Care Packages
Four times a year, Parents Association provides opportunities for you to purchase and send care packages to your student:
- Back to School
- Fall exams
- Step Sing
- Spring exams
Proceeds from the sale of these care packages is used towards support and events that benefit all students.
In addition to care package sales, parents in cities around the country gather for Pack & Pray care package parties, where they pack care packages to be distributed to students during fall and spring exams and pray for students together.
To find out more about care package sales, or details about hosting or attending a Pack & Pray in your region, email parents@samford.edu.
Commencement Weekend
Events are planned during Commencement weekend for graduates and their families. Visit Samford Graduation for general information and stay tuned for more details. All of Samford University's commencement ceremonies will be available via live stream.
Family Month in February
- Parents are invited to join us for Family Academy classes taught by Samford professors and held online every Tuesday night in February.
- You can join others across the nation to pray for students on the Collegiate Day of Prayer, February 26, 2026.
- Family Day at the Pete! Enjoy a Family Day men’s basketball game, date and time TBD.
Family Weekend
We look forward to hosting Samford families and friends on campus, for Family Weekend at Samford University! The schedule and registration information for the many activities planned for the weekend will be posted here each summer.
Bulldog Days Orientation
When students attend college orientation, parents or other supporting family members also attend a parents' orientation so they can know what to expect for the next four years.
We ask parents or other supporting family members to attend Bulldog Days, Samford’s orientation program for new students and parents. That's right! We ask parents to attend orientation along with their students so you will know what to expect for the next four years. You will enjoy a schedule that’s been designed just for you. From the parents’ perspective, you will learn all about academics and campus life, helpful resources and services, the Samford Parents Association, and more. Plus, you will meet current Samford parents who can answer questions and share their stories as well as begin friendships with the other parents and supporting family members going through this college transition along with you.
Move-In Week
This year, two days have been set aside for new student move in – Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22. For students attending Bulldog Days in August, move in will be Tuesday, August 19. Students will select a day and time to move in. Upperclassmen will choose from move-in appointments on August 17, 18, 20, 23, or 24.
When you arrive on the day of your student’s chosen move in, signage will direct you to know where you may offload your student’s belongings and then park. As soon as your student’s room is set up, you will want to say goodbye so your student can jump into an amazing college experience. The office of Parent and Family Engagement will have stations set up at Centennial Walk behind the Mr. Beeson statue to allow you to walk through a special goodbye time with your student. After you depart, new students will enjoy Connections, a weekend of activities planned and led by students to help them get acquainted with their classmates, the campus and their new city.
The Samford Parents Association will provide parents of freshmen with a Drive-Home bag, which includes travel snacks, a word from Dr. Taylor, a Spotify playlist for your drive, and a list of local services and resources you will find helpful as you and your student make Birmingham your second home.
Samford Parents in Prayer
We invite all Samford parents to join us in prayer each month, as we come together to lift up the students and others in our Samford community. A few prayer options are explained below.
First Monday Parents in Prayer
You will find the opportunity to join a Zoom prayer call, led by other current Samford parents, on the first Monday night of each month at 7 p.m. Central. Each call will follow a similar format and will be approximately 30 minutes in length.
Praying for Students by Name
You may choose to pray for a small group of students by name. To receive a list of 20 students (first name, last initial), please email parents@samford.edu.
Collegiate Day of Prayer
You can join others across the nation to pray for students on the Collegiate Day of Prayer.
Prayer Walk
Parent & Family Engagement will host a Samford Prayer Walk during Bulldog Days and Family Weekend. The Prayer Walk begins with parents gathering at Mr. Beeson’s statue. Following a group prayer, individuals, couples and/or families continue the Prayer Walk using the guide at their own pace. Most people take 30-45 minutes to complete the 730-step loop around the Quad. We encourage you to use this 14-stop map for your own personal prayer walk at Samford whenever you are visiting our beautiful campus. We hope this map will be useful as a guide or as inspiration in voicing your own prayers.
“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14
Samford Send Offs
If a Welcome Party is not planned in a city near you, you might consider hosting a Samford Send Off. These events are hosted by Samford parents as you "send your student off" to Samford. If you are interested in hosting a Samford Send Off in your home or at a nearby restaurant/venue, please email parents@samford.edu and we will discuss some ideas with you. Our office will handle promotion and registration and provide the host with a Party-in-a-Box, which includes games, decorations, and hosting tips.
Some Send Offs are just for incoming freshmen and their parents. In cities with smaller populations of Samford students, we will include upperclassmen.
Step Sing Weekend
Step Sing is one of Samford’s most popular traditions. Mark your calendars for Step Sing 2026, January 29-31. Samford Parents celebrate the tradition of Step Sing with the following planned activities:
- Backstage Brunch for families of Step Sing directors
- Collegiate Partner Reception at the home of President and Mrs. Taylor
During this festive weekend, the President and First Lady are delighted to host the Collegiate Partners Reception at the President’s Home. This event is to celebrate the significant contributions of those members of the Parents Association whose generosity has worked to impact the lives of students at Samford. Become a Collegiate Partner. - Parent Commons will be open throughout the weekend
- Parents Association donation drive
- Special food options in and around the University Center
Welcome Parties
The Office of Parent and Family Engagement will host Welcome Parties in three regional locations in July and early August to give incoming freshmen and their parents an opportunity to meet other Samford families from their area. We want to help you make connections with as many students and families as possible, so you feel right at home when school begins.
Welcome Parties are hosted by Samford staff, as we "welcome" you to Samford. These events are held in cities with the highest numbers of incoming Samford freshmen. Students will receive an email with details and a registration link.
Attire for all events is "Party Casual." Shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, polos... whatever makes you comfortable!
