Family Orientation 2021

150 spots are available. First come, first serve.

Attendees should be incoming freshmen students or incoming transfer students and up to three (3) adult family members. Whether there is 1 individual or 4 individuals, the registration fee is a flat $50.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place and enforced.

The Family Orientation does not include on-the-spot registrations, testing, and consultations with advisors.

For more information, please contact Parent and Family Programs at pantherparent@pvamu.edu or call (936) 261-3566. For special assistance, please call (936) 261-3585.

Event Details

  • Thursday, July 29, 2021
  • MSC – Ballroom (2nd Floor)
  • 10am – 4pm
  • $50 per family
  • Registration is open from July 8 – 20, 2021
  • Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The $50 will cover up to a family of 4, including the student; the student and 3 adult family members who will support the student during their college journey. We are encouraging only student and adult attendance due to COVID-19 protocols and because there are no activities to accommodate children. The registration will have a countdown device to let the registering families know how many seats/spaces are available at the time of registration.

Masks will be required and available upon check-in. There will also be a questionnaire to be completed by all attendees. The questionnaire will be provided by QR Code or paper copy. It will consist of the general questions:

  • Have you experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 48 hours?
    • Cough
    • Fever
    • Shortness of Breath; difficulty Breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Headache
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Diarrhea
    • Nausea or vomiting
  • Have you traveled within the past 10 days?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed with COVID-19?
  • Have you been in close physical contact in the last 14 days with anyone who is known to have COVID-19 or anyone who has any symptoms consistent with COVID-19?

We will also do temperature checks on each attendee. Upon successful completion of the COVID-19 check-ins, the attendee will be provided an arm band signaling clearance and will proceed to regular check-in for the event.

Yes, the breakfast refreshment and lunch will be housed in the ballroom. The breakfast refreshments will consist of coffee, juices, water, fruit, and pastries. The lunch will tentatively consist of hot dogs, chips, pizza, and sandwiches.

Attendees will be encouraged to use their masks when getting their refreshments and lunch items to reduce the risk of possible spread and contamination. While at the tables and during the tours, attendees are welcome to remove their masks. We will also remind attendees to wear masks when mobilizing in the MSC areas and bookstore.

Other Activities

Raffle tickets will be distributed upon check-in to win Panther Boxes throughout the day as we pull tickets.

T-Shirts will be distributed to the attending parents and family members after they complete the assessment at the end of the day.

A photo area will be available for families to take memorable photos.

Families will be given opportunities to visit the bookstore to shop for items and apparel.

Orientation Schedule

The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

9:00 am – 10:45 am

Check-in (1st Floor MSC) – Health Services personnel and Parent Council members will work COVID-19 checkpoints and check-in tables. Breakfast refreshments will be available.

10:00 am – 10:05 am

Welcome message from President and VPs (video/recording)

10:05 am – 10:15 am

Introduction of Parent & Family Programs – Mrs. Yolanda Gross, Program Coordinator (What is PFP, Family Liaison, Parent Council, Upcoming events and activities)

10:15 am – 10:25 am

Restroom Break (DJ plays music, chances to ask questions, prepare for Mr. McKissack and campus tour)

10:25 am – 11:15 am

J. McKissack & short campus tour

11:15 am – 11:20 am

Break (Restroom, questions, and etc.) Video of PV will be shown and DJ will play music

11:20 am – 12:45 pm

Informational Panel (Housing, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Loans, Treasury Services) – Panel will consist of representatives from Housing, Student Financial Aid, Scholarships, Loans, and Treasury Services to address questions and concerns in those areas.

12:45 pm – 1: 45 pm

Lunch, Restroom Break, Time to shop in the Bookstore, Line Dancing w/ the DJ (Hot dogs, pizzas, wings, sandwiches, chips, sodas, waters)

1:45 pm – 2:15 pm

Go over to tour the Recreation Center

2:15 pm – 2:25 pm

Return to MSC and restroom Break (“Happy Hour on the Hill” non-alcoholic drinks & PV Video showing)

2:15 pm – 2:50 pm

Parent & Student Panel Discussion – “REAL TALK HAPPY HOUR ON THE HILL: Family to Family” (Parent Council Members & available parents of upperclassmen students and students) – Engaging conversations with parents and students on expectations and just sharing experiences.

2:50 pm – 3:00 pm

Break (Restroom and “Greek Roll Call” – Parents and Family Members who are associated w/ Greek Organization will be encouraged to participate in the Greek Roll Call – Strolls)

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm

Cheerleaders and/or Gold Members (Teach cheers & chants) – Cheerleaders and/or Gold Members to share and teach some of the traditional chants and cheers.

3:20 pm – 3:35 pm

Athletics (Fall Games & Packages)

3:35 pm – 3:50 pm

Dean of Students & Closeout program – The Dean of Students will come a share valuable information about his services and the program will be closed with a special induction ceremony for the families.

3:50 pm – 4:00 pm

Surveys & Assessments – Families will complete an assessment of the program and receive a free t-shirt.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Bookstore to make purchases & Leave for destinations – Families will have the opportunity to make another visit to the bookstore for purchases and/or leave the campus to return to their destinations.