Welcome, families! We’re excited to welcome you and your student to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As your student begins this exciting new chapter, we invite you to participate in events and sessions created just for parents, family members, and guests of new international students.
The International Parent and Family Orientation is organized and conducted by New Student and Family Experiences (NSFE). This program takes place alongside the International Student Orientation and offers tailored events just for parents, family members, and guests of new international students.
What You’ll Learn
- How the university supports your student’s academic and personal success
- Ways for students to get involved on campus and in the community
- Classroom expectations and cultural transitions
- How to stay connected to your student and the Illinois community
Orientation Schedule for Parents and Families
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Location: Gregory Hall, Room 112, 810 S. Wright St., Urbana, IL 61801
Check-in: 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sessions promptly begin at 9:00 a.m. Please ensure you arrive early so that you are checked in before 9:00 a.m.
Session 1: Keys to Setting Up Your Student for Success
This session will introduce parents and families to key campus resources and services. It will also address the transition that students and families experience as students begin their academic journey at the University of Illinois. Speakers will represent the following campus offices and units: New Student & Family Experiences, University Housing, the University Police Department, and the Connie Frank Care Center.
Session 2: Student Engagement Panel
This session will provide parents and families with an overview of the many avenues for student involvement at the University of Illinois and the positive impact engagement has on academic success. Panelists will represent Grainger College of Engineering (International Programming), Student Engagement, International Education, and Illinois Student and Scholar Services. Panelist will entertain questions from families.
Session 3: Student Academic Success Panel
Parents and families will meet a panel of academic advisors who will share insights into what the academic experience looks like at the University of Illinois and what expectations students can anticipate. Representatives from the Gies College of Business, Grainger College of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will participate in this discussion.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
International Family Meet & Greet
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Campus Instructional Facility, Room 0035 (1405 W. Springfield)
Join New Student and Family Experiences for coffee, tea, light refreshments, and conversation with other families and University representatives. A student panel will share about student life and answer families’ questions. Immediately following the student panel, families may join Illinois student tour guides for a tour of the main campus.
Family Send Off Celebration
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Anniversary Plaza, Illini Union, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana
(Note: Anniversary Plaza is located outside of the Illini Union on the north side of the Quad)
Saying goodbye is never easy, but we’re here to make it a little sweeter. Join us at Anniversary Plaza for snacks, a chance to make a farewell card, and time to connect with your student and other families. It’s a warm sendoff as students begin their Illini adventure.
This event takes place on August 19, 20 and 21. Since the event is repeated each day, we ask that families choose one day to attend.
Welcome to the FamILLy Ice Cream Social
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Alice Campbell Alumni Association (601 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61801)
Meet up at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center to enjoy locally made ice cream made! Celebrate being a part of the Illinois FamILLy and enjoy meeting other families as well as ISSS and NSFE staff!
Thursday, August 20, 2026
College Tours
Representatives from the Gies College of Business, Grainger College of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will provide a tour of their outstanding academic spaces.
All tours begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20. Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. so you are ready when the tour begins.
Please meet at the following locations for specific college tours:
- Grainger College of Engineering
- Meet outside of Engineering Hall (1308 W. Green Street Urbana, Illinois 61801)
- A Grainger representative will meet you at this location.
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
- Meet in the Foyer of Lincoln Hall (702 S Wright Street Urbana, Illinois 61801)
- Please enter Lincoln Hall from the Quad and a representative from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will meet you there.
- Gies College of Business
- Meet at the Business Instructional Facility (BIF) (515 E. Gregory Dr. Champaign, IL 61820)
- A representative from the Gies College of Business will meet you there.
Stay Connected Year-Round
Families play an important role in supporting students, and both International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Office of New Student and Family Experiences (NSFE) offer resources to help you stay informed and engaged.
Stay Connected with NSFE
New Student and Family Experiences offers dedicated family resources to help you stay involved:
- Illinois Family Connections Portal: A new communications portal that provides important family communications and keeps you up to date on University of Illinois information. To sign up to be a part of Illinois Family Connections, please visit the sign-in portal to register.
- Parent and Family Weekends: Special campus events during the fall and spring
- More info: New Student and Family Experiences website.
Stay Connected with ISSS
The International Student and Scholar Services team is here to support your student throughout their time at Illinois. While ISSS communicates primarily with students, families are welcome to explore these resources:
- Resources for Parents and Friends: FAQs, guidance on FERPA (student privacy laws), and reassurance that ISSS is here to support your student’s success and well-being.
- Additional ISSS Topics: Learn about important ISSS announcements, scam safety, health insurance, transportation, and more by exploring the ISSS website.
Contact Us
Have questions about the International Parent and Family Orientation? Contact NSFE at illinoisfamilies@illinois.edu.
Have general questions about international student orientation and programs? Contact Global Communications at intl-orientations@illinois.edu.