Parents & Families

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family smiling with stuffed tigers

Family Communications

TU family members are encouraged to sign up for the TU for Families e-newsletter, the best way to stay up-to-date with information specific to TU families.

TU for Families Sign-Up

Summer 2021 Family Orientation

Family Orientation consists of an orientation module and a series of live Zoom webinars to learn about campus offices and resources. Make sure your student registers you for Family Orientation by following the  Register Here for Orientation [TU NET ID LOG IN] button- this will make sure you get all communications regarding Family Orientation opportunities.

You can choose the Zoom session(s) that works for you: we offer both comprehensive sessions that cover all orientation topics on one day, or shorter sessions that cover one specific topic. Pre-registration for specific Zoom sessions is available for families who have registered through the orientation system, but not required. You can register or join a session in progress at any time through the links posted here.

Links will be available 24-hours in advance of sessions, and recordings will be posted 48-hours after the conclusion of each session.

Virtual Sessions- Comprehensive Virtual Sessions- By Topic*

Transfer

First-Year

*All topic sessions will be recorded and posted to the website

If your student elects to attend the optional, in-person session they may bring one guest for a $10 fee. You must attend the same session as your student, but the student session and family session will be run seperately. 

For more information about student orientation sessions, visit the Freshmen Student Orientation page or Transfer Student Orientation page.

Prior to attending virtual orientation, students must complete a mandatory online pre-orientaiton module. Their pre-orientation should be completed at least 48 hours prior to attending a live, virtual orientation date. Families are not required to complete the pre-orientation module but have access through the guest log-in.

Pre-Orientation Module

Guest Log-in

Please use the Guest portal, not your student's log-in, to participate in the pre-orientation module. Signing up is easy and free.

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Conversations for the Car Ride Home

Why not set aside time after their orientation to talk about important college issues? The Conversations for the Car Ride Home resource can help focus your conversations about college concerns and TU resources.

Conversations for the Car Ride Home (PDF)
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Towson Family Network

Have you joined the Towson Family Network? You can find information about benefits, scholarships for students of members and how to get involved.

Visit the Towson Family Network

Orientation At-A-Glance

Student holding Ready to Roar sign

Pre-Orientation Module

Students complete a pre-orientaiton module at least 48 hours prior to Summer Orientation. You can use Guest access to view.

Pre-Orientation Module Log-In
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Summer Orientation

Your student attends mandatory virtual Summer Orientation. Optional virtual Family Orientation is available. 

Summer Orientation Registration
Family smiling with ready to roar sign

Welcome to TU

Your student attends mandatory and optional Welcome to TU (W2TU) events in August from move in through the weekend before classes start.

Welcome to TU

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Orientation welcomes all families and supporters who have a new student attending TU, but our program is not mandatory. Family Orientation is strongly encouraged for first-generation families and those sending their first student to Towson University. 

While there is a fee for students to attend New Student Orientation, guests attending virtual Family Orientation will not be charged a fee.

For students who may need a fee waiver in order to attend their orientation, please complete this form.

Because of our registration system, your student MUST register you for Family Orientation at the same time they choose their New Student Orientation date. It is important that you communicate with your student to ensure they register you for our program.  If you have questions about registration, call New Student and Family Programs at 410-704-2309 and we will be happy to help!

The Family Network is a community of parents and family members dedicated to ensuring students are successful during their time at TU. Membership is $50 per family and includes discounts to Family Weekend, scholarship opportunities, and a bi-annual magazine. You can sign up for the Family Network on their website. 

You will have access to presentations about campus life, health and counseling, safety, housing and billing/financial aid. You will also receive a guest log-in for the pre-orientation module students are required to complete.

YES! We encourage and welcome anyone who supports a TU student attend participate in our program.

However, all guests who register for Family Orientation will have to follow the program and WILL NOT be able to attend any student-only sessions. 

There are two main reasons: First, due to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all information pertaining to the student’s academic record is given to the student only. Second, we want students to begin to take ownership of their academic journey since they will be the ones taking classes. Students are assisted by highly qualified academic advisers and support staff who are available to answer any questions they have.

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