Supporting my student
Now through October 31, we're waiving application fees for all domestic freshman and transfer applicants!
*Common app code: Central27
Family Central
Student support from acceptance through graduation and beyond
College marks a life-changing chapter in your student's life. At Central Michigan University, we take their time here seriously, supporting their learning from day one. From their first class to their walk across the graduation stage, our goal is to make sure they feel supported through every single step of their educational journey.
Student success doesn't just happen on campus. Family members – including parents, grandparents, siblings, significant others, and other relatives – serve as an important supporting cast in students' success at college. Therefore, we have a vested interest in providing knowledge and resources to assist you during your student's time here.
The goal of this website is simple – to inform, educate, and support your student's success. Here you can discover a wealth of knowledge, including resources, frequently asked questions, contact information, important dates and other items specific to family members.
Our support also extends to you, too. If at any point you need assistance for your student, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to help in any way possible.
Family of the Year Award
We invite CMU students to celebrate your parents, grandparents, siblings, and those who support and encourage you in your CMU journey! Our 2026 Family of the Year Award application is now live for you to nominate them for this annual award.
The Family of the Year Award will recognize three students and their families with prizes and a presentation at the President's Breakfast on Sept 12. The first-place winner will be on the field during the game against Colgate University.
Prizes include:
First Place: $300 award and 4 tickets to the President’s Suite at Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Second Place: $150 award
Third Place: $75 award
How to Apply
Create a two-to-three-minute video and upload it in the completed form below by noon on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Your video should tell us the following:
How has your family been involved in your college journey?
How has your family supported your academic success and personal growth?
How has your family prepared you to demonstrate some of CMU's core values of respect, integrity, compassion, inclusiveness, social responsibility, excellence and motivation?
Please note that the form will only be open to currently enrolled CMU students who log in with their global ID and password.
Family & Friends Weekend 2026
Families, friends and supporters are invited to our annual Family & Friends Weekend! We are excited to welcome you back to campus to be reunited with your CMU Chippewa for a weekend of traditions and fun-filled activities. You can choose from a variety of family-friendly options below or join us for them all!
RSVP to stay in the loop
We ask that you RSVP for the weekend by Sept. 1 to help us plan appropriately and to communicate about any updates to our various events (see those details below). This does not reserve space at any of our individual activities that may have limited seating. If you don’t RSVP and decide to join us later, we are still FIRED UP to welcome you!
RSVP for Family & Friends Weekend
Schedule of events
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 – Welcome Day!
Check-In | 1:30 - 5 p.m. | Grawn Hall Atrium
Begin your weekend by checking in with our Parent and Family Services team! Get your questions answered, find out the latest updates to our programming, enter to win our Chippewa Champions prize bundle and get your access pass to the weekend’s events. Guests checking in at Grawn Hall during this time may park at Lot 2 (or any other commuter lot) after 12 p.m.. Can’t make it to Check-In at this time? A secondary check-in will be available at Friday's Fire Up All Night and Saturday at Grawn Hall (see below for details)!
Exhibition Central | 2 - 5 p.m. | Various Locations
Your access pass (available at Check-In) will grant you admission to some of Mount Pleasant’s greatest cultural gems! You’ll be able to see explore the Clarke Historical Library, University Art Gallery, Museum of Cultural and Natural History and The Morey Family Gallery at Art Reach of Mid-Michigan.
Mix & Mingle | 3 - 5 p.m.| Drink the Moment at Merrill Virtual Food Hall
Make memories and a treat! Sample menu items from CMU’s newest coffee shop and see the renovations at Merrill Virtual Food Hall. CMU Dining staff will be leading a DIY treat station and other fun activities. Grab a board game or just relax and catch up with your student. Parking is available in Lot 22 (or any other commuter lot) after 12 p.m.. Pre-registration is required below:
Glass Etching Class | 4 - 7 p.m.| Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Feeling crafty? In this guided workshop, you will pick a design from our wide selection or our CMU-inspired spirit design to etch on a piece of glassware. Drop-in between 4 - 7 p.m. (arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.) and be ready to try something new (all ages and skill level are welcome). Pre-registration is encouraged and your $10 registration fee will cover your item and support Art Reach of Mid Michigan’s mission to “expand access to the arts in our community.”
