Looking for ways to get involved? New Student Orientation and Family Weekend are among the events with specific programming for Stanford parents and families. In addition, the Stanford Parents’ Club also offers opportunities to connect with more than 10,000 members from more than 75 countries.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Family Weekend is generally held the last full weekend in February and is a chance for Stanford families to hear from university leaders, learn about student organizations, tour the campus, and more. Learn more about what to expect
New Student Orientation (NSO) is generally held in late September, shortly before school begins. It includes events for parents and guardians, such as seminars and chances to meet university administrators.
Family members attending NSO are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes since events can include walking and some residences have elevators while others do not. Temperatures are warm during the days–70s to 80s–and cool in the evenings–40s to 50s.
The Stanford Parents' Club builds community by supporting Stanford students and families. It is a not-for-profit organization separate from the university. Founded locally in 1924, the club today consists of parents and guardians from around the world. The club offers a range of programs that directly support students, provides information for parents and guardians via newsletters and general meetings, organizes social events, and provides the university with volunteers at NSO, Family Weekend, and Admit Weekend. Over the decades, the club has provided over $1 million in scholarships for Stanford undergraduates.
Signature programs include the Distinguished Speaker series, where a Stanford professor speaks on a topic of interest, the On-Campus Delivery service that enables loved ones to order bakery treats for delivery to their student’s dorm, and the Entertainment Extravaganza! Showcase of student performing groups that closes Family Weekend. All parents and guardians of Stanford students are welcome to join. Membership is free of charge.
In fiscal year 2023-24, more than 2,500 parents collectively contributed $5.5 million through The Stanford Fund. Unlike gifts to most of the university's endowed or other restricted funds, Stanford Fund gifts are flexible and go to work right away in support of undergrad priorities and academic opportunities. And, when critical needs arise, that flexibility means funds can be quickly directed to where they’re needed most. Learn more about how families can help.
If you visit, check out the visitor information site. It provides useful information about Stanford and the San Francisco Bay Area. Be sure to make travel arrangements early for special events because there are limited hotels near the university.
