-person.

Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions to assist with any questions or concerns you may have about the Orientation program as they pertain to you as attending family.

Of course, if you still have questions concerning a topic not covered here we'd love the opportunity to help clarify. Feel free to contact us at the Orientation Program Office by calling (802) 656-4136 or e-mail us at orientation@uvm.edu.

• Registration and Fees
• Arrival and Check In
• Orientation Program and Schedule
• What to Bring
• Travel and Housing Accommodations
• Deaf and Disability Services / Accommodations

Registration and Fees

What is the $52.00 family registration fee?
Orientation costs for new students are covered by the acceptance fee that has already been paid to the Admissions Office. The $52.00 family registration fee is a per-person fee for any family member (Over the age of 10) who will be atending the program. This fee covers the cost of the materials, program staff, and the information sessions you will attend. Please note that the registration fee is all-inclusive, nonnegotiable and non-refundable.

Children 10 and under are able to stay in their parents’ room, provided they bring a sleeping bag.

What meals are provided during Orientation?
A 2-Day meal package is available for families to purchase for $48.00. The meal package includes lunch, dinner, and the family reception on Day 1, and brunch on Day 2. A meal package for children under 10 is available to purchase ($25), which includes all meals on both days of Family Orientation.

Since 95% of Family Orientation attendees participate fully in the program, most elect to purchase the meal package. Meals can also be purchased individually at Orientation.

Can parents or family members attend a different session from the student’s?
No.  Due to space limitations, family members must attend the same Orientation session (Dates) as the student. 

Do I have to attend all of the informational sessions? Will my fee be reduced if I do not attend all of the sessions?
Family members attending Family Orientation may choose which informational sessions they wish to attend. It is not required that family members attend all informational sessions.  However, the cost will not be reduced and is non-negotiable.

Do most parents or family members attend Family Orientation?
The choice of whether or not to attend Family Orientation depends on each individual family and differs from session to session. A lot of families find the sessions provided for them informational - while others feel they already have all the information they need.  Ultimately the decision on whether or not Families would like to attend should be made by determining if they would find the informational sessions helpful.

For families or students concerned that they will be the only ones with or without families in attendence - there is always a mix of attendees and their student will not be the only one with or without a family member with them.

Arrival and Check In

Where do I check-in?
Please plan to arrive on the first day between 8-10am for check-in at the Harris/Millis Residential Complex.

My student and I need to arrive early to Orientation. What do we do?
If you are traveling a long distance or have an Honors College student and require housing the night before your session, please indicate your need for early arrival by choosing 'early arrival' in the Orientation Reservation System. Check-in for early arrivals will be from 3 to 11p.m. You will be housed in your assigned room for Orientation when you arrive.

The cost is $50 per double for students and $74 per double/$94 per single for family members. Pizza will be available from 4 to 7 p.m., and breakfast the following morning will be provided.

Orientation Program and Schedule

Will I have an opportunity to see my student throughout the day?
While you will join your student for some activities, many of your sessions will be separate and geared toward your role as a parent or guardian. Family members do not attend academic advising or course registration sessions with students.

As a Parent, what will I be doing during Family Orientation?
You will have a chance to gain your own introductions to campus life, as well as the opportunity to meet with representatives of the academic unit in which your student is enrolling and learn about general academic requirements and policies, registration processes, and UVM's advising system. You will also have an opportunity to meet key campus staff members who support new students, and become familiar with student services and facilities, such as the residence hall system, food service plans, financial aid, career planning, and student activities.

What is the schedule for Student Orientation and for Family Orientation?
Please take a look at our Orientation overview to get a better picture of what both you and your student will be doing throughout the day.

What to Bring

What should I bring?
We'll be doing a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes and clothing for warm weather (some Univeristy buildings are no air-conditioned). Rain in June is not unusual, so we recommend bringing and umbrella and packing for all weather possibilities.

Travel and Housing Accommodations

I am from out of town. Where can I stay?
Housing accommodations for Family Orientation are available on campus. When registering for orientation, your student will be able to select appropriate on-campus housing needs for family members.

Pricing for family on-campus accommodations will be determined by February 1, 2013:

Does UVM have shuttle service from the airport or hotels?
No. Taxis from the airport to campus are approcimately $15.00. You may also use public bus transportation from the airport to UVM. Be sure to check availability at www.cctaride.org.

Please visit UVM’s local lodging and transportation resources pages for more information. Additional information is also available on the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce website.

I am the only person in my family besides my student who will be attending Family Orientation. I will be staying on campus. Will I be assigned a roommate?
No. If only one family member is attending the Family Orientation Program, they must choose the single occupancy accommodations if they stay on campus. Orientation will not assign roommates to individuals that are not from the same family.

I am an early arrival, but I arrive late at night.  What do I do?
If you are a registered “Early Arrival” and you arrive after 11pm at Harris/Millis Residential Complex, there will be a telephone number posted on the entrance door.  Call this number and a UVM Conference & Events staff member will respond to check you into your room.

I am an early arrival, but I arrive in Burlington before 3pm.  Can I check-in early or store my luggage?
No.  Orientation Leaders do not staff the Harris/Millis Residential Complex until 3pm for approved early arrivals.  Therefore, we are unable to accommodate these requests.

May I bring my children with me to Family Orientation?
Yes.  But please note that the floors are bare and there is no carpeting in the University Heights South Residential Complex where families are housed. There is no charge for children under 10 accompanying their parents or guardians.

Is it possible to request kosher meals during Orientation?
Unfortunately, Orientation is not able to provide kosher meals.

Does the University have a fall weekend designated for family visits?
Yes, UVM Homecoming & Family Weekend is October 4-6, 2013. The UVM Alumni Association sponsors this weekend and encourages families to reserve accommodates early and join us for academic open houses, athletic games and much more! For more information visit- http://alumni.uvm.edu/homecoming/

Deaf and Disability Services/Accommodations

Are there disability accommodations available during Orientation?
If students or family members would like to request accommodations for disabilities, please note this on the Orientation registration form and call the Orientation Program Office at (802) 656-4136. Please contact the Orientation office at least two weeks prior to your arrival. Deaf or hard of hearing guests may contact UVM by sending an email message to Nate Gondelman or calling via phone or videophone at 802-656-7848, or by e-mail at access@uvm.edu.

For more information about students with disabilities, please visit the ACCESS website (Accommodation, Consultation, Collaboration and Educational Support Services), UVM’s office of Disability Services.

Are wheelchairs available?
Orientation is not able to provide wheelchairs or wheelchair assistance. If a wheelchair is needed, please make sure to arrange to bring your own.

However, we do make necessary housing arrangements for any student or family member staying on campus who use a wheelchair or require accessible accommodations.  Most UVM buildings and shuttle buses used by Orientation are accessible. Please contact our office at least 2 weeks prior to your Orientation session to discuss accommodation needs. 

Last modified May 17 2013 09:10 AM