Family members 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 programs just for you that will happen in tandem with the student Orientation experience.
What's included in Family and Guest Orientation
Orientation sessions
Families are invited to join their students for their Orientation sessions. Select the appropriate program below to learn more about Orientation for new VCU families. 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.
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 one of our residence halls. On-campus accommodations are not provided for family members. If you are coming from out of town, we encourage you to make plans for overnight accommodations at one of our many local area hotels. You can view nearby hotels at VisitRichmondVA.com and be sure to check if they offer a special VCU rate.
Sample schedules and more details will be available soon.
We invite families 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.
Sample schedules and more details will be available soon.
Family and Guest fees by program
$50 per person
This one-time 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 modules for families, 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.
Please note: Fees are subject to change from semester to semester. This fee is non-refundable.
$30 per person (in-person only)
This one-time 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 modules for families, 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.
There is currently no fee for families and guests to attend the virtual Transfer Orientation program.
Please note: Fees are subject to change from semester to semester. This fee is non-refundable.
Ram Ready modules for families
Ram Ready modules for families 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, but the program will also have tailored experiences just for you. To gain access to Ram Ready modules for families, 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 modules for families.
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 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.