Parent and Family
Parent and Family Orientation is for family members of all new students. Every on-campus orientation program has an associated Parent and Family Orientation program that corresponds to it. The purpose of Parent and Family Orientation is to help answer questions and ease concerns family members may have as their students embark on the transition to college and ECU. Students will be able to register their family members during the Student Orientation registration process.
Attending Parent and Family Orientation marks the beginning of your relationship with ECU. As your student attends his or her Orientation session, you are strongly encouraged to attend our Family session. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, interact with university personnel, and meet one another. We hope you will find Parent and Family Orientation a helpful and personal glimpse into the University community.
You can communicate with the Office of Student Transitions by phone 252-328-4173, by text to 252-320-9244, or email orientation@ecu.edu. We will respond as quickly as possible but please allow 1 business day for a response. Information will also be shared via our social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
What to Do
Let your student take the lead. Preparing for orientation is your student’s first step in creating their college experience, so let them hold the reins.
Register. Check in with your student and make sure that they registered you for the Parent and Family Program when they registered themselves for New Student Orientation. If they aren’t sure, check their confirmation materials or call our office at 252-328-4173. The cost for a guest to attend orientation is $85 for the first guest and $40 for each additional family member. This cost covers all activities and program materials, some meals, reception, parking, shuttles, facility usage, and staffing.
Find lodging. All students are encouraged to stay in the residence halls during sessions, and parents and guests can chose to do the same during orientation. Please be aware that students and families will be staying in different halls from one another. For more information, please see our website on LODGING. If looking to stay at a local hotel, please visit www.visitgreenvillenc.com/places-to-stay.
Parking. Your student was sent an email to their ECU email address to explain where to park and other important arrival information. Please have them check their email for this information a week before their scheduled session.
Download the ECU Guides app and the Orientation Guide. For a detailed schedule, a list of campus contacts, and a variety of other helpful resources, download the Orientation Guide in the “ECU Guides” app on your smartphone or tablet. This app will have the most up-to-date schedule information for the program.
Connect with Parent and Family Programs. ECU has a community of active and engaged Pirate families. Consider joining the ECU Parents Association and supporting the ECU Parents Fund. For more information visit parents.ecu.edu. Don’t forget to connect with Parent and Family Programs through social media to stay connected and informed. Parent and family members are also encouraged to sign up for the ECU Parent Portal. Family members can register for the portal at https://ecu.campusesp.com.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes and layers. You will have the opportunity to take a campus tour when you visit us, as well as use some free time to explore campus on your own. North Carolina weather is notoriously fickle, so come prepared for rain and shine—maybe in the same day! Our buildings also have air conditioning and sometimes it can work a little too well! Be prepared for heat and humidity outside and cool temperatures inside.
Questions. The Parent and Family Program is the time to get all of your questions answered. Your student will be engaged in their own program, so you will have time to ask about logistics, campus safety, and general student life. We are here to help you, and you can ask us anything.
What to Expect
There will be parts of orientation where you’ll be with your student and parts of orientation where you’ll be with other Pirate Parents.
There is a lot of walking during Orientation. Please make sure you have comfortable shoes and an umbrella in case of inclement weather. We will have a golf cart available for those who may need mobility assistance.
While your student is registering for their classes, you’ll be directed back to the Main Student Center. After your student finalizes their fall class registration, they will come over to meet you at the Main Student Center and pick up their ECU 1 Card in room 125 on the 1st floor.
We will have residence hall tours available on the 2nd day of the program. The residence hall will have a model room available to show to give you an idea of what your student’s room will look like. You will not be able to see your student’s assigned room, but the model room will give you great insight into the dimensions and furniture it includes.
In our conference style set-up for sessions, we know you might not be able to see every presentation you hoped to. However, we will have presentations available on our website after orientation is over so you can get the information once you’re back home. If you ever need more information, you can always call our office for assistance.