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

UTulsa student and parent on move-in dayStudents 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 University of Tulsa campus community.

There are easy ways for parents and families to stay connected with everything going on at UTulsa:

StartTU: Fall 2025 (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.-Noon

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

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.

UTulsa students, parents, and volunteers moving into campus residence halls
Students and parents smiling and standing in front of Bayless Plaza

Alumni Legacy Photo: 2:30 p.m.

Students and parents smiling and standing in front of Bayless Plaza

Are you a true blue UTulsa family? Your UTulsa alumni family members are invited to join your new incoming student for a group photo honoring legacy families. We’re so excited your family is continuing the Loyal, Always True tradition!

Meet Your Peer Mentor: 3 p.m.

Large group of peer mentors posing and smiling in front of Bayless Plaza

New students will finally get to meet their peer mentors in real life! Your student will find their assigned peer mentor and orientation group on the Reynold’s Center concourse, while parents and family members are invited to sit together in the arena for the Parent & Family Welcome.

Meet the Peer Mentors
Large group of peer mentors posing and smiling in front of Bayless Plaza
Parents and UTulsa staff at Parent Fair during orientation

Parent Welcome & Information Fair: 3:15 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 campus leaders. 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 university leadership and the student body president, this milestone event marks your student’s official entry into The University of Tulsa’s academic community. Make plans to attend and witness this milestone event for your student! 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 (all options are cashless, so make sure to bring a card). Looking for something uniquely Tulsa? Local food trucks will be serving delicious eats near McFarlin Library (cash and card options available; a portion of proceeds will support UTulsa Sorority & Fraternity Life).

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
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A UTulsa student and family during homecoming
Resources for Parents
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October 24-25, 2025 Don’t miss Parent & Family Weekend in October

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.

Learn more 

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