We look forward to meeting you at Family Orientation!
Family Orientation is designed for parents and families supporting their student as they begin their first year at UW. If you are a first-year or transfer student, please refer back to your confirmation email to for your student-agenda link.
Below are a few tips on how to navigate the program:
Get connected: Ask questions and connect with other parents and families through the Official UW New Families 2026 Facebook Group hosted by Parent & Family Programs.
Join the New Families 2026 Facebook Group
Start and End Time: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Presentation slides and recordings will be posted following the first session.
The offices of Parent & Family Programs and New Student & Transfer Programs will kick off Family Orientation with an overview of the agenda and some tips for helping your student navigate their first year at UW.
Review the Husky Guide (student publication) and the Parent & Family Guide for commonly used resources.
Academic advisers are among the most important connections your student can make. This session will introduce you to the academic adviser role and provide an overview of the general education requirements that students use to create their class schedules.
If your student was directly admitted to the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, Informatics, Foster School of Business, Honors program, or Engineering Undeclared, advisers will provide an additional recording or a session on specific dates. Visit our Family Orientation academics and course registration webpage for more information.
Connect with Student Fiscal Services to create a plan for viewing and paying tuition while at the University.
Join Academic Support Programs to explore the various academic resources that students can utilize to support their academic success.
Your student's health and wellness are important to us. Learn more from UW Counseling Center and Husky Health Center professionals about the various resources your student can connect with to support their mental health.
Take some time for a break and we will return shortly with more information from UW staff and faculty.
Join staff from the Office of Student Financial Aid to review how financial aid works. Topics may include the cost of attendance, an overview of the different types of financial awards, requesting a revision to financial aid awards, understanding loans, or using aid to pay bills.
The University of Washington's Division of Campus Community Safety, including the UW Police Department, will share campus safety resources as well as tips around keeping your student's personal items secure on campus.
No matter where your student lives, there are resources to help them create a living space that supports their academic success. Housing & Food Services shares important services and move-in dates. If your student plans to commute to campus, they are welcome to use Commuter & Transfer Commons when they come to campus.
Ask staff from the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life your questions.
Meet with faculty to learn ways that your student will interact with faculty during their time at the UW, including classroom expectations.
How did the process go for you? What is missing in your transition to the UW? We care about your feedback and read all of your comments. By completing your Family Orientation session evaluation, you will impact Family Orientation programming.
Explore other first-year family resources by visiting the Family Orientation website. Check out UW Parent & Family Programs to learn more about events, resources, and information throughout your student's time at the UW.
120 Mary Gates Hall Box 352825
Seattle, WA 98195-2825
Mary Gates Hall 120
Academic year: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Summer: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Winter break: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Commuter and Transfer Commons (HUB 141)
Academic year: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Breaks and summers: closed
Closed during University holidays.
206-543-4905 (Voice)
206-207-5564 (Text)
New Student & Transfer Programs fosters a successful undergraduate student experience through strategic programming that focuses on positive academic transitions and the development of learning communities. Through partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and student leaders our programs create the space for students to define how they will engage, learn, and thrive at the University of Washington.
Support new Huskies, gain leadership experience, and make your mark at the UW! Our student employee positions are open to all undergraduate students at the University of Washington in Seattle. Follow the link below to explore our current open positions and learn more about how you can become part of the New Student & Transfer Programs team!
Leadership Opportunities