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Information for Families

Parents and families usually play an important role in the lives of college students. On this page you will find information pertinent to you and your college student. Please be sure to check this site often, as it will be updated with the season and as events and opportunities change at Northland.

Preparing for Arrival: New and Returning Students

 

Orientation and New Student Arrival

Participating in Orientation can help ease the transition for both parents and families and new students, as they become part of the Northland Community. 2011 New student arrival days are:

• Fall Student Athletes (Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country): Friday, August 10th
• Northland Connect Extended Trip Participants: Friday, August 10th
• 5-Day Orientation Participants: Tuesday, August 28th
• Transfer students not taking the OO trip: Tuesday, September 4th

Parents and families should plan on being on campus from 8 a.m. to around 4 p.m. with their student and departing that night. Students will be sent a complete Orientation schedule in the weeks leading up to their arrival. You can find more information on the Orientation web page or feel free to give the Orientation Coordinator a call at (715) 682-1823.

Returning Student Arrival

Returning students can move into their dorm rooms on Saturday, September 1st. Classes start on Wednesday, September 5th.

Good times to visit Northland

This year there is no official “Family Weekend” at Northland, rather, we suggest that you come when it works best for you and your college student.

Late Summer:

You will be arriving to drop off your college student at prime vacation time in the north country. Take advantage of the sun and warm(er) water by renting canoes at the Outpost, or getting a bite at one of the restaurants in Ashland, Washburn, or Bayfield, or see one of the great shows at Big Top Chautauqua. For more information on what to do in and around the Chequamegon Bay in the summer, please click the following links:

• Ashland: http://www.visitashland.com/
• Washburn: http://www.washburnchamber.com/
• Bayfield: http://bayfield.org/

Fall:

We encourage you to come visit your son or daughter during the wonderful autumn weather here in the north woods. Your students have been at Northland for a few weeks and were introduced to some of the favorite spots through Orientation. Don’t be surprised if they have a particular beach or rocky outcrop they want to share with you!

Fall colors are particularly spectacular here on the big lake. These weekends are usually prime times to visit: September 21-23; September 28-30; October 5-7, and 12-14. Some weekends are busier than others, which means you’ll need to plan ahead to secure accommodations. Some area hotels/motels include: Hotel Chequamegon, Best Western/Lake Superior Lodge, AmericInn, Super 8 of Ashland, Super 8 of Washburn, and the Bad River Lodge. These and other establishments can be found on several websites, http://www.visitashland.com/, http://bayfield.org/, http://www.madelineisland.com/madeline-island/getting-here/location/, and http://madferry.com/.

Listed below are some specific events that are happening in the area this fall:

• The Bayfield Apple Festival, (October 5-7, 2011) is one of the oldest and largest small town festivals in the region, celebrating the harvest at Bayfield’s many apple orchards. Come celebrate with your college student, eat a home-made apple fritter, watch the Venetian Boat Parade or cheer on the local bands as they parade through downtown Bayfield.
• Into running? Join thousands of runners from the area and around the Midwest for the Whistle Stop Marathon and Half Marathon. It is a weekend event (October 12-14, 2011) including the marathon and half marathon as well as a 5K & 10K run/walk and the Blues and Brews Fest, celebrating local micro-breweries and great music.

The Northland College Bill: What to expect

Another area in which parents play an important role is helping to pay for college. Completing payment arrangements is a critical part of preparing to go to Northland. Our Business Office has or soon will be sending you billing and payment arrangement information. Our Business Office will be sending you billing and payment arrangement information. There are several payment options available. By August 1st you need to either pay your bill in full for the fall semester or make arrangements with Tuition Management Systems and make your first payment. For a small fee this organization will provide you with a variety of payment options including a monthly payment plan. You can contact them at: www.afford.com or (800)356-8329.