Spring Family Orientation

Family Orientation is designed for those who will serve as a student’s primary support throughout their transition to the university. During the program, attendees will:

• Get better acquainted with the academic programs and campus services offered to your student.
• Gain insights into the potential adjustments your new college student and your family will face.
• Meet NC State staff, current students, and other Family Orientation attendees.

Can children or young adults attend the program? Children and young adults are welcome to attend Family Orientation, but the majority of the sessions are presented in a lecture format and may not be engaging for them. Please note: Children and young adults in attendance should be supervised at all times by their family members while on our campus for Family Orientation.

Will students and guests be together during the program? Guests should not expect to be with their student throughout the entire program. Some sessions of New Student and Family Orientation will overlap, but the majority of presentations and activities are separate.

The cost of participation for students and families is included in the mandatory New Student Fee charged to all new students.

Please note: By attending New Student Orientation programs, students will be responsible for paying the New Student Fee whether or not they continue their enrollment at NC State University in the spring semester. This fee is non-refundable.

• This fee covers your student’s attendance and the attendance of up to two guests, which includes your materials and lunch tickets (up to two per family) for Fountain Dining Hall.
• This does not include overnight housing for family members. See the “Housing” section below for a list of options.
• No payment is due to New Student Programs. The New Student Fee will be included in your student’s Spring tuition bill.

Registration for Family Orientation is tied to the student’s registration for orientation. Therefore, the student should register the family for Family Orientation at the same time that the student registers for New Student Orientation. They can find instructions on the Student Orientation webpage.

Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to the student’s and family member’s email addresses. Please keep a copy of this email for your records.

Only students who have been accepted to NC State and have paid their advanced enrollment deposit can register for orientation. Registration is now open, and all accepted students who have paid their deposit will receive an email inviting them to register. Students should expect to receive their invitation email within three days after submitting their deposit.

Family Orientation will run from 8:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025.

• Required programming for students will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
• Once you arrive on campus using the directions provided below, Orientation signs will direct you to where you able to park during your Orientation.
• The majority of the program will take place in Talley Student Union.
• Lunch for up to two Family Orientation guests, at Fountain Dining Hall, is included in the New Student Orientation fee. Additional meals for family members are available for purchase throughout Orientation at respective dining locations.

Resources that will be covered at Family Orientation include:

• Dining, Bookstore, Student ID Card
• University Police
• Your Student’s College or Program
• Student Health
• Cashier’s Office
• Living at NC State

The 2025 Spring Orientation Schedule (available mid November) provides a complete overview of the program.

Housing for family members is NOT included in Family Orientation registration. If you need overnight accommodations in the Raleigh area, you can find a list of local hotels that offer discounts to NC State family members on the Parents and Families Services website.

Student Housing: Students can stay in their residence hall if they are living on campus for the spring semester or they may arrange other housing in the area. More information about move-in can be found in the “Housing” section of the Orientation website.

PARKING FOR ORIENTATION (FRIDAY, January 3)

Orientation participants may park on campus in the Coliseum Parking Deck entering via Jensen Drive. The parking lot address is 201 Jensen Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.

HOW TO GET TO NC STATE:

• Directions to the Coliseum Parking Deck (201 Jensen Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607) can be found using this Waze Link or on the NC State Campus Map interactive website.
• Visit the University Transportation website for road construction updates/closings.

ORIENTATION PARKING:

Students and families attending orientation will use a free virtual parking permit that is validated using license plate recognition. The permit will be valid for the Coliseum Parking Deck from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the day of your session. Parking is free and open to the public after 5:00 p.m.

Register for your permit before leaving for Orientation (will be sent via email 7 days prior to the event), and note that you will need your license plate information to complete the online form. If you are bringing guests for Family Orientation, please only complete this online registration form once for each vehicle that will need parking during Orientation.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR VIRTUAL PARKING PERMIT

Do not complete this form until you receive your voucher code via email prior to your session.

Virtual Permit Directions:

1. Visit Go.ncsu.edu/EventParking
2. Ensure you are logged out of your parking account. 
3. Select “Purchase Event Permit” 
4. Agree to the Terms of Service
5. Select “General Event”
6. Select Spring New Student & Family Orientation.
7. When prompted, enter your Event Voucher Code. The code is case sensitive and must be entered exactly as shown. Select Confirm. (*Codes will be sent by email prior to your visit)
8. Select an available Permit Type (this will populate above the voucher field).
9. Select/Confirm your parking dates. Select Confirm.
10. Select Location
11. Select “Add Vehicle”. Enter vehicle license plate, state, year, make, and model. Review information entered for accuracy and select Add.
12. Enter client name and phone number. Select Confirm.
13. Select Continue.
14. Enter email address to receive confirmation of parking permit.
15. Review information. Select Checkout.

Important Virtual Permit Notes:

• This permit is free for guests, and you should not need to enter credit card information. If you use a credit card to purchase another permit in error, refunds are not available.
• Accessible parking is available. It is only valid when a state-issued placard is displayed in your vehicle and you have registered for an accessible virtual Orientation permit through NC State (instructions above).
• If you need to change which vehicle you are bringing after registering, email the NC State Transportation office at ncsu-transportation@ncsu.edu to edit your permit.
• If you will be using a rental car, wait to register for a virtual permit once you have the vehicle and its license plate information.

In compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the New Student and Family Orientation program, please contact Laila Mohamed at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST as soon as possible or at least 10 working days prior to the event.