Parents, siblings and extended family members play a vital role in a student's transition into the New Paltz community. Because this time can be both exciting and challenging for the entire family, we offer an orientation for parents and family members running parallel to the Student Orientation. The Parent and Family Program and the Student Orientation are two distinct programs, although you will meet the same people, the programs for parents are geared towards their concerns. Attendance at any part of the program is optional.
Meet with Representatives from Academic and Student Affairs
Get your questions answered by staff from Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Counseling, Health, Safety, Career Resource Center, Meal Plan/ID card office and many others!
Get to know New Paltz!!
Enjoy off-campus excursions to Huguenot Street (the oldest street of Stone Houses in America), a Winery and Mohonk Mountain House (A national historic landmark).
Talk to other parents about what you have in common
We typically have between 100 and 150 parents participate in orientation each week. Spend some time chatting with other New Paltz parents about your experiences or concerns.
Participate in the fun-filled lip-sync competition
Want to have some fun? Before you watch your student get on stage, entertain them with a little lip-syncing your-self at our fun-filled lip sync event!
Have the option to experience residence hall life
Many family members stay on-campus, experiencing a bit of campus life in a basic air-conditioned residence hall room.* These accommodations are quite popular with parents, but for those who prefer off-campus lodging, please see the reservation page.
* Special Note: This year, the Parent & Family
program’s residence hall is approximately a
5-10 minute walk from the various program
locations. As parking near some buildings
may be limited, participants who choose to
stay on campus are advised that a fair amount
of walking is involved.
Note: Those who pay for Orientation receive a nametag to enter each session of the program. Those who do not pay in advance are welcome to stay through the Official Welcome which ends at noon.
Schedule: Parent and Family Program at a Glance
| Tuesday | |
| 9:00-10:30 a.m. | Check-in |
| 11:15 a.m. | Official welcome |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Program begins for paid participants |
| 1:00 p.m. | Residence Life session |
| 2:30 p.m. | Realities Performance |
| 4:15 p.m. | Huguenot St. or Winery or fitness options |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30 p.m. | Academic requirements overview |
| 9:00 p.m. | Optional Evening Activities |
| Wednesday | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00-11:30 a.m. | Academic Info Session and Services Fair |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch |
| 1:15-5:00 p.m. | Mohonk Mountain Tour |
| 1:15-5:00 p.m. | Fitness options |
| 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Dinner w/student |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Evening Workshop |
| 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Event practice |
| 8:30-10:00 p.m. | Lip Sync Event |
| Thursday | |
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Wrap-Up |
| 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Take care of business |
| 12:00 p.m. | Checkout |
| 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Open house: Disability Resource Center |