Transitioning to college is a big step — one that can be overwhelming and confusing for students. That’s why we want to make sure you can help your student navigate this life-changing process by having all the information about the University of Houston at your disposal.

The Family and Supporter Orientation is a one-day in-person experience where you will get the opportunity to learn about resources available for student success and connect with future Cougar family members.

Registering in advance ensures your attendance at our catered family meals for an associated fee (which covers all meals and UH Swag bag).

Spring 2025 Family and Supporter Orientation Sample Schedule

Orientation Fees and Refunds

The fee for all Family and Supporter Orientation sessions (freshman and transfer) is detailed on the page linked below. Registration is available until five business days prior to orientation, or until full for the specific date. When registration closes, family and supporters will not have access to add/edit family members or supporters in the portal.

All orientation fees for both students and family and supporter members are non-refundable.

• Learn more and register for Family and Supporter Orientation

New Student Programs does not offer housing for Family and Supporter Orientation. We do offer a discount code for our Hilton Hotel that is housed on the University of Houston campus, if family members and supporters would like to stay.

Hilton University of Houston:
Corporate Account Code - 3259528

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Family and Supporter Orientation?
Family and Supporter Orientation offers intentional programming designed to educate participants on all things UH and prepare them to be informed supporters of their students both during this transition and into their collegiate careers.

How can I register to attend New Student Orientation with my student?
Registration will be made available in early November for spring 2025 orientation sessions.

I have completed the Family Orientation online registration process, but need to modify my registration. How can I update my registration?
If you need to change any information (date, # of guests, email address, etc.) after registering for family and supporter orientation, please reply to your registration confirmation email with updates on what needs to be adjusted. Please note, changing your Family and Supporter Orientation session does not change your student's orientation date.

Will I be with my student during Family and Supporter Orientation?
Your student will be attending New Student Orientation, and you will be attending Family and Supporter Orientation. There will be some sessions in which you are together and there will be other times where your programming is separate. As a family and supporter in attendance, you will have separate meals and you will not participate in the academic advising and course registration process. 

My student was admitted under one major but wants to change their major to another. Can I attend the presentation of the college and major to which my student wants to change to?
This is a great question. First, your student needs to be aware of the major they were admitted into. Next, they need to complete the change of major request with Admissions two weeks prior to attending orientation. Lastly, you will need to go to the college meeting/presentation that corresponds to your student major on the day of orientation. 

How can students meet with academic advisors?
Students will meet with an academic advisor at New Student Orientation. Advisors are available to help with course selection, degree requirements and other academic questions. Family members and supporters are not permitted to attend the academic advising session at New Student Orientation. 

How do students register for classes?
Class registration is done online through the myUH system. Students will consult with their academic advisors to ensure they are enrolling in the appropriate courses for their degree plan. Students will be guided through the registration process while attending New Student Orientation and should leave the program with a class schedule. 

Is there programming available for siblings or children who attend?
Parents and guardians are welcome at all orientations and, if attending, will follow a separate schedule of events. Because of the nature of the program, it is not appropriate for anyone except parents/guardians or spouses to attend as a supporter. Friends or siblings are not allowed to accompany students in attendance. Supporters under 18 will not be able to attend Family and Supporter Orientation without a parent or guardian. The exception would be an older sibling who is acting in a guardian capacity; however, in this case, the sibling would attend the Family and Supporter Orientation and would not be with the student during any time parents and students are not ordinarily together. 

How can I request an accommodation if I have a disability?
New Student Programs staff can assist. Email orientation@uh.edu or complete this form at least one week prior to your orientation date.

Where can I park during orientation?
Free orientation parking is available in the University Gateway Garage. We will have Student Orientation Leaders on-site for help with directions to check-in.

In order to receive complimentary event parking for orientation, you are required to park in the University Gateway Garage. Check out these directions to campus or type "4725 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, TX 77004" into your preferred navigation app. The easiest way to get here is through Entrance #1 on Martin Luther King Blvd.

There are many other parking garages on campus. Your parking fee will not be validated if you park in a garage that is not the University Gateway Garage.

Should I bring anything with me to orientation?
At check-in, you will receive a bag that will help when collecting handouts throughout the day. If you are a notetaker, we recommend you bring additional paper to write on. We also recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes as you will be traveling between buildings, bringing a sweater as it can get chilly inside campus buildings and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated in the Texas summer heat.

What is FERPA and how can I learn more about it?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects a student's right to privacy concerning their academic records and information. You can learn more about FERPA here.

What is Delegated Access and how can I learn more about it?
Delegated access allows a UH student to name a delegate to their myUH self-service account. This individual can view and/or take action in the account. You can learn more about delegated access here.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns related to orientation that weren't answered above, please contact us at orientation@uh.edu. We look forward to seeing you!