Orientation for Parents and Families

Registering a parent, family member, or guest for orientation occurs as part of the student registration process.

If your student has not already registered for orientation, please have them include you when they are asked to register guests for the program. If your student has already registered for orientation, they may log back into the registration system to register a guest or additional guests up to one week prior to the scheduled program date. Please note that Parent and Family Orientation sessions will only take place at in-person orientation programs.

Register or Add Additional Guests 

Transfer Students will attend an in-person orientation program designed for students who already have experience attending college.  At in-person programs, parents, family members, and guests can expect to hear important information regarding university resources, graduation requirements, and the FGCU experience.

Cost

Your $35 orientation charge covers the costs of attending the orientation program including materials and program staffing. A $25 meal fee is also included to cover the cost of refreshments provided throughout the program, including lunch. You are encouraged, but not required, to attend every session; you may choose what directly interests you and/or impacts your student. 

How to Prepare 

- Bring something to write with (pen & paper) - There is a good chance you will want to take some notes. 

- Review the FGCU website and come prepared with any questions you might want answered.

First Time in College Students will attend a one-day orientation program on FGCU's campus. Most First Time in College students choose to bring a parent or family member with them to orientation.

Cost

Your $35 orientation fee covers the cost of attending the orientation program including program staffing and materials. A $40 meal charge will cover the cost of refreshments throughout the program, including lunch and the Waterfront Family Reception. You are encouraged, but not required, to attend every session; you may choose what directly interests you and/or impacts your student. 

How to Prepare 

- Bring something to write with (pen & paper) - There is a good chance you will want to take some notes. 

- Review the FGCU website and come prepared with any questions you might want answered.

Eagle Family Flight Academy is FGCU’s live webinar series designed to help families connect, care, and prepare after admission—covering key next steps before orientation and the first semester. Join us for 45-minute sessions with campus experts and live Q&A, with recordings available after each event.

Our Webinar Schedule and Recordings:

May 1st - Florida Prepaid Recording

May 8th - Next Steps Family Meet-up Recording

May 18th - Nest Navigation: Meet Exploratory Advising

Not sure what “exploratory” really means? You’re not alone—and it’s often a smart starting point. In this Nest session, you’ll connect with Exploratory Advising and learn how advising works at FGCU, what families should ask (and not ask), and how to spot early academic “yellow flags” before they become bigger issues. Expect a few quick decision scenarios, and a practical Q&A.

June 1st - Paying for the Nest: Getting Ready for Financial Aid

This pre-orientation session is designed to help incoming students (and families) understand the financial aid process before the semester begins. We’ll cover how financial aid works, important deadlines, types of aid available, billing expectations, and key next steps so you can start the year informed and prepared.

June 8th - Nest Living: On Campus and Off Campus Student Experiences

Where your student lives shapes how they connect. Join Housing and Campus Life for a practical walkthrough of on-campus and off campus experiences what to consider, and how each path can still lead to belonging. We’ll cover housing basics, commuter success tips, and simple ways families can help students get involved early—plus a two-track Q&A based on whether your student is “Team Housing” or “Team Commuter.”

June 15th - Nest Fuel: Dining & Meal Memberships Made Simple

Food decisions = budget decisions. In this session, Dining Services will break down meal memberships, how to choose a plan based on routine and habits, and how to avoid common “spending leaks.” Families will leave with a quick budgeting guide and a poll-based plan matcher to help your student stay fueled (without overspending).

June 22nd - Nest Success 101: FGCU Lingo + First-Year Systems

College has its own language—and learning it reduces stress fast. This session covers the key FGCU terms, offices, and “who does what,” plus the success systems students need in the first weeks (routines, time expectations, and help-seeking). Come for Acronym Bingo, stay for the clarity—this is a great “Connect + Prepare” session for the whole family.

June 29th - Nest Coaching: Parenting a College Student Without Over-Parenting

Support matters—especially when it builds independence. In this Nest session, the Dean of Students/Student Care team will cover coaching vs. fixing, healthy boundaries, and the essential conversations that help students manage time, money, and wellbeing. You’ll practice a few real-life scenarios, get conversation starters to take home, and leave knowing when (and how) to refer your student to campus support.