Orientation done family style

They swarm the Pit. They roam the quads. They even take up space in the bathroom line. It’s summer, and UNC’s campus has once again been infiltrated by the loving moms and dads of new Tar Heels.

The Carolina Testing and Orientation Program Sessions (CTOPS) is a required two-day program that educates all incoming freshmen about UNC.

In the past, the program was mainly geared toward students.

However, April Mann, director of New Student & Carolina Parent Programs, said CTOPS was re-designed in the early 1990s to incorporate parents and family members of students.

And now they’re everywhere. About 4,000 parents attend CTOPS each summer, Mann said.

For many parents, visiting a college campus is an excuse to take a trip down memory lane.

“I went to UNC years ago, and it’s amazing to see how much has changed,” said parent Leigh Clavin.

Parents participate in both joint sessions with students, as well as exclusive parent events.

On the first morning of CTOPS, parents learn about basics like academic expectations, curriculum and academic advising.

Later in the day, Winston Crisp, the vice chancellor for student affairs, speaks to parents about the importance of supporting their children during this major transition. Many parents said the speech gave them peace of mind.

“When Dean Crisp passed out his personal phone number at the end of his speech, it made me feel like someone is caring for our children,” said parent Sally Shore.

Second-day CTOPS seminars focus on services, including campus safety, the study abroad program, campus health and career services.

Parents also attend any optional sessions they feel are pertinent to their family. Included are seminars concerning financial aid, billing or involvement in campus organizations.

Mann said parental participation is an important part of the orientation experience.

“Whether the student is coming from high school or another institution, UNC can be a big change for the entire family,” she said.

“Orientation educates parents about expectations both inside and outside the classroom, which makes them feel like a part of their child being successful.”

Although the purpose of orientation is to inform, some parents benefit in more creative ways.

The name tags given at orientation include participants’ names and hometowns. This has allowed parents and students to connect on a regional level.

Donna Snipes, a mother from Cary, said this information helped her to connect with other parents.

“During orientation I’ve met several other parents from Cary,” she said.

“We started talking and are now planning a ‘send-off’ for our children before they leave for UNC at the end of the summer.”

Her son, Bradley Snipes, also agreed that having parents at orientation is beneficial.

“She knows just as much as I do, so I can ask her for help if there’s something I don’t understand,” he said.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.