Parent and Family Programs

Parent & Family Programs are designed:

• To help you become a partner in your student's success by learning key information about the academic opportunities, support services, and experiences outside of the classroom that are available to students. 

• To offer an opportunity to ask questions based on real experiences your students are already having, including the many transitional issues that challenge both students and families. 

• To provide you with the opportunity to meet college administrators, faculty, staff, and orientation leaders who support and educate new students as they begin the journey toward graduation.

• To learn information about resources and services available to CSUN students.

WHERE DO I GO?:
Parent and Family Day  will take place in the University Student Union (USU). Check-in will take place at the Plaza del Sol. This map will show you the exact locations.

PARKING/MAP: 
Please print the parking permit and place it on the dashboard of your vehicle. This map will indicate the closest parking locations to the University Student Union. The closest parking locations are: G3 parking structure, G3, G4, and F5 parking lots, and the G6 parking structure.  

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:
This will be a half day, approximately 5 hours. The day will include an hour walking tour of the campus. A light continental breakfast and boxed lunch will be provided.

WEATHER INFO: 
Northridge can get quite warm, please be sure to dress comfortably. We will have activities indoors and outdoors during NSO.

GUEST INFOMRATION: It is likely that we will only have capacity to have up to 2 guests; however, if there is space we will be able to accommodate additional guests. When you arrive please inquire with NSO leaders for more information.  If you have additional family members that we cannot accommodate, we have gathered a list of activities to do in the area.  

Parents will attend several presentations/sessions, each with direct learning outcomes and could include the following:

Morning Offerings: Check-in, Tours, Tradition of the Rose, Pictures, Trivia, etc.
Led by Staff & New Student Orientation Leaders
After a quick check-in, Staff and Students will welcome Parents, Guardians, and Family Members providing several options to consider including:

• General Campus Tour - To introduce parents to key service areas at CSUN promoting resources designed to support academic, social, and cultural needs to enable success. (shortened tours and/or SRC tours will be available instead too!)
• Pictures with the Matty! – Nothing shows CSUN Spirit quite like a picture with our very own mascot!
• Campus Trivia – Correct answers yield sweet prizes for our winners! Will you be one of them! 
• Tradition of the Rose – A CSUN Tradition that you will partake in! Ole’!

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All of the presentation slides can be accessed with the below links:

Welcome Slides

Student Engagement & Campus Life

Supporting Academic Success

Creating a Safe Campus Environment

Financial Aid & Scholarships

College Transitions & Mental Health

Student Engagement & Campus Life (20 min)

Presented by:
Dr. Shelley Ruelas-Bischoff, AVP for Student Affairs, Student Engagement & Well-Being
Christopher Aston, Director, Student Development & Transitional Programs

Focusing on the importance of student life, information highlighted include campus resources and services that support student engagement and help create a vibrant campus experience for your student. Co-curricular programs and services discussed will include leadership, volunteering, service-learning, and basic needs.  Through this session, parents and families will:

• Learn of key resources and services available to students to support overall engagement and well-being while at CSUN.
• Become aware of how engagement and well-being support overall student success

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Supporting Academic Success in College (20 min)
Presented by:
Cindy Greco - Sr. Director for Academic Advisement
Jill Mejia – Director for Undergraduate Studies

Focusing on academic-based information central to a freshman's success, Parents will be introduced to the role they can play in supporting and reinforcing students academically, and include information about units required, declaring a major/minor, important dates to remember (midterms, finals), advisement and registration, repeating courses, and other academic policies. This session will also focus on parents encouraging a “Growth Mindset,” and through CSUN’s supportive resources (staff, tools, programs, etc.) students can embrace challenges and persist in the face of obstacles which will be opportunities to learn and grow. In addition, parents will be introduced to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), gaining an understanding of how federal privacy protections apply to their student’s academic records and how families can continue to be supportive partners while respecting these important boundaries.  Through this session, parents & families will:

• Learn general academic requirements, resources, and support services available to students.
• Learn of key resources and services available to students to support their retention and successful continuation till graduation.
• Learn how to encourage a “Growth Mindset.”
• Understand FERPA basics, including how student privacy is maintained.

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Creating a Safe and Supportive Campus Environment:
Campus Safety, Rules, & Regulations (50 min)
Presented by:
Fred Fernandez, Chief, CSUN Department of Police Services
Nelson Cox, Dir. Emergency Preparedness, CSUN Department of Police Services
Suzanna Rogan, Assistant Director, Office of Equity and Compliance

This session will highlight how CSUN works to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.  The Department of Police Services will share proactive safety measures and resources available on campus, including personal safety escorts, emergency response services, and crime prevention initiatives. The Office of Equity and Compliance will introduce its mission and role in supporting students, provide an overview of available confidential resources and reporting options, and offer guidance on how families can compassionately support their student if they ever experience harm. Together, these perspectives will help families understand how CSUN partners with students to promote wellbeing, equity, and a strong community of care. Through this session, parents and families will:

• Learn about campus safety resources and proactive measures that help protect students.
• Understand the role of the Department of Police Services in supporting student wellbeing and campus security.
• Recognize CSUN’s commitment to a community of care, compassion, and inclusion.
• Identify methods of student support.
• Know where to find and access key resources on the CSUN website.

