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California State University, Chico
Prospective students and families explore campus during Chico State's Choose Chico event.

Parents, Families, and Support

Chico State grads love the friendly community, top-ranked academic programs, and the numerous opportunities that prepared them for careers after college. Your student will, too.

Welcome, Wildcat Families

Isaac Brundage

Dear Parents, Family Members, and Supporters,
We are excited to have you as part of our Wildcat family. Please use this website as an opportunity to connect with us. As partners in the educational experience and well-being of your students, we strive to facilitate and encourage regular, clear and concise communication between parents and guardians of the university community. Our goal is to inform parents of university services and involve them in campus events. We highly recommend parents to subscribe to receive timely communication on upcoming events and safety on and off campus.

Connect with us and let us help you establish a collaborative network to get the actionable information you need as a parent, family member, or supporter. Join our village and together, we'll figure out the best strategies to guide you and our students at Chico State.

In gratitude,

Dr. Brundage
Vice-President for Student Affairs

Events

As your student embarks on their Chico State experience, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the campus community and join us in fostering a supportive network.

  • Line of students checking in for Orientation

    Orientation

    Chico State’s Orientation program is designed to welcome and support you in your transition to the Wildcat community.

  • Parents and children pose with Willie the Wildcat

    Alumni and Family Weekend

    Wildcat Weekend features a refreshed lineup of events designed to bring alumni, families, students, and friends together throughout the weekend. 

    October 8-10, 2026

  • Graduating students of the College of Communication and Education

    Commencement

    May 19-23, 2027

Visit Chico and Neighboring Communities

Whether strolling through Bidwell Park with the family, exploring local boutiques and eateries, or simply soaking in the warm Californian sun, every moment in Chico promises to be unforgettable. Come check out everything Chico and its community has in store.

  • Alumni and families stroll downtown during Chico’s Art and Wine Walk festivities.

    Things To Do in Downtown Chico

    A highlight of things to do in Downtown Chico, including cultural attractions, parks, museums, shopping, dining, markets, events, and visitor resources.

  • Spring wildflowers bloom across North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve with hikers in the distance.

    Explore Butte County

    In Butte Coun­ty, vibrant urban cen­ters, peace­ful rur­al land­scapes, and eas­i­ly acces­si­ble out­door spaces unite for lim­it­less explo­ration in North­ern Cal­i­for­nia, just 90 min­utes north of Sacra­men­to.

  • Hotel Diamond glows at dusk during Chico’s annual Art and Wine Walk.

    Travel and Accommodations

    Everything you need to plan your visit to Chico State is in one place. Explore nearby hotels, transportation options, bicycle rentals, and step-by-step directions to campus so you can arrive with confidence.