Resources for Family

While we continue to encourage safety, we also want to encourage you to pay your Lumberjack a visit! And with so many local opportunities for fun, it may be difficult to fit into just one trip, including:

• attending an SFA sporting event
• painting your own pottery
• strolling through our downtown shops
• visiting the Saturday morning Nacogdoches Farmers Market 
• relaxing at one of our two nearby lakes 
• and so much more. 

We've partnered with the City of Nacogdoches to remind you that EVERY weekend can be Family Weekend. As an extension of the normal Family Weekend deals we’ve offered in the past, owners of local shops, restaurants and lodging have graciously agreed to offer special discounts to our Lumberjack families throughout the academic year. Visit visitnacogdoches.org/sfa-family for information on unique local discounts and spots around town.

Subscribe to SFA’s family email newsletter to receive more information!

The Lumberjack Family Connection is an e-newsletter sent twice each semester to keep Lumberjack family members in the know about life at SFA. 

This newsletter will include information from areas across campus, such as the Center for Career and Professional Development, Office of Development, Residence Life and campus events listed on the university calendar. 

For questions, contact Orientation and Transition Programs by emailing orientation@sfasu.edu, calling 936.468.6641 or following us on social media.

Subscribe to the Lumberjack Family Connection newsletter

Our unique Parent/Family Member Orientation takes place in tandem with Lumberjack Orientation dates. This two-day Orientation is highly encouraged! During this program, we want to be sure all your questions are answered. Topics to be discussed include:

• coaching your student to success
• college financial preparation
• University Police Department and campus safety
• getting involved at SFA
• and many more!

Guidebook - Interactive First-Year Lumberjack Orientation Schedule

Cost:

Whether you stay overnight in a residence hall or book your own off-campus overnight accommodations, the registration fee includes meals, publications and materials, programming and administrative costs.

• Overnight on campus: $110
  • Residence hall is assigned during check-in
• Overnight off campus: $80

Children:

• Ages 0 to 5: Free
• Ages 6 to 17: $25
  • Siblings entering grades 7 through 12 are instead encouraged to attend Destination SFA - unique sessions specifically geared toward them and their interests!

Note: Your Orientation student cannot stay with you. They are required to stay in the residence hall designated for Orientation students.

Registering

When your student registers for Lumberjack Orientation, they will be given the opportunity to complete your registration as well. This helps ensure a smooth registration process for the proper session.

Registering at a later date?

Visit our Marketplace registration page to check the availability for your student's session and reserve your spot. Session registration will close one week prior to the session or once the session reaches capacity, whichever occurs first. 

Available to parents and family members of incoming transfer students attending our in-person sessions, this one-day Orientation takes place in tandem with Transfer Orientation dates. This program allows us a wonderful opportunity to be sure all your questions are answered; we highly encourage you to join us!

Topics to be discussed include:

• coaching your student to success
• college financial preparation
• University Police Department and campus safety
• getting involved at SFA
• and many more!

2023 dates:

• Jan. 10 in-person
• Apr. 28 virtual
• May 19 in-person
• Jun. 9 virtual
• Jul. 14 in-person
• Aug. 4 in-person

Cost:

• Ages 18 and up: $25
• Ages 6 to 17: $15
• Ages 0 to 5: Free

Included: lunch, publications and materials, programming and administrative costs.

Registering

When your student registers for Lumberjack Orientation, they will be given the opportunity to complete your registration as well. This helps ensure a smooth registration process for the proper session.

Registering at a later date?

Visit our Marketplace registration page to check the availability for your student's session and reserve your spot. Session registration will close one week prior to the session or once the session reaches capacity, whichever occurs first.

• Bedding – twin/twin XL (sheets, blanket, pillows or sleeping bag)
• Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, towel, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.)
• Shower shoes/towels
• Overnight bag
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain gear (umbrella, rain jacket, rain boots, etc.)
• Backpack/drawstring bag (big enough to hold folders and papers)
• Phone/computer charger
• Snacks
• Questions
• Last-minute items to turn in (test scores, shot record, final transcripts, etc.) 

Not sure where to park when you arrive on campus? View our orientation parking map to locate the parking areas designated for Orientation.
 

Available to siblings entering grades 7 through 12 whose parent/family member is attending the Parent/Family Member Orientation, Destination SFA is our unique Orientation event for siblings of incoming freshmen.

Through this program, we want to answer questions younger siblings may have about college while also highlighting all SFA has to offer. Destination SFA is going to be AXE-cellent!

Cost: $65/sibling

Included: meals, axe handle and a limited edition Destination SFA T-shirt.