Family Programs during First-Year Orientation

Information about Summer Orientation

At UIS we understand both the student and their family make a transition to college – but in different ways. Students who participate in all orientation programming have a higher grade point average (GPA) than students who skip sessions and are more likely to return their sophomore year. There are three parts to our hybrid Orientation:

  1. The first part of orientation is online and asynchronous and must be completed before the second part.

  2. The second part is the In-Person Orientation sessions.

  3. The third part of orientation is New Student Welcome in August (for summer/fall admits) or January (for spring admits).

In-Person Orientation – Parents and Families Program. Orientation is most beneficial when students and family members participate together. Our orientation program has a track for parents/family members designed to help you understand the transition that you and your student will be making. 

Orientation is an exciting time for first-year (freshmen/women) college students and families. Your student's orientation is mandatory and will have three parts described above. We have programming that you can participate in as well:

  • an online orientation that you will be able to complete at your own pace. Once your student registers you for Orientation, you will receive access to your online orientation in mid-May; and
  • an In-Person, on campus program in Springfield. Students can bring up to two guests to our in-person sessions that will include information about financial assistance, student billing, academic expectations, and more. We have a Parent Track that runs alongside student programming. You will have the opportunity to hear more about campus resources that are available to support your student's success and meet faculty and staff members who your student can go to for assistance.

Orientation Schedule

How Much Does Orientation Cost

There is a mandatory Orientation Fee that is assessed to each student and covers some expenses for the student for Orientation (both online and in-person). The University covers most of the costs related to your student's orientation to keep the costs affordable. The Orientation Fee is mandatory and non-refundable.

Preview Day for students and family

Additional Guest Fee

There will be an additional guest fee of $25/person to cover the cost of the publications, mailings, staffing, and lunch at the In-Person Orientation. The guest fee is non-refundable. You can pay the Guest Fees online with the student orientation fee. We cannot accept payment onsite.

Orientation Handouts

What faculty members want parents to know (PDF)

Adjusting to College Month by Month (PDF)