For Parents

Schedule of Events

Contact

Parent

Grace Pyka

Director of Parent Relations

Parent

Grace Pyka

Director of Parent Relations

Sprog Orientation will be held in three sessions. Your family will select from Sprog I (June 14-15), Sprog II (June 17-18), or Sprog III (June 20-21). Some programs during Sprog are designed for both student and parent participation, while other sessions are specific to each group. 

The 2024 Schedule may be viewed below. Plan to arrive for check-in at 9:00 a.m. on Day One. Parents will need local accommodations while their student sleeps over in the residence hall. Families will depart campus by 5:00 p.m. on Day Two.

Family Schedule Day One

9:00-
10:00 a.m.                          

Parent Check in (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Receive your name tags, schedule, map, and other information. A light continental breakfast will be served.

10:00-10:30 a.m.

Parent Welcome (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Members of the campus community will welcome you and provide context for the events happening for the next two days.

10:30-11:00 a.m.

Tales & Traditions (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

As the first institution of higher education in the state of Texas, Southwestern has a rich and colorful history! Enjoy this fascinating tale of how a pioneer’s dream became a first-class national liberal arts university!

11:00 a.m
- Noon





Noon-
1:30 p.m.

Welcome & Shaping Your SU Experience (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

University staff will welcome incoming students and parents to SU. Dr. Jennifer Leach, Director of Advising and Retention, will share information about Southwestern’s unique curriculum and how your student can get the most out of their advising experience at Sprog.


Lunch with Southwestern Leadership (Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballrooms)
Members of the Southwestern senior leadership team will talk about the ways in which their divisions support students and parents and will answer your questions about the future of SU.

1:30-
2:30 p.m.            

Transition Tips (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Get the details you need to prepare for your Pirate’s move to SU. Representatives from Academic Affairs, Student Life, and Dining Services will be presenting the most critical information you need to know now and answering your questions.

2:40-
3:10 p.m.

Navigating Academic Accommodations (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Your student may be eligible to receive accommodations based on the nature and functional limitations of a documented disability. Learn more about the process at this session.

3:15-
4:15 p.m.

Designing Ahead (Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballrooms)
Students at Southwestern are empowered to begin exploring career options and interests early in their time on campus. Learn about the Life Design approach to career planning and resources available to students through the Center for Career & Professional Development.

4:30-
6:00 p.m.

Parent Social (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Caldwell-Carvey Foyer)

Wrap up your day with a casual social gathering and enjoy a happy hour beverage with fellow parents.

Family Schedule Day Two

8:00-
9:00 a.m.

Residence Hall Checkout

Students will be checking out between 8-9 a.m., and will need to connect with you to load their overnight bag into your car.

9:00-
9:45 a.m.

Panel with the Professors (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Faculty will answer questions about curriculum, selecting majors and minors, and high impact experiences available through their departments.

9:45-
11:00 a.m.

Residence Hall Tours (Departs from the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Residence hall tours are specifically designed for those new Pirates and their parents wishing to explore their housing options. Staff will be available to answer questions related to each residence hall.

11:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Billing, Payments, and Financial Aid, Oh My! (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

This information session covers billing and payments, waivers, financial aid, and how to access your student’s financial information.

12:15-
1:30 p.m.

Lunch in the Commons (Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center)
Sample lunch at Southwestern in the Commons. There is no program during this meal.

1:145-
2:45 p.m.

Current Parent Panel & Sprog Farewell (Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center)

Hear from parents about the changing dynamic as a parent of an emerging adult, and how to navigate this transition as a family.