Home Away from Home: LSU’s Parent & Family Programs Helps Create a Welcoming Environment
September 22, 2025
For some college freshmen, it can be hard to leave home and transition to college life. LSU provides the support new students need to get comfortable in their new home.
— Video by Callie Boyd
Family Weekend, held annually, brings students and their families to campus for a time of celebration, connection, and community. About 70% of the families who attend Family Weekend are families of first-year students. The weekend provides families with a special opportunity to share in their students' experiences and immerse themselves in the vibrant LSU community.
“We know how critical of a role families play in supporting their Tiger’s success, and research shows that students who have an engaged and supportive network are more likely to be successful at LSU,” said Lindsay McCrory Kelly, Program Director for Parent & Family Programs. “Events like LSU Family Weekend are just one of the many ways we keep families engaged and strengthen the sense of community.”
For those nervous about leaving home, LSU provides a comfort zone — an opportunity for families to share the Tiger experience with their students and ease some of the anxiety that comes with transitioning to college life.
What Makes Family Weekend Special?
LSU Family Weekend is not just about showcasing campus life — it's about creating lasting memories and ensuring that LSU is a home away from home. Through a variety of activities, families got an inside look at their student’s life at LSU, experiencing the welcoming environment firsthand.
“This event is always scheduled during a home football game weekend, allowing our Tiger families to experience the excitement of seeing campus on game day weekend and witness the magic of Tiger Stadium,” Kelly said. “There’s nothing like being in Death Valley with 102,000-plus of the best fans in college football – the electric atmosphere, roaring crowd, and incredible energy make it an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.”
From tailgating to campus tours, the weekend offered countless opportunities for families to fully engage with the LSU community and its spirited culture.
Weekend Highlights
This year’s event featured a wide variety of activities designed to engage family members of all ages. Events like the Family Weekend Tailgate offer an opportunity for families to experience the excitement of Tiger game day and the camaraderie of LSU fans.
The Bengal Block Party also drew large crowds, offering live music, food trucks, and interactive games, creating a lively atmosphere that allowed families to make lasting memories together. Featured guest speaker Coach Kim Mulkey provided some great reminders to the Tigers about the importance of making the most of their college experience and being thankful to their support system and families.
Additionally, the Tigers Tackle Hunger: Family Weekend Service Project allowed participants to give back to the community by packaging 100,000 meals for local charities.
The meals the families prepared will be distributed to LSU’s community partners, including the LSU Food Pantry, LSU Global Community Center, Second Harvest Food Bank (Lafayette), and Second Harvest Food Bank (New Orleans).
“All of our events are designed to provide memorable experiences and the opportunity for families to spend quality time with their Tiger,” Kelly added.
A Program That Stands Out
While many schools host family events, LSU’s emphasis on Southern hospitality and a strong sense of community makes it unique.
Each detail, from the warm welcome to the range of family-friendly activities, reflects LSU’s commitment to ensuring families feel connected to their students’ success. Visitors even get a button identifying where they’re from.
“We always love to see how people connect with each other based on the buttons they’re wearing. It encourages some great conversations and opportunities for families to meet someone new,” Kelly said.
This year, there were even more opportunities for families to connect with others from their region. Families received color-coded badge ribbons to easily spot fellow Tigers from their area, helping spark conservations and build more community among the families. In addition, Family Association members enjoyed a game night, where they mingled with other families, joined in some region-to-region competition, and laughed their way through several lively rounds of BINGO.
And for students whose families couldn’t attend, LSU offered plenty of ways to participate in Family Weekend activities.
“One of the things we love most is how many families “adopt” an extra Tiger for the weekend. We see it happen all the time when families register extra students (other than their own) to join them for the signature events,” Kelly said.
Ongoing Support
While Family Weekend is a cornerstone event, LSU goes beyond this celebration to support students throughout the school year.
LSU’s commitment to fostering strong family ties includes resources such as the LSU Family Hub, a year-round online platform that keeps families informed about important dates, campus news, and opportunities for their Tiger.
Through this hub, families can stay connected, even if they live miles away, ensuring they remain part of their student’s journey. Families can sign up here.
LSU Family & Parent Programs will continue to offer more engaging activities, spirited traditions, and a welcoming environment that highlights LSU’s commitment to fostering strong connections. While the weekend may have come to an end, the sense of community it fosters will carry on throughout the academic year, reinforcing LSU’s promise to make campus feel like a home away from home.
Next Steps
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