Family members and supporters of new first-year and transfer students are strongly encouraged to participate in Orientation. As important partners in your student’s success, we have designed Orientation programs just for you that will happen in tandem with the student Orientation experience.
What's included in Family and Supporter Orientation
Orientation sessions
Families and supporters are invited to join their students for their Orientation sessions. Select the appropriate program below to learn more about Orientation for new VCU families and supporters. We are thrilled to welcome you to the VCU RAMily!
We encourage families of first-year students to attend this two-day experience on campus with your student. Your student can add you to their reservation when they register for Orientation (available April 10, 2023).
The Family Orientation program will happen concurrently with your student’s orientation and will offer sessions curated for you to learn all about VCU and how to best support and advocate for your student. We'll also connect you with VCU staff who can answer all of your questions. The program will feature time for you and your student to visit campus offices and take care of any important business while you are here.
Overnight accommodations
Your student’s orientation includes an overnight stay on campus in Gladding Residence Center (covered by their New Student Transition Fee). On-campus accommodations are not included for family members and supporters, but an on-campus option will be available for summer 2023 Orientation sessions at an additional cost in one of VCU’s apartment-style residence halls. For summer 2023, VCU is also exploring hotel blocks nearby for discounted rates. More information on this will be available later this Spring. You can also view nearby hotels at VisitRichmondVA.com - be sure to check if they offer a special VCU rate.
We invite families and supporters of transfer students to join us for your student’s in-person or virtual orientation. You will attend portions of the Orientation program with your student, and there will be parts of the program dedicated just for families and supporters.
Family and Supporter fees by program
This one-time, non-refundable fee covers the cost to attend the in-person program and includes a printed VCU Academic Calendar, materials, refreshments and meals during Orientation, access to Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families and supporters, staffing and rental fees. Overnight accommodations are not included for families and supporters in this fee.
This fee is collected at the time of registration via a secure online payment system. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. We cannot accept cash or checks.
First-year Orientation guest fee: $50.00 per person for adults 18 and over, $25.00 per person for guests from 3-17 years of age, guests 2 and under are free.
Please note: Fees are subject to change from semester to semester. This fee is non-refundable.
This one-time, non-refundable fee covers the cost to attend the in-person program and includes a printed VCU Academic Calendar, materials, refreshments and a meal during Orientation, access to Ram Ready Online Modules for families and supporters, staffing and rental fees.
This fee is collected at the time of registration via a secure online payment system. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. We cannot accept cash or checks.
Transfer Orientation guest fee: $30.00 per person for in-person Orientation programs. There is no additional fee for guests to join the virtual Orientation program.
Please note: Fees are subject to change from semester to semester. This fee is non-refundable.
Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families and supporters
Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families and supporters will share information about academic programs, student life, safety and wellness, and opportunities for your involvement in the VCU community. You will have access to the same content your students will see in their program, and you will see bonus content tailored just for families and supporters. To gain access to Ram Ready Orientation Modules, your student must add you to their registration.
Visit the Registration page for more details on adding a guest. Once you have been added to your student's Orientation account, you will receive an email with more details on the program and how to access Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families and supporters.
Ram Family Update mailing list
Upon registering for Orientation, your student can add your contact information to be included on the Ram Family Update mailing list. Families and supporters on this list receive important monthly updates about what's going on at VCU and any relevant announcements that are communicated to your student. Additionally, you will receive invitations to both virtual and in-person events sponsored by VCU Families and VCU Family Council, a group of families selected to serve families and connect them to VCU.