Looking Forward to Family Weekend at FSU
By: Virginia Gesler, Dave Bachansingh (FSU Family Connection Council Members)
It’s just around the corner…Family Weekend! Family Weekend can be fun for the whole family. Brothers and sisters are welcomed as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles- whomever you define as family. For many first-year parents, this may be your first time seeing your student since dropping them off in August. You are filled with anticipation for this amazing reunion, and while they may not show it, your student is more excited to see you than you know. 
For parents and families making the trip to Tallahassee next week, safe travels! Whether you are staying in a hotel or with your student, we hope that your time visiting your student is exceptional!
There are a lot of activities taking place during Family Weekend and you will have plenty to choose from. Most families prefer arriving in Tallahassee early on Friday to get a jump start on activities and quality family time.
By arriving early on Friday, you can check out the Silent Auction presented by the FSU Family Connection at 1851 in Azalea Hall. There is always a great selection and an array of gift baskets and prizes, ranging from FSU memorabilia, campus experiences, and other Seminole goodies. The funds raised through this auction will go towards the FSU Family Fund, so it is all for a good cause.
As one of only two collegiate circuses in the nation, the FSU Flying High Circus puts on an amazing show for students and families. Aerialists, gymnasts, clowns and jugglers all make for a family-friendly activity that will have you smiling from ear to ear. There are only two opportunities to see them while in town, so if you have tickets–we promise the show will not disappoint!
Many of the extracurricular organizations have something to commemorate Family Weekend, so based on your child’s involvement you may have additional activities to attend. There will be many opportunities for families to meet your student’s new friends and to see how they spend their time on campus when they are not in class. Many of these organizations will welcome all families and parents with open arms–some instructors will even invite you to class! This is a great way to experience academic life on campus!
There is also a Faculty Reading & Book signing featuring Assistant Professor, Aaron C. Thomas. Or visit the Leach and pick up a complimentary guest pass & join your student in a workout! Passes are available between Friday September 27 at 12PM -Sunday September 29 at 5PM. 
A great way to wrap up the day is at the Friday Night Block Party in Collegetown from 5pm-10pm. It is the official start to FSU’s football festivities with a super fun street party with live music, and street vendors There are plenty of restaurants in the area to dine with as well. On Friday night, the University is also hosting a BBQ Dinner featuring delicious food items.
If you are the athletic type or just someone who wants to start their Saturday with a great walk around campus, you can sign up for the Campus Recreation Family Weekend 5K Run/Walk. It’s open to family members of all ages. And, if you’re looking for a meal after the 5K? You can plan to attend the Saturday Tailgate Brunch at 1851.
On Saturday, you’ll also want to take time to get prepared for Florida State’s home game. School spirit is at its finest and your students show that they are true Seminoles. There are so many traditions to be a part of during the day. The kickoff time is 7:30PM giving you plenty of time to fit in a trip to the Sod Cemetery or watch the Marching Chiefs “skull session” at Dick Howser Stadium, approximately two and a half hours before kickoff. Don’t forget to be at your seat in time to see Chief Osceola and Renegade plan the spear in the middle of the field, signaling the start of the game. From here, your only responsibility is to cheer our team on to victory. Hopefully, you have practiced your “chop”. Be loud and proud! 
While some will insist you don’t have to come: they like having you there. I have seen the excitement and pride as students show off the new place and just enjoy your company at a nice meal you are paying for. Just enjoy your time with your student. Take this time to tell your students how much you loved being with them and that you are proud of how they are doing. As you hit the road, reflect back on the amazing job you have done with raising your Seminole and how you built lasting memories in the past 48 hours.
If you’re looking for more information about Family Weekend,, you can visit the Family Weekend website here.
Edited by: Abby Cloud