Guest Utah Bound Orientation Questions
What is Utah Bound Orientation?
Guest Utah Bound Orientation is a program that runs concurrently with fall admitted first-year student Utah Bound Orientation programs. At Utah Bound Orientation, guests will learn more about campus resources, the student experience, and how to support their student in the transition to college. Beginning Summer 2026, we will offer a Virtual Guest Utah Bound Orientation experience. Please check back soon.
Why is there a fee for Utah Bound Orientation?
The Utah Bound Orientation fee is implemented in order to best serve participants who attend our program, and fees go toward items such as swag, meals, refreshments, space, and staffing during the program. We want everyone who attends Utah Bound Orientation to have the best experience possible, and thus the fee is implemented to make that happen.
Why must my student attend an in-person Utah Bound Orientation?
The benefits to attending an in-person session are numerous. During your student’s time at Utah Bound Orientation, they will connect with other incoming students, experience life on campus, meet with advisors within their academic college, and learn about ways to get involved on campus. Students who attend in-person orientation report having a smoother transition to college life, feeling more comfortable finding their way around campus, utilizing resources, and are better prepared for the first day of classes. We are excited for your student to get a glimpse into the next several years here at the University of Utah!
Am I required to attend the same session as my student?
While it’s recommended you attend the same session as your student, it’s not a requirement. Guests, parents, family members & supporters will be on their own track for most of the day, and thus attending a separate session still ensures that participants are receiving valuable information pertaining to their student’s success in college.
Where can I stay before or after orientation?
If you are looking for accommodations for you or your student, please visit the University Guest House & Conference Center. If you would like to book with the University Guest House, please indicate on your reservation you are attending Utah Bound Orientation, in order to receive the University rates.
Can I complete Utah Bound Orientation on behalf of my student?
No. Utah Bound Orientation contains federally mandated sections within its programming, and thus it is required that every student at the University of Utah complete their own Utah Bound Orientation. This pertains to both virtual and in-person Utah Bound Orientation.
Why can’t I attend First Semester Course Registration with my Student?
During Utah Bound Orientation, we do not allow guests, parents, family members or supporters to attend First Semester Course Registration with your student during Utah Bound Orientation. Since students are beginning their individual journeys at the University of Utah, we have chosen to keep this time solely between the student and the advisors within their Academic College. This allows students to simulate the autonomy of college life, become familiar with interacting 1-on-1 with faculty and staff, and feel prepared and equipped for navigating the first day of classes on their own. Additionally, there may be other students in the vicinity who are also registering for classes. Due to FERPA regulations, we cannot allow guests in the area in order to protect the privacy of our students.
Why can’t you let my student into a Utah Bound Orientation that’s already full?
Unfortunately, once an orientation session is full, whether in-person or virtual, we cannot accept additional reservations. This is due to having a set number of appointment times for academic advisors to meet with students, preparations of our materials, and space capacity. We keep our capacities consistent for each session in order to ensure that each student has a personable, intentional, unrushed time with their advisor during First Semester Course Registration as they register for classes. View a list of the remaining available sessions.
Please note, attending a later Utah Bound Orientation session still allows students to register for classes. Although we understand that earlier sessions may seem more desirable due to course planning and class availability, our advisors are prepped and ready to assist at all sessions to give each student the best possible schedule available to them, no matter the session.
Where should I park for Utah Bound Orientation?
You can find parking information on our Travel Information page.
If you can't find answers to your questions here,
email us at orientation@utah.edu or call us at (801) 581-7069.