Frequently Asked Questions
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Parents and Families
Family Weekend - FAQ's
Family Weekend is an opportunity for families and supporters to visit campus, spend quality time with their students, and engage more deeply with the college community. This annual event features a variety of programs, activities, and experiences designed to showcase campus life, academic resources, and student involvement. The information below provides answers to frequently asked questions to help families plan their visit and make the most of their Family Weekend experience.
Registration
When is Family Weekend?
Family Weekend will be held Friday, Feb. 20-22, 2026. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the campus life and Spelman experience of your student. There are several cost effective and fun events to enjoy for the weekend.
Can I purchase tickets at check-in?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate onsite registration for Family Weekend, so we strongly encourage you to register in advance and take advantage of the registering for events that sell out quickly.
Online registration for Family Weekend will be available in December 15, 2025
What forms of payment are accepted for online registration?
Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover cards are all acceptable methods of payment for Family Weekend registration.
Will I need to purchase a ticket for my student?
All currently enrolled Spelman students may attend the events for Family Weekend at no additional cost. HOWEVER, you must register your Spelman student if they are going to attend any ticketed events such as the President’s Breakfast and BBQ so we can have an accurate head count. You will register your student in the guest section and check that they are a current Spelman student and select their graduation year.
There are children attending Family Weekend with me. Will I need to register them?
All children 10 years old and older can pay the registration fee to receive the FW T-shirt for $25.00. If not, they can register for no additional cost, but it does not include a T-shirt.
What if I want to purchase additional items?
Please go back to your confirmation email and select the line to make changes to your registration. At such time, you will be able to purchase additional tickets and items until the online registration closes.
How do I review my order?
Your confirmation email will include the list of all guests and the Spelman student registered for Family Weekend, the type and number of tickets purchased for ticketed events and any Family Weekend paraphernalia purchased as well.
What is included in the Family Weekend Registration?
All parents and families registered to attend Family Weekend will receive free parking in the Spelman College parking deck. All parents and families who paid the $25.00 registration fee with receive a Family Weekend a Family Weekend t-shirt. If not, they can register for no additional cost, but it does not include a T-shirt. Access to any events that do not require the purchasing of tickets, but some events require registration to keep an accurate head count.
What if I need to cancel my registration, can I get a refund?
The Office of Student Life and Engagement in partnership with the Parents Association strives to provide special experience to connect with the special people who make Spelman possible for our students, parents and families. To ensure the quality of the experience we do not offer any refunds. Please be sure you and your family can attend prior to making any arrangements.
Does everyone have to register even if they are not attending any tickets events?
Yes, we require anyone attending Family Weekend to register.
Check-In
Where do I park when I arrive on campus?
Guests and parents will need to park at the Morehouse College Parking Deck at a cost of $8 per vehicle before 5:00 p.m. The College is extending complementary parking to all guests and parents in the Spelman parking deck starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday through 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Where do I pick up my registration items?
Please come the Upper Concourse of the Manley Student Center (Bldg 9A) located next to the Mail Center/Book Store to receive your registration items and any purchased tickets.
Can my student pick up my registration materials?
Yes, your student may pick up your Family Weekend Registration materials during check-in on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Upper Concourse of the Manley Student Center.
Where will the events and activities be held?
Events will be held at a variety of locations around campus with exception of a few. You will receive a schedule of events during check-in, and the information is also listed under Family Weekend on the Spelman College website.
Accommodation
We have a family member in a wheelchair.
Yes, all events are held in ADA accessible buildings, however it is important to remember as with most college campuses there will be some distances between buildings and events.
Where should I stay during Family Weekend?
The College has reserved a block of rooms at selected hotels in Atlanta. Please note these rooms are on a first-come first-serve basis. Spelman College and the Parents’ Association are not responsible for hotel reservations and cannot assist with any issues regarding lack of room availability.
When should we plan to arrive? Do families stay for the whole weekend?
The schedule is designed to allow you to pick and choose events throughout the weekend and to take advantage of quality time with your student. With that in mind, many families choose to check-in on Friday to take advantage of our information sessions and campus tours. However, for those families that cannot join us on Friday, check-in continues Saturday morning.
Check-in opens on Friday at 10:00 am. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Check-in on Saturday opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 12:00 p.m.
What if my student does not plan on attending Family Weekend, should I still attend?
Absolutely! Family weekend is an opportunity for you to enjoy yourself and learn more about Spelman College to better support your student(s). We have some students who attend every event with the Families and others it may be only a few. Either way please come and enjoy!
Will classes be in session during Family Weekend?
The campus will continue to hold classes on Friday, February 20, 2026.
What is the dress code for the weekend?
The weekend is casual and relaxed with comfortable clothing, however we suggest you bring a jacket, rain gear and an umbrella just in case. Atlanta’s weather can vary this time of year but make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
Is smoking permitted on campus?
Spelman College is a smoke free campus therefore the use of tobacco products, E-cigarettes and vaping is strictly prohibited on property owned, operated, leased, occupied and controlled by the College.
What if there is inclement weather?
In event of inclement weather, the College will closely monitor and make the necessary changes to the schedule to ensure the safety of our Spelman Community and guests.
Should I post pictures on my social media during Family Weekend?
Absolutely, there a many wonderful spaces on campus for great photos. Please be sure to tag us @spelmanstudentlife #SpelFamily
What if I miss the family Weekend registration deadline, what can I do?
If you miss the deadline, we still encourage you to visit with your student. There are several free events on campus that are open to all families. Although no late registrations will be accepted, please take part in any events that do not require a ticket or registration.