Families

Overview

Welcome, parents and families! Whether your student is brand new to higher education or is transferring from another institution, transitioning to the University of Rochester is a big adjustment—not only for your student, but for your entire family. We are here to provide support, answer questions, and give you the resources you need to help your student as they begin their Rochester journey.

Helpful tasks for families of incoming spring students

As your student completes the new student checklist before they arrive on campus in January, here are a few suggested tasks for parents and family members to make sure you are ready for Rochester, too.

Mark your calendar for Spring Arrival Day

Save the date for Spring 2026 Arrival Day! All students beginning their studies in January should plan to arrive on campus (and move in, if they're living on campus) on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

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Ask your student to add your email address(es) to UR Student

If your student didn't update your contact information when completing their onboarding tasks in UR Student, they'll need to log back in to verify that all the information is correct. The University uses the contact information provided in your student's UR Student account to send you important communications ahead of their arrival to campus and throughout their time at Rochester.

Help your student set up third-party access for UR Financials

Authorized friends or family members can view their student's billing account, access the online payment option, and receive email notifications before charges are due. View instructions for authorizing third-party access to make sure you and your student don't miss any important financial information.

Watch tutorial video

Spring 2026 Families

Parent and family Q&A

Before your student begins their Rochester journey in Jnuary, join director of parent and family relations Dawn Bruner for a virtual Q&A session with fellow incoming spring 2026 families on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. (EST). Advance registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link to participate.

Rochester resource webinar recordings

Learn more about campus resources and services from University staff members in these webinar recordings from summer 2025, hosted especially for parents, family members, and supporters.

Photo of a student and their parent hugging with a vehicle in the foreground

How to support your college student

Director of Parent and Family Relations Dawn Bruner, EdD, discusses how to best support your student during their time at Rochester.

Watch recording

Photo of a globe in the foreground and a non-descript blurred background

International families Q&A

Assistant Dean of International Student Engagement Molly Morrison answers questions from parents and family members of incoming international students. Please note: this event was recorded on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Watch recording

Photo of a student and an advisor talking at a desk

Supporting your student's career journey

Learn about how the University supports your student as they explore careers, gain experience, and connect with alumni and employers.

Watch recording

Photo of Rocky high-fiving a student as they head into the Palestra with other students

Student activities and campus support resources

Learn about the ways for your student to engage with others on campus and who to turn to if you're concerned about their adjustment.

Watch recording

Resource

First-generation student and family resources

Being the first (or one of the first) in a family to attend college is a special opportunity for your student, you and the rest of your family members. In this video, University staff share the variety of resources and support available to you and your student as you embark on this new journey.

Watch video

Rochester Ready resource videos

Your student will have acess to a variety of resource videos in Blackboard (the University's learning management system) as part of the Rochester Ready program, but you can also view them, too. Please note: These videos contain automatic captions. If you need additional captioning due to a disability accommodation, please contact us at orientation@rochester.edu.

Resource

Parent and family relations

The Parent and Family Relations Office is also available to help you understand and support your student's experience, learning, and growth throughout their entire undergraduate career.

Learn more