Welcome to the Bobcat Family!

Parent/Family Orientation

Parent and Family Orientation is an optional program during our summer and fall Orientation sessions that offers a comprehensive look at MSU's systems, student support services, academic programs and advising, facilities, and more. Besides helping parents learn more about MSU, it’s also geared towards helping parents learn how to best support their students as they adjust to college life at MSU. The program runs concurrently with the student Orientation — over two and a half days — but most of the sessions are separate.

Enjoy this opportunity to learn about everything Montana State University can offer your new Bobcat!

The program includes:

  • A variety of sessions with University staff and faculty members
  • A session with the Assistant Dean of your student's academic college
  • Informal discussions with Student Orientation Leaders
  • Sessions detailing resources available for your student's success
  • A social evening with other Bobcat parents and MSU staff and faculty
  • A parent & family brunch connecting you with other parents and MSU administrators

Parents may pick and choose which sessions they would like to attend based on interest. A tentative sample schedule will be provided to registered parents ahead of the Parent/Family Orientation session. A final schedule will be provided at check-in.

Parents interested in attending the Parent/Family Orientation can register along with their student online. There is an $85 non-refundable program fee associated with the Parent/Family Orientation, which covers all of a student's family members who wish to attend. If your student has already registered and you would like to add on the Parent/Family Orientation, please contact the Orientation Office at orientation@montana.edu. Please include your student's full name.

During our June and July sessions, parents and family members are welcome to stay on campus in one of our residence halls. Please find more information about Parent and Family lodging and register on the MSU Summer Conference Housing webpage. Because students will have moved into their residence halls by the time our August session occurs, we cannot house family members during the Fall Orientation program (Session #4).  Family members are also encouraged to explore local lodging options and lodging discounts on our Bozeman Travel Information and Local Guide page. 

Bobcat Parent and Family Program

The Bobcat Parent and Family Program supports parents and families as their students navigate the MSU campus. This includes programs such as Parent & Family weekend in October, activities, webinars, email updates and more. Click here for more information on the Bobcat Parent and Family Program.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Have your student log into their MyInfo account, navigate to their Undergraduate Admissions Checklist, and scroll down to the Orientation/Class Registration item. If "Parent and Family Orientation" is listed in the second row of the table, you're all set, and all family members who wish to attend are welcome!

Please email orientation@montana.edu regarding your request to sign up for Parent and Family Orientation and include your student's full name. We'll send you the form and further instruction.

A tentative schedule is posted on your Parent and Family Orientation confirmation page, which is linked in your student's Undergraduate Admissions Checklist in MyInfo. A finalized schedule will be provided upon check-in.

Please find the instructions to register on the MSU Summer Conference Housing webpage. Please note that on-campus accommodations for parents are only available during the June and July sessions.

Yes! If you simply need a place to stay while your student attends the student session, you are welcome to stay on campus. Please note that on-campus accommodations for parents are only available during the June and July sessions. For more information and to book your on-campus Orientation accommodation, please visit the MSU Summer Conference Housing website.

Still have questions? Check out our Orientation Frequently Asked Questions page for more answers!

 

 


Questions? We're here to help.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our staff at orientation@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.

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