Family & Guest Orientation

2020 Orientation Information for Families and Guests

Regretfully, due to the current COVID-19 situation and guidelines provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we are unable to hold an in-person Family/Guest Orientation this year.  But we are excited to announce that we will be holding an online Virtual Orientation that Parents, Family Members and guests will be able to take part in at their own pace and at a time that is most convenient to them.  There will be a combination of live videos and presentations.  All of the people and offices that you would normally be introduced to will provide information on the services they offer. The information will be the same as what you would have seen while attending the orientation and will be available so you can access it any time.  In addition, we will hold live sessions this summer so you can meet staff and faculty, learn more about these resources and offices and ask questions.  Once those dates are determined, they will be posted here and sent out to all family members of deposited students, along with instructions on how and where to RSVP.  Information on how to access the Family/Guest Virtual Orientation and live sessions will be sent in early June. 

We are sure that this Virtual Orientation will provide you with tremendous information that will enable you stay informed, to support your students and direct them to where they need to go when issues arise. We hope that you will take part in all of the activities we have planned for you.

  • June 15, 2020- Family/Guest Orientation Portal opens!
  • July/August 2020- Live sessions hosted by New Student and Family Programs with guest appearances by Residence Life, Academic Advising/Academic Support, Health and Wellness and several other offices.  Zoom Links will be available as the respective dates approach.

    • July 15, 6:00 pm- Financial Aid and Student Accounts (date updated)
      Recording of Live Session- Click here
    • July 20, 6:00 pm- Residence Life
      Recording of Live Session- Click here
    • July 27, 6:00 pm- Health and Wellness, Health Center and Counseling Center
      Recording of Live Session- Click here
    • August 6, 6:00 pm- Academics, Faculty member discussing classes, Center for Academic Support and Achievement, and the Advising Center

Parents and Families,

Attending parent orientation is an extremely useful first step in learning ways to support your student, while simultaneously helping them to build their independence and to learn all aspects of your student’s life while attending Framingham State University.

The transition from high school to college can be a challenging one for both students and their family members. At orientation, family members and supporters of new students are provided vital information that helps to understand how they can be partners with Framingham State in helping their students adjust to life as a Ram and become contributing and active members of the community. 

Building student independence is important for the most successful college experience. There are various times during the semester when your student may become anxious or stressed and may need a nudge in the right direction. There are multiple academic resources available to your student on campus that they should be utilizing in times of need and some of those resources can be found here: Academic Success Resources. Encouraging your student to seek support from available resources when needed will help them build independence while at college, which will increase confidence and their use of successful strategies in the future.

In addition to gaining insight of your student’s first-year experience, academic and social resources, safety and security on campus, dining services, and many other aspects of campus-life, you will also gain:

  • An understanding of the differences between high-school and the college experience
  • Understanding your student’s rights and responsibilities of being a Ram
  • Helpful tips on how to help your student succeed and building successful strategies in gaining personal independence
  • Learn how you can help your student feel that they belong at FSU
  • An understanding of times during the semester that can be most difficult for students
  • Knowledge in becoming prepared to respond to your student who may become stressed and anxious at various points
  • First day move-in tips
    • Logistical details
    • Visiting students residence hall
    • Floor plans/measurements
    • How to simplify move-in day
    • Packing right, limitations, etc.