Parent Orientation

Parents, just like students, need Summer Orientation to help with the transition to college life. You want information and support, too. We understand this need, and we also understand that you are a major contributor, both emotionally and financially, to your student's success. That's why we want you to be a part of the Parent Orientation Program.

Each year, more than 1100 parents attend the program. For some, it is a second, third and even fourth time to participate with a new Tech student. Overwhelmingly, these parents encourage other parents to attend.

Registration

Once your student has registered for Student Orientation, an invitation to Parent Orientation will be e-mailed to the student's email account. Parents must pre-register using the same Kennel portal that was used for Student Orientation registration.

A confirmation is then emailed with payment link. This cost covers registration, meals and materials (for one). All fees are nonrefundable. Pricing options are following:

Quick Tip

Some sessions fill up before the registration deadline. Choose early if you want to be assured of a particular session. Should your student's first choice be full, the next available session choice will be granted.

Accommodations

Parents traveling into Ruston for Parent Orientation will need to reserve lodging at one of our local hotels. Nearly all hotels within the Ruston-area are a quick 5 minute drive from campus.

For a complete listing of lodging options, visit www.rustonlincoln.com.

When You Arrive

Check-in on Wednesday will be held in Tolliver Hall between Noon and 2 p.m. or 3 and 5 p.m. A parent-only check in will be 7:30-8:30 a.m. Thursday morning in Howard Auditorium. We will start Parent Orientation with interactive tours of Louisiana Tech University and the City of Ruston. These tours will depart and head to the Argent Pavilion to enjoy dinner followed by our "Parents' Night Out" at 7:00 p.m.

Parking Permits

Your student will have an opportunity to purchase a fall parking permit during Orientation. The following items are required to purchase a parking permit:

• Driver's license
• Vehicle registration (for the car the student will drive on Tech's campus)
• Social Security Number
• $100 parking fee (not included in the cost of Orientation)

Encouraging Independence

As students begin their career at Tech, it is important that they register for classes on their own with the guidance of their academic advisor so that they may begin making their own decisions about their academic futures. Encouraging students to be self-sufficient will help them to develop confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance their overall experience at Louisiana Tech University.

Interactive Tours

Campus Bus Tour: Departs every 30 minutes from Tolliver Hall

City of Ruston Bus Tour: Departs every 90 minutes from Tolliver Hall

All tours will be between the hours of 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Don't miss out!

Schedule

The Parent Orientation Program is held on the same dates as the student's Summer Orientation Program. The sessions, however, are different. The Student Orientation helps your student make a smooth transition into university life. The Parent Orientation Program is geared toward the "basics"--all those things the student may forget to share about Louisiana Tech. All aspects of the University are discussed and you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. You will also have the opportunity to learn about Tech and Ruston on interactive bus tours sponsored in part by the Ruston Lincoln Convention Visitors Bureau.

Wear comfortable clothes, and remember that meeting rooms can be cool. You may want to bring a light jacket.

For special accommodations, contact Elton Taylor by phone at 318-257-4917 or by email at estaylor@latech.edu prior to your Orientation program.