Orientation for Parents & Families - The University of Tulsa
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Orientation for Parents & Families

Students aren’t the only ones going through big changes during their college years. Parents and families also experience a transition when their student joins the The University of Tulsa campus community.

UTulsa student and parent on move-in dayThere are easy ways for parents and families to stay connected with everything going on at UTulsa:

StartTU: Fall 2024 (for Families)

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Each fall, The University of Tulsa hosts experiences and events for interested parents and family members of new UTulsa students during StartTU.

These programs provide valuable opportunities for parents and families to meet university staff, learn more about the UTulsa community, and ask questions about the college transition. All programming for parents and families occurs Monday after move in, and will wrap up in time for you to take your student to dinner in Tulsa that evening.

Move-In >> 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

UTulsa students, parents, and volunteers moving into campus residence halls

New student move-in will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19. Peer mentors and UTulsa staff will be on hand to help make sure you get where you need to go, and volunteers will be available to help you and your student move in to their new home-away-from-home.

Move-In Day Map
UTulsa students, parents, and volunteers moving into campus residence halls
UTulsa student with their alumni parents in front of Kendall Bell

Alumni Legacy Photo >> 2:30 p.m.

UTulsa student with their alumni parents in front of Kendall Bell

Are you a true blue UTulsa family? University of Tulsa alumni parents and grandparents, along with their new incoming student, are invited to a special photography session honoring alumni legacy families. We’re so excited your family is continuing the Loyal, Always True tradition!

Meet Your Peer Mentor + "Oh, the Places You Will Go" >> 3 p.m.

Smiling UTulsa Peer Mentors

New students will finally get to meet their peer mentors in real life! Your student will find their assigned peer mentor and orientation group in specified sections and rows, while parents and family members are invited to sit together in the sections above the students.

After introductions from university leadership, enjoy “Oh, the Places You Will Go” – a fun and insightful presentation for both students and family members.

Meet the Peer Mentors
Smiling UTulsa Peer Mentors
Parents and UTulsa staff at Parent Fair during orientation

Parent Welcome & Info Session >> 4 p.m.

Parents and UTulsa staff at Parent Fair during orientation

While students meet their mentors and attend their first group meeting, parents and family members are greeted by the dean of students and other campus professionals. Immediately following the welcome, representatives from campus offices and departments are available to meet parents and families and answer questions during the Parent Information Fair.

Meet UTulsa's Leadership Team

Matriculation >> 5 p.m.

Hosted by President Brad Carson and the student body president, this milestone event marks your student’s official entry into The University of Tulsa’s academic community. Reign Cane!

"Hi, Hungry. I'm Dad."

Need to refuel while you're on campus for StartTU activities? Stop by the Allen Chapman Student Union to grab a bite from our food court-style eateries, pick up snacks from the C-Store, or stock up on spirit wear from the Bookstore and Spirit Shop. Concession stands will also be open in the Reynolds Center beginning at 2:30 p.m. (All options are cashless, so make sure to bring a card.)

Student Union Info

Around Town

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“Mom, I forgot my pillow.”

If you find yourself needing to make a quick run to the store for essentials, there are plenty of options a short drive from campus.

Target: 1701 S. Yale Ave.
Reasor’s Grocery Store: 1885 S. Yale Ave. or 2429 E. 15th St.
Whole Foods: 1401 E. 41st St.
Trader Joe’s: 3702 S. Peoria Ave.
Sprouts: 4123 S. Harvard Ave.
Lowe’s: 1525 S. Yale Ave.
Walgreens: 1424 S. Yale Ave.
CVS: 1701 E. 15th St.
Walmart Neighborhood Market: 4720 E. 21st St.

a colorful evening scene of downtown Tulsa buildings
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fall students walking by Bayless
Campus Contacts
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A UTulsa student and family during homecoming
Resources for Parents
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Save the Date Don’t miss Parent & Family Weekend Oct. 24-27, 2024!

Parent & Family Weekend is a cherished UTulsa Homecoming tradition, bringing together students, their families, and alumni for a memorable weekend filled with school spirit and community. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus, creating unforgettable memories, and reinforcing the sense of belonging that makes The University of Tulsa a second home for students and their families.

Parent & Family Weekend 

Have Questions?

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