We’re excited that Fall Family Weekend is almost here. Here’s what to know to ensure that both you and your student have an amazing time.

Our Fall Family Weekend is just around the corner, and we’d love to have you join us!

This year, Family Weekend will be held on October 17 and 18. Family weekend is always an exciting opportunity to get a peek into your child’s life at school and see first-hand how they’re adjusting and becoming part of the community. They’ll be able to introduce you to favorite faculty and new friends, show you around campus, and give you a sense of what life is like at Oliverian.

During Family Weekend, we invite you to join us for dinner Thursday night and to participate in a number of signature Oli activities — from sample classes to outdoor adventures — during the day on Friday. We’ll also hold a parents workshop with our team of counselors, during which you can connect with other parents and explore some concepts related to supporting your child’s Oliverian experience.

The weekend culminates with our famous students vs. faculty and parents soccer game — a highlight year after year. After the game, you’re welcome to take your student off campus for the rest of the weekend.

If this is your first Family Weekend, there are a few things you can do to ensure that both you and your student have an enjoyable and productive experience.

• Be flexible. You might have specific expectations or a set schedule in mind before you arrive, but don’t be afraid to let your plans change. While we encourage you to take part in communal events, we understand that being apart from your child can be difficult, so if just spending time with your student feels like the better choice, we support and respect that decision. 
• Don’t let your expectations get too high. Even though you’re visiting, your child might still want to spend time with their friends, or they might feel awkward introducing them to you. Don’t take this personally! It can take some time to become reacquainted. 
• Let them take the lead. By letting your student choose how they want to spend Family Weekend with you — whether it’s with you alone or with new friends and their families — you’ll be showing them that you value their choices and ability to make decisions. 
• Be supportive. If this is the first time your child has lived apart from you for an extended time, they may be trying new things and exploring new aspects of their identity. Keep an open mind and stay positive — this is your chance to get to know the young adult your student is becoming. Let them know how proud you are of how they’re doing and adjusting. 
• Know when it’s time to go. Leaving your child is never fun, but as Monday approaches, keep in mind that they might have work to do or other plans. Tell them how much you enjoyed seeing them and how they’re doing. Remember that the holidays aren’t too far away!

We know it can be difficult for families to make the trip, but we encourage you to join us if possible. Your student is going through an important transition in their life, and sharing in that — even for a few days — is a wonderful opportunity to see their growing independence. 

It’s our hope that Family Weekend will also give you a better sense of your child’s daily life and help you feel reassured that they are fully supported on their path to success.