W&M Family Engagement

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W&M Family Engagement

We value W&M parents and families as critical partners in encouraging and supporting student success

19/08/2026

The big day is almost here…

Tomorrow, we welcome our newest Tribe families to campus. But first, a message from our Director, Heather Deere.

18/08/2026

It's almost time for new families to join us on campus! Today's video highlights some of our wonderful campus partners from W&M Office of Student Transition Engagement Programs to the Advising Center and Student Leadership Development. These people are resources for you & your student, not just during Orientation but throughout your entire W&M journey.

🔗learn more about STEP's Student Leadership: https://www.wm.edu/offices/step/current-students/student-leaders/
🔗learn more about the Advising Center: https://www.wm.edu/offices/advising/
🔗learn more about getting involved through organizations & activities: https://www.wm.edu/student-life/clubs-organizations/

14/08/2026

Yesterday, we hosted a Know Before You Go webinar on Family Orientation. Missed it? No worries! Earlier today, all incoming families were emailed a recording of the webinar.

It's not too late to register for Family Orientation: https://familyconnection.wm.edu/events/family-orientation-fall-2026

12/08/2026

Meet the Family Engagement team! We cannot wait to see you at Family Orientation on August 21st. You can still register here: https://familyconnection.wm.edu/events/family-orientation-fall-2026

Heather Deere is the Director of Family Engagement and has spent more than five years at William & Mary helping parents, families, and supporters feel informed, connected, and part of the W&M community. Heather holds an M.S. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University (Gig 'em!) and a B.A in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (Go Lions!). As a proud first-generation college graduate, Heather is passionate about helping families navigate the college experience and creating communities where everyone feels supported and welcomed.

Taylor Slaven is the Assistant Director of Family Engagement. As a soon-to-be two-time William & Mary alumna (B.A. in Psychological Sciences, '24; M.Ed. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Learning, '27), Taylor is passionate about fostering meaningful connections between families and the campus community. She loves supporting and educating families through their William & Mary journeys, helping them feel informed, connected, and engaged every step of the way.

Caroline Fines is the Graduate Assistant for Family Engagement. She graduated from the College of Charleston (Go Cougs!) in 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology and will earn her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling this spring from the W&M School of Education. Having previously worked with families as a tour guide during her undergraduate career, Caroline enjoys helping families support their students' time at W&M.

Aracelly Sanchez is the Social Media Specialist & Event Coordinator for Family Engagement. She is a rising senior ('27) majoring in Marketing and minoring in Psychology. This summer, she worked as the Marketing & Communications Intern for Family Engagement and previously served as the Merchandise Specialist. As an out-of-state student (Massachusetts), she especially loves supporting new-to-Virginia families and students as they become members of the Tribe!

10/08/2026

Today's W&M Resource Spotlight highlights our close campus partners, W&M Office of Student Transition Engagement Programs!

STEP supports the transition of students into and through their W&M experience. They help develop community while providing services, outreach, and support encompassed within year-round initiatives and programs such as New Student Orientation and the Find, Form, and Focus Your Experience series.

To learn more, go online at https://www.wm.edu/offices/step/

07/08/2026

5️⃣ things worth the money for Move-In Day from our very own Heather Deere, Director of Family Engagement!

What are your move-in must-haves?

06/08/2026

‼️Attention returning (and alumni) W&M families‼️

With move-in just around the corner, what are some pieces of advice you have for first-timers? Share your pro-tips, must-have items, little-known secrets, or words of encouragement in the comment section. Your experience could make all the difference for a new Tribe family!

05/08/2026

Tomorrow, August 6th at 12 PM ET, we will be hosting a Know Before You Go webinar on Move-In. This is a clip from last year's webinar with W&M Office of Student Transition Engagement Programs' Director, Lauren Garrett. Make sure to watch the webinar tomorrow for accurate and relevant 2026 move-in information!

30/07/2026

You may be wondering, "Why should I attend Family Orientation?" Great question! Family Orientation takes place on August 21st, the day after Move-In. Our goal is to give you helpful information to support your students during the critical first year. Throughout the day, new-to-William & Mary families are welcomed to campus and get to learn all things about W&M through lecture-style presentations, a resource fair, and conference-style breakout sessions.

💚 If you want to feel confident supporting your student's transition to W&M, come to Family Orientation!

💛 If you have questions about academics, housing, dining, billing, or campus resources, come to Family Orientation!

💚 If you'd like to connect with other William & Mary families who are beginning the same journey, come to Family Orientation!

💛 If you want to meet and learn more about the staff and offices that will support you and your students throughout the W&M experience, come to Family Orientation!

🔗 Register here: https://familyconnection.wm.edu/events/family-orientation-fall-2026

We'll see you on August 21st!

27/07/2026

Sharing this beautiful Crim Dell photo I took on the day I moved in as a first-year! Going into my fourth and final year, I love W&M even more than I did back then, which I didn't even know was possible. 💚💛

- Aracelly Sanchezx '27, Event Coordinator & Social Media Specialist

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+17572212508

Website

https://linktr.ee/wm_families

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