New Student Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Family Weekend start and when does it end?

Formal programming for Family Weekend begins on the evening of Friday, October 2nd and lasts until the evening of Sunday, October 4th. New Student Programs does not plan any Sunday events to allow for travel. However, options for community events (not scheduled specifically for Family Weekend) and Alachua County attractions will be listed for those who remain in Gainesville on Sunday.
Top

What accommodations are available for guests?

Families participating in Family Weekend are responsible for their own lodging accommodations for the weekend. There are several local options for families to choose from when making these accommodations. For on campus accommodations you may want to check out the Reitz Union Hotel.

New Student Programs has partnered with the following businesses to assist in planning your hotel accommodations. The following hotels: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Holday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn and Suites, Gainesville Downtown have held several rooms for Family Weekend participants at fixed or discounted rates. To be part of the block reservation or inquire about discount rates make sure to mention that you will be here for the University of Florida's Family Weekend. These rooms will be released on a first come, first served basis so please make your accommodations plans as soon as possible.

For additional listings of accommodations in Gainesville visit: www.visitgainesville.net
Top

What if we cannot attend the entire weekend?

The Family Weekend schedule has a large variety of event offerings that take place throughout Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd. You may pick and choose the events that you are able to attend at your leisure. Participation in any of the official Family Weekend events requires registration and full payment of fees, regardless of your arrival time.
Top

Can we just purchase tickets for the Saturday BBQ or Friday Family Fun Night Event?

No, participants must be registered for the Family Weekend Basic Package in order to purchase tickets for the Friday Night event or BBQ Lunch. Registration fees fund the setup and materials costs for the Saturday BBQ and Family Fair.
Top

Are divorced and/or separated families considered one family or two?

For the purposes of registration, divorced and/or separated families will be placed on one student registration record. However, two sets of program materials and information will be given at check in. Please contact our office at (352) 392-8396 or at pguest@dso.ufl.edu to indicate if you need to add additional guests and receive a second set of materials.
Top

What does the Family Weekend Basic Package include?

Family Weekend is a self-funded event. Your registration fee ($18 per guest) covers all overhead expenses including publications, registration materials, room and equipment reservations, staffing and all non-ticketed events. This fee also covers food costs at the Saturday Welcome Reception , access to the Back to School Workshop and Lecture Series, Family Fair, Tradition Keepers Retreat, Family Weekend Kickball Tournament, and two for the price of one admission into the UF Women's Volleyball matches on Friday and Sunday.

The $11 ticket covers the Family Fun Night Entertainment and Dessert Reception cost for room and equipment rental, performer fees, and catering fees.

The $10 lunch ticket covers the cost of a full meal at the Saturday Family Fair. The menu includes: pulled BBQ beef, BBQ chicken, BBQ veggie burgers, and other traditional BBQ side dishes.
Top

How do I pay?

When you register online for Family Weekend you will have the option to pay with a credit card. If you choose to pay with check or money order, please make sure to print out a copy of the registration form and mail your payment to the address below.
Top

If I've decided to pay by check, where do I send my Family Weekend payment?

Please send your check or money order to:
New Student Programs
PO Box 114075
Gainesville, FL 32611-4075

Please make sure to include the UF student's name and UFID on the check or money order.
Top

How do I know if you received my payment or if my fees are paid in full?

You will receive an e-mail confirmation once fees have been paid in full. You can also click on the Registration link and log back into the registration website to see if your payment has been processed. If it has been more than 15 working days since you mailed your check and it has not been processed, please check with your bank to see if the check has cleared. If the check has cleared and we have not processed it, email us a pguest@dso.ufl.edu. Include the UF student's name, UFID, check number and name on the check or money order.
Top

Are waivers available for Family Weekend?

A limited number of waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need. The waiver covers fees for the student and up to two guests (Please note: this does not cover the cost of BBQ lunch tickets or Friday ngiht event tickets). The UF student must have a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) on file for the academic year, be Pell Grant eligible, have an EFC of $0, and you or anyone in your household have received federal benefits from a federal benefits program. If you would like to inquire about receiving a need-based waiver for Family Weekend, please email us at pguest@dso.ufl.edu with your name and UFID . You may register for Family Weekend immediately, but do not have to make an online payment at that time. Since eligibility is checked weekly please allow seven business days for a response. Please also indicate if your family will need additional help to provide funding for accommodations. We will notify you via email whether or not you have been awarded a waiver. The deadline to apply for a Family Weekend waiver is Friday, September 25.
Top

When do I receive my Family Weekend confirmation?

Once we receive payment in full of your registration fees, you will be sent an e-mail confirmation to the electronic address provded on your registration. A second confirmation with final program details will be e-mailed in late September.
Top

I haven't received or I've lost my Family Weekend confirmation. Where do I get a new one?

If you do not receive your confirmation a week prior to Family Weekend or if you have lost your confirmation, email us at pguest@dso.ufl.edu. Include the UF student's name and UFID.
Top

What is the cancellation policy?

Be sure to confer as a family about potential scheduling conflicts prior to making a reservation for Family Weekend. Conflicts may include evening classes, mid-term exams, or other events that may bring family to Gainesville on a different weekend.

If you wish to cancel your entire Family Weekend reservation/registration, please contact us in writing as soon as you are able. We will only be able to refund registration fees for cancellations received by 5pm EST on Friday, September 11. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to pguest@dso.ufl.edu and include the following: UF student's name and UFID and the reason for cancellation. Refunds will be processed 2-3 weeks after the request is received. Once a reservation/registration is cancelled New Student Programs cannot guarantee it can be reinstated. Requests for refunds received after 5pm EST on Friday September 11 will not be processed. Cancellation requests cannot be made by phone.

Please note: Cancellations for tickets purchased directly through ticket vendors or individual organizations cannot be refunded by New Student Programs.
Top

What if I need to add a guest after I signed up for Family Weekend?

If you wish to add guests to the reservation/registration, you can you can do so via email at pguest@dso.ufl.edu or by phone at (352) 392- 392-8396. You will need to provide the UF student's name and UFID, and the name(s) of the guest(s) to add. The deadline to add guests is Friday, September 25.
Top

What if I need to remove a guest after I signed up for Family Weekend?

If you wish to remove guests from the reservation/registration, you can do so via email at pguest@dso.ufl.edu or by phone at (352) 392- 8396. You will need to provide the UF student's name and UFID, and the name(s) of the guest(s) to remove. Only guests removed by 5pm EST on Friday, September 11 are eligible for a refund of fees. Guests removed after this date are not eligible for a refund of fees but please, as a courtesy, be sure to inform New Student Programs of any guests no longer attending.
Top