DC's university had a program in June. They separated the kids from the parents. At the parent's session, they held up a list of 30-40 places on campus where our kids could go to solve problems ranging from health to finances to academics to so much more. They didn't give us the list, instead they said, "your kids have this list, it's time to step back and let them use it to handle their own problems. If they call you with a problem, tell them the answer exists somewhere on campus."

I went to both (clear across the country) kids orientations. Simply because I knew most of the other kids parents would be there and my two kids wanted me there.

Could they have navigated on their own? Yes. But they didn't want to, and it was socially acceptable for me to be there, so I went. It was boring. But my kids were happy I was there.

It depends on the school. My university offered a June orientation that included programming for parents. We specifically didn't allow them in meetings with student staff and professorial advisors for course selection, but there was also programming for parents, including a Q&A with current students.

Anonymous wrote:Our oldest two are attending colleges which have a "parent's orientation."

WHY?

This is an extension of the helicopter parenting generations need to hover over their kids for a few hours longer. Colleges have just given up and created an orientation so the parents can be busy on campus and not totally interfere with the student's orientation.

Some schools have added a step to their matriculation ceremonies. At the end of the ceremony, the faculty lead the students out one door and take them to a reception or dinner. The parents are told "Thanks for trusting us with your kids!" and sent on their way out another door.

I went to a public VA university, entered in 2009/graduated 2013. At my orientation back in summer 2009, neither of my parents could attend (couldn't take time off work) and I was about the only kid there who didn't have one or both parents there and I definitely felt the odd one out. Luckily, I met a girl and her best friends and their respective parents who kind of "took me under their wing" for most of orientation, but looking back, I really wish one of my parents was able to go. It was hard to socialize and meet people when all the parents were there and hovering. Keep this in mind.

Our oldest two are attending colleges which have a "parent's orientation."

WHY?

This is an extension of the helicopter parenting generations need to hover over their kids for a few hours longer. Colleges have just given up and created an orientation so the parents can be busy on campus and not totally interfere with the student's orientation.

Anonymous wrote:I see nothing wrong with it. My DH is cheap so I try to take advantage of a few days in a hotel.

glad you respect your master

Anonymous wrote:Our school has a separate orientation for the kids and the parents. The parents are not invited to go to the students orientation.

Same with us. We plan on going to the parent orientation, not the students'. I see nothing wrong with that.

I found the parents orientation sessions at my DC's university very helpful; they addressed any and all questions I had about school policies and what to expect during the first year. We were separated from our kids at the beginning and didn't meet up with them until the following afternoon. I thought it was a good experience for all.

I am going because there is a separate parent program and I've never been to the campus before. There are no parent orientation events at move in. DC will stay in the dorms, I will stay in a hotel and no plans to meet up until we leave. And we are coming from different places so DC will travel alone (which is no big deal as she's done multiple trips alone before). So yes, I will be there but not exactly in tow.

Lol

Anonymous



I have a similar question. On move in day there's a series of events for parents. I don't really want to go. Would it be bad form to just drop her off (help her unpack) and leave? Its only one day of events for parents but I'd rather hit the road.

Don't go. The only reason they have a parents orientation is to get the helicopter parents away from their kids so their kids can be adults and do orientation on their own.

We went to DD's last year at W&M, but found most of the breakout sessions were lame, so we bailed. They do fine without you.

I see nothing wrong with it. My DH is cheap so I try to take advantage of a few days in a hotel.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People should comment only if they have sent a kid to college recently.

It's all different now. Otherwise, you don't have a clue.

What's so different now than ten years ago? Seriously. If your child is going away to college, they should be able to navigate orientation alone. What are you going to do in a month when classes start?

I have no doubt that my kid will be able to navigate orientation on their own. He navigates all sorts of other things on his own. But if he's like I was so many years ago, he'll probably fly out by himself for college visits, which means he'll choose a school I haven't seen. Since I teach, there's a good chance I won't go to drop him off either. What's the harm in me joining him for orientation so I can see the campus before I return for graduation?