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Tips for Parents
COMMUNICATION

Set up a communication routine both of you are comfortable with. Email is an easy way to stay in touch, but don’t forget about phone calls, visits, and mail. College students love mail in their mailbox! When visiting, make it a point to meet the friends they talk about with you.


 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Parents
COMING HOME

Encourage your student to stay in Denton on the weekends, especially the first couple weeks of classes. It is important for your student to become integrated on campus and make connections with other students.

 

Programs and Events Sponsored by Parent Programs

Family Weekend

The University of North Texas recognizes the important role families and friends play in the educational process. Each fall the campus opens its doors to embrace those important individuals. More information can be found at www.unt.edu/familyweekend. We hope to see you at 2008's annual Family Weekend!

Summer Send-Off Parties

Last summer, in coordination with the UNT ParentAssociation, UNT Housing, and the Student Government Association, Parent Programs sponsored summer send-off parties is 13 cities across Texas. The parties were a huge success and we were able to reach over 810 freshman students and parents, which is over 421 more than last year!

Our 2008 Summer send-off parties will take place during the first couple of weeks of August and are great opportunities for students and parents to ask last minute questions and meet others from their area. Click here more information. We hope to see you there!

Sunday Fun Day

Sunday Fun Day is a campus-wide event held on the first day (always a Sunday) students can move into their residence hall. Faculty, staff, and students volunteer in shifts to meet students and parents, help carry boxes or luggage into students’ rooms, distribute room keys, and help fill-out forms. It is a big tradition forUNT and one that will continue for many years to come.

Parent Orientation

Parent Orientation is a special program that runs concurrently with New Student Orientation, Transfer Orientation, or Early Eagle Orientations. The program is optional, but highly encouraged. Through this program, parents have the opportunity to learn about the many offices, services, academic programs UNT has to offer.

While you and your student will have separate itineraries, you will be together several times throughout the experience. Due to the nature of our programs, parents will not be able to attend college meetings, advising sessions, and actual registration. Parents will, however, be able to join their student after registration to help take care of payment if necessary.

Fall 2008 Parent Orientation

For more information on fall 2008 parent orientation dates and registration, please go to: http://www.unt.edu/orientation/orientation/parents.htm

Click here for a copy of the 2008 Parent Orientation Schedule.
Please note: Schedule subject to change.

For a map of parent orientation locations, click here.

What Parents are Saying about the Program

"We thoroughly enjoyed the parent orientation last week; your team did an
excellent job. It was informative and we feel a part of UNT now. Our son,
had a great time also, he was ready to come 'yesterday'. The weekend
validated his decision to attend UNT."
Parents listening to presentation on the first day of Parent Orientation.
"I was impressed with the "care" factor from all of the faculty and staff we met. We feel as though we are leaving our daughter in excellent hands. Everyone seemed interested in the success of my student and your support of her is impressive! Go Mean Green! We are so thrilled with the large available resources for the students."

"Having all of the information readily available was wonderful, but more importantly, I so appreciate how EVERYONE working on the orientation was so helpful and willing to find answers to my questions."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I attend Parent Orientation?
Parents are an integral part of the UNT family and their support and interest are critical to a student’s successful adjustment to university life. Parent Orientation introduces parents to UNT offices, services and academic programs, and fellow UNT parents. Because students often go to their parents first for advice, Parent Orientation provides parents with the information needed to lead their student to the appropriate UNT office or service that can help them.

How can I register for Parent Orientation?
You can register for parent orientation one of two ways: (1) online through the link below, or (2) Fill out the form printed on the last page of the New Student Orientation brochure mailed to your student. If you need help with registration, you can call 940-565-4373 although no reservations can be made over the phone.

Can I bring my other children to Parent Orientation?
Yes, however, all of the sessions for parents are geared toward parents and children may be uninterested. In addition to your own Parent Orientation registration, a $55 charge will be applied to cover your child’s meals. Six meals are provided at Parent Orientation; four of which are with your incoming student.

Can I pay for individual Parent Orientation sessions?
No. Parent Orientation is a break-even venture and arrangements are made prior to each session. In order to ensure Parent Programs does not lose money, all parents must pay the entire registration fee to participate in sessions or meals. Registration fees include entrance into all sessions, materials, meals, evening socials, and a t-shirt.

The Parent Orientation pricing structure is below:

  • $110.00 per person if registration is received prior to the student registration deadline.
    • $65.00 for an additional parent (limit 1 per family)
  • $115.00 per person if registration is received after to the student registration deadline.
    • $65.00 for an additional parent (limit 1 per family)
  • $55.00 per child 17 years of age and younger
  • All UNT alumni receive a $5.00 discount on their registration fee.

What if I can only attend some of the orientation sessions, but my spouse, friend, or other family member can attend the other sessions?
The name tag that will be given to you when you check-in on Day 1 will be your pass into all the sessions and your meals. If you need to split the sessions with a spouse, friend, or other family member, just give them you name tag and materials. At registration, let the Parent Orientation leaders know your situation and they will be cognizant of the change.

Will I be able to stay with my son or daughter?
No. All students participating in New Student Orientation are required to stay in Maple Hall with their peers going through orientation. This affords them the opportunity to get a taste of college life before moving to campus. Parents have the opportunity to stay on-campus in Honors Hall, one of our newest residence halls, for $38 per person per night. Parents are also welcome to commute from their home or stay in a hotel.

What should I bring to parent orientation?
Most importantly, bring your questions! Our goal is for you to leave orientation with all of your questions answered. In addition, you're encouraged to bring comfortable shoes and clothing, and a jacket (although it's hot outside, the rooms are chilly).

What should my student bring to new student orientation?
Your student should bring: (1) their UNT acceptance letter and Admissions Data Summary (ADS) form, (2) personal identification number, (3) financial aid/scholarship award letters, (4) Tuition and fees payment: check, credit card (Visa/MasterCard), (5) pillow, (6) comfortable shoes and clothing, (7) any personal items they may need, and (8) spirit cards.

What if I need a Spanish interpreter?
UNT has a commitment to providing all interested parents with an education orientation experience. Therefore, a Spanish interpreter will be available during Sessions 1 and 5. If you wish to request this service, please do so by marking the interpreter request box on the orientation registration form. An interpreter will meet you at check-in of Parent Orientation.

Brought to you by the Division of Student Development

University of North Texas
P.O. Box 311277
Denton, Texas 76203
Phone: (940) 565-2000
TTY: (800) RELAY TX

For questions, comments, or corrections for this site, contact: melissa.mcguire @unt.edu
Website last updated: June 17, 2008

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