Family & Guest Orientation Programs
Parents and family members play a significant role in their students' college development
and education. Family & Guest Orientation Programs offer information to assist families
and students as they transition to the Stony Brook University community.
Partner With Us
The Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs understands the key role that
family members play in their students' lives and educational success by providing
continued communication and support. Family members are not with their student during
advising sessions, workshop sessions, or while registering for classes. Our Orientation
is intentionally modeled this way to help students take ownership of their education
early on, as well as develop the skills they'll need to be successful at SBU. By attending
our Family and Guest Program, families can build a partnership with our Office, focusing
on ways in which everyone can support students in reaching their educational and career
goals.
Please note that separate activities for siblings or young children are not provided.
Program Logistics
Families will learn about the transition to SBU and the potential change in family
dynamics, academic and social aspects of campus, as well as campus resources available
to families and students. Families will have the opportunity to engage with current
students and hear stories about their experience as well as gain an administrative
perspective on the university from faculty and staff. This will also be a prime opportunity
to meet with other family members and network!
The program will be hosted by the Coordinator of Family Programs and Services, the
Family Program Graduate Intern, and current undergraduate Orientation Leaders and
International Student Ambassadors. Our hosts are highly trained individuals who are
excited to welcome family members to the community, highlight the many resources
available at SBU, and answer any questions participants might have.
Be sure to look to the Family Hosts for anything needed during the program!
To prepare for orientation, students should pay their orientation fee, complete necessary
placement exams, and ensure that their Health Forms are complete and submitted. For
a full list of items for students to complete before orientation, and access to register
please refer to the relevant link below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is Orientation?
Your student will receive an Orientation date upon accepting their admission to SBU.
Participation in Family/Guest Program is optional. The family and student programs
are separate with no scheduled meetings between family members and students during
Orientation. Some of these guidelines are in place to foster student development
and independence. Others are due to space and time limitations, as well as confidentiality.
In addition, one of the main functions of the student program is to register for classes.
Students will meet with professional academic advisors and register for classes.
This is a time when students work with advisors to develop goals and plans. As such,
family and guests cannot accompany students to advising and registration rooms.
What will I learn at Family/Guest Orientation?
Family Members play a vital role in student success! This is an opportunity to meet
with the wonderful professionals who will be working with your student(s). Family
& Guest Program will help families understand the academic and social environment
at SBU as well as cover a variety of topics that may be of interest to Families and
Guests. We also hope to help you get acclimated to the SBU community- since it is
now your new home as well!
As a result of attending the sessions, Families will:
- Be able to identify campus resources available to students and how to engage with
these resources
- Apply knowledge of campus resources by referring their students when appropriate
- Understand how parents and families can partner with the University for student success
For more information and access to sample Family & Guest Program schedules , please
visit the tab that is most relevant to your family:
First-Year Students
Transfer Students
EOP Students
International Students
Directions and Parking
Those driving to campus should park in the Student Activities Center parking lot on
the day of the orientation program. You can get directions
here. Parking elsewhere on campus cannot be validated (i.e. parking garage, meters, etc)
and you will be responsible for the cost if you choose to park in those areas.
Those who are traveling by Long Island Rail Road should exit at the Stony Brook station
(Port Jefferson line). A Stony Brook University bus will take you to the Student
Activities Center loop.
You may also learn more about train schedules below:
LIRR Train Schedule
AIR Train Schedule
Lodging Information and Overnight Accommodations
If you will be traveling to campus and spending the night in the area, there are several
options for overnight accommodations. Please visit the
On-Campus and Local Accommodations page
.
What are some additional ways I can support my student?
- Guests are welcome to assist residential students with move-in and attend the New
Student & Family Welcome event. View the
Family Events page for more information.
- Remind students of their responsibility of attending and engaging in Experience Stony
Brook (Orientation Part II), which is mandatory for all students.
- Subscribe to the
Family Connect newsletter. This provides important information!
Where can I access presentation materials after attending Family and Guest Orientation?
Below are links to the presentations provided at Family and Guest Orientation. Please
note that materials are updated on an ongoing basis, so the materials provided here
may differ from your orientation sessions. For the most current information, please
contact the relevant office directly.
