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Welcome to Northwestern!

The Office of Orientation and Parent Programs assists with new students' transition to Northwestern and helps parents and family members receive the necessary resources to answer their questions. On our Website, you'll find information about the two programs the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs coordinates for the Northwestern community:

• Wildcat Welcome is a mandatory, week-long orientation program for all freshmen and transfer students.
• Family Weekend is held each fall to introduce parents of undergraduate students to their son's or daughter's campus life and help them become more familiar with Northwestern. The focus of this annual weekend is welcoming parents as members of the Northwestern community. Classroom visits, meetings with University administrators and deans, a president's convocation, receptions, and a Saturday Wildcat football game are among the planned activities.

What information will I find on this site?

Whether you're looking for tips on what to pack, the best way to get to Evanston, or advice on how parents can help during the transition process, you'll find in on our Web site. To get started, use the links across the top or at the left of this page.

The Office of Orientation and Parent Programs assists new, admitted students and their families. If you are a prospective student that has not yet been admitted to Northwestern, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.