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, parents and family supporters learn more about their role as coaches in their student’s transition and success at SDSU.
Students who do not attend NSO will have to complete mandatory SDSU trainings at a later date, which may cause course 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.edu student email, not their personal email) for updates and communication from the university.
Information is subject to change.
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 members of the Aztec Parents Association. The student will have the opportunity to register any parents and family supporters when they register for NSO.
Please note: Once students register parents and family supporters for Parent and Family Orientation and members of our Aztec Parents Association, they’ll start receiving communications from SDSU (i.e., emails, monthly e-newsletter, News for Aztec Parents Magazine, etc.). To learn more about the benefits of registering for orientation and being a member of our Aztec Parents Association, please visit our website or see the Advantages of Attending PFO below.
We highly encourage all parents and family supporters to join us at PFO.
PFO Date
- Part 1 | Virtual: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
- Part 2 | In-person: Friay, Jan. 16, 2026
Advantages of Attending PFO
- 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.
As our partner in your student's success, please review this page regarding your 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.
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. They can access their steps to enroll via their admission email.
SDSUCard
For your student to receive their SDSU ID card on their Orientation date they will need to complete the steps below by Monday, Jan. 5. 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 for all first-year orientation programs and select transfer orientation programs.
Hotels
- If you need to make travel accommodations, special discounts can be found on the Bartell Hotels and SDSU page. Bartell Hotels offers eight unique hotels and you are encouraged to make reservations early. Ask for the “SDSU Friends and Family Rate.”
SDSU and Alaska Airlines Partnership
- We are excited to share that we have partnered with Alaska Airlines to offer Aztec students and families 50% off the first month of an Alaska Flight Pass. Flight Pass is an annual subscription for frequent flights within California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, all without breaking the bank. Visit the Alaska Flight Pass site to learn more (terms and conditions apply) and enter code AZTECS50OFF at checkout to save 50% on your first month's subscription.
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
- Bring valid picture identification, such as a U.S. driver’s license/REAL ID, U.S. ID card, passport or military ID.
- Wear casual clothing (i.e. a light jacket, hat/sunglasses and comfortable shoes for walking around campus).
- Bring an electronic device like an iPad, tablet, or laptop. Mobile devices are not recommended as they do not support the full experience.
- Optional: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and money if you plan to shop at the SDSU Bookstore. Lunch is provided for confirmed students and paid guest(s).
Transportation and Parking
We encourage use of the MTS trolley or bus to reach SDSU. SDSU is conveniently located on the MTS Green Line trolley and many MTS stations offer free parking. Google Maps and the Transit App provide directions to SDSU Station via transit. The Green Line Guide is designed to help you navigate public transportation to and from SDSU with ease. 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 1-day parking permit for the P3 Parking Structure will be available for purchase through the “Know before you go” email. The digital 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 of the P3 Parking Structure or in any reserved, faculty-staff, or other specially marked space. Failure to obtain a valid parking permit may result in a citation.
To pay for additional parking, visitors are encouraged to use the PayByPhone app or a pay station. For more information about parking and transportation options, visit the Parking and Transportation website
Tips
- Get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast before arriving.
- Attend the full program.
- Remind your student to know their RedID number (9 digit number that starts with “1” or “8”).
- Remind your student to know their SDSUid (@sdsu.edu student email) 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 include, but are not limited to, 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.
Reservations
Please read through all sections before making your reservations. The student must make a reservation for all attendees.
Fees
Parent & Family Programs Fee: A one-time fee of $55 for every first guest added to a New Student Orientation reservation and a fee of $25 for every additional guest added thereafter.
The items listed below are covered by the Parent & Family Programs Fee and are available to all parents and family supporters.
- Pre-Orientation
1. Access to the online pre-orientation Modules - Parent and Family Orientation
- Post-Orientation
1. New Student and Family Convocation
2. News for Aztec Parents Magazine
3. Invitation to register for Family Weekend
4. Parent and Family e-Newsletter (monthly)
5. SDSU Parent & Family Facebook Group (official)
6. Parent Liaison
- Aztec Parents Association Membership
1. Parent involvement plays a key role in the success of students. The Aztec Parents Association (APA) is an organization dedicated to keeping parents and family supporters involved in their student’s education. Membership makes it easy to stay involved with what’s going on at the university and provides direct invitations to all parent and family supporter events. Members have access to a knowledgeable, personal contact in the Office of New Student and Parent Programs.- Membership in the Aztec Parents Association is valid as long as the student is attending SDSU.
