Parent FAQ's

Yes. A separate 2-day parent orientation program is offered alongside the student orientation program. Although it is optional, we do encourage parents to attend if possible. Approximately 2000 parents typically attend orientation throughout the summer. It’s a great way to get the most up-to-date information about the campus community, to meet faculty and staff, and to learn about the campus resources that will help your son or daughter make a successful transition.

Topics covered in the parent program include financial aid, personal safety, transitional issues for parents, academic expectations, health services, on-campus living and dining, student involvement, spiritual connections, campus computing, career services, and a student panel.

No. Students will meet one-to-one with academic advisors, and schedule classes with the assistance of orientation staff members. This allows students an opportunity to begin building important relationships with faculty and professional advisors, which will help prepare them for future one-to-one academic advising appointments during their time at the University. As an adult member of the campus community, your son or daughter will be given the support necessary to make informed educational decisions.

At the conclusion of orientation, advisors will be available as needed to answer family members’ questions regarding classes, academic program requirements, and registration.

Parents choosing to stay on-campus are assigned to a single room in Rider Hall, in an area separate from where students are staying. Each person will be provided a pillow, pillowcase, bedspread, towel, and a washcloth. Please note that accommodations are not comparable to those found in hotels (no TV, air conditioning, alarm clock, etc.). For parents who wish to stay off campus, lists of area hotels are available through the Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau at http://www.cedarfallstourism.org/sleep.asp or 800-845-1955.

Those interested in staying in a local hotel or motel can visit the Cedar Falls Visitors and Tourism Bureau web site for a detailed listing of options.
http://www.cedarfallstourism.org/sleep.asp

• Remind your student to bring his or her immunization records and health insurance card
• Check or cash for orientation fees (see this link for details http://www.uni.edu/admissions/orientation/freshman/fees.html
• Comfortable shoes, as you will be doing some walking between buildings for sessions
• Umbrella
• If you’re staying overnight and are interested in working out at the Wellness Recreation Center, clothes and shoes appropriate for the gym
• If you’re staying overnight on campus, a fan for your residence hall room

Your son or daughter will receive a map and details about parking by email roughly two weeks prior to his or her scheduled orientation date. This will include directions to designated campus parking lots that will be free of charge to orientation participants.