Parents and family members are important parts of a student's Sewanee experience. We are excited to welcome you to the Sewanee family as well!
University Relations partners with New Student Orientation to provide a Parent and Family Orientation. Information about Orientation for parents and families can be found on the Parent and Family website.
We look forward to welcoming the parents and families of incoming students! Parent & Family Orientation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. The program features a panel of key University faculty and staff to talk about resources available to students and their families, as well as an opportunity for questions. A full schedule will be available soon. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at sewaneeparents@sewanee.edu.
Welcome to the Sewanee family! We are excited your student picked Sewanee for their college experience. To prepare for their transition to college (as well as yours!) we encourage you to visit the Sewanee Families website to see helpful information and past issues of the newsletter.
We hope you will visit campus not just when your student arrives, but also throughout their time at Sewanee. The information available here provides helpful tips about visiting and where to stay in the area.
Transitioning to college is a unique experience for students and their families. The information included here has been selected to help families learn more about how to navigate this transition and support their student.
Family Weekend is one of many Sewanee traditions parents and family members can participate in. We hope you will join us for Family Weekend each fall while your student is here.
Looking for other information? Hopefully, these links will help you!
Am I required to attend orientation with my student?
No. Only students are required to attend and participate in Orientation activities. However, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations will have an orientation for parents on the first day of First Year Experience, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. We hope to meet you later in the term at Family Weekend or another event if you are unable to attend.
My student is moving in before the first day of First Year Experience for an early program (e.g., fall varsity athletics pre-season practice, international student orientation, etc.). Should I return for orientation activities?
Each family should determine what is best for them. Some families do return while others join us for other events for families including Family Weekend, Sewanee Club events, and online parent orientation sessions.
I am planning to attend the Parent Orientation session. How do I register?
All Orientation guests should register with the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations to help us plan for your attendance. Information about registration will be sent to you via email over the summer.
