Parent and Supporters Orientation Program
Updated March 24, 2025
If you are a parent or a supporter of an incoming freshman or transfer student to UC Berkeley curious about the ways you can support your student in their Berkeley journey, consider joining the Parent and Supporters Orientation! Date, time and location for the Fall 2025 Parent and Supporter Orientation are currently being determined. Check back in May for further details.
Campus Partners
For any questions you may have prior to the orientation program, you can visit our campus partners website linked down below:
Campus Partners
- Cal Parents - Bienvenidos por parte de CalParentsadd
Visit us at calparents.berkeley.edu | Contact us at calparents@berkeley.edu
- Cal Student CentraladdVisit us at studentcentral.berkeley.edu | Contact us at 510-664-9181
- Residential Life - Vida ResidencialaddVisit us at reslife.berkeley.edu | Contact us at 510-642-3213
- University Health Services: Health and Wellnes - Servicios de Salud Universitarios: Salud y BienestaraddVisit us at uhs.berkeley.edu | Contact us at 510-642-2000 Self-Help for Parents webpage and Parents and Community page
- Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) - Oficina de Becas y Ayudas Económicasadd
- Understanding Billing and Payments - Entendiendo lo Cobros y PagosaddVisit us at studentbilling.berkeley.edu | Contact us at 510-664-9181
- Office of the Registrar - La Oficina del RegistradoraddVisit us at registrar.berkeley.edu | Contact us at 510-664-9181 or guide@berkeley.edu
Parent and Supporter Orientation FAQs
- Do I need to sign up for Parent and Supporter Orientation?add
You do not need to sign up for Parent and Support Orientation. Our orientation is open to all parents or supporters on a first come, first serve basis. You are able to attend any of the three sessions available, however we highly encourage arriving on time to guarantee your spot.
- Is there a cost associated with Parent and Supporter Orientation?addThere is no fee associated with the Parent and Supporter Orientation. It is free for all parents or supporters.
- Can I stay with my student during Golden Bear Orientation?addIncoming students will be attending orientation with their orientation leaders and new student group. To encourage students to find connections on campus, we recommend that they stay with their group the entire time without their guests.
- What do I need to bring to Parent and Supporter Orientation?addWe do not require any guest to bring anything to Parent and Supporter Orientation. We encourage guests to bring their own water bottles as there will not be any provided with this event.
- May I bring children to Parent and Supporter Orientation?addParent and Supporter Orientation welcomes all guests that are wanting to gain information about our campus community.
- Are there disability services/accommodations during Parent and Supporter Orientation?addNew Student Services works with the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) and Disability Access and Compliance to provide accommodations for PSO. If you require accommodations for a disability (visible or invisible) to fully participate in PSO, please email us at nss@berkeley.edu. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible to better prepare to address your needs.
- How can I get involved on campus as a parent, grandparent, or guardian?addWe encourage all supporters to get involved in our campus community. One method is by joining Cal Parents Ambassadors. This volunteer group is dedicated to enhancing the experience of Berkeley students and their families. Through this opportunity, you are able to serve as an advocate and representative for the university at volunteer events such as move-in activities, Parent Weekend, Cal Day, and Admission Receptions.
- How do I receive campus information about events, programs and activities?addThe university asks that all new students complete the Parent Information Form, which can be accessed under Tasks in CalCentral. Although completion of this form is voluntary, the information provided will help the university keep families informed about campus events, activities and programs. You may also submit your contact information on the Cal Parents website (calparents.berkeley.edu/update/).
- How can I access my student’s information?addThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records and prohibits University staff from disclosing certain information to parents or other individuals without the permission of the student. Students may grant permission to delegates who are parents, guardians, spouses, or any other person to view enrollment information, enrollment information plus grades, and/or financial information (e.g. pay bills, view financial aid). This allows parents or guardians to pay your tuition/fees, view enrollments, view grades, or any combination of the three.
- Where do I access information about all things related to being a parent and supporter?addThe Resource Guide for Parents provides you with helpful information about the university and the network of resources available to your student on our campus. Our hope is that you will use this guide to support your student along their educational path.