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Parent and Family Orientation
As a parent, guardian, or other supporter of an SVSU student, you play a vital role in your student's successful college experience.
We are thrilled to be offering our Parent & Family Conference again, in person and on campus this year! Feel free to join your student on their SOAR date, and we will have a full day of helpful information for you as well!
This conference-style session is available for any parents, guardians, support people, or guests, and will also run from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Just as we have prepared the SOAR event for students, this event is geared specifically for those who are supporting students in this transition. Please note that this is a separate program and the student and family schedules do not intersect, so you will not see your student throughout the day. Up to two lunch tickets per student registration are also provided for parents, family members, or guests.
2024 Parent and Family Orientation Schedule
7:30-8:00 am - Self-Guided Housing Tours Available
8:00-8:30 am – Check In
8:30-10:00 am – Welcome Session
Start your day with an overview of first year transition resources, academic advising and degree requirements, financial aid, and other key areas that impact most students.
10:00 am - 4:30 pm - Breakout Sessions (Complete Details Below)
12:30 - 2:00 pm - Lunch in Marketplace at Doan
4:30 pm – Students & Families Reunite in Groening Commons
10:10-10:50 am – Session #1
On Campus 24/7
Seminar Room G
Join Housing staff who will answer any questions you have about roommates, housing assignments, packing lists, and what other team can do to help students in this transition.
Academic Success: Strategies & Resources
Seminar Room F
We want to help you support your student as they learn how to succeed in a college classroom! Join us to explore the academic support services available to your student, from tutoring and resource centers to accommodations and study tips!
Financial Essentials
Seminar Room E
Hear more about navigating the financial aid process and other SVSU student account related financial necessities! Topics will include the FAFSA, resources for assistance, payment options, and more!
11:00 am-11:40 pm - Session #2
Cardinal Community & Campus Safety
Seminar Room G
Meet individuals from University Police and Student Conduct to hear campus safety and community expectations at SVSU.
The Student Life Experience
Seminar Room F
This session explores Student Life opportunities at SVSU, including clubs, volunteering, and campus events that foster personal growth and lasting friendships. Join us to learn how we can help your student forge meaningful connections and discover their place to belong.
Financial Essentials
Seminar Room E
Hear more about navigating the financial aid process and other SVSU student account-related financial necessities! Topics will include the FAFSA, resources for assistance, payment options, and more!
11:50-12:30 pm – Session #3
Cardinal Community & Campus Safety
Seminar Room G
Meet individuals from University Police and Student Conduct to hear campus safety and community expectations at SVSU.
What I Wish My Family Knew
Seminar Room F
Hear from current students as they answer your questions and share what they wish their family knew when they started at the University.
Academic Success: The Library's Role
Seminar Room E
Join a Zahnow Librarian to discuss how the library impacts student success during college and builds skills for lifelong learning.
2:10-2:50 pm - Session #4
The Cardinal Life
Seminar Room G
Learn about opportunities beyond the classroom, designed to enhance your Cardinal's overall experience and contribute to self-discovery and leadership development! Presented by the Division of Student Affairs.
What I Wish My Family Knew
Seminar Room F
Hear from current students as they answer your questions and share what they wish their family knew when they started at the University.
Home Away from Home: Navigating the Residential Experience
Seminar Room E
Join us to learn about the diverse range of engaging and enriching programs and leadership opportunities available to students, as well as tips for successful cohabitation with roommates. Discover how to navigate many challenges that may arise and ensure a positive and productive living experience.
3:00-3:40 pm - Session #5
The Cardinal Life
Seminar Room G
Learn about opportunities beyond the classroom, designed to enhance your Cardinal's overall experience and contribute to self-discovery and leadership development! Presented by the Division of Student Affairs.
Supporting Your Students Mental Health
Seminar Room F
While the transition to college is exciting, there are both opportunities and challenges. While your student is capable of a great deal, this can be overwhelming at times. The Mental Health & Wellness Center will help explore how you can support this process.
Connecting Students to Future Success
Seminar Room E
The SVSU Career Services team will provide a year-by-year plan for success and key insights to help guide your students to connect with the career and/or graduate school of choice.
3:50-4:30 pm - Session #6
Red Pride Worldwide
Seminar Room G
Study Abroad is an investment that returns exponentially more than the opportunity for travel and exploration. The Study Abroad team supports students (and families!) through the process from program selection to trip preparation. Join us to learn more!
Supporting Your Students Mental Health
Seminar Room F
While the transition to college is exciting, there are both opportunities and challenges. While your student is capable of a great deal, this can be overwhelming at times. The Mental Health & Wellness Center will help explore how you can support this process.
Mini-Campus Tour
Seminar Room E
Join us for a brief tour of campus. Due to time limitations, these tours will focus on academic facilities only.
STAY UP TO DATE ON IMPORTANT CAMPUS EVENTS WITH CAMPUS ESP!
- Get access to campus news, important deadlines, and reminders!
- Receive personalized e-newsletters based on your students college life!
- Important Announcements via e-mail sent right to you to remind your student!
- Share articles you find important to your student!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should my student attend orientation?
At SVSU, we feel it is important for students to become familiar with academic requirements, important deadlines, and the University calendar. We also want to help students find their way around campus and introduce them to academic support services and extracurricular opportunities. During orientation, students will receive academic advising, schedule classes, and learn about ways to get involved on campus. We've also seen many lasting friendships begin at SOAR and have a significant impact on students.
Is orientation required?
Orientation is required for all incoming students.
When will my student receive information about SOAR (Orientation)?
After the student has applied and been accepted to SVSU, they should receive an Admissions Packet. Included will be information on the SOAR program, as well as instructions on how to reserve their SOAR date. Students can also log back into their application portal to make a reservation by following the step-by-step directions there.
Once registered, they will receive emails periodically leading up to the event with more details, as well as text reminders if they are opted in to receive textmessages.
Will my student get the orientation day they want?
Orientation days are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the registration is received, a confirmation screen is displayed instantly, and confirmation materials with the assigned SOAR date will be mailed to the student.
Will I see my student during SOAR?
No. Students will be attending sessions with their small group for the duration of the day, including lunch.
How many students attend each SOAR?
There are 120 students maximum at each SOAR event.
What accommodations are made for those with special needs?
If your student will need services to fully participate in orientation such as large print, interpreting services, braille, assistance filling out forms or assistance reading forms, please call us at 989-964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu. SVSU is committed to provide equal access to all university services, programs, and activities. See information on policies, procedures, resources, and forms available to current students.
Who can I contact for further information?
If you have any questions, please call Orientation Programs at 989-964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu.
CONTACT US.
Orientation
Wickes 117
orientation@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4070
International Programs
Wickes 230
intadmit@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4473
Academic Advisement Center
Wickes 117
aacsvsu@svsu.edu
989-964-7286