Family Orientation - FAQs

When is Family Orientation?
Family Orientation is offered on the first day of each freshman orientation session. Most family members attend the session offered during the orientation session for which their student registers, though you may attend any of the Family Orientation sessions.

What is the purpose of Family Orientation?
The activities are designed to allow family members the opportunity to attend programs specifically for them as well as to allow opportunities for students and family members to meet for an evening meal. Upon arrival to Family Orientation Check-in, you will be provided with a schedule of events for the day. We encourage family members and students to make specific meeting arrangements prior to splitting up for the day's activities, as the student schedule will not overlap with the Family Orientation schedule until the Orientation Barbecue at 5 p.m. You may find it necessary to choose a specific time and place to meet due to the large amount of people attending the barbecue.

What is the fee for Family Orientation?
The Family Orientation fee is $25 per person. The Family Orientation fee is applicable to guests 17 years-and-older.

Why is there a fee for Family Orientation?
Admission to Family Orientation covers room rentals, technology rentals and fees, student staff salaries, publications, a light breakfast and the Orientation Barbecue. The Family Orientation is self-supporting and fees are designed to cover the costs of the program.

What is included in the Orientation Barbecue?
The barbecue plate includes mesquite-smoked beef brisket, all beef sausage and hand-basted turkey served with potato salad, cole slaw, pinto ranch beans, homemade sauce, jalapeños, pickles, onions, wheat or white bread, water, lemonade and ice tea.

Vegetarian plate includes smoked lemon pepper vegetable kabobs, baked potato casserole, fresh fruit salad, jalapeño cornbread casserole, water, lemonade and ice tea.

Children's barbecue wristband(s) (16 years-and-younger) are available for $8 per plate. Wristband(s) may be purchased through www.utorientation.com.

Where do I register for Family Orientation?
If you wish to attend Family Orientation, your registration must be completed at www.utorientation.com. There are no on-site registrations. Payment must be received one week prior to the start of your orientation session. There are no refunds.

What should I bring to the Family Orientation?
Comfortable walking shoes, casual attire, umbrella and/or raincoat (if necessary) and questions regarding the university.

Where should I park?
Parking is available for students and family members in the Brazos Garage (BRG), located near Jester Center at the rate of $30 for the four days, three nights for orientees. This rate includes unlimited in/out privileges. There is also a daily rate available on the first day of orientation. Daily parking is offered at a flat rate of $10 with unlimited in/out privileges. Subsequent days are charged at a maximum rate of $10 per ticket pulled. Orientation advisors will direct you to the designated parking level. All vehicles will park starting from the highest level and will work down to the lower levels as spaces become unavailable. Please be prepared to pay for parking at the time of arrival. There is no free parking on The University of Texas at Austin campus.

How do I contact my student?
The Jester Center rooms do not have telephones. A message may be left for your student by calling our Information Desk (the "Fishbowl") at 512-471-1652. This telephone number is used by orientation staff from June 9 - July 17, 2009. Please recognize that students check messages at their own discretion except in the case of an emergency, and may not return your telephone call immediately.

How do I get my registration packet?
Pre-paid registration packet(s) and individual barbecue wristband(s) will be available for pick up at the Family Orientation Check-in from 8-10 a.m. at the Texas Union Building (UNB) Ballroom 3.202.

How does my student get her/his Student ID Card?
To receive your student ID card, go to the ID Center located in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) lobby area. You must show an official government-issued photo ID, such as a:

• Driver license from the United States or Canada
• U.S. or foreign passport
• Alien registration card with photo (INS form I-151 or I-551)
• U.S. citizen ID card (INS form I-197)
• Resident citizen card (INS form I-179)

NOTE: High school IDs will not be accepted.

How does my student upgrade her/his UT EID?
As a new student at the university, you must upgrade your UT EID. There are two steps to this process, both of which are done at the ID Center, located in Flawn Academic Center (FAC) lobby area:

1. You must show a government-issued photo ID to prove your identity to obtain the identity proofed upgrade. You may show the same photo ID that you presented to receive your ID card.

2. You must sign the Electronic Agreement form to obtain the legal signature upgrade. This is a legally binding document. When your UT EID has legal signature authority, you may use your EID as your electronic signature to complete transactions online that normally require your physical signature.

NOTE: Students younger than 18 years-of-age must have a legal guardian accompany them to claim high assurance. The student and their legal guardian must present a government-issued identification with a photo (driver license, passport or other government-issued ID). Students whose legal guardian cannot be present can print the UT Electronic ID Agreement form from https://idmanager.its.utexas.edu/eid_self_help/ and have it notarized. The completed form can be mailed to UT Austin ID Center, 1 University Station G9805, Austin, Texas 78712-0175 or be presented in person at the ID Center.