Highlander Orientation

Family Orientation

Family Orientation

Congratulations and Welcome!

UC Riverside recognizes the important role families play in the success of UCR students. We also understand that families are not composed solely of parents and their college-bound students. So whether you are a parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, partner, spouse or supporter, we welcome you to the Highlander family!

This year, Highlander Orientation is offering a total of twelve two day sessions on the UCR campus. To review the dates of upcoming Highlander Orientation sessions and determine which session is best for you and your student, please review the session dates listed on our website.

It is our pleasure to invite you to the Highlander Family Orientation!

Thinking of Attending the Highlander Family Orientation Program?

  • The Highlander Family Orientation program is a two-day comprehensive program designed to help family members become familiar with campus resources, policies and procedures. It also helps family members better understand what first-year UCR students will face during their time at the University. They will have the opportunity to hear from, meet, and interact with faculty members, campus administrators, staff and student leaders.

    Although the Student and Family Orientation sessions run at the same time, they are two separate programs and we have designated presentations that are specifically designed for our student population as well as our family population. However, there will be some sessions available during Family Orientation which will overlap with the Student Orientation.

    We are dedicated to creating a program that will be engaging and informative for our new students and families alike. Please encourage your student to continue to check their e-mail to receive more important information and updates on Highlander Orientation 2026. If you would like to speak to someone directly, we encourage you to reach out to us by email orientation@ucr.edu or phone (951) 827-2789. We appreciate your patience and are extremely excited to have you as a part of the Highlander family!

    • Both Student Orientation and Family Orientation will start with check in and a welcome presentation at approximately 7:45 a.m. More details about the schedule will become available in the near future.
    • We also have a one-day Spanish Language Family Orientation which will be conducted completely in Spanish.
    • The registration fee for guests for the 2026 program is $75 for guests ages 16+ and free of charge for guests ages 15 and under.
    • More information about the schedule and details of the Family Orientation Program will become available in the near future. Any questions about the Family Orientation Program can be directed to orientation@ucr.edu.
    • The deadline to register for Family Orientation is June 1.

    Orientación Familiar — Oprima aquí para información en español

    • We recommend discussing Highlander Orientation options with your student before beginning the registration process.
      • Family members are encouraged to attend the same Highlander Orientation session as their student; however, families are able to register for a separate session if preferred.
    • Students must register their family members for a Highlander Orientation session; there is not a separate log in portal available for families. Your student can register for both the Student and the Family Orientation on the same website.
    • Space in each Highlander Orientation session is limited, so please register early.  
    • While day of registration will be available on a first come first serve basis for families, Family Orientation sessions sessions often reach capacity before the sessions begin. If families are interested in attending Family Orientation it is highly recommended that families register before the June 1st deadline.
  • DAY 1 DAY 2
    8 a.m. – 11 p.m. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • DAY 1
    7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  Check In at Pentland Hills
    8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Onboarding Resource Fair
    9:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Welcome
    9:50 a.m.– 10:40 a.m. Registrar, Financial Aid and Student Business Services presentations
    10:40 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break
    10:45 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Transfer Student Success
    11:10 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. Involvement Fair
    12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Family Lunch
    1:05 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Campus Resource Presentations
    2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Orientation Leader Q&A
    3:15 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Closing
    3:25 p.m. – 5 p.m. Optional Workshop Rotations

Housing Options During Your Session

Our Family Orientation program consists of a two-day on-campus session; while we do not provide housing for guests on-campus, there are a number of hotels available in the local Riverside area. We have listed a few options that are within driving distance below for your convenience. For further information, explore options.

We have family partnerships with many local hotels this summer. If you’re traveling for orientation from afar, check out these hotels for your convenience.

Hotel Partners

  • Courtyard by Marriott 
    1510 University Ave
    Riverside, CA 92507 
    (951) 276-1200 

    • Starbucks Coffee available
    • Open for breakfast at 6:30 a.m.
    • Dinner and cocktails served until 10:00 p.m.
    • Laundry facility on site
    • Pets Welcome

    Booking Link

  • Hyatt Place 
    3500 Market Street
    Riverside, CA 92501
    (951) 321-3500
    Booking Code:  UNIR (CR10017)

    • Parking Reduced to $18
    • Complimentary WiFi and hot Full American Breakfast included with your stay.

    Booking Link

  • Riverside Downtown Marriott (by the Convention Center) 
    3400 Market Street
    Riverside CA 92501 
    (951) 784-8000 

    • Parking: $12 
    • Complimentary WiFi included with your stay. 

    Booking Link

  • Ayres Hotel & Spa  
    TownGate Promenade,
    12631 Memorial Way,
    Moreno Valley, CA 92553 
    (951) 571-4141, (Ext. 0) Ask for “UCR rate”
    Call the number above, at extension 0, ask for the UCR rate.

    • Parking, a hot breakfast, and WiFi are included with your stay.

    Booking Link

  • Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown 
    3505 Market Street
    Riverside, CA 92501 
    (951) 788-5000 

    • Parking: $23 
    • Complimentary hot breakfast and WiFi included with your stay.

    Booking Link

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites 
    12960 Day Street
    Moreno Valley, CA 92507  
    (951) 455-3644 

    • Complimentary hot breakfast, parking, access to the 24-hour fitness and business center, and WiFi included with your stay.

    Booking Link

Flights and Transportation

RECOMENDATION: Highlander Orientation recommends booking flights or timed transportation after 6 p.m. on Day 2 of the in-person First Year sessions.

What Are UCR Parents Saying About Highlander Orientation?

"After one day at UCR, I feel like everyone really cares about our kids and wants them to do well. There is help available everywhere. I'm very impressed."

"I was not expecting the effort and care that everyone expressed. Their devotion to making the college experience as successful and enjoyable as possible was evident in every presentation."

"Family Orientation made us feel very comfortable about sending our son to UCR. Everybody was very informative, polite, gracious and ready to help. Orientation really made the true meaning of personal touch."

"Orientation was excellent. Thanks for making this experience [the student's transition into college] easier for parents. It shows that the entire administration takes a caring attitude."

You Belong at UCR

All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.

To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.