Parent Orientation
Welcome to Northwestern! Our desire is to connect your home to ours as you launch your child into college life. We know that this time is a big deal, and this year there are added elements that none of us have ever experienced, but the university has been carefully planning every aspect of enrollment, academics, student experience, and campus operations to ensure a safe and healthy community for students, faculty and staff.
Parent Orientation
Welcome New Families
We are excited for your arrival on campus! We want to provide you and your student the support and resources you need for a seamless transition to life at Northwestern.
We know that this time is an important milestone in their life. As your student transitions to life at UNW, we want to extend a warm welcome to the Northwestern community. As we walk this journey with your student together, we want you to know that we are here to equip, serve, and encourage you.
During Orientation—and throughout the year—the Parent Engagement Team is here to support you. Please contact us anytime!
We also offer a monthly parent e-newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter. It is a our way to stay connected and keep our parents informed. We also offer helpful parent blogs, resources, FAQ’s and host Moms in Prayer. We look forward to meeting and supporting you in your Northwestern journey.
Parent Orientation Events
Friday, August 22, 2025
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Key Pickup & Move-In All new residents will connect with their Resident Assistant and move into their new dorm. Families will receive dorm keys via a drive-through in the Robertson parking lot; follow signs from entrance. (Resident Student Parents only.) | Robertson Student Center |
| 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Resident Student Check-In After unloading at move-in, please head to the Graham Commons for Check-In. Here, you’ll receive a detailed schedule and more. During this time, you and your student can visit various service areas and pick up Student IDs. You will also have opportunities to clarify any last-minute questions! We’re all here to support this important transition. | Billy Graham Commons |
| 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Optional: Lunch Available Our on-campus Dining Center is open and available for lunch, if you so choose. Families will make their own lunch plans, on your own with your student. | Billy Graham Commons, Off-Campus |
| 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Commuter Student Check-In | Dual Enrollment Student Check-In At Check-In, you’ll receive a detailed schedule and more. During this time, you and your student can visit various service areas and pick up Student IDs. You will also have opportunities to clarify any last-minute questions! We’re all here to support this important transition. | Billy Graham Commons |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Welcome to Northwestern Session* Track A | Totino Center, Knight Performance Hall |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Traditional Parent Session* Track B | Nazareth Hall, Great Room & Chapel |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Dual Enrollment Parent Session* Track B | Riley Hall, Riley Great Room |
| 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. | Welcome to Northwestern Session* Track B | Totino Center, Knight Performance Hall |
| 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. | Traditional Parent Session* Track A | Nazareth Hall, Great Room & Chapel |
| 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. | Dual Enrollment Parent Session* Track A | Riley Hall, Riley Great Room |
| 4:15 – 5:00 p.m. | Family Goodbye | Totino Center, Lobby & Patio |
*Students and Guests will be given individual schedules at Check-In with a specific track (A or B). Those tracks will determine the order they attend some events.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 651-631-5350.
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