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Family Orientation

We are so excited that your student has decided to pursue their education at Florida International University! On behalf of FIU, we welcome you and your student and look forward to helping you navigate FIU resources, experiences, and opportunities.

First-Year Orientation is mandatory for incoming students. While it is not mandatory that parents or family members attend orientation, we have opportunities for you to learn about FIU by attending First-Year Orientation with your student or by completing a free self-paced online course at go.fiu.edu/pforientation. Click on “Family Login,” then select your preferred method to create an account, or sign in if you already have an existing account.

Note: Transfer Orientation is for students only, no guests are allowed. Transfer families are encouraged to complete the free self-paced Parent & Family Orientation Course at go.fiu.edu/pforientation. 

If you are attending First-Year Orientation with your student, there are times during the program when you will be with your student but will have the opportunity to attend separate educational sessions as well. Please see the next tab for a sample First-Year Family Orientation schedule. All check-in and parking information can be found at the First Year Orientation Information page.

  • Family Orientation Schedule

    As a friendly reminder, guests are not required to participate in the entirety of the program. On the day of Orientation, we will share other spaces for guests to recharge, step away, grab a coffee, etc. Below is a summary of the schedule. More information will be shared at Orientation!

    8:00 am – Check-In

    • Arrive to the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) for student and family check in.

    9:00 am to 11:00 am - FIU Welcome, Educational Sessions, and Campus Tour

    • Join our opening session and hear from key partners such as Student Health and Wellness, FIU PD, Academic Support and Initiatives, and a campus tour.

    11:00 am to 11:30 am - The Panther Fair

    • Get in the Panther Spirit! Engage with different departments/student organizations and learn how your student can get involved at FIU.

    11:45 am to 12:45 pm -  Family Support and Transitions

    • Hear from our Vice President of Student Affairs and University Colleges about family support and the student transition experience.

    1:00 pm to 1:50 pm - Lunch

    • Enjoy lunch with other Panther parents and family members in our dining location!

    2:00 pm to 2:30 pm – Educational Sessions

    • Select and attend educational sessions of your choice such as finances, academic resources, fraternity and sorority life, education abroad, and campus engagement.

    2:45 to 3:30 pm - Family Activity and Next Steps to Success

    • Get a success checklist to guide you from post-orientation through your student’s first semester as an FIU family member.

    3:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Optional Afternoon Activities

    • Attend the Housing and Residential Experience information session if your student is living on campus and/or do a housing tour. 
    • Drop by the Academic Advising Troubleshooting Room if your student has questions about their schedule, major, etc.
    • Take a self-guided campus tour.
    • Visit offices for any troubleshooting and last minute questions before leaving Orientation.

Guests for First Year Orientation

Guest registration is on a first come first serve basis during first year orientation registration. Students can register guests through their my.fiu.edu portal. There is an additional fee per person, and they are responsible for making any outstanding payments prior to attending orientation.

If your student was unable to register you or a loved one, it is okay! Your student will have an amazing time meeting other new Panthers and learning about their new home. Once guest capacity is reached, we cannot accommodate on-site registration.

Note: Orientation and Family Programs will not issue refunds for registration changes (guests, etc.) seven (7) business days prior to your student's orientation session. If you have any questions, please e-mail orient@fiu.edu. 

Complete the free Family Virtual Orientation course!

Orientation and Family Programs offers a free, self-paced virtual Orientation course designed to provide parents and family members with important information about FIU policies and resources. The course includes key academic and support-related details to help answer your questions and ease concerns about your student's transition to college.

Register Now

Overnight Housing for Guests (Optional)

Image of Parkview Village Housing

The optional overnight housing does have an additional fee for a guest if you decide to stay on campus.

A family member can only remain on campus if the student is staying on campus for the overnight component. In addition, you and your student will not be placed in the same room or building. The student will stay in a different residence hall than the family member. Minors under the age of 13 years old cannot stay on campus. If you are traveling with minors, we recommend reserving off-campus lodging (i.e. hotel, Airbnb, etc.). Lastly, your student must be attending Orientation to stay on campus for the nights that you are registering for.

Note: Housing and Residential Life will not issue refunds and/or make changes to your student's overnight housing registration seven (7) business days prior to their session. If you have any questions, please e-mail orient@fiu.edu. 

For a list of Parent and Family Overnight Housing FAQs, please see the information below.