Are you the parent or family member of a student starting their first year at Memorial’s St. John’s campus this September?

While your student begins their life at university, there is also an event designed specifically for you. Parent Orientation is planned for the parents and families of new students on Monday, Sept. 5, on the St. John’s campus.

Mini-conference

At this half-day mini-conference, you will learn about the tools available to support your student as they navigate their first year of university life.

Campus tours, panel discussions, breakout sessions on key topics and an information fair are planned for the afternoon.

“Parents can expect to receive lots of tangible information about the student experience and also learn how they can support their student when they transition into university and throughout their progression,” said Dr. Jennifer Massey, director, Student Life.

Dr. Massey believes the university, students and parents are all partners in the post-secondary journey.

“The university experience is such a transformational time for students. And those first 6-8 weeks are undoubtedly the most important.” –Dr. Jennifer Massey

“The university experience is such a transformational time for students,” said Dr. Massey. “And those first 6-8 weeks are undoubtedly the most important. So, we need to start with our best foot forward. Parents are really key constituents in that journey and transition. We also know that parents have a lot of questions.”

Parent Orientation will help parents and family members identify where to go—and who to contact—if their student needs some help.

“If things go wrong, where do they turn and who do they go and see? If things are going very well, where can their student find some enrichment? Where do they encourage them to go? We want parents to have the opportunity to hear from respective experts, so they are informed and prepared if their student requires support,” said Dr. Massey. “I want parents to know that our goal is to ensure their student connects, engages and belongs at Memorial, and that we are doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Parents and family members of new students are encouraged to pre-register for the event here by Wednesday, Aug. 31, to select the breakout session they want to attend. Onsite registration is available, but spaces in breakout sessions are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Parent Orientation

Monday, Sept. 5

Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, St. John’s campus

• 11 a.m. Informal Campus Tours
• 12 p.m. Registration/Check-in and Lunch: Faculty members, deans, and senior university leaders will be present.
• 1 p.m. Welcome and Panel Discussion: Panel discussion with representatives speaking about on-campus dining, Student Wellness and Counselling Centre, Sexual Harassment Office, Career Development, Academic Advising Centre, Glenn Roy Blundon Centre for Students with Disabilities and Residence Life. Each representative will speak about their student resource or support for a few minutes and then answer questions from parents and families.
• 3:15 p.m. Breakout sessions: Parents choose which session is most relevant to them: Accommodations for students with disabilities; Student supports; Helping students explore academic programs
• 4 p.m. Reception and Information Fair: At the information fair, parents and families can learn more about the resources and supports available to students at Memorial and can interact with key contacts in the university.
• 4:30 p.m. Parent Orientation ends

More information about parent orientation is available here.