Family & Supporter Orientation

We know that this is also an exciting (and maybe a little nervous) time for parents, families, and supporters of our new Spiders. Whether this is your first student to go off to college, or one of several, we want to you feel welcomed and learn about resources available to your student.

During Pre-Orientation Programs and New Spider Orientation, there are programs and events designed for parents, families, and supporters to help them know how to best support their student. These programs and events are mostly separate from the student orientation schedule, but also align with when students have breaks in their day.

Fall 2026 Orientation

We offer two different family & supporter orientations due to some students arrive early for our Pre-Orientation programs. While the schedules look a little different, the information shared is the same so you do not need to attend them both. Therefore, if you have a student in Endeavor and/or International Orientation, you will attend the Pre-Orientation Program Family & Supporter Orientation. Please find further details below.

Pre-Orientation Program Family & Supporter Orientation

For families and supporters with students enrolled in Endeavor and/or International Orientation

Monday, August 17, 2026

  • 7-8:30pm, Pre-Orientation Programs Family & Supporter Reception, Queally Center and Courtyard
    • This is time for the parents and family members of Endeavor and International Orientation students to get to know one another and enjoy appetizers and desserts! If your student is in Endeavor Pre-Orientation, you will also get a chance to meet with the Endeavor faculty members who will be with your students for the duration of the program, as well as serve as your student's academic advisors until their second year. There will be a cash bar available at this event for any interested parties.
    • Students will take part in a social event designed for them during this time and are not permitted at this event.

Tuesday, August, 18, 2026

  • 9am-12pm, Select Office Open Houses, Across Campus
    • Various offices around campus will open their offices to welcome families and supporters as well as answer any needed questions that you have.  A list of offices and locations taking part in this event will be listed on the New Spider Orientation schedule, which will be available in June.
  • 12-2pm, Optional Lunch with Your Student, Heilman Dining Center
    • Families and Supporters will be provided with tickets for a free lunch after the reception the evening before to attend the Dining Hall with their student before saying goodbye!
  • 12:30-2pm, Sweet Send Off, University Forum
    • This is where you will say your final goodbye to your student!  It is important for them to be able to be fully engaged in our New Spider Orienation programming.  After this event, you should plan to depart campus. 

Family & Supporter Orientation

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

  • 7-7:45pm, University Welcome, Robins Center
    • New students, families and supporters are invited to attend the University Welcome where they will hear from President Hallock and other University leaders. This is our official kick-off to New Spider Orientation! Students will leave this event to take part in activities so this will be the last time you see them on Wednesday.  It will be a quick exit so it may be helpful to say goodbyes for the evening ahead of this event.

Thursday, August 20, 2026

  • 10-10:45am, Family & Supporter Orientation: Academic Welcome, Location TBD
    • Parents and Families will meet Provost Joan Saab and Dr. Nicole Maurantonio (Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives) about all things academic at the University of Richmond.
  • 11am-12pm, Family & Supporter Orientation: Richmond & Westhampton College Deans Welcome & Student Life Panel, Location TBD
    • Parents and Families will meet the Deans of Richmond and Westhampton College and learn about the academic and social supports available at the University of Richmond. There will be a Q&A panel portion of this presentation involving other staff members from the University of Richmond.
  • 12-2pm, Optional Lunch with Your Student, Heilman Dining Center
    • Families and Supporters will be provided with tickets for a free lunch after the "Student Life Panel" session to attend the Dining Hall with their student before saying goodbye!
  • 12:30-2pm, Sweet Send Off, University Forum
    • This is where you will say your final goodbye to your student!  It is important for them to be able to be fully engaged in our New Spider Orienation programming.  After this event, you should plan to depart campus. 

Accommodations for Parents & Families

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide housing to parents, families and supporters, but there are a number of hotels and accommodations within the city of Richmond. It is recommended that you make reservations well in advance to ensure adequate lodging.

Richmond, VA has so much to offer anyone coming to visit.  If you have additional time and would like to explore the city there is so much to do here!