FAQs

• When is Family Orientation?
• Do I have to attend Family Orientation?
• What is the fee for Family Orientation?
• How do I request disability services?
• Will parents have any joint programs with students at New Student Orientation?
  
• Are overnight accommodations available?
• When does my son or daughter register for classes?
• Can I bring younger children or siblings to Family Orientation?
• Is there any additional information or advice I need before New Student Orientation?

Family Orientation will take place on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. Activity details and times are available as a PDF.

Attendance is not required but strongly suggested. Attending Family Orientation is a great opportunity to take part in--and lend your support to--your child's collegiate career. In addition, it is your primary opportunity to familiarize yourself with academics and student services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

There is no fee for Family Orientation at UAF.

If you need any accommodations, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation as soon as you are able, and no later than one week prior to the event, at 907-474-1103 or orientation@uaf.edu. For general disability services information, you are welcome to contact the Office of Disability Services at 907-474-5655, 907-474-1827 TTY, or fydso@uaf.edu.

General New Student Orientation is specifically designed for our incoming students only, as their individual participation in the program will act as a stepping stone in their adjustment to college life. An orientation that more closely resembles the student environment of the campus during the semester helps facilitate the incoming student's transition.

This year's Family Orientation, however, will have sessions that are designed for family members only as well as at least two sessions that students and family members will be encouraged to attend together:  Monster.com's “Monster College Advantage” and “Ultimate Money $kills: Scholars, Dollars, Budgets & Bills.” The Sunday evening barbecue will be another NSO event families and students can attend together.  Although the separation of our New Student Orientation program from family members may, at first, seem insensitive, it is done to enable our staff to better address the unique priorities and questions that families and students typically have.

Unfortunately, overnight accommodations are not available on campus for students' families or guests during New Student Orientation. You will need to work out your own lodging while in Fairbanks; however, you are welcome to visit the Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau website for lodging and visitor information: www.explorefairbanks.com. Click the "Where to Stay" link at the top of their page, and you'll see numerous lodging options.

UAF Conference Services does offer limited overnight accommodations on campus during the summer months, though. For more information about room services, rates and reservations, please check out their website at http://www.uaf.edu/reslife/guest. To make a reservation or get additional information about group reservations, please contact UAF Conference Services' reservation staff at 907-474-6769 or conference.services@uaf.edu.

Registration for the Fall 2009 semester begins Monday, April 13, 2009. Classes begin on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, and students can late register until Friday, Sept. 11, 2009.

Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, god-parents, etc., are all encouraged and welcome to attend Family Orientation. Our basic premise for Family Orientation is to welcome incoming students' family members to the UAF community and help these family members understand the transition process into collegiate life.

1. Be prepared for your student's--and your own--conflicting emotions as the day of departure approaches.
2. Discuss academic expectations ahead of time. Encourage your student to set specific academic goals.
3. Develop a financial plan or budget with your student and openly discuss financial expectations.
4. Discuss expectations about communication, such as phone calls, e-mails and letters.
5. Discuss use of alcohol and other lifestyle choices your student will have to make--but try to avoid giving lectures.
6. If you are bringing your student to UAF, don't expect to spend a lot of time together. New Student Orientation is designed to foster healthy separation.
7. Be a coach rather than a rescuer: encourage your son or daughter to use the resources available to them at UAF. Learn about the academic and personal support services UAF has to offer. Once you return home, keep your Family Orientation information in an accessible place.
8. Don't make major changes at home without informing your son or daughter.
9. Be an anchor. Listen with an open mind and be supportive.
10. Keep in touch by writing or sending care packages. Receiving mail from loved ones truly brightens a student's day!

Feel free to read the Orientation Questions section to find further information. If you have other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Office of New Student Orientation at 907-474-1103, or e-mail orientation@uaf.edu. Thank you for being proactive in your student's success!