Fall2025 NewStudent Orientation
Parents & Families
Welcome to Hollins University!
Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to the Hollins University community! We are thrilled to welcome you and your student to campus as they begin this exciting new chapter in their academic and personal journey. Orientation is a significant milestone, not only for our students but for the families who have supported them every step of the way.
Giggling Platypus Co
At Hollins, we pride ourselves on being a close-knit, inclusive community where every student is known, challenged, and supported. Our Orientation program is designed to ensure that your student is well-prepared for success, both inside and outside the classroom. During these next few days, they will meet new classmates, connect with faculty and staff, and begin laying the foundation for their years ahead.
As family members, you play an essential role in your student’s transition to college life. We recognize that this is a time of adjustment for you as well, and we want you to feel informed and engaged. Our Parent and Family Orientation sessions will give you valuable insights into campus life, academic expectations, safety, and the many resources available to your student.
Please know that we are here for you and your student. The Division of Student Success, Wellbeing, and Belonging (SSWBB), along with our faculty, staff, and student leaders, is committed to fostering an environment where your student can thrive. We encourage you to stay connected throughout the year via our newsletters, family programming, and open lines of communication.
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Thank you for entrusting us with your student’s education and development. We look forward to partnering with you in the years ahead and welcoming you to the Hollins family.
Welcome to Hollins!
Sincerely,
The Division of Student Success, Well-being, and Belonging.
Student Success, Wellbeing, and Belonging (SSWBB)
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HelpYourStudentThrive@Hollins VirtualParent/FamilySessions
We've designed a series of virtual sessions that will provide parents/guardians of firstyear students with helpful information about the Hollins experience.
By participating in the Parent/Family Sessions, you'll:
Gain inside knowledge about life at Hollins inside and outside of the classroom
Connect with people on campus who are here to help you and your student
Get advice on how to best support your student throughout their college journey
Learn what to expect during your student’s first year at Hollins.
Note: All times are EDT; Zoom webinar links will be shared in early June.
Please contact deanofstudents@hollins.edu with any questions.
June 29 - 6:30PM th
Living On-Campus
Learn about how your student will be supported by the Student Affairs team as they settle into their small, residential community
Gain an understanding about how roommates and residence halls are assigned and how to submit a request for protected class-based accommodations
Hear about meal plans, laundry, the shopping shuttle, library services, community spaces, and safety both on and off campus
July 13 - 6:30PM th
Student Health & Well-being
Hear about available health and wellness services both on-campus and virtually, learn about the required health forms, and participate in a Q&A period regarding physical and mental health-related questions
July 27 - 6:30PM th
Financial & Money Matters
Members of the Financial Aid and Business Offices will review billing statements, payment plans, the fee schedule, financial responsibility statement, and other topics associated with paying for school
August 10 - 6:30PM th
Traditions, Social Life, Clubs, & Athletics
Hear about the many vibrant and diverse clubs and activities on campus and in the residence halls such as Monday Night Bingo, SGA Senate, Cultural Cook-out, Community Garden Volunteering, to name a few. Learn tips on how you can encourage your students to get involved on campus
Saturday,August30
8:30AM - 1:00PM CHECK-IN/RESIDENTIAL STU
MOVEINDAY
This one-stop check in will include opportunities to take care of important b y p offices You will receive your student ID, your student handbook, and residential students will receive their room keys. As soon as you have checked in, move in may begin!
Residence Halls Move-In Schedule:
Tinker A & Randolph 1: 7:30 a m – 9:00 a m
Tinker B & Randolph 2: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Tinker C & Randolph 3: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Commuter Students are encouraged to check-in between 12:30 and 1 p.m.
Check-In/Key Pick-Up Location: Moody Center
9:00AM - 2:00PM Parent and Family Hospitality Center
A one-stop resource space for families looking to take a break from move-in, cool down, grab a quick snack or meet University staff Select campus offices will be available to answer questions or assist with your last-minute needs. Location: TBD
11:00AM - 2:00PM LUNCH: Moody Center, Main Dining Room
$10 Per Guest. Hollins Students, Parents and Families are welcome to enjoy lunch in Moody Center.
12:30PM - 2:00PM
HOPE Scholars Welcome Reception/Induction
Ceremony
Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education (HOPE) Scholarship award recipient are invited to join President Hinton and members of Hollins Leadership for a welcome reception and induction ceremony During the event recipients will be recognized and will have an opportunity to network with fellow recipients. This event is INVITE ONLY.
Location: Chapel, reception immediately following ceremony on Chapel Lawn
2:00PM - 3:30PM Supporting your Student: Panel Discussion
Panel with Student Affairs & Academic Support Staff to assist parents and guardians in understanding the emotional, academic, and social transitions of the students experience
4:00PM - 5:00PM Welcome to Hollins/ First-Year Pinning Ceremony
New students officially begin their journey at Hollins with family and friends President Mary Dana Hinton and the Student Government Association President will help welcome all new students to Hollins Students should line up on the DuPont Lawn by 3:45 p m to process as a group into the chapel.
