Family Essentials Orientation
As valued members of the Wildcat community, we are excited to extend a warm invitation to join us for the virtual Family Essentials Orientation & to become an active member of our community in the years to come!
We understand that this can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, and we want to be sure you have the necessary resources to support your student’s personal and academic growth.
This paid virtual session is unique from your first-year student’s Virtual Orientation Experience. It is designed to provide you with resources and valuable insights into the college experience that assist with the transition to The University of Arizona.
01
REGISTER FOR FAMILY ESSENTIALS
Students can register their family in Next Steps Center at a nominal fee of $20 per family (non-refundable). The charge will appear on your student's Bursar Account, and it covers: access to the virtual Family Essentials Orientation session (1 hour), the Ask the Expert Webinar Series, a resource packet mailed to your home, and an in-person orientation experience called Family Quest (which runs parallel to student move-in dates and Destination Arizona in August, prior to classes beginning).
After your student has signed up for their Academic Connection Date, they can register you for “Family Essentials” by going to Next Steps Center > Orientation > Academic Connection Date and then clicking the red “Make Changes” button.
02
ATTEND FAMILY ESSENTIALS (virtually)
Join us to discover campus resources, review the transition process, and learn more about important dates, deadlines, and details for your student’s success. Your 1-hour Family Essentials Orientation session will take place on Zoom and may run concurrent to your student’s meetings on their Academic Connection Date.
03
ASK THE EXPERT WEBINAR SERIES
We will be offering six virtual campus partner sessions to further assist with specific inquiries distinct to the topic listed. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes, with time for Q & A, and these sessions will be recorded.
DATES:
June 10 | Spotlight on Financial Wellness
June 12 | Spotlight on Living Environment
June 17 | Spotlight on Meal Plans
June 24 | Spotlight on Academic Support & Student Involvement
June 26 | Spotlight on Parents and Family Association Board
July 1 | Spotlight on Health, Wellness, & Safety
04
FAMILY QUEST WELCOME EVENTS (IN PERSON)
Join us in August – prior to classes starting – to engage with other families, meet campus faculty and staff, and learn more about our campus community. These events are not mandatory, and are simply a way to further engage with families and share insightful information, campus culture, and to ensure a successful start to your student’s academic journey at Arizona.
FAMILY QUEST SCHEDULE
- August 19, 2025; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wildcat Family Mix & Mingle
- August 20, 2025; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wildcat Family Mix & Mingle
- August 21, 2025; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Family Resource Fair
- August 22, 2025; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wildcat Family Conference
- August 22, 2025; 5 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Proud Parent Social *$15 per person registration fee prior to July 7 | REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 1
First-year students admitted for Summer or Fall.
Your student can add guests when they initially sign up for an Academic Connection Date, or they can add guests after the fact. To do the latter, they need to go to Next Steps Center > Orientation > Academic Connection Date and click the red “Make changes” button.
If it’s within 15 days of their session, however, students will need to contact orientation@arizona.edu, provide the guest’s name and email, and they will be manually added.
They can go to Next Steps Center > Orientation > Academic Connection Date and click the red "Make changes" button. They will be redirected to a series of screens where they can confirm who they've added as a guest.
They can go to Next Steps Center > Orientation > Academic Connection Date and click the red "Make changes" button.
It is $20 per family. After adding guest(s), your student can pay this fee by going to Student Center > Bursar Account > Bursar Summary.
The fee covers access to the virtual Family Essentials Orientation session (1 hour), the Ask the Expert Webinar Series, a resource packet mailed to your home, and an in-person orientation experience called Family Quest (which runs parallel to student move-in dates and Destination Arizona in August, prior to classes beginning).
Please contact orientation@arizona.edu to have the duplicate charge removed.
Please contact UAFamily@email.arizona.edu
