Parent and Family Transition
Families play an important role in the transition and success of our students. We have developed a specific family program for orientation, separate from your student, to ensure you receive valuable information on the expectations, resources and opportunities available at Christopher Newport. We have also developed a supporter platform in the Admitted Student System for families to follow along with their student as they prepare for the transition to CNU. To register for this system, incoming students can submit each family member’s name who needs access into their account on their Admitted Student System. An email will then be sent to each family member’s email address to register.
Guests who register in the Admitted Student System will receive the following:
- Ability to register to attend the accompanying in-person Orientation program
- Orientation guidebook with information will be provided at the session and questions will be answered to frequently asked questions
Setting Sail 2024
- Session 1: June 17-18
- Session 2: June 20-21
- Session 3: June 24-25
- Session 4: June 27-28
Setting Sail is our day-and-a-half long orientation program for incoming freshmen. We run a family/guest program simultaneous to Setting Sail for families of incoming students. Both the student and guest programs run from 8 a.m. on day one through 12:30 p.m. on day two. Please plan your time on campus and any required local accommodations accordingly.
Changing Tides 2024
- Thursday, August 22
Changing Tides is our orientation program for incoming transfer and non-traditional students as well as their families. Guests will need to register for Changing Tides. The guest program runs from 8 a.m. until about 4 p.m. Guest registration and payment can be submitted through the Admitted Student System. There is a $30 guest fee for each in-person registered guest. The fee covers the cost of provided meals and program materials.
Our in-person orientation programs allow you to hear from several university leaders, faculty and staff. There will be a specific family track that will provide you with important information to help you support your student through their transition to CNU. Please note, while some sessions happen together, you will be separated from your student for the majority of orientation. Additionally, there are no programs for siblings.
Students can register guests in the Admitted Student System by clicking "My Orientation Reservation." Parents/families with an account in the Admitted Student System can also register themselves within their portal.
For Setting Sail, there is a $65 guest fee for each in-person registered guest. For Changing Tides, there is a $30 guest fee for each in-person registered guest. Parent/guest fees cover the cost of provided meals and program materials.
We recommend that students and guests bring comfortable shoes to walk in, a water bottle, and jacket or sweater as room temperatures can be cool.
Refunds for Setting Sail guest fees are available before May 31, 2024. Refunds for Changing Tides guest fees are available before August 1, 2024. If you need to cancel, please email us at orientation@cnu.edu with the student name, CNU ID number, and guest name. Refunds will be put back on the card used to pay and may take 3-4 weeks to process.
We do not provide housing for any guests. There are several hotels in close proximity; please see our accommodations page for additional information.