Parking is available downtown and behind Art Reach which is located at 111 E Broadway St.
Register for Glass Etching Class
Fire Up All Night | 6 - 10 p.m. | Student Activity Center
It might be late, but the fun is just beginning! There is something to keep the whole family busy at Fire Up All Night: badminton, silent disco, arts & crafts, swimming, video gaming, glow-in-the dark activities, and a variety of other pickup sports to choose from. Guests will be required to sign a liability waiver during entry and are subject to University Recreation policies.
Check-in for the rest of the weekend will be available at this event.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 – Game Day
President's Breakfast | 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Grawn Hall Atrium
Join President MacKinnon and First Lady Leanne alongside our Parent and Family Services team for a continental breakfast. Grab some pastries, fruit, and coffee to fuel your game day! Our Family of the Year Award winners will be recognized during this time. Parking for this event will be available in Lot 3 or any other commuter lot. Space is limited to those who have completed pre-registration.
Register for Breakfast with the President
Tailgate | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Various lots near Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Tailgating is permitted from four hours prior to kick off to the start of the game in designated lots. Parking in these lots is on a “first come, first served” basis and will require a purchase at the entrance on game day or in advance through Ticket Central.
Check-In | 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Grawn Hall Atrium
Begin your weekend by checking in with our Parent and Family Services team! Get your questions answered, find out the latest updates to our programming, enter to win our Chippewa Champions prize bundle and get your access pass to the weekend’s events. Parking is available at Lot 3 or any other commuter lot. This will be the last check-in opportunity of the weekend.
Bohannon Schoolhouse Tour | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Bohannon Schoolhouse
CMU was founded in 1892 to offer a formal training in the “norms” of teaching and Michigan’s second normal school was born. The Bohannon School opened in 1901 and still stands to provide an education over 120 years later! Learn about our past at this monument to rural education.
Colgate University vs. Central Michigan University Football | 1 p.m. Kickoff | Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Cheer on the CMU Chippewas in their 2026 season home opener game against the Division I Patriot League’s Colgate University Raiders. Admission requires the purchase of a ticket for each guest.
See information regarding the Family and Friends Bundle made available by Ticket Central below this schedule. Students do not need an additional ticket and will receive an email at the beginning of the school year with instructions on how to redeem their free tickets throughout the season.
Movies by Moonlight: Zootopia 2 | 8:15 p.m. | Island Park Ampitheater
The fun doesn't end after the game! Bring a lawn chair or blanket down to Island Park for Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation’s screening of Zootopia 2 (Rated PG, 108 minutes). This is a free event hosted by our community! Parking is available within the park which is located at 331 N Main Street.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 – Community Day
Discounts and Deals | All Day | Various Locations
Check in at Friday or Saturday’s events for your access pass and a list of our participating local businesses. Grab a coffee or breakfast before heading home or find a sale available to Family & Friends Weekend guests.
Lavender Kids Club | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Four Suns Farm
Kids ages 4-11 are invited to walk the farm, gather natural materials for a craft, and read a story at Four Suns Farm for just $5. The rest of the family is invited to explore the rest of the whimsy of this floral retreat owned by CMU alumni Tom & Stephanie Oliver. Make a bouquet, play a yard game, explore a trail, or browse the treats and 50+ products available at the farm stand. Parking is available on site at 655 E Pickard Rd.
Family & Friends Football Bundle
Ticket Central has made a Family & Friends Football Bundle available for the Saturday, Sept. 12, football game against Colgate University. This $26.00 package will include a general admission ticket and food voucher. Complete your order below:
Family & Friends Football Bundle
You can also call Ticket Central at 989-774-3045 to order this deal over the phone or if you have any questions. Ticket Central is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Please note that food vouchers will be sent digitally the week of the game.
Students will not need an additional ticket and instructions on how to redeem their free tickets will be emailed to them at the beginning of the school year.
Parking for the football game is not included but can be added using the link below if you wish to park nearby or tailgate.
Parent and family guide
Your student is supported by many resources throughout campus! Check out the Parent and family guide to understand all that is available - from academic support to CMU processes and services.
