Do parents HAVE to be at orientation?

[Anonymous]

It’s hard for us helicopter parents to let go. Our college has 1.5 days of parent orientation including tours, a welcome session with the president, dorm life, financial aid and financing info, disability services, athletics, donating, band, Greek life, health and safety, etc. It sounded dumb but was actually mostly useful info that I was able to pass on occasionally to my student. Totally optional though. They also had a booklet that covered most of it.

[Anonymous]

My kid will be attending UVA this fall. 2-day orientations start next week. Parents are welcome to attend the parent and/or student/parent activities but not required.

This is correct. Students have their own orientation schedule and stay in a dorm. After check-in, parents have the option to attend panels and info sessions (finances,safety, computer, transportation, student health, etc.). Move in days are late Aug, so if your child received the last orientation date, then yes, s/he will move in and do the 2 day orientation before other students arrive. But, I'm sure you're free to leave after you drop off or help them move in.