Overview of Family & Guest Programs | Student Orientation and Family Programs

Family & Supporter Orientation Programs

Family members and supporters play a significant role in their student's college development and education. Family & Supporter Orientation Programs offer information to assist families and students as they transition to the Stony Brook University community.

Online Orientation

Live Virtual Q & A Sessions

Family Fridays Chat

Partner With Us

The Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs understands the key role that family members and supporters play in their student's lives and educational success by providing continued communication and support. Family members are not with their student during orientation sessions. Families and supporters are provided with a seperate orientation experience. 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 participating in our Family and Supporter 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.

Program Logistics

The Family & Supporter Orientation Program is a virtual program where 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.

The program will be hosted by the Coordinator of Family Programs and Services, the Family Program Graduate Intern, 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.

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 on the above menu bar.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is Orientation?

Your student will receive an Orientation date upon accepting their admission to SBU.

Participation in Family & Supporter Orientation Program is optional, this program is offered virtually. 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.

What will I learn at Family & Supporter Orientation?

Family Members play a vital role in student success! The Family & Supporter Orientation 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. 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 & Supporters 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

What are some additional ways I can support my student?

Remind students of their responsibility of attending and engaging in Orientation Part I and Experience Stony Brook (Orientation Part II), which is mandatory for all students.
Subscribe to the Family Connect newsletter. This provides important information!