Family Orientation Information

Family Programs during First-Year Orientation

Information about Summer Orientation

At UIS we recognize that both students and their families go through a transition to college – just in different ways. Students who fully participate in orientation programming often achieve higher grade point averages (GPAs) and are more likely to return their sophomore year. This success is due to the valuable knowledge they gain about their their responsibilities, campus resources, and connections with peers, faculty, and staff.

Our three-part hybrid Orientation helps guide both students and families through this transition:

Online Orientation: a self-paced, 10 modules (takes about 2 hours) that must be completed before the next step.
In-Person or Virtual Orientation sessions:

In-Person sessions are held on our Springfield campus.
Virtual session is available for students in online degree programs or those living out-of-state or internationally.

New Student Welcome: Held in August for summer/fall admits and January for spring admits. (Online Degree students are not required to attend). This program is just for students.

Families are encouraged to attend orientation with their student. We offer a dedicated Parent and Family Orientation track, available both in-person and virtually, with resources to help you navigate your student's transition to college. By registering, you'll also gain access to the Parent Online Orientation, which includes valuable information tailored specifically for you.

Orientation Costs

There is a mandatory Orientation Fee that covers both online and in-person programming for students. A non-refundable guest fee ($30/person for in-person, $15 for virtual) covers publications, online resources, mailings, staffing, and lunch at in-person sessions. Payments are made online with the student’s orientation fee.

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Family Programs during First-Year Orientation

Information about Summer Orientation

Orientation Costs

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