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Students transport belongings in a large rolling bin on move-in day

Helping families understand and support the student experience

View Resources
Fall foliage with the tower of Rush Rhees library in the background.

Orienting families to the University of Rochester

Orientation
Students in caps and gowns smiling and posing at commencement

Ensuring our parent community feels informed, valued, and respected

View Ways to Stay Informed

Important Dates

  • Thanksgiving BreakNovember 27–December 1
  • Last Day of ClassesDecember 9
  • Final ExamsDecember 13–December 18
  • Spring Classes BeginJanuary 21

MONTHLY POLL

December 2024

During the fall semester 2024, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Choose your answer >

Future Commencement Dates

  • May 16 - 18, 2025

Stay tuned for Commencement 2025 information. Visit the Commencement website to learn more.

  • May 15 - 17, 2026

Celebrate and Connect!

130countries

Students come from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. Most undergrads live on campus for all four years of their college experience.

Suggested Readings

51 Tips for Parents of College Students by Alan Farber and Linda O'Brien

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Getting Ready for College; Everything You Need to Know Before You Go - From Bike Locks to Laundry Baskets, Financial Aid to Health Care by Polly Berent.

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Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger.

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Don't Tell Me what to Do, Just Send Money by Helen Johnson and Christine Schelhaus-Miller.

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You're On Your Own (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage.

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Empty Nest...Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Andrea Van Steenhouse.

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Getting Through College Without Going Broke: A Crash Course on Finding Money for College and Making it Last by Students Helping Students.

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UR Acronyms & Abbreviations

At the University of Rochester names of departments, offices, programs, and more are commonly referenced by an acronym or abbreviation, rather than their full name. We recognize that this might pose confusion for parents, families, new students, or other individuals not familiar with the University. View a list of our most commonly used acronyms and abbreviations with links to respective web pages for more information.

Learn More

Dear Family

 

Every year, graduating seniors submit messages to their families to show appreciation for their support over their journey at the University. View the collections of previous notes from seniors to their families.

Learn More


Do you have thoughts on ways we can improve our communication with you? Please let us know.
Parent and Family Relations is a unit of the Office of the Dean of Students.