Parent & Family Weekend

Join your favorite Green Terror and their McDaniel family for some fun, Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Nov. 16.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

We’re excited to welcome you and your family—however you define it—to campus for a memorable weekend filled with connection, celebration, and community.

Whether you’re joining us for the free events or signing up for the full weekend lineup, we ask that all guests register in advance. Your registration helps us plan for the best possible experience.

Check out the full schedule and secure your spot today!

Family smiling and posing with the Green Terror

Spend time on the Hill Make some memories.

This cherished tradition, held alongside the final home football game of the season, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with your student and their McDaniel family—because family is who you choose.

Spend the weekend making lasting memories on the Hill, enjoying special events and activities, and exploring the charm of historic downtown Westminster—all while experiencing the excitement of McDaniel pride!

The Schedule for the Weekend

Parents and Family Weekend 2025 is packed with engaging events designed to help you connect with your student, explore campus life, and enjoy the McDaniel community.

The weekend kicks off with a parent-only welcome reception featuring members of the college community, followed by a variety of opportunities to engage with life on the Hill. Create a masterpiece during our mosaic-making workshop, explore academic sessions in the new Learning Commons @ Hoover Library, and learn more about study abroad opportunities and career planning resources. Cheer on the Green Terror at the home football game, enjoy an evening of intrigue at the Murder Mystery Buffet, and cap off the weekend by honoring student achievements at the annual Undergraduate Awards Ceremony and Brunch.

Events are free unless otherwise noted. For events with a fee, all participants, including McDaniel students, are required to register and pay in advance. These fees help cover the costs of catering, supplies, and other event expenses. Register now!

WELCOME RECEPTION
5-6:30 p.m. | Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
Parents, we invite you to officially kick off Parent & Family Weekend 2025 at this special reception designed just for you! Registration is required for this free event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow parents and meet campus partners.

Here’s what you can explore during the reception:

Campus Safety – Meet our Campus Safety team and hear about the measures in place to keep our community secure, plus tips for staying safe on and off campus.
Dining Services – Chat with dining managers and explore meal options, dining locations, and resources to support your student’s nutritional needs.
Health & Wellness – Discover the services that promote student well-being, including medical care, counseling, and wellness initiatives for balance and resilience.
Office of Student Engagement – Connect with the team that cultivates student leadership and builds community through meaningful programs, activities, and events that make campus life vibrant and fun!
Residence Life – Learn how Residence Life fosters community and supports students in their home away from home, from housing options to engagement opportunities.

DINNER (ON YOUR OWN)
6-8:00 p.m. | Englar Dining Hall, Roj Student Center or Downtown Westminster
Swing by the dining hall with your student and their friends to enjoy a meal together! Our special pricing of $11.75 includes all-you-can-eat selections from all our stations – Trattoria, Americana, Smoke & Fire, Fusion, Roots, Clarity, and the popular Bake Shoppe! Pay as you enter the dining hall. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Want to take your favorite student off campus for a bite? Explore downtown Westminster for a unique local experience!

MAKE YOUR OWN MOSAIC
8-11 p.m. | Roj Student Center, mid-level
Unleash your creativity and make lasting memories with your student at this hands-on mosaic workshop! Enjoy a fun and relaxing atmosphere as you laugh, connect, and create a unique mosaic piece to take home as a keepsake from Parent & Family Weekend.

Workshops will be held at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Registration is required, and you can choose your preferred session when signing up. The cost is $10 per participant—you must include your McDaniel student in your reservation. Seating is limited!

Join us for a morning in Hoover Library!
Parents and families are invited to start their day exploring the full McDaniel experience. Spend the morning learning more about academic life, the career climb, and study abroad opportunities—there’s something for everyone! There’s no cost to attend, but please register in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Sessions throughout the morning include:

