The Texas State Family Association was founded in 1976 as a support organization dedicated to helping Bobcat families feel connected to their students' university experience. The Family Association is your voice, guide, and link to campus. Learn how you can join the Texas State Family Association.
Family and Guest NSO
Welcome to New Student Orientation!
Family plays an integral role in a student's transition to Texas State, so we have created a special NSO experience designed to welcome you to the Bobcat family.
New Student Orientation is designed to help your student learn their way around Texas State, connect with campus resources, become familiar with important policies, and start to feel what it is like to be a Bobcat. Optional family programming is also available with content specifically designed to help you support your new Bobcat. You are invited to participate, but it is not required.
We also encourage you to join the Bobcat Family Portal, where you can stay informed about university news and events, and connect with Texas State representatives and other new Bobcat families.
Accommodations
Overnight accommodations are not included in the Family and Guest orientation fee, but are available at an additional charge per guest.
If you choose to stay on campus for overnight accommodations, you will need to supply your own toiletries, towels, and bed linens. Please note that the residence hall you stay in will be different than the one your student will stay in, and they are not in the same area of campus.
If you prefer not to stay on campus, you are welcome to reserve separate overnight lodging at any of the San Marcos area hotels. For your convenience, a list of hotels in the area is available on the San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau website.
Parking
About two weeks before your orientation session, a confirmation packet will be sent to your student's mailing address. This packet will contain driving directions and information about registering for a temporary parking permit specific to the student's orientation dates.
Texas State requires all vehicles parked on campus to be registered for a valid Texas State parking permit at all times. Your NSO parking permit will allow you to park in any space not designated Red (restricted), Reserved, or in the LBJ Student Center (pay-to-park) Garage. Students and families must follow general parking laws regarding fire zones or handicap-accessible spaces.
If you do not receive your confirmation packet in the mail or have questions about parking, please email us.
Sign Up
You should sign up for Family and Guest Orientation before you arrive on campus. Have your student sign into their TXST Admission Status Portal to add guests and pay guest fees.
If you plan to sign up on campus, please be prepared to pay the Family and Guest Orientation fee with a credit/debit card. Cash and checks will not be accepted.
Family and Guest Orientation Fees
One-day Orientation (summer) - $35 per guest
Two-day Orientation (fall) - $65
The fee covers materials, some meals, staffing, and other administrative costs. The fee is not refundable after the orientation session.
The Family/Guest fee does not include overnight accommodations.
NSO Materials & Schedule
If you would like to preview digital copies of the NSO Confirmation Booklet, New Student Guide, or the Program Schedule, you can do so by clicking the button below.