College orientation?

[Anonymous]

We gave our child the choice of orientation or first parents weekend. We could only afford one.

Kid chose orientation and it was good. We tacked on an extra day to scope the surrounding area and resources as a family.

On parents weekend, kid caught up on studies, slept, and accepted a nice dinner invitation from a friend to join their family. Kid was relieved to have the downtime mid semester.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is signed up to attend the orientation next month and will be staying on campus. Parent attendance is optional, but DD seems very offended when I asked her if she would mind going alone. There is a parent program, but the flight alone is $500 plus if I go my hotel room for the 3 nights will be a minimum of $1K - plus I will be missing work days. My DD is expecting me to go, so I'll probably end up going. Wondering how many parents skip this sort of thing? I will be going in August to move her in, but I didn't plan on this additional trip.

Mom and dad attended orientation for both of our kids. Figured this into travel costs of the college budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where is this? I have two kids in college and worked in higher education for years. I’ve never heard of parents being expected to stay through orientation. There were parents there on move in day but they don’t stay longer than they logistically need.

DP - There are parent sessions on orientation day. It would s expected that they attend. Kid’s could sign up for a summer date or the week of move in. It’s only 1 day, but mandatory.