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Parent and Family Orientation

As parents and family members of an incoming CWRU student, we want to welcome you and provide you with information and resources designed to help you and your student succeed during this time of transition.

Parent and Family Orientation is your opportunity to connect and learn more about Case Western Reserve University. 

In-Person Events

During your student's orientation, we host programming for parents, guardians and family members.

  • August/Fall Semester: Events for the parents and family members of new students entering CWRU in August 2025 will take place Sunday, August 17 and Monday, August 18. See the schedule below. Students receive their group assignments at check-in on August 17. 
  • December/Spring Semester: Events for the parents and family members of new students entering CWRU in January 2026 will take place Wednesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 8.

If you’re planning to come to campus with your student in August or January and stay for orientation programming, be sure to explore nearby hotel accommodations.

Webinar Series

CWRU hosts a Parent and Family Orientation webinar series so you can learn more about your student's CWRU experience. Sessions include opportunities to learn about advocacy and support; academic resources; student organizations; and much more.

Parent and Family Guide to Orientation

The parent and family guide is designed to assist you as you support your student’s transition to Case Western Reserve University. The guide below links to various resources, important information and conversation starters with your student. We will continue to update this guide as we prepare for the upcoming semester.

You can see your student’s Roadmap and follow along on their journey and we’ve provided some tips and guidance for you along the way. Students will not have access to everything at once, that is part of the process outlined in the Roadmap.

  • First-Year Students: You and your student will receive the Orientation Newsletter each week until classes begin. Once classes begin and throughout the academic year, you and your student will receive the First-Year Information (FYI) Newsletter . Look for the newsletters in your email inbox every Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern.
  • Transfer students: Your student will receive the Orientation Newsletter each week until classes begin. Once classes begin and throughout the academic year, your student will receive the Thrive Newsletter and throughout the academic year. They should look for the newsletters in their email inbox every Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern.

Connect with your student

  • Each Orientation Newsletter contains important reminders, information and tips for new students. It’s important they are checking their CWRU email account regularly as this is our main form of communication. Encourage your student to read through the content each week and keep up with items on their Roadmap.
  • If your student misses a deadline or is perhaps unable to complete an item in time, there is no need to panic. Your student should reach out to their four-year advisor or the Office of Orientation and New Student Transitions.

Explore the links below to find recommended resources that may help support your student academically. Resources are available to help your student succeed in their classes, including advising, tutoring and more.

Connect with your student

  • First-year students: Your student will have several items to complete on their Roadmap as they prepare for course registration as well as connecting with their four-year advisor. We encourage you to ask about their major interests and the kinds of courses they could take in their first semester at CWRU.

Whether your student lives on campus or commutes from home, they are part of the CWRU community. This is a place where they can engage in opportunities, form connections with their peers while they learn and grow. This also includes engagement in the surrounding Cleveland community. Our students love exploring CWRU and Cleveland. You will too!

Connect with your student

  • CampusGroups is the go-to spot for students looking to get involved on campus. Whether living on campus or commuting, students can join clubs and organizations, as well as find events to attend throughout the year. We also have two activities fair in the fall and spring for students to meet student organizations and get involved.
  • During Discover Week, one of the activities will be to participate in our Discover CLE: Serve & Explore program. Students will be able to register for that program via their Roadmap in late June. 

Explore the links below to learn more about resources for your student.

Connect with your student

  • Transition of care is essential for new students. University Health and Counseling Services provides a wonderful Transition of Care Guide to walk you and your student through healthcare management options
  • Being safe on campus is also a priority. We encourage you to talk to your students about common sense practices 

Explore the links below to get tips and advice from outside resources, such as college parent communities, on how to best support your student through their first year and beyond.