Parents & Families Virtual Parent Orientation
Welcome to the Westmont Community!
Welcome to Westmont! We’re thrilled your student has chosen to attend, and we understand and recognize the important role you’ve played in preparing him or her for this day. Enrolling in college is an exciting time for your family, but it also raises a lot of questions. That’s why we're providing some important information now and invite you to attend our Virtual Parent Orientation Program this summer.
Virtual Parent Orientation will give you insights about college, including academic and student life programs. You’ll hear from President Gayle D. Beebe, professors, administrative staff and other parents and students virtually. Also, you can ask questions in a series of Zoom calls with a live Q & A. During these sessions, you’ll receive information specific to parents of incoming students and gain a deeper sense of how you can share in your student’s college life. Stay tuned for more information about this programming in the coming weeks. There is no registration required for this event.
You may have questions now. What should my student pack? How do we pay our bill? Is our financial aid package complete? For the answers to these and many more questions, visit the Student Orientation website. You’ll find valuable resources to help you prepare for your student’s arrival on campus in August. In the coming weeks, you'll learn more about Virtual Parent Orientation on our Virtual Parent Orientation Schedule devoted to new Westmont parents like you. We also love grandparents and encourage them to join in on our calls and campus events.
We invite you to join our Westmont Parents of Transfer Students & Class of 2024 Facebook Group. We'll post information there as we learn it and provide opportunities to ask questions and meet fellow incoming parents.
We hope to make the transition to college as smooth as possible. If you have additional questions, contact us at parents@westmont.edu. We look forward to welcoming you to our family.
2024 Class Verse:
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”
Zechariah 4:6
Move-in day tips
- Each student will only be allowed 2 people to come to campus and move their belongings into their room.
- If you have not received an email from the Parents Relations Office, please email parents@westmont.edu to update your contact information.
- If you are traveling from a distance and will need to spend the night in Santa Barbara following your student's move-in time, visit our lodging and accommodations page for options (For information on lodging and accommodations)
- Check your student’s financial aid status
- Pay your first bill
- Encourage your student to sign up for a First-Year Seminar and a First-Year Retreat.
- For more information, go to the Student Orientation website.
- Enrolling in college is an exciting time for your family, but it also raises a lot of questions. That’s why we invite you to attend Virtual Parent Orientation!
- At our Virtual Parent Orientation you’ll learn about the various aspects of the college’s academic, residential, and student life programs.
- You’ll meet President Gayle D. Beebe, faculty, administrative staff, other parents and students.
- You’ll receive information tailored just for you and gain a deeper sense of sharing in your student’s college life.
- Computer
- Multiple outlet surge protectors
- Towels and washcloths
- Blankets, pillows and extra-long twin sheets (36 x 80 in)
- Laundry bag or basket
- Small basket for carrying personal bathroom supplies
- Headphones
- Hot Plate
- Microwave oven
- Toaster/toaster oven
- Air conditioner (small portable evaporative coolers okay)
- Halogen floor lamp
- Extension cords
- Candles and oil lamps
- Incense
- Duct tape
- Pets (fish are OK)
- Drums
- Car
- Chairs, desks or beds
- Your move in time will be provided for August 27-28. To allow for social distancing, please arrive at this time and not before.*
- When you arrive on campus to move in your student, please follow the signs and proceed to your student's residence hall.
- A driver will need to stay with your vehicle so it can be moved to a nearby lot once the unload is complete. For your convenience, a shuttle can transport you back to the residence hall from the parking lot.
- Families have 3-4 hours to help their student move in as well as to participate in the special Service of Commitment.
- You and your student can take part in the Service of Commitment between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on your student's move in day. *If your student's check-in/move-in time is late in the day, you are welcome to participate in the Service of Commitment early in the day. In this case, please park on lower campus until your designated move-in time.
- At 4:40 p.m. you will depart and allow your student to proceed to dinner with a small group of peers.
The Virtual Parent Orientation program is created specifically for parents, with input from past participants. This program is intended to inform you of important information about services and programs that will help your student succeed at Westmont and to address transition issues for the student and those who are important in the student’s life.
You can view the complete schedule (once finalized) for Parent Orientation 2020 both online and by downloading the Guidebook app called Westmont Community Guide. (available in iOS, Android and Web platforms). This will serve as your primary guide to Parent Orientation and beyond. Review the parent schedule and click the + sign to add events and sessions of interest to "my schedule." You may also wish to explore the FAQ link and your student's orientation schedule in the guide.