Information for Parents

Welcome Parents! You will soon learn that parents are a vital part of the Wesleyan community. The Orientation Program includes several specific opportunities for parents on Arrival Day to help you learn more about the academic environment and student services that will support your son or daughter throughout their experience at Wesleyan. For a schedule of events specifically for parents, see below.

In addition, the Office of Parent Programs will be on hand throughout Arrival Day to answer your questions and help you learn more about your role in the Wesleyan community. They have ample resources available online and are available throughout the year to work with you. To learn more about Parent Programs, click here.

International and New Student Orientation
Schedule for Parents & Families

All dates for 2009 are still tentative.

International Student Orientation
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009

ALL DAY
Arrival Day and Moving into Residence Halls
Orientation leaders will meet and welcome new international students and their families at Bradley International Airport and bring them to the ISO arrival site. You'll be able to pick up ISO materials and begin your life as a member of the Wesleyan international community. Orientation leaders will then help you to your residence hall room and assist you in getting settled in.

4:30 P.M.
Campus Tour
Join the Office of Admission for a campus tour and discover some of the beautiful sights on campus.

6-9 P.M.
Dinner with Families, Usdan University Center
Please join us for this informal welcome dinner in the Usdan University Center. This will be a chance for you to meet the Orientation staff and other international students and families.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

5:30-7 P.M.
ISO Opening Ceremony and Dinner with Families, Usdan University Center
Accompanying family and friends are welcome to join us for our first dinner together in Usdan. Over dinner, meet and chat with administrators and staff for Wesleyan students. Then when the students move on to the evening’s activities, Parent Programs staff will invite parents to join them for coffee and questions.

7:30-9 P.M.
Coffee and Tea for Families, Usdan University Center
Enjoy an informal conversation with representatives from the Office of Parent Programs. Parents and family members are encouraged to ask questions about Wesleyan and student life.

ALL NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

9 A.M.–3 P.M.
Arrival Site, Exley Science Center Lobby
Pick up your Arrival Day packet and officially begin your Wesleyan experience. Your packet contains instructions about which stations to visit at the Arrival Site and includes helpful information you will need throughout Orientation.

Residence Hall Check-In, Residence Halls/North College
Class of 2013, pick up your keys at your residence hall and TEVs at North College and unload your personal belongings. Orientation leaders, Residential Life staff, and volunteers will be at each site to help you get settled.

Student Resource Pavilion, Patricelli ‘92 Theatre, Zelnick Pavilion
Now that you’ve visited the Arrival Site, it’s important to take care of business regarding your meal plan, local bank accounts, and campus services, including health, religious and spiritual life, telephone, cable TV, and laundry. While you’re here, be sure to pick up some free promotional gifts.

11 A.M.–2 P.M.
Lunch for Students and Families, Usdan Terrace
Box lunches are available courtesy of the Office of Parent Programs and the Parents Council. Rain site: Usdan Café

12:30–1:30 P.M.
Parents' Workshop I: Academic Support in the First Year, Crowell Concert Hall
Parents are invited to a short presentation on the academic challenges typically encountered by first-year students and the support available to them. A question and answer session will follow.

1:45–2:45 P.M.
Parents' Workshop II: Student Life at Wesleyan, Crowell Concert Hall As parents, you have helped your student move into a new residence and a new environment. We’ll help them learn to navigate Wesleyan (inside and outside the classroom), but what help and support might they need from you? Join Wesleyan’s student services staff for a short presentation and discussion about first-year transitional issues and the co-curricular experience at Wesleyan. A question and answer session will follow. Facilitated by VP for Student Affairs, Mike Whaley.

3–4 P.M.
President's Remarks, Memorial Chapel
President Michael S. Roth ‘78, members of the senior staff, and other university administrators will welcome families of new students.

4–5 P.M.
President's Reception for Families and Friends, Usdan Terrace and Café
Following the president’s Remarks, parents are invited to meet President Roth and his wife, Dr. Kari Weil, along with other members of the Wesleyan community. Refreshments will be served. Families are asked to depart at the end of the reception.