Family Members

 

Family Orientation at the College of Charleston!

We offer a Family Orientation as part of our student orientation sessions, designed especially for parents, family members, and supporters. This program is a great opportunity to engage with the CofC community and learn how to best support your student during their college journey.

Registration Details:

When your student registers for Orientation, they can indicate the number of family members planning to attend our Family Orientation program. Please be aware that the cost is $35 per family member aged 12 and older, which will be conveniently included in your student's tuition bill ahead of the semester.

Confirmation & Next Steps:

Approximately one week after completing the orientation registration form, you can confirm the orientation date in the student’s MyPortal profile. Don't forget to review our new student checklist for important next steps!

Family Orientation Features:

During our Family Orientation, we offer sessions specifically tailored for family members and activities you can enjoy alongside your student. While some sessions, like academic advising and registration, are student-only due to space constraints, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage and gather information valuable to the family's support role.

Need to Modify Your Registration?

If your student didn’t sign up family members for Family Orientation or if you’re uncertain about your registration, no worries! Contact our New Student Programs team at 843.953.2017 or email orientat@cofc.edu for assistance.

We look forward to welcoming you to the College of Charleston and helping you and your student make a smooth transition into this exciting new chapter!

Family Orientation topics include:

  • Student Health Services
  • Campus Tours
  • College Bookstore
  • Academic Advising and Planning Center
  • Dining Services
  • Center for Student Learning
  • Treasurer's Office
  • Center for International Education
  • Counseling Center
  • Financial Aid Information
  • Career Center
  • Small group discussions with faculty and staff
  • Campus Housing
  • Residence Life and Housing

Additional Information

There's so much to learn when you go to college. New Student Programs is here to make the transition easier.
  • Orientation Questions & Accommodations

    For questions about New Student or Family Orientation, call the Office of New Student Programs at 843.953.2017 or email orientat@cofc.edu. The office is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. EST.

    If you or your student has questions about accessibility or accommodations needed during Orientation, please get in touch with New Student Programs at least two weeks before your scheduled Orientation so we may arrange appropriate accommodations.

  • Join us for our Family Webinar Series

    The New Student Programs staff hosts a series of live webinars for families during the summer and academic year. These webinars can be accessed via Zoom. Questions can be sent before the webinar date to parents@cofc.ed,u or you may ask questions in the Zoom chat. Webinars are recorded and posted on the College of Charleston's New Student Programs YouTube channel. 

    Summer 2025 Webinar Series

    Tuesday, May 20: Preparing for Orientation 6:00-6:45 pm EST

    Tuesday, June 10: Preparing for Academic Advising and Planning at Orientation 6:00-6:45 pm EST

    Tuesday, August 5: Preparing for Move-In and Starting Classes 6:00-6:45 pm EST   

    Thursday, August 21:  Academic Expectations 6:00-6:45 pm EST

    Family Members for whom we have emails will be emailed the Zoom link a few days before the webinar. Links will also be posted on the CofC Parent & Family Experience platform. 

  • Family Orientation Schedule

    You and your student will receive an orientation schedule when you check in for Orientation. The family orientation schedule will be different from your student's orientation schedule. Some sessions are designed just for families and some are designed just for students.

  • The CofC Parent & Family Experience

     

    The CofC Parent & Family Experience is an essential resource tailored specifically for parents and families of students at the College of Charleston. This comprehensive, Internet-based tool provides access to important information about campus services, opportunities for your student, key dates, announcements, and resources to support your student's success at CofC.

    You can personalize this portal according to your and your student’s needs, selecting how often you wish to receive newsletters from the College. If your incoming student is attending Orientation, your parent email will be automatically added to the parent portal if it is on file with CofC. You can easily sign up now if you do not receive a welcome email or wish to subscribe manually.

    Details about New Student and Family Orientation will be posted on the CofC Parent & Family Experience portal. We recommend that you start using this platform right away. You can log in directly to the portal or access information through the newsletters you receive. Be sure to complete your profile to select the communities you want to join based on your interests, ensuring you receive the most relevant updates and information.

    Note: This Parent & Family Experience communication platform will not be used to disseminate Cougar Alerts for campus emergencies. Parents, visitors, potential students, and community members who wish to be notified in case of a campus emergency can text the word cougaralert to 333111 to automatically receive Cougar Alert emergency notifications via text messages.

  • Orientation Community Service Project

    For the upcoming orientation sessions, we are asking for donations for the College of Charleston food pantry - the Cougar Pantry.  

    We have the goal of donating a total of 1,000 items!

    We encourage all students and families to help us reach our goal by donating needed items. If you do not want to purchase items ahead of time, you may visit the Walgreens and the CVS within walking distance of campus. You can also drop them off at check in or at the New Student programs office (No. 4 on the campus map).

    Please do not donate expired food as the food pantry is not able to distribute it. 

    Top Items Needed:

    • Peanut Butter and Jelly
    • Pasta and Pasta Sauce
    • Cereal
    • Granola/Protein Bars, Pop-Tarts, Single Serve Snacks
    • Canned Meats
    • Stove-Top, All-In-One-Meals (Rice, Mac-N-Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, etc)
    • Spice and Cooking Basics
    • Hygiene Products

    Online Monetary donations can be made here. 

    • To ensure that the Pantry receives your donation, please search Cougar Pantry under DESIGNATION. 
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The CofC Parent & Family Experience

This is the best place to find information about campus services, opportunities for your student, important dates, announcements and information that supports your student’s success at the College of Charleston.

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