/ Student Life

Families

New Student Orientation isn’t just for students.

A family taking a photo

Families aren’t required to participate, but we strongly encourage you to attend. Special programming is designed for siblings and parents or guardians. 

New students must RSVP on behalf of their families through the link in their 1Hope email account. This link will be sent out in mid-June.  

2024 FAMILY SCHEDULE

This schedule is subject to change. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

Time Event Location
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Student Move-In Residence Halls
9 a.m.–5 p.m. ID Card Photo Session Martha Miller 238/239
11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch Phelps Dining Hall
1–4:30 p.m. Resource Room

Martha Miller Rotunda

4–6:30 p.m. Dinner Phelps
4–6 p.m. Transfer Student Meet & Greet Maas Conference Room
5–6 p.m. Step2Success Student and Family Welcome Dinner Maas Auditorium
7–9 p.m. Windmill Island Getaway

Windmill Island
1 Lincoln Ave
Holland, MI 49423

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Time Event Location
7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast Phelps Dining Hall
8 a.m.–12 p.m. ID Card Photo Session Martha Miller 238/239
8:30–9:30 a.m. Family Opening Session Dimnent Chapel
10–10:15 a.m. Sibling Program Drop Off BSC Patio
10:15–11 a.m.

Parent Seminar I (choose one)

10:15–11:15 a.m. Campus Safety Martha Miller 240
10:15–11:15 a.m. Q&A with Campus Ministries

The Campus Ministries staff talks about religious life and spiritual growth at Hope.
BSC Great Room
10:15–11:15 a.m. Global Engagement: Off Campus Study

At Hope we believe in preparing students for lives of service and leadership in a global society. Join us as we explore study abroad as one path to global citizenship. Learn about the ins and outs of study abroad and what steps your Hope student needs to take to start the process of exploring the world.
DeWitt Theatre
10:15–11:15 a.m. Your Student with Documented Learning and Living Needs

This seminar is for parents whose student has had either an IEP or a 504 plan in high school. Representatives from Disability and Accessibility Resources will discuss the transition from high school to college and how to access accommodations that are available to students at the college level.
Martha Miller 158
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch Phelps
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Legacy Family Open House (by invitation) Jack Miller Lobby
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

First Gen Student & Family Gathering

First Generation refers to students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

BSC Schaap Auditorium
11:30a.m.–1:30 p.m. Step2Success Dessert and MSO Meet & Greet Keppel House
1:30–2:15 p.m. Parent Seminar II (choose one)
1:30–2:15 p.m. Chatting with Dining Services

The director of residential dining will describe accommodations for different allergies and dietary needs, as well as answering any questions about dining and meal plans.
BSC Schaap Auditorium
1:30–2:15 p.m. The College Transition Graves Hall (Winants Auditorium)
1:30–2:15 p.m. Teaching as a Faithful Profession

Hope faculty discuss how their Christian faith impacts their calling at Hope College, from classroom teaching to the larger campus environment.
VanderWerf 104
1:30–2:15 p.m. Your Hope Student-Athlete

The athletic directors will talk about what it means to be a parent of a student-athlete at Hope College.
DeWitt Theater
2:30–3:15 p.m. Parent Seminar III
(choose one)
2:30–3:15 p.m. Hope Parent Roundtable

Talk with Hope parents and have your questions answered about helping your student succeed in college.
DeWitt, Lower Level Learning Lab
2:30–3:15 p.m. Your Student’s Health

The directors of Counseling and Health Services will discuss programs and services offered at Hope for your student’s health.
Martha Miller 135
2:30–3:15 p.m. Your Hope Student-Athlete

The athletic directors will talk about what it means to be a parent of a student-athlete at Hope College.
DeWitt Theater
2:30–3:15 p.m. Boerigter Center for Calling and Career

Learn about the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career and resources to support your student with career discernment and experiential opportunities.
BSC Schaap Auditorium
2:30–3:15 p.m. Step2Success: Life & Learning at Hope College

Do you want to be successful in and out of class? Hear directly from faculty and staff about the skills and strategies needed for student success.
Graves Hall (Winants Auditorium)
3:15–3:30 p.m. Sibling Program Pick Up

BSC Patio

4–5 p.m.

Step2Success Student Experience Panel

Hear directly from students about their experiences at Hope College and get advice for your college journey. 

Graves Hall (Winants Auditorium)

5–6:30 p.m. Picnic in the Pine Grove Pine Grove
(if rain: Phelps)
6:45–9 p.m. Super Siblings Extravaganza BSC Schaap Auditorium
7:30–8:30 p.m.

Hope Orientation Parent Experience

The Orientation Assistant Directors will perform fun skits that get you thinking about life as a college student and the role you play. There will be a Q&A following the performance.

Jack H. Miller Auditorium

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

Time Event Location
7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast  Phelps
10–11 a.m. Worship Service Dimnent Chapel
11 a.m.–12 p.m. Campus Ministries Open House van Andel Huys der Hope
12 p.m. Goodbyes and Family Photos  

TIME OF REFLECTION

On Friday morning, following the Family Opening Session, there will be a Time of Reflection for you to write a letter to your student. Materials will be provided. This letter can address the hopes and dreams you have for your student during their next four years at Hope and will be given to them upon completion of their senior year. We encourage you to bring a pen when you come to the Family Opening Session. Upon exiting the Time of Reflection, Orientation staff will be present to collect your letters, sealed inside your envelope. Please note, if you are unable to write your letter in the allotted time, Orientation staff will be collecting letters throughout the weekend at the following locations and events: The Bultman Student Center or the Hope Orientation Parent Experience.

Schedules are subject to change. A final schedule will be provided on your arrival in August.