Family & Supporters Orientation Schedule
Orientation is packed with Lute traditions that will help your student transition to PLU and meet faculty, staff and peers. Family and supporters, including parents, grandparents, partners, spouses, children, siblings, cousins, friends, mentors, sponsors, etc. are a key part of each student’s transition and journey at PLU. Therefore, Orientation is also designed to welcome families and supporters to the Lute Community: Sessions on Saturday, September 5, 2026 are designed just for you while your new student spends time with their peer-led Lute Group. We offer two tracks: one in English and one in Spanish. In the Spanish sessions, Spanish-speaking presenters and/or interpreters will ensure that all information is provided in Spanish.
Orientación para Familias y Amigos
Orientación está repleta de tradiciones de Lute que ayudarán a tu estudiante a adaptarse a PLU y a conocer a profesores, personal administrativo y compañeros. La familia y los amigos, incluyendo padres, abuelos, parejas, cónyuges, hijos, hermanos, primos, amigos, mentores, patrocinadores, etc., son una parte fundamental de la transición y la experiencia de cada estudiante en PLU. Por lo tanto, Orientación también está diseñada para dar la bienvenida a las familias y los amigos a la Comunidad Lute: Las sesiones del sábado 5 de septiembre de 2026 están pensadas especialmente para ustedes, mientras su estudiante participa en su Lute Group dirigido por compañeros. Ofrecemos dos opciones: una en inglés y otra en español. En las sesiones en español, presentadores o intérpretes hispanohablantes se asegurarán de que toda la información se proporcione en español.
| SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 - EVENTS - ENGLISH TRACK | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 8:00AM-4:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) |
| Welcome to PLU: Opening Keynote Learn what it means for you and your student to join the Lute Community: Diversity, Justice, & Sustainability (DJS), Vocation, and Lutheran Higher Education. | 9:30AM-10:40AM | Olson Gym |
| Navigating the Transition Meet Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics and Student Experience Joanna Royce-Davis and Associate Provost for Advising, Equity, & Student Experience Angie Hambrick as they walk you through how your role and relationship with your student may change as your student begins their PLU college experience. | 10:55AM-11:45AM | Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (First Floor) |
| HUNGRY? There are a variety of lunch options near campus, including our walkable Garfield Street business district. Look for “Welcome to PLU” signs in the windows of restaurants partnering with Lute Welcome Orientation and let them know you are participating in Supporter Orientation. Stop by HQ for additional information. | 11:45AM-1:15PM | On Your Own - Stop by Headquarters (AUC 2nd floor) for recommendations in Parkland |
| Student to Supporter Hear from current PLU students how their parents and supporters helped them in their transition to and success at PLU, and possibly a few tips for what not to do. Opportunity for Q&A will be included. | 1:15PM-2:05PM | Scandinavian Cultural Center (AUC 100) |
| Supporter to Supporter Hear from current PLU supporters how they've helped students in their transition to and success at PLU, and possibly a few tips for what not to do. Opportunity for Q&A will be included. | 2:15PM-3:00PM | Scandinavian Cultural Center (AUC 100) |
| Campus Partner Sessions - Session A An opportunity to hear from and ask questions of representatives from various campus departments and programs who you can partner with for the success of your student. - Center for Student Success (AUC 201): The Fall Term for your Student - What does it look like? When does the stress really hit? How can you help? - On-Campus Housing (Scan Center): Navigating housing on campus - what you need to know and wish you knew. Learn about our processes, timelines and resources that can help you help your student. - Lutes Commute (Commuter Lounge, AUC 140): This session welcomes family members and supporters to the Lutes Commute community. Learn about the services and resources provided for commuting students to support their wellbeing, academic success, and a strong start here at PLU. | 3:15PM-3:45PM | Locations vary -- check the left column for locations. AUC refers to the Anderson University Center. |
| Campus Partner Sessions - Session B An opportunity to hear from and ask questions of representatives from various campus departments and programs who you can partner with for the success of your student. - Wellbeing Services & Resources (Hong Hall): This is an introduction to the Wellbeing Services and Resources (WSR) Office. Learn about our component services (Accommodations, Counseling, Dean of Students, Food Pantry and Health) and how we support PLU students as they navigate their college experience. - Alumni & Student Connections (AUC 201): Understand how you can empower your student's career development from day one. We'll provide you with a roadmap of the career resources available at PLU; including key milestones and tools your students can use throughout their four years to connect their liberal arts education to meaningful employment outcomes. - Campus Safety (Scan Center): Come learn and ask questions about The Campus Safety Department and the services we offer the PLU community: safety, emergency programs, parking and student ID/LuteCard. | 4:00PM-4:30PM | Locations vary -- check the left column for locations. AUC refers to the Anderson University Center. |
| Welcome to the Neighborhood A fun block party-style introduction to the Parkland community. Reception open to New Students, Families, Supporters, & Parkland Community Members | 4:45PM-6:15PM | Foss Field (Lower Campus) |
| SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 - EVENTS - SPANISH TRACK | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Tu ventanilla única para todo lo relacionado con la orientación. Visítanos si tienes preguntas, estás perdido/a o no estás seguro/a del horario. | 8:00AM-4:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) |
| Bienvenidos a PLU: Conferencia Inaugural Descubre lo que significa para ti y tu estudiante formar parte de la Comunidad Luterana: Diversidad, Justicia y Sostenibilidad (DJS), Vocación y Educación Universitaria Luterana. | 9:30AM-10:40AM | Olson Gym |
| ¡Bienvenidas, Bienvenidos, Bienvenides! Una orientación para familias y comunidad en español | 10:55AM-11:45AM | Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Ness Family Chapel Lobby (2nd Floor) |
| ¿Tienes hambre? Hay una gran variedad de opciones para comer cerca del campus, incluido el distrito comercial de Garfield Street, al que se puede llegar a pie. Busca los carteles de «Welcome to PLU» en los escaparates de los restaurantes que colaboran con el programa de orientación «Lute Welcome» y diles que participas en la orientación para familiares y amigos. Pásate por la sede central para obtener más información. | 12:00PM-1:15PM | |
| Visitas Guidas Visitas guiadas al campus en español. Descubre dónde tomará clases tu hijo/a y explora el campus de PLU con un guía estudiantil hispanohablante. | 1:15PM-2:15PM | Meet at Anderson University Center (AUC) 133 |
| Panel de Estudiantes Escucha a estudiantes actuales de PLU y descubre cómo sus padres, familias, y sistema de apoyo los ayudaron en su transición y éxito en PLU. Habrá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas. | 2:15PM-3:15PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) 133 |
| Sesión Informativa Sobre Ayuda Financiera Escucha a las personas que ayudan a tu estudiante a gestionar la ayuda financiera, e incluya tiempo para hacer tus preguntas. | 3:30PM-4:15PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) 133 |
| Bienvenidos al Barrio Una divertida fiesta de bienvenida a la comunidad de Parkland. La recepción está abierta a nuevos estudiantes, familias, amigos, y miembros de la comunidad de Parkland. Busca a quienes lleven botones con la inscripción "Hablo Español". | 4:45PM-6:15PM | Foss Field (Lower Campus) |
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