Family Orientation FAQs

When is Family Orientation?
Family Orientation is offered on the first day of each freshman orientation session. Family members must attend the session offered during the orientation session for which their student has registered.

What is the purpose of Family Orientation?
Family Orientation is designed to assist family members in a positive transition involving all aspects of the university community. Family Orientation is designed to provide family members with the resources needed for new students to succeed at The University of Texas at Austin.

Where do I register for Family Orientation?
Family Orientation registration must be completed online. A link will appear on this page when the registration period begins.

Note: Note: The registration system closes five days prior to the start of each orientation session. Method of payment are credit card, check or money order.

If paying by check or money order, please make payable to UT Austin and include session date and student's UT EID on the memo line. Mail check/money orders to:

Can I cancel or make changes to my reservation?
Cancellations must be processed at least five days prior to your assigned session to be eligible for a full refund. Cancellations or changes to your reservation can be requested by contacting New Student Services at 512-471-3304. Cancellations and refunds will not be processed after the registration closes.

Where do I pick up my materials for the day?
Materials and individual barbecue wristband(s) will be available for pick up at the Family Orientation Check-in from 8-10 a.m., at the Student Activity Center (SAC). All pre-paid registration packet(s) include a barbecue meal. A program schedule will be provided at the time of check-in.

Is there a fee to attend the Family Orientation?
The Family Orientation fee is $25 per person and includes a barbecue meal (vegetarian options are available on-site). The Family Orientation fee is applicable to guests 17 years-and-older.

Note: Meal wristband(s) can be purchased for children, 16 years-and-younger for $8 per plate.

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

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

Where should I park?
Parking is provided near Jester Center (JES) in the Brazos Garage (BRG) at the rate of $30 for the three days and two nights. 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 $12 with unlimited in/out privileges. Subsequent days are charged at a maximum rate of $18 per ticket pulled. Staff will direct you to the designated parking levels. Please be prepared to pay for parking at the time of your arrival. There is no free parking on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Specific information regarding university parking garages and maps can be found at www.utexas.edu/parking/.

Note: Family Orientation does not cover parking fees.

Can I find a hotel near Jester Center?
The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, located at 1900 University Avenue and within walking distance from Jester Center, provides a special rate for those attending UT Austin orientation. For information on hotels, please click "Local Hotels". Space is limited.

How do I contact my student?
A message may be left for your student by calling the Information Desk (the "Fishbowl") at 512-471-1652. Please be aware that students check messages at their own discretion, except in the case of emergency, and may not return your telephone call immediately.

Should my student bring a laptop?
Yes. Avoid standing in line and use your laptop to register for classes on the last day of orientation session between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., if any and all bars are cleared. Directions on how to access the university wireless network will be provided at the time of registration.

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

• Driver license from the United States or Canada
• Valid instruction (learners) permit or temporary license (must include photograph) from the United States or Canada
• U.S. or foreign passport
• Alien registration card with photo (INS form I-152 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?
New students at the university must upgrade their 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:

• 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.
• 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 be accompanied by a legal guardian when they 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/ and have it notarized.

Are there immunization requirements my student has to meet before I can register for classes at orientation?
Entering UT Austin students are barred from registering for classes during the orientation sessions, unless University Health Services (UHS) has received and processed acceptable documentation that you have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine that was administered during the five year period prior to the first day of classes for the fall 2012 semester. Some exclusions and exemptions apply.

Please make all attempts to submit your documentation to UHS at least two weeks before your registration date. As added assurance against registration delays, make a copy of the documents you send to UHS, and bring it with you to orientation.

Go to http://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/requiredvaccine/ for details about exclusions and possible exemptions, acceptable documentation to prove vaccination or exemption, how to submit your documentation, and how to check whether it has been processed by UHS.

*International students have additional medical clearance requirements. Find them at http://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/internationalstudents.html.