ACADEMIC SHOWCASE
9-10 a.m. | Learning Commons @ Hoover Library
Start your morning with a lively, hands-on look at academic life on the Hill. Explore student posters, connect with faculty from the Natural and Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and the Lumen Honors Program, and learn about the many resources that support student success—including the STEM and Writing Centers, Student Accessibility and Support Services, the library, IT, and Student Success Coaches. Enjoy coffee, tea, and breakfast bites as you mingle in the new Learning Commons with students, faculty, and staff.
CAREER TRACKS
10:15-10:45 a.m. | Wahrhaftig Room, Hoover Library
This session will provide families with helpful insights and resources to support their students during their career development journey—what we refer to as the “Career Climb.”
Whether your student is just starting to explore their interests or preparing for life after graduation, the CEO team will provide an overview of the tools, experiences, and connections available at McDaniel. From assessing interests and exploring potential paths to building resumes, preparing for interviews, and connecting with employers and alumni, this workshop will guide you through the stages of the career process.
GOING GLOBAL: A WORLD OF LEARNING AWAITS
10:50-11:20 a.m. | Wahrhaftig Room, Hoover Library
At McDaniel College, every student can embark on an incredible journey abroad—whether for a few weeks, a summer, or a full academic semester! Studying abroad is a transformative experience that immerses students in new cultures, broadens global perspectives, and enhances academic and personal growth. From our vibrant campus in Budapest, Hungary, to over 50 amazing locations worldwide, a study abroad trip will turn an ordinary college experience into something truly extraordinary. Parents and families are warmly invited to explore the exciting world of study abroad opportunities at McDaniel and discover how these experiences can enrich your student’s life!

THE HILLTOP HUDDLE - A SUITE EXPERIENCE
12:30 p.m. – End of Game | Albrittain Suite, Kenneth R. Gill Stadium
Join us for The Hilltop Huddle, a special game day gathering hosted by members of Academic Life, Student Success, and Residence Life. Cheer on McDaniel football from the comfort of a suite while connecting with fellow Green Terror fans. Enjoy delicious food, a signature game day cocktail, beer, and wine, plus spirited conversation and plenty of McDaniel pride. This unforgettable experience is the perfect way to celebrate the team and the strong sense of community that defines life on the Hill. The cost is $50 per participant—you must include your McDaniel student in your reservation (if they wish to accompany you). Space is limited!

90s MURDER MYSTERY BUFFET
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
Bust out your scrunchies, flannels, and throwback vibes and join us for a rad night of mystery, laughter, and a totally slammin’ buffet dinner. As you dig into your favorite eats, an interactive whodunit will unfold right around you. Team up with other guests, gather clues, and grill the suspects to crack the case before the night is over. It’s going to be all that (and a bag of chips)—so come hungry, stay curious, and get ready for a suspense-filled blast from the past! The cost is $30 per participant—you must include your McDaniel student in your reservation (if they wish to attend). Reserve your spot now, as seating is limited.

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS & BRUNCH
10 a.m. | Baker Memorial Chapel
Finish the weekend by celebrating McDaniel students at the Undergraduate Awards & Parent and Family Brunch. Savor an all-you-can-eat brunch hosted by the Parent & Family Council, complete with complimentary mimosas. We’ll honor students for academic achievement and leadership, recognize new Phi Beta Kappa inductees, and highlight those named to leadership honor societies. Musical selections by the Gospel Choir will uplift our souls as we celebrate students, families, and the community that supports them. Space is limited! The cost is $20 per participant, and your McDaniel student must be included in your reservation should they want to attend.

Take advantage of discounted pricing and enjoy eating in Englar Dining Hall with your student and their friends throughout the weekend.

You can pay via cash or major credit card at the door.

Brunch - $10.90
Dinner - $ 11.75

Plan a great weekend! Information & Tips for you

Plan the best weekend! Visitor Resources

Find everything you need—from directions to overnight accommodations—on our Visitor Resources page. For the best hotel rates, we recommend booking directly with the hotel.

Visitor Resources

Bookmark this page! Stay Up to Date on the Weekend

Be sure to bookmark this page so you’ll always have the latest details about Parent & Family Weekend 2025. From schedules and event highlights to updates on space availability, this is your go-to resource to stay “in the know” as the weekend approaches!

Looking to add a little fitness and fun to your weekend plans? Stay Active During Parent & Family Weekend! We’ve got you covered!

Footgolf or golf? You choose! Hit the Green

Enjoy a relaxing round on McDaniel’s beautiful golf course—perfect for players of all skill levels.

McDaniel College Golf Course

Members of Phi Sigma Sigma with their arms around each other

Lace up your shoes! Run for a Cause

Join the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma for their annual Founders 5K benefiting Robert Moton Elementary School. It’s a great way to get moving while supporting our local community.

Shop, dine, explore! Welcome to Westminster

Your visit to McDaniel isn’t complete without experiencing the charm of downtown Westminster! Just a short walk from campus, the friendly community offers local restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unique boutiques, and a lively small-town vibe. Go ahead and unwind between campus events, grab a bite, or take a leisurely stroll down Main Street.

Supporting local businesses not only boosts your Parent & Family Weekend experience but also deepens the connection between McDaniel and our hometown community. We encourage you to explore everything Westminster has to offer!

Discover Downtown