Rutgers Winter Parent and Family Orientation

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Welcome to the Rutgers family! The mission of New Student Orientation and Family Programs is to welcome, prepare, and engage new students and their families in their transition to Rutgers University – New Brunswick.  Due to the impact of COVID-19, we will be implementing a virtual orientation experience for all incoming students and their families. We recognize this experience may be different than what you anticipated, but we are dedicated to still providing you an intentional and engaging experience.  

Parent & Family Orientation is an optional virtual program geared towards meeting the needs of our incoming students’ families. We strive to not only answer questions and provide guidance, but connect family members with key resources in our Rutgers community.

At Parent & Family Orientation, you will have an opportunity to learn about tools and resources available to you as a parent or family member of a Rutgers student, hear from current students on their virtual and nonvirtual Rutgers experience through our “Ask A Student” panel, and learn how to assist your student as they navigate their new journey as a Scarlet Knight. 

Virtual Orientation will be held at the following dates/times:
Monday, January 11, 2021: 10am-1pm EST
Tuesday, January 12, 2021: 1pm-4pm EST
Wednesday, January 13, 2021: 5pm-8pm EST

Please note, you must be present and available for your selected Virtual Orientation the entire time period (~3 hours). 

How to Register for Parent & Family Orientation

Parent & Family Orientation is free, but prior registration is required. Tickets can be reserved here.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for Parent & Family Orientation closes at noon one week before each  scheduled program OR if the program sells out – whichever comes first. Spaces are reserved on a first come, first served basis, so please make sure you register for a program as soon as possible to ensure your spot at your desired orientation date.

If you wish to change your orientation program to another date, email ruparents@echo.rutgers.edu and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

What Will You Need?
You will receive a confirmation email with information on how to access your virtual orientation program approximately one week before your scheduled program; please check the email you used to register for this information. If you have not received your confirmation email 2 days prior to your session, email us at ruparents@echo.rutgers.edu.

Virtual Parent & Family Orientation will be hosted on Zoom. For the best experience, you may want to create a Zoom account.

Please review the following items to make sure you are prepared for your orientation experience: 

  • Use a device (computer, laptop, or tablet) that has audio and video functionality
  • Virtual Orientation is best viewed by using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
  • Access to internet
  • Zoom account for best experience (you can still view the program without a Zoom account)
  • While not required, we recommend the use of headphones to not be distracted by background noise 

What to Expect During Parent & Family Orientation

Your live Parent & Family Orientation will be hosted virtually on Zoom by staff members from our office, student leaders, and other University departments. Our program features presentations and discussions covering health and wellness, parent and family involvement opportunities, a fan-favorite “Ask A Student Panel” and information about other resources that will assist you as a parent or family member of a new Scarlet Knight.

An overview of the schedule is below: 

  • Welcome to Rutgers University!
  • Ask a Student Panel
  • Virtual Campus Tours
  • Campus Safety
  • Financing the Rutgers Experience
  • Parent and Family Involvement Opportunities
  • Health and Wellness
  • Community Groups

You will also have access to other resources via Canvas, Rutgers University’s main learning management system. Canvas is also where the majority of classes are being held for the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters for your students. Our Canvas site will host a plethora of other resources and information that you can view on your own as you prepare for your student to attend Rutgers University. The Canvas site is both a review of what was covered in the live orientation program, and an introduction of new resources that may best suit you as you get further along in your journey supporting your Scarlet Knight.

More information on how to access Canvas will be sent via email after registering for Parent & Family Orientation, including your login and password. You cannot access the Parent & Family Orientation Canvas site using your student’s NetID and password.

Need Assistance?
Our orientation team will be available to assist with your Virtual Orientation experience and/or questions about your transition to Rutgers University as a parent or family member.  Please feel free to contact us at ruparents@echo.rutgers.edu or 848-445-0572. Please keep in mind that our office is working remotely, so it is best to reach us by email for a more timely assistance. 

Accommodations
We want to ensure that everyone is able to fully participate in our Virtual Orientation experience.  If there are questions and/or concerns about the method(s) of delivering content, please do not hesitate to contact us at ruparents@echo.rutgers.edu. 

Stay Connected
All parents and family members are also encouraged to sign up for the Rutgers Parent and Family Newsletter and follow our Facebook page to stay connected with the University and receive updates on events, programs and deadlines. 

New Student Orientation
New incoming first year and transfer students will attend Virtual New Student Orientation, which is separate from Parent & Family Orientation. Information about your student’s New Student Orientation program can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend a Parent & Family Orientation program?

Parent and Family Orientation is an optional one day program for parents and family members who wish to connect and network with fellow family members while also getting information from various university departments and offices.

Do I have to attend the same session date as my student?

No, you can attend any orientation date that fits with your schedule. New Student Orientation and Parent & Family Orientation are two separate programs.

I can’t go during the day. Are there any programs at night?

Yes. We have an evening program beginning at 5pm on January 13th for parents and families who can’t be with us during the day. Space is limited so please register as soon as possible at getinvolved.tix.com.

Why does it state that I am a student when I log into Canvas?

Our office is considered the “teachers” of the course, so anyone added to it is considered a “student”. We recognize you are not a student of Rutgers University – it’s just how Canvas labels anyone with access to our orientation course!

Since this is Family Orientation, can my other children attend as well? Will there be things for them to do?

The orientation program is designed for parents or guardians of current Rutgers students. “Family members” is inclusive language that we use to acknowledge that students are not always supported in their college journey by (just) parents, but also guardians, grandparents, relatives or other support systems. Children and non-Rutgers students are not recommended to attend Parent & Family Orientation.