Parents and Families are asked to depart campus at the conclusion of the Welcome Ceremony.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal act that affords university students certain rights with respect to their education. It is the policy of Hollins University to follow those guidelines to protect the privacy of students. Once students become part of our community, they will be treated as adults. It is their responsibility to keep their parents/guardians informed of their activities and their academic progress. Please be advised that in accordance with FERPA, it is Hollins University’s policy not to:
Release information to parents/guardians about grades or academic progress without the written consent of the student.
Release information to parents/guardians about Honor Code or student conduct violations and/or sanctions without the written consent of the student.
Release information to parents/guardians about the student’s whereabouts or social activities without the written consent of the student
Release information related to a student’s health or counseling record (also covered under HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) without the written consent of the student
Notify a parent or legal guardian when a student is withdrawn or put on a leave of absence from the university
When Hollins Will Contact Parents/Guardians
The university will contact parents/guardians/emergency contact under the following circumstance: When the staff has ongoing concerns about a student’s well being, or is concerned that a student presents a threat to herself or to others.
The university can provide parents with general information about a student’s status For instance, we can tell you if she is active or inactive Please be advised that faculty members are asked to submit unsatisfactory work notices on students beginning in the fourth week of classes, and midterm grade reports on first-year students around the sixth week of classes Students who are doing poorly academically receive a letter from the Associate Provost for Student Academic Success asking them to meet with their instructor (and in some cases the associate vice president for student success) to see what can be done to help them improve Letters regarding unsatisfactory progress go directly to students
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The Office of Student Success also sends letters to students who are doing exceptional academic work Under Hollins University’s policy regarding FERPA, none of these letters or notices can be sent to parents/guardians Again, it is the students’ responsibility to inform parents of their academic progress Parents/guardians may want to ask their students around midterm time if they have received any exceptional work notices or unsatisfactory work notices from their professors. Parents/guardians should not contact professors directly to inquire about a student’s progress in a class, unless a FERPA waiver has been signed by the student.
Oftentimes, it is difficult for parents /guardians to understand why the university does not divulge specific academic information given that they are, most often, the individuals who are paying the bills. Again, Hollins, and every other institution of higher education, is bound by FERPA.
If students wish to waive their rights under FERPA, a “FERPA Waiver” may be completed during orientation (a form will be provided in the orientation folder).
Helpful Tips for Parents & Families During Orientation
Attend Family Orientation Sessions: These sessions are tailored specifically for families and offer insights into student life, academics, and support services You’ll meet key staff members and have a chance to ask questions.
Encourage Student Independence: Orientation is your student’s time to start building confidence and independence. Encourage them to take the lead in navigating their schedule, asking questions, and making connections.
Stay Curious and Ask Questions: Whether it's about dining services, campus safety, or academic support, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Our staff are here to help you feel informed and comfortable.
Connect with Other Families: Orientation is a great time to meet fellow Hollins families These connections can become a valuable source of support throughout your student’s college experience
Respect Boundaries: Give your student space to attend events on their own This promotes confidence and helps them integrate more fully into the community
Be Open to New Emotions: It’s normal to feel a mix of pride, excitement, and even sadness. Your student is entering a new chapter and so are you. You’re not alone in this transition.
Learn About Campus Resources: Familiarize yourself with offices like Academic Services, Student Success, Counseling Services, and Campus Security. Knowing who to contact can be reassuring down the line.
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Sign Up for Parent & Family Communications: Stay informed through newsletters, social media, and the family email list. We’ll keep you updated on events, deadlines, and resources.
Plan Your Goodbyes Thoughtfully: Saying goodbye can be emotional Keep it positive, and remind your student that you’re proud and confident in their ability to succeed
Trust the Process: Hollins has a long history of supporting students through academic and personal growth Encourage your student to take advantage of the support network around them
DIRECTORY
Questions can be directed as follows:
RESOURCE/OFFICE PHONE
AcademicAdvising
Accommodations(Academic Housing,ServiceAnimals,ESAs)
Admissions
Bills/Accounts/Outstanding Balances
CampusSecurity
ClassRegistration
DeanofStudents
Employment(on-campus)
Health&CounselingServices
Housing&ResidenceLife
InternationalStudentServices (OPT,CPT,Visas)
OfficeoftheVice-PresidentforStudentSuccess,Belonging,and Well-being(SSWBB)
Parking/IDCards
StudentOrganizations/Clubs
StudyAbroad
TITLEIX(SexualAssault& HarassmentSupport)
UniversityChaplain
540-362-6333
540-362-6534
540-362-6211
540-362-7488
540-362-6419
540-362-6016
540-362-6063
540-362-6332
540-362-6444
540-362-6686
540-362-6408
540-362-6587
540-632-6419
540-362-6986
540-362-6214
540-362-6588
540-632-6665
studentsuccess@hollinsedu
sas@hollinsedu
huadm@hollinsedu
dispatch@hollinsedu
registrar@hollinsedu
deanofstudents@hollinsedu
hollinshr@hollinsedu
hcs@hollinsedu
hrl@hollinsedu ise@hollinsedu
accountspayable@hollinsedu studentactivities@hollinsedu
dispatch@hollinsedu
abraod@hollinsedu
titleix@hollinsedu sswbb@hollinsedu
haplain@hollinsedu