Family Academic Orientation

If you have attended college or already have a son, daughter, or spouse in college, you may feel experienced when it comes to sending a student to Central Michigan University. But each student - and each university - is different.

Family member orientation offers, parents, guardians, and spouses an inside look at campus life, educational opportunities, and challenges that new CMU students experience.

Family Member Orientation
Family member orientation is an optional program for parents, guardians, and spouses of new CMU students.

During this program, you can learn about the resources and opportunities that CMU offers. Sessions are scheduled for the same date as your student's session, but family and student meetings are held separately in order to address the specific interests and questions of each group.

Your orientation program (Freshman sessions May and June only) will begin with check-in from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and will conclude between 4 and 5 p.m. Family orientation will include information on:

Scholarships and financial aid
Student employment
Academic advisement
Academic programs
Student leadership opportunities
The Mount Pleasant community

While younger children may accompany parents, during orientation programs, there are no separate programs or special accommodations for them. Younger siblings will need to attend meetings with their parents.

Family Orientation Program Attendance and Cost
Family members planning to attend the family orientation program should have their student complete the online reservation process to include their attendance. There is a $25 participation fee (Freshman sessions May and June only) for each family member attending this optional program. This fee will be applied to the student's electronic billing statement in August.

The $25 per-person fee covers the cost of all program features including an orientation handbook, lunch, and a reception with CMU staff members. On-campus parking privileges and use of the Student Activity Center also are included.

Optional Overnight Accommodations
A variety of overnight accommodations are available in Mount Pleasant for family members who will accompany students to orientation. Lodging accommodations closest to campus include:

Comfort Inn (989) 772-4000
Fairfield Inn (989) 775-5000
Super 8 Motel (989) 773-8888

Additional lodging and visitor information is available from the Mount Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau by visiting the Web site: www.mountpleasantwow.com or by calling toll free (800) 772-4433.

Fall 2009 Academic Calendar