At The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, we view the relationship between students, family members and the University as a three-way partnership. Our goal is to create a positive alliance that will provide every student with an optimal support system. The first step of building our lifelong partnership is the Family Orientation Program and continues throughout each student’s academic career at the University. For students, the Orientation Program is a time of discovery; for families, it is a time to identify the foundations upon which they and the university can build a successful experience for the student.

The Family Orientation Program offers a personal introduction to the University. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the university’s caring professionals who devote their careers to working with students. We hope that through this experience the university will be transformed from a brick and mortar campus into a welcoming place of people and contacts. Participants and families will learn firsthand about University policies and procedures, along with the vast array of resources and services that Umass Dartmouth offers to help students succeed.

The Umass Dartmouth Family Orientation is a one-day program for parents, guardians or significant others of our first year students. The program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until about 4:00 p.m. The cost of the Family Orientation program is $15.00 per person. This fee applies to all guests attending Umass Dartmouth Family Orientation. The $15.00 per person fee covers the cost of all program features including printed materials, breakfast, lunch and an international coffee hour with the Deans of Colleges. In addition, on-campus parking privileges and the use of the facilities are also included in this cost.