Check back in November for details about events for Parents & Supporters of Spring 2027 students.
The Parent and Supporters Orientation is a program led by New Student Services and Cal Parents & Families where parents and supporters can learn more about their student’s next steps integrating into the Berkeley campus, and participate in asking student panelists questions related to financial aid, academic support, professional development opportunities, and social life at Cal.
Campus Partners
For any questions you may have prior to the orientation program, you can visit our campus partners website linked down below:
You do not need to sign up for Parent and Support Orientation. Our orientation is open to all parents or supporters of incoming undergraduate students on a first come, first serve basis. We highly encourage arriving on time to guarantee your spot.
There is no fee associated with the Parent and Supporter Orientation. It is free for all parents or supporters.
Incoming 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.
We 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.
Parent and Supporter Orientation welcomes all guests that are wanting to gain information about our campus community.
New 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.
We 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.
The 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/).
The 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.
The 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.