Life on Campus
Parent Orientation
Just like students, the loved ones supporting them also need Summer Orientation to help with the transition to college life. You want information and support, too. We understand. We know you’re a major contributor, both emotionally and financially, to your student’s success. That’s why we want you to be a part of the Parent Orientation Program. Each summer, more than 1,100 parents and guests attend the program, and year after year, they encourage others to attend and get the most out of the Parent and Guest Orientation. For some, it may even be the second, third, and even fourth time to participate with a new Tech student.
Encouraging independence
As students begin their careers at Tech, it is important that they register for classes on their own with the guidance of their academic advisor so that they may begin making their own decisions about their academic futures. Encouraging students to be self-sufficient will help them to develop confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance their overall experience at Louisiana Tech University.
How to Register
Once your student has registered for Student Orientation, an invitation to Parent Orientation will be emailed to the student’s account. Parents must pre-register for orientation and may do so by registering through their student’s Kennel portal. If you are unable to register, please contact the Orientation Office at orientation@latech.edu.
After registering, a confirmation email will then be emailed along with a payment link. Parent and Guest Orientation costs $50 per parent and covers registration, meals, and the materials for one parent. All fees are nonrefundable.
Parent and Guest Schedule
Parent Orientation Program is an optional event held on the same dates as the student’s Summer Orientation Program. The sessions, however, are different. Student Orientation helps your student make a smooth transition into university life. The Parent Orientation program is designed to teach you the “basics” — allowing you to support your student through their first year at Louisiana Tech.
Come explore your student’s new home as we take a look at all aspects of the University and the beautiful city it is located in, Ruston, LA. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and meet the amazing team that will be here for your student over the next four years. Wear comfortable clothes please bring a light jacket as meeting areas may be cool.
While Parent Orientation is scheduled for three days, we understand if younger children, jobs, or just the hectic nature of life prevent you from attending all three days. Thursday is the most informative and we encourage you to make plans to attend that day if you are only able to participate one day.
For special accommodations, contact Jacob Thomas by phone at 318.257.2544 or by email at Orientation@LATech.edu prior to your Orientation program.
| Day and Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Orientation Check-In – Math Placement Exam Participants | Student Center |
| 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Orientation Check-In (Last Names A – F) | Student Center |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Orientation Check-In (Last Names G – O) | Student Center |
| 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Orientation Check-In (Last Names P – Z) | Student Center |
| 1:30; 2:30; 3:30 p.m. | City of Ruston Bus Tours Depart | Departs from Tolliver Hall |
| 1:30; 2:30; 3:30 p.m. | Campus Bus Tours Depart | Departs from Tolliver Hall |
| 5:30 p.m. | Mayor’s Reception (Casual Dress) | Davison Athletics Complex – 1524 W Alabama Ave, Ruston, LA 71270 |
| 7:00 p.m. | Dog Days of Summer | Railroad Park – Downtown Ruston |
| Day and Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Late Orientation Check-in | Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| 8:45 a.m. | Orientation Welcome | Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| 9:10 a.m. | Academic College Breakout Session | Dismissal from Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Parent Informational Sessions (First Year Programs and Registrar) | Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch | The Tech Table & Tolliver Hall |
| 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Student Affairs Seminars | Davison Hall |
| 5:45 p.m. | Dinner | Student Center |
| 7:00 p.m. | “Presents” | Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| Day and Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast | The Tech Table |
| 9:00 a.m. | Residential Life Tours | Departs from Student Center |
| 9:00 a.m. | Commuter Student Discussion | Wyly Tower Auditorium |
| 10:15 a.m. | Parent Informational Sessions | Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| 11:30 a.m. | Orientation Farewell | Howard Center for the Performing Arts |
| 12:30 p.m. | University Closes | All Campus |
Accommodations
Parents traveling into Ruston for Parent Orientation will need to secure accommodations for their stay. Nearly all hotels within the Ruston-area are a less than a ten-minute drive from campus. For a complete listing of lodging options, visit the Experience Ruston webpage.
Arriving at Orientation
When is Check-in?
Parent orientation officially begins on Wednesday afternoon of your orientation session. Check-in times on Wednesday are held in the Louisiana Tech Student Center between 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Time slots are assigned to students based on last name. Please check the email on file for students and parents for your check-in time. While less information is delivered on Wednesday, we will be offering bus tours of both the City of Ruston and Louisiana Tech’s Campus (check below for more information). Following the tours, join us at the Davison Athletics Complex (1524 W Alabama Ave, Ruston, LA 71270) for a casual dinner hosted by Ruston’s Mayor, Ronny Walker.
For parents unable to attend Wednesday, our Thursday check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. and lasts until 8:30 a.m. in the Howard Center for the Performing Arts. Make sure to check out our full parent schedule (below) and the student orientation schedule to plan your arrival accordingly.
Interactive tours
Our Interactive Bus Tours give you the chance to see the City of Ruston and Louisiana Tech from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. Come take a ride with us as both Tech students and local city experts take you on a guided tour of your student’s future home away from home. Both tours are open to all students and guests. Make sure you do not miss out!
- Campus Bus Tour: Departs from Tolliver Hall at 1:30 p.m.; 2:30; and 3:30 p.m.
- City of Ruston Bus Tour: Departs from Tolliver Hall at 1:30 p.m.; 2:30; and 3:30 p.m.
On-Campus Parking Permit
Visitor Passes for parking during orientation are issued by email for use during orientation. Fall parking permits for students will be available for purchase during Orientation. The following items are required to purchase a parking permit:
- Copy of Student’s valid Driver’s license
- Copy of Vehicle Registration for the vehicle being brought to campus in the Fall.
- Completed Vehicle Registration Form
- $100 parking fee (cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card are accepted)
Vehicle Registration forms only (no payments) may be turned in Wednesday during Orientation check-in until 3:30 p.m. From there, forms may be submitted, and Parking Decals may be paid for and picked up from the Tech Traffic Office located in South Hall on Thursday or Friday of Orientation. Decals may also be purchased in the Fall when students return to campus.