About Sibs and Kids Weekend

A little Sibs and Kids Weekend history

Sibs and Kids Weekend began as Siblings Weekend at CMU in February, 1963. It was first organized by Larzelere Hall Council. The weekend quickly grew in popularity and over the next few years all residence halls began holding their own Siblings Weekend. In the late 1970’s the residence halls joined forces and held the first Little Siblings Weekend.

By 1980 the program had almost reached extinction. In 1986, Residence Hall Assembly decided to save the program and worked hard to get everyone on the same page. They also enlisted the help of the Student Government Association who put together a carnival. The program again grew but ran into a lot of coordination problems and lacked financial resources.

In 1992, the Office of Student Life began to assist with the coordination of the program and by 1999, the Office of Student Life had completely taken over the responsibility of planning Siblings Weekend. In 2000, the committee decided to remove the name “Little” from the name of the event in an effort to encourage more people of all ages to attend. In 2021, Siblings Weekend changed it's name to Sibs and Kids Weekend to be more inclusive of participants.

Traditionally held the second weekend in February, Sibs and Kids Weekend brings hundreds of CMU siblings to campus. They can take part in a variety of different activities including a carnival, different entertainment acts and the excitement of living in the residence halls.

Frequently asked questions

When does registration open and close?

Pre-registration will open at 8 AM EST on Friday, December 13th, 2024, and close at 11:59 pm EST on Friday, January 17, 2025. From there, registration will continue until February 28th, with a $15 increase in total price. While we will also offer day-of registration on Friday, February 28th, and Saturday, March 1st, we strongly encourage participants to register beforehand.

Is there a benefit to registering before the January 17th deadline?

Participants who register during the pre-registration period will have a more effortless and quicker check-in process after arriving for the weekend. The email address entered during registration will receive a list of notable events, and events with participant limits will be filled first with those who pre-register.

What is the age group for Sibs and Kids Weekend?

The preferred age for Sibs and Kids Weekend at Central Michigan University is 3-17 years old.

How many siblings/kids can one (1) CMU student bring?

For students that live on campus in a residence hall, there can be no more that two additional occupants per room or four occupants per suite (per the Office of Residence Life Policy). We kindly ask that you communicate with roommates to ensure that this policy is followed.

For students that live off-campus, there may or may not be a limit depending on the policy of the individual landlord or housing corporation.

What is the cost for Sibs and Kids Weekend?

Registration is $35 during the pre-registration period and $50 afterward. Meal options are also available upon registration.

How do I pay for my child to attend Sibs and Kids Weekend?

Participants can pay using the ActivePay link in the registration form. You may also pay here.

What should I do if my sibling/kid is registered but can no longer attend?

We kindly ask that notice be given by email to sibscmu@cmich.edu as soon as possible. A full refund will be issued if registration is canceled before 11:59 pm Friday, February 14, 2025. If registration is canceled after the date mentioned, we cannot issue a refund due to program and material costs.

Where do I go to check in and get my sibling/kid's materials for the weekend?

You may check in on Friday, February 28th, at 3 PM in the Bovee University Center Rotunda:

103 E Preston St. Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

Instructions with Parking information will be sent closer to the program date.

Where do siblings/kids sleep for the weekend?

Sleeping arrangements for siblings and kids are the responsibility of the respective CMU student. If a CMU student lives on campus, siblings will be able to sleep in the student's residence hall room. We ask that students talk to their roommates prior to the weekend to decide on an agreement regarding guests and sleeping arrangements.

Are CMU faculty and staff members children allowed to participate in the weekend?

Yes! We encourage all siblings/kids to attend during the weekend!

Are parents and supporters able to participate?

No, Sibs and Kids Weekend is designed with the intent of the CMU student spending the weekend participating in fun and engaging activities with their sib/kid. However, there are many things to do in the City of Mount Pleasant to enjoy while their child is at Sibs and Kids Weekend.

Many parents and supporters choose to book a hotel and stay in the community while the sib/kid enjoys spending time with their CMU student.

Will transportation be provided to and from events that are held off campus?

No, transportation to and from events off-campus will not be provided.

Can my student use their guest swipes for the weekend?

Yes, current students with meal plans can use guest swipes if necessary. Meal options are also available in the ActivePay link within the registration form.

Who should I contact if I still have questions?

If you have any other comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to send an email to sibscmu@cmich.edu. We look forward to this fun weekend!