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Financial Aid & Scholarships (30 min)
Presented by staff members from Financial Aid & Scholarships

This session will guide Parents and Families through the resources and processes that help students maintain financial aid beyond their first semester at CSUN. Presenters will highlight important timelines such as completing the FAFSA for 2026–27, scholarship opportunities for continuing students, the steps involved in year-to-year processing, and, how to respond to unexpected changes. Families will gain practical information to ensure their student remains on track and takes full advantage of the financial resources available.  Through this session, parents and families will:

• Learn about resources that support students in managing financial aid throughout their time at CSUN.
• Understand important timelines, including completing the FAFSA for 2026–27 and upcoming scholarship opportunities for continuing students.
• Gain clarity on how financial aid is processed year to year and what families can do to stay on track.

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College Transitions & Mental Health (30 min)

Presented by Dr. Abram Milton, University Counseling Services

This session will provide parents with insight into how CSUN supports student mental health and emotional wellbeing through University Counseling Services (UCS). The presenter will highlight the common challenges students face during their transition to college, including academic pressures, balancing responsibilities, and social/emotional adjustment. Parents and Guardians will learn strategies to communicate effectively with their students, encourage resilience, and foster an environment where their student feels comfortable seeking help. UCS will also share information about the free and confidential services available to students, including individual counseling, crisis support, groups and workshops, and 24/7 phone support.   Through this session, parents and families will:

• Understand the connection between student mental health and academic success.
• Recognize common challenges students face and strategies to support them during transitions.
• Learn supportive listening and communication skills that encourage students to open up.
• Become familiar with UCS resources, including counseling, workshops, and crisis services.
• Learn how to encourage their student to seek professional help when needed.

Event Location:

Parent and Family Day will begin at the University Student Union which is located on the east side of the University. Please join us for a small breakfast consisting of coffee, orange juice and freshly baked pastries. The program will officially start at 8 AM, starting with a Campus Tour with your student and other participants. 
Click here for map of the event location.

Parent & Family Day Parking:

As we get closer to the event date, a parking permit will be sent to those who have registered for the event by email. Please print the parking permit prior to arriving on campus; additional parking permits will be provided at the orientation check-in area. 
Click here for CSUN Orientation Parking Map for Parent & Family Day.
 

We have compiled multiple links for you to gain further knowledge of the resources CSUN has for you and your student. Feel free to contact any departments directly or our office, the Office of Student Development and Transitional Programs with any questions, concerns or comments.

Academic Advisement

Campus Employment

Campus Involvement

Counseling Services

Degree Planning Guides

Department of Police Services

General Education Honors Program

Parents Supporting Academics and Personal Development

Student Health

Student Services and Classes

Student Service Centers and Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) Advisement

University Catalog

• How many guests can you bring to Parent and Family Day? 
  • Each student can bring up to 2 registered guests as this event does have a guest limit. 
• How will you receive communication? 
  • Upon registering, all communication will be sent to the CSUN students' email. 
  • Please connect with your student for more information. 
• How much does this event cost? 
  • Parent/family attendance costs for Parent and Family Day is covered in the required orientation fee automatically assessed to your student; parents/family will not need to pay additional attendance costs for participation in Parent and Family Day.
• Will the Campus Store be open? 
  • Unfortunately, the Campus Store will be closed on Saturday, October 18. However, they have provided a 20% Off Coupon that can be used online or in-person. The Campus Store will be open the following Saturday, October 25 during the CSUN Open House event. 
• Where can you stay?
  • Hilton - 7.9 miles away (see directions for the Hilton Hotel)
  • Double Tree - 4.7 miles away (see directions for the Double Tree )
  • Extended Stay America 1.6 miles away (see directions for Extended Stay America)
• What materials should you bring?
  • Our office will provide a handbook with a notes section, but feel free to bring additional materials to write on such as a notebook
  • Please bring a writing utensil (pen, pencil, etc.)
  • There will be a Campus Tour option and the tour will be completely Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.
  • Feel free to bring a your own water bottles/canisters as there will be water stations located throughout the campus.
• What are off-campus activities you can do before or after Parent & Family Day?
  • View our list of fun activities to do around Northridge