INCOMING FAMILY NEWSLETTER
May 2021
Greetings!
We hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. As we finish another semester at William & Mary, we are excited to look forward to the future; a future that includes you and your family. Welcome to the Tribe!

Much has changed on campus, and in the world, since your student began their search for a university home. This newsletter, and others that follow, will provide you with information to ease your transition into our community.

Keep reading to learn more about the Tribe Guide, Pre-Orientation Programs, and ways to connect virtually. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Sincerely,
S. Mark Sikes, Ph.D.
Vice Dean for Student Success
William & Mary
Heather Deere, M.S.
Assistant Director of Parent & Family Programs
William & Mary
MAY NEWS
The Tribe Guide is Live!
The Tribe Guide is your student's one-stop online source for information about what they need to do before they arrive in Williamsburg this fall. From advising and registration to housing and meal plans, the Tribe Guide is here to help your student make a smooth transition to college life.

Please note that it is your student's responsibility to complete all questionnaires, educational modules, applications, etc. in the student checklist. Check out the Parent & Family Checklist for your own to-do's!
graphic freshman first day orientation start pride
Show Your Tribe Pride!
To commemorate this exciting time, we are pleased to offer "Class of 2025" gear through our online store.

 A limited quantity is available while supplies last.
Summer Pre-Orientation Programs
W&M's four (4) pre-Orientation programs are a great way for your students to learn more about themselves and their community the summer before they join the Tribe in August!

More information regarding these programs will become available as the summer progresses.
Regional Events Coming Soon!
Virtually welcoming new students & their families to the Tribe one geographic area at a time!

Students whose permanent addresses fall within an event's immediate geographic area should look for an invitation and registration link via their W&M email address.
Family Friday: Tribe Guide 101
May 14, 2021 | 5-6 PM EST
Welcome to the Tribe! During this time of transition, there are key campus partners to help you along the way. Join Lauren Garrett, Director of Student Transition Engagement Programs, and Heather Deere, Assistant Director of Parent & Family Programs, as they discuss the Tribe Guide, summer next steps, and how both offices will support your transition moving forward. 

This session is designed for parents and families. There will be ample opportunity for you to ask questions - be sure to join us!
This webinar and all other webinars from the Parent & Family webinar series will be recorded and available online to watch later.
STAY CONNECTED
Join the Parent & Family Facebook Group
We have a closed Facebook group dedicated to parent and family interaction and communication. The Facebook group serves as a tool to welcome families and foster peer-to-peer connections among current W&M families.

How to join the group
  1. Go to the W&M Parent and Family Facebook Group.
  2. Click the blue "+ Join Group" button.
  3. You will be asked your student's name and class year. Answer these questions and select "Send to admins."
  4. Wait for the admins to review your answers and add you to the group. 
Download the W&M Mobile App
William & Mary offers a convenient app that allows you to access essential information anywhere, anytime on your mobile device – available for iOS, Android and mobile web. W&M Mobile provides a variety of campus information and services for the university community. The W&M mobile app will also prove extremely helpful for you and your student when they arrive on campus this fall, with quick links to access their course schedule, grades, and emergency notifications.
Parent & Family Council
The Parent & Family Council (PFC) is a community of parent donors and volunteer leaders who are dedicated to increasing parent engagement and philanthropy, promoting William & Mary, and strengthening the Tribe family. PFC families enhance student life and student success initiatives by giving and raising vital funds for the Parents Fund and programs across the university. As parent ambassadors, PFC members welcome new Tribe families and help them navigate life with a college student. Members also meet faculty and administrators, provide parent perspectives to William & Mary’s senior leadership, and learn about university initiatives and priorities.
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795