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.

Learn More about Orientation

Samford University Office of Admission and Office of Parent and Family Programs will host Welcome Parties across the country 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 from the office of Admission with details and a registration link.

Send-Off Parties are hosted by Samford parents as you "send your student off" to Samford. If you are interested in hosting a Send-Off Party in your home or at a nearby restaurant/venue, please email parents@samford.edu and we will discuss some ideas with you.

Attire for all events is "Party Casual." Shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, polos... whatever makes you comfortable!

Welcome Parties

Family Weekend will be held September 22-24, 2023.

Make plans to join the Samford community for Family Weekend! Parents, friends and family are welcome to join your student on campus for fellowship and fun all weekend long. With a variety of activities and events for you and your family to partake in, Family Weekend is an exciting opportunity for the Samford community to come together. Enjoy lectures, games, tailgates, and sporting events all across Samford’s beautiful campus this Fall.

Coming from out of town? Area Hotels

General registration opens in late August. Other information will be emailed through the Parent Portal.

Events to look forward to

Friday, September 22

• Open Houses
• Party with the President, including family pictures with a professional photographer, shaved ice, and music
• Vespers, featuring Acapella Choir and University Chorale
• Dinner and Live Music in the newly renovated Caf
• Volleyball Game, celebrating Samford’s Southern Conference Athletic Championship Teams in 2023

Saturday, September 23

• Parents Association Annual Meeting and Breakfast
• Tailgate on the Quad (including state parent chapter tailgates and family games)
• Bulldog Walk
• Samford Football

Sunday, September 24

• Worship with your student at a local church.
• Hymn Sing in Reid Chapel

Be on the lookout for emails and more detailed information on the Parent Portal this Fall.

Step Sing is one of Samford’s most popular traditions that draws interest from the student body and from the greater Birmingham area. Learn more about Step Sing

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 at the highest level. Learn more about becoming a Collegiate Partner

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
• Parent Commons open throughout the weekend
• Donation drive
• Food trucks on Talbird Circle

Coming from out of town? Area Hotels

Parent & Family Programs 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.

Prayer Walk Guide