Orientation for Parents and Families
Welcome to the Bobcat Family!
We're excited and humbled that your student has chosen to join our incoming class at MSU. We also recognize that it's not just students joining us—it's family, too. So, you're invited to Parent and Family Orientation so that we can welcome you to the Bobcat Family!
We offer Parent and Family Orientation concurrently with each of our summer Freshman Orientation sessions. This program is completely optional for parents, guardians, and family members.
We hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn about everything Montana State University can offer your new Bobcat!
Program Overview and Registration
Program Overview
Parent and Family Orientation is an optional program offered 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.
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.
Registering for Parent and Family Orientation
Parents interested in attending the Parent/Family Orientation can register along with their student online when their student registers for New Student (Freshman) Orientation. 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 in your email to our office.
Not sure if you're already registered? Ask your student to log into their MyMSU account, navigate to their Admissions Checklist,
and scroll to the Orientation item. If you are registered for the Parent and Family
Orientation, the second row of the Orientation/Class Registration table will read "Parent and Family Orientation" and have a checked box.
Sessions, Schedules, and Logistics
Sessions
The Summer 2026 Parent and Family Orientation sessions align with the Freshman Orientation sessions. You may attend any or all of the program for which you are registered.
- Parent and Family Session 1: Monday, June 8 - Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Check in 8:30 - 10:30 AM Monday, June 8
Session ends after the Parent and Family Brunch (around 11:00 AM) on Wednesday, June 10 - Parent and Family Session 2: Monday, June 22 - Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Check in 8:30 - 10:30 AM Monday, June 22
Session ends after the Parent and Family Brunch (around 11:00 AM) on Wednesday, June 24 - Parent and Family Session 3: Monday, July 13 - Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Check in 8:30 - 10:30 AM Monday, July 13
Session ends after the Parent and Family Brunch (around 11:00 AM) on Wednesday, July 15 - Parent and Family Session 4: Sunday, August 23 - Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Students attending Freshman Orientation Session 4 move into their residence halls August 22
- Check in is 8:30 - 10:30 AM Sunday, August 23
Session ends the evening of Monday, August 24 - Parents may attend Freshman Convocation Tuesday, August 25
- Fall semester classes start Wednesday, August 26
Schedules
A tentative schedule will be provided to those registered in advance of the event. A finalized schedule will be provided upon check-in. For sample schedules from previous years, see below. Please note: these are sample schedules, are subject to change, and should not be used for planning purposes.
Lodging and Travel to Bozeman
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. Becausestudents will have already moved into their residence halls by the August session, we cannot offer lodging for parents and family members in August.
If you're not planning to stay on campus, we also recommend checking out our Bozeman Travel Information and Local Guide for hotel and rental car discounts.
Additional Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
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!
Additional Resources
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.