First-Year Family Orientation

Before booking travel, confirm your student has completed sign-up.

June Dates:

• *June 16-17
• *June 23-24
• *June 26-27
• *June 30- July 1

*View the specialty group dates tab for dates relating to honors, Spanish translation, and veteran dependent Orientation Programs.

Family orientation coincides with student orientation. Some sessions are together.

July Dates:

• *July 14-15
• *July 18-19
• July 21-22
• July 24-25

Specialty Group Dates

Honors

Students accepted into the Honors program can attend additional programming at an Honors focused program. While these orientations have an additional session, Honors staff will be at every Orientation program.

*Honors Program Dates:

• June 23 – 24 (Monday – Tuesday)
• June 26 – 27 (Thursday – Friday)

*These programs are not only meant for Honors students.

Spanish Translation

We know some families and guests are Spanish speaking. We are pleased to offer English to Spanish translation during two programs for anyone who would like a translation device or to speak to bilingual Orientation Leaders.

Translated Programs:

• July 18 – 19 (Friday – Saturday)

Veteran Dependents

G.I. Bill Education benefits can take as long as eight weeks to process. Veteran Dependent students using G.I. Bill benefits, should attend an Orientation in June so they can register for classes as early as possible.

*Veteran Dependent Dates:

• June 16-17 (Monday – Tuesday)
• June 23-24 (Monday – Tuesday)
• June 30-July 1 (Monday – Tuesday)
• July 14-15 (Monday – Tuesday)

*If any of these programs are full or don’t work with their summer schedule, contact our office.

Hotels Near Campus

Our close proximity to downtown Boise gives you plenty of great hotel options to choose from; some of the hotels outlined below provide Boise State discounts for families attending orientations. Please note: Families and guests do not stay with students in the residence halls.

The Inn at 500

Book your room at The Inn at 500

Courtyard by Marriott Boise Downtown

Book your room at the Courtyard with code U4B

The Grove Hotel

Book your room at The Grove Hotel

Hotel 43

Book your reservation at Hotel 43

Residence Inn Boise Downtown/University

Book your room at the Residence Inn Boise Downtown/University

Red Lion Downtowner

Book your room at Red Lion Boise Downtowner with code BSU

Holiday Inn Express Boise – University Area

Book your room at the Holiday Inn Express

Springhill Suites Boise Parkcenter

Book your room at Springhill Suites Boise Parkcenter

Family Schedule

Day 1:

• • 8:00am – 9:00am – Check-in
  • 9:15am – 9:25am – Welcome
  • 9:25am – 9:55am – Faculty Panel
  • 9:55am – 10:10am – Advising Overview
  • 10:10am – 10:20am – Family Coffee Break
  • 10:20am – 11:00am – Welcome to the Bronco Family
  • 11:00am – 12:00pm – Academic Success in College
  • 11:45am – 12:45pm – Lunch
  • 12:50pm-1:30pm – On & Off Campus
  • 1:40pm – 2:20pm – Wellbeing Panel
  • 2:20pm – 3:20pm – Bronco Wellness
  • 2:20pm – 3:30pm – Upcoming Family Events
  • 3:30pm – 4:00pm – Financial Presentation
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Resource Fair

Day 2:

• • 10:30am – 11:15am – Brunch
  • 11:30am -12:00pm – Beyond Boise State
  • 12:00pm – 2:00pm – Check-out

View the 2-day Student Schedule Here

Need help navigating to campus?

You’ll find Boise State University between Broadway Avenue and Capital Boulevard, just a short distance from Interstate 84 and less than 4 miles from the Boise Airport. Check-in will be in the Recreation Center while a majority of the Orientation program is held in the Student Union Building.

Need help navigating around campus?

Search locations in our campus map

Parking

Free parking is provided on campus during orientation programs at the Lincoln Parking Garage. If your student is staying overnight, they can leave their car overnight as well.

Directions to the Lincoln Parking Garage

Orientation Check-in Details:

• All families and guests are required to check-in with their student.
• Check-in takes place in the Recreation Center.

What to Bring For Family Orientation:

• Water Bottle
• Comfortable Shoes
• Light Jacket or Blanket (temperatures in the building can be cold)
• A notebook and pen (in case you want to take notes)

Accommodations

How do I indicate I need accommodations to participate in the orientation program?

If you need any accommodations for reading, seeing, hearing, language, or other disability-related needs to fully participate in the in-person family orientation, please have your student indicate that when they sign up for orientation or contact our office to add an accommodation.

How do I modify my accommodations for the orientation program?

If your situation has changed and your student has already signed you up for family orientation, please contact our office to update your accommodation details.

Does your student need accommodations beyond orientation?

Establish Services with the Educational Access Center

FAQs

When will the dates for Summer 2025 First-Year New Student Orientation be announced?

Dates for Summer 2025 New Student Orientation will be announced in March 2025.

How do I sign-up for Family Orientation?

Your student can sign you up for family orientation through their orientation sign-up.

Is there a fee to attend Family Orientation?

Yes, there is a $75 fee per guest, which covers family programming and meals throughout the day.

Why is there a guest fee? What does it pay for?

Student orientation is funded by student fees paid through tuition. The family and guest fee allows us to cover family orientation costs from food to space to staffing, similar to a conference.

Can orientations be updated or canceled?

If plans have changed and your student is unable to attend their chosen Orientation program, they can reschedule to another open session. Likewise, if guest information needs to be updated, have your student call our office at (208) 426-1156 to discuss transferring your reservation and/or fees to another date, if space is available.