Parent and Family Orientation
Parents and family supporters contribute to student success. Parent and Family Orientation (PFO) runs concurrently with New Student Orientation and helps establish the partnership with parents and family supporters through sessions and panels that focus on student success resources and tools, college and major requirements, university policies and financial aid. By attending PFO, parent and family supporters learn more about their role as coaches in their student’s transition and success at SDSU.
All new students are expected to attend NSO. Students that do not attend NSO will have to complete mandatory SDSU training at a later date which may cause a registration delay for the next semester. NSO provides students with a foundation for the rest of their time at SDSU.
Prior to completing the reservation, we highly encourage new parents and family supporters to become familiar with the information on this website. Remind your student to begin checking their SDSUid (SDSU Gmail account, not their personal email) for updates and communication from the university.
Parent and Family supporters are strongly encouraged to attend Parent and Family Orientation (PFO), which runs concurrently with NSO. In order to attend PFO, the student must register the parent/family supporter as a guest, which includes separate charges. Please refer to the NSO page for fees. This is a great opportunity for parents and family supporters to learn about SDSU and become a member of the Aztec Parents Association. The student will have the opportunity to register any parents and family supporters when they register for NSO.
We highly encourage all students, parents and family supporters to join us at PFO.
PFO Date
January 10, 2025
Time and Schedule will be posted later this fall.
Advantages of Attending PFO
NSO is a one-day program. Dates for first-year students are offered throughout the month of July. Not all colleges/majors are represented on each day.
Advantages of Attending NFO
- Become a member of the Aztec Parents Association, a seamless process to begin getting information from SDSU.
- Receive the pre-orientation modules full of valuable information to help you support your student at SDSU.
- Learn how to contribute to the personal development and academic success of your student.
- Be introduced to programs, resources and student support services
- Learn about your student’s academic program and campus policies and procedures.
- Connect with faculty, staff, and student leaders who will impact your student’s experience.
Please review this page in its entirety to ensure you understand the student’s Pre-Orientation requirements prior to attending New Student Orientation (NSO).
Modules
Parents and family supporters are welcome to review the online modules as well by opening the email, clicking Pre-Orientation Modules and selecting “GUEST LOGIN.” It is required for students to complete the modules, but it is not required for parents and family supporters to complete them.
Tips
- Total time to complete the pre-orientation modules is approximately 45-60 minutes.
- You must complete each section to move onto the next section.
Students should plan to complete the pre-orientation modules in one sitting. Logging in and out of the system may cause issues.
Complete the Steps to Enroll
The new student must complete the steps to enroll before attending NSO. Parents or family supporters may review these steps.
SDSUCard
For your student to receive their SDSU ID card on their Orientation date they will need to complete the steps below by Wednesday, January 8. They will need their student REDID number (nine-digit number) and a government issued form of identification.
Student steps:
- Create an account on the GET mobile app using your SDSUid email address.
- If you have a preferred first name, please use that to create your account.
- Upload a photo and valid U.S. Government issued ID on the GET mobile app.
Check out the video on How to Get Your Card Step-by-Step.
Make sure you’ve read through the Pre-Orientation section before moving onto this section. New Student Orientation (NSO) AND Parent and Family Orientation run concurrently.
- If you need to make travel accommodations, special discounts can be found on the Bartell Hotels and SDSU page. Bartell Hotels offers 8 unique hotels and you are encouraged to make reservations early. Ask for the “SDSU Friends and Family Rate.”
Note: All parents/guests that want to attend with their student are required to register to attend Parent and Family Orientation. We encourage no more than two parents/family supporters per student to register for Parent and Family Orientation. Guests younger than 15 are not encouraged to attend.
What to Bring
- Remind your student to bring:
- Valid picture identification, like a United States Driver’s License/Real ID, United States ID card, Passport or Military ID.
- Wear casual clothing like a light jacket, hat/sunglasses and comfortable shoes for walking around campus.
- Optional: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and money for shopping at the SDSU Bookstore.
Transportation and Parking
We encourage use of the MTS trolley or bus to reach campus. SDSU is conveniently located on the MTS Green Line trolley and many MTS stations offer free parking. Carpooling is strongly encouraged for those that drive as campus parking is limited.
If you choose to drive, a paid valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. A validated 1-day (6 a.m.-8 p.m.) parking permit for P3 will be available for purchase through the “Know before you go” email. The permit will be valid during the NSO date only and cannot be switched.
A valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. Regulations are enforced at all times. Do not park outside P3 or in any reserved, faculty-staff, or other specially marked space. Failure to obtain a valid parking permit may result in a citation.
For more information about parking and transportation options, visit our Parking website.
Tips
- Get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast before arriving.
- Attend the full program.
- Know your RedID number (9 digit number that starts with “1” or “8”).
- Know your SDSUid (SDSU Gmail) and password.
After the student’s orientation date, they will be expected to complete the post-orientation requirements located in Canvas. The Canvas modules that must be completed will include Canvas 101, Aztec Culture Education, and Opioid Training and Education. More information on the modules and how to access them will be to the student available later.
Please remind your students to complete the post-orientation Canvas modules.
