Parents and Families

We strongly believe that family provides crucial support for the experiences that students will encounter at FIU. Orientation and Family Programs exist to help with this transition beginning at Orientation.

Parent and 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. You will click on "Family Login" and create an account and/or log in with your existing account.

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.

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

Should you need accommodations, please contact orient@fiu.edu.

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.

Overnight Housing for Guests (Optional)

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.

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

Orientation Overnight Housing FAQ

Should you have any questions about the overnight housing experience, please email orient@fiu.edu 

Parent and Family 2019
Parent and Family Day 2021
Parent and Family Day 2021

Additional Resources

  • Parent and Family Weekend
    Parent and Family Weekend provides the opportunity for FIU parents and families to visit our campuses, engage in the life of the University and our city, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the FIU student experience. Visit go.fiu.edu/pfw for more information!
  • Parent & Family Virtual Orientation Course

    Panther families can enroll into our free Parent & Family Virtual Orientation Course by visiting go.fiu.edu/pforientation. This course will be available throughout your student's academic journey at FIU. If you are a First Time User, you can create an account with your personal e-mail address. Receive access to countless resources and important links to help you and your student transition smoothly to FIU. Should you have any technical questions regarding the course, please e-mail family@fiu.edu or contact Orientation and Family Programs at (305) 348-6414, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

  • Subscribe to our FIU Family newsletter

    FIU's Parent and Family Newsletter updates monthly with university news, events and activities, and resources available for students. Subscribe now!

  • Podcast, Articles and More!
  • Build your Panther spirit wardrobe!

    Build your Panther spirit wardrobe with an FIU Biscayne Blue Straw Hat – available exclusively to the FIU Families community. Keep it for yourself or gift it to a student or loved one! Purchase yours online today. Orders will be available for pickup Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orientation and Family Programs Office (Graham Center 189 at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus). Please note these items will not be available for shipping.

  • Contact Us

    To ensure that you don't miss out on our parent and family initiatives, have your student submit your name and email address when they sign up for their Orientation program.

    If you have additional questions, please email us at family@fiu.edu or for the fastest assistance, use Live Chat available here on our website from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Attention FIU Alumni – Do you have a student graduating from FIU?

FIU Alumni – If your student is graduating this semester, don’t miss this! Gift or purchase yours today by visiting our online store below or at go.fiu.edu/pfmerch. It’s the perfect graduation gift! After purchase, you will receive an email with pickup instructions. Pickup will be held at the Orientation and Family Programs Office, Room 189, located in the Graham Center at the Modesto Maidique Campus.

Campus Resources