Parents & Guests

We are excited to invite you to join your student during orientation this summer. Students may choose between a 100% virtual experience or an on-campus orientation with virtual academic advising. If your student selects a 100% virtual orientation, we encourage your entire family to attend the virtual orientation with them. For the on-campus orientation option, students are encouraged but not required to bring up to two guests with them.

Whichever orientation experience your student chooses, we are excited to introduce your family to the academic opportunities and campus traditions that make the University of Arkansas so special. Best of all, you will become our partner in helping your student succeed at the university.

What to expect from Orientation

Orientation is more than just your student's academic advising and class registration. It's your official introduction to the University of Arkansas.

Orientation Options for 2021

Virtual Orientation

These one-day sessions are designed for any new freshman or transfer freshman at the University of Arkansas. This session will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude around 5 p.m. Parents are welcome to participate along with their student – there is no guest fee charged for additional participants. Each student will meet virtually one-on-one with an academic advisor in their academic college on their orientation date. Students will receive an email from UASuccess with their appointment information, sent to their UARK email account, a week before their scheduled session.

On-Campus Orientation

These one-day sessions are designed for any new freshman or transfer freshman at the University of Arkansas. Students are allowed up to two guests, and there will be a guest fee for each guest over the age of 12 who attends. Each student will meet with an academic advisor and enroll in courses virtually one week before their on-campus session. Students will receive an email from UASuccess with their advising appointment information, sent to their UARK email account, a week before the appointment date. For on-campus sessions, masks and social distancing will be optional for fully vaccinated individuals. Masks and social distancing will continue to be required for unvaccinated individuals at this time.

Honors Orientation

These sessions are designed for new freshmen and transfer freshmen who meet the requirements for the University of Arkansas Honors College. During this session, students and their guests will learn about the Honors College, as well as various campus services and resources. Students will meet with an academic advisor virtually regardless of whether they register for a virtual or on-campus orientation session. Registrants for virtual sessions will be advised and register for classes on the day of their orientation session. Registrants for on-campus sessions will be advised and register for classes virtually a week before their orientation session.

No Matter Which Orientation Option Your Student Chooses, You Will:

  • Explore different campus services and resources such as academic support, dining options, living on campus, health services, safety, and the best ways to help your student get involved.
  • Meet other parents and guests with questions similar to your own.
  • Learn about your student's new college home and about the major they plan to pursue.
  • Discover the many wonderful opportunities that await your student at the university.

Parent & Guest Fee

Virtual Orientation

There are no guest fees associated with 100% Virtual Orientation for parents or guests who participate alongside their student.

On-Campus Orientation

Updated 06/02/21: While it is not required, up to two parents/family members or guests are encouraged to attend the on-campus orientation with their student. For on-campus sessions, masks and social distancing will be optional for fully vaccinated individuals. Masks and social distancing will continue to be required for unvaccinated individuals at this time.

All students will be virtually advised one week prior to attending on-campus orientation. Essential information and helpful staff will be available during your student's on-campus experience to help prepare your family to get off to a good start at the University of Arkansas. Please note, all parents and guests will register at check-in.

For each parent or guest over the age of 12 who attends an on-campus orientation session, a $50 guest fee will be added to their student's fall tuition statement. Fees will not be applied to students' accounts for parents or guests who pre-register but are unable to attend. The guest fee supports Parent & Family Programs within the Office of New Student and Family Programs. This office serves as the primary liaison between the university and Razorback families. They plan, develop, and implement specific programs, resources, and services for families. By attending orientation as a parent or guest, you are considered a member of the Parent and Family Partnership Association.

How to Register as a Parent or Guest

When your student registers for orientation, they can also pre-register to bring up to two parents or guests. If your student has already registered for orientation, we accept parents or guests on a walk-in basis the day of orientation. Please note, a $50 fee will be applied to each student's fall tuition statement for every guest over the age of 12 who attends orientation. Fees will not be applied to students' accounts for parents or guests who pre-register but are unable to attend.

What to Do Before On-Campus Orientation

  • Secure hotel accommodations. While there is no on-campus housing during orientation, you may contact the Fayetteville Visitor's Bureau. They are able to help with a variety of area hotel information and services (rate information, availability, booking, campus proximity, etc). When making reservations, parents and guests should mention they are attending New Student Orientation at the University of Arkansas to see if discounted rates are available.
  • Assist your student in submitting their immunization records to the Pat Walker Health Center. Records must be received before or at the time of orientation in order for students to enroll.
  • Help your student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  • Encourage your student to complete their housing contract and regularly check the Housing website for updates.
  • Contact us at 479-575-4200 if you need special accommodations during orientation.
  • Prepare a list of questions to explore during orientation.
  • Encourage your student to check their email often, as we will be sending important information and updates.

Stay Involved After Orientation

Consider joining The Parent Partnership Association. It's a great way to get involved, meet other parents, and establish a connection with the university.

Learn more about Parent & Family Programs, Family Weekend, and other family events.

Continue to engage your student in conversations about academic expectations, time management, and how they plan to be involved on campus. You are our most important ally in ensuring your student's success at the University of Arkansas.