Our Families and Supporters Orientation experience begins on May 1 and continues through your student’s on-campus move-in day.

Throughout the summer, you’ll receive monthly email updates from our Orientation Office, filled with helpful tips, resources, and important information to help you best support your student as they onboard to UVM.

You’ll also have the chance to join a variety of New Student Insight Sessions, virtual events designed to introduce you to the many support systems and services available to your student on campus.

Your orientation journey will culminate in an optional in-person Family and Supporter Orientation program held on your student’s move-in day (New Student Orientation start date for those living off campus). This event offers a warm welcome and helpful insights as your student settles into life at UVM. We look forward to supporting you as you support your student!

Schedule Outline - Wednesday, August 20 & Thursday, August 21

• 3:00pm – Welcome Remarks by Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of the University of Vermont 

• 3:15–3:45pm – Breakout Sessions I (choose one to attend)

  - Student Involvement and Belonging: Insider Advice Families Can Offer Their Students (presented by Lina Balcom, Director of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs)

  - Academic Life at UVM: What Families Need to Know (presented by Sarah Helmer, Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences) 

  - Families in Transition: When to Step in and When to Step Back (presented by Heather Pena, Assistant Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs) 

• 4:00–4:30pm – Breakout Sessions II (choose one to attend)

  - Student Involvement and Belonging: Insider Advice Families Can Offer Their Students (presented by Lina Balcom, Director of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs) 

  - Safety First: Helping Your Student Navigate Campus and Community with Confidence (presented by Kevin Hytten, Training Coordinator, Division of Safety and Compliance) 

  - Families in Transition: When to Step in and When to Step Back (presented by Heather Pena, Assistant Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs) 

• 4:30–5:30pm – Reception

Bringing children with you? We will have a dedicated space for them to relax and unwind in our Zen Den on the 4th floor of the Davis Center. A Family and Supporter Activity Book will also be available to help keep them engaged.

Pre-Orientation Program (POP)? If you’re arriving early for a POP, you’re welcome to attend either day, August 20 or 21.

• Summer Enrichment Scholars Program (SESP

  • Join us for a Family Lunch Buffet on Wednesday, August 6 from 12:30 to 2:30pm at the Mosaic Intercultural Center’s Main Space, Living and Learning, Building E.

• First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program (FSPOP)

  • Join us on Sunday, August 17 from 2:00 to 3:30pm in the Mansfield Room for a special reception for families and supporters of UVM GO Community and First Scholars participants. The event will include welcome remarks and a panel discussion with campus partners, organized by the Division of Student Affairs. Refreshments will be provided.

• UVM GO Community

  • Join us on Sunday, August 17 from 2:00 to 3:30pm in the Mansfield Room for a special reception for families and supporters of UVM GO Community and First Scholars participants. The event will include welcome remarks and a panel discussion with campus partners, organized by the Division of Student Affairs. Refreshments will be provided.

• UVM Hillel's Fresh Fest

  • UVM Hillel will be hosting a family, supporter, and student open house at 439 College Street on August 19 from 9am to 2pm. The front door can be accessed with a CATcard, or visitors can call 802-238-4326 for entry.

• Office of International Education (OIE)

  • The Office of International Education will host a reception by invitation only for all international students and their families on Wednesday, August 20.