Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions you may have about New Student Orientation. If you can't find the answer here, feel free to call us at (479) 575-4200.
- WHAT is Orientation?
- WHO should attend Orientation?
- What do I have to complete PRIOR TO ATTENDING Orientation?
- Should I bring my PARENT(S) and/or GUEST(S) to Orientation?
- What about me? I'm a TRANSFER, NON-TRADITIONAL, and/or INTERNATIONAL student!
- What will an Orientation session ENTAIL?
- How long will Orientation last?
- Can I STAY in a ON-CAMPUS Residence Hall while I'm in Fayetteville for Orientation?
- How can I make a RESERVATION for Orientation?
- How much is it going to COST me?
- How will I know WHICH SESSION I've been assigned?
- Can I change my assigned session?
When you attend Orientation you will:
- learn about the University of Arkansas
- talk to representatives from many UA departments
- meet current UA students, faculty and staff
- get tips on campus life and learn about what goes on in college
- learn about UA policies and procedures
- meet your academic adviser and plan your class schedule
- register for fall semester classes
- have your questions answered
- meet other new students and parents
- All new University of Arkansas students! [freshmen and transfer students admitted for the fall semester]
- All parents, spouses, family members, or guests that want to support their new UA student and learn about the U of A
In order to register for fall semester classes in advance of the open registration period (beginning Wednesday, August 20), all new UA students (freshmen and transfers) MUST attend Orientation. The New Student Fee will be included in charges of all new UA students whether or not they attend Orientation. Therefore, take advantage of this opportunity to make a successful transition to the University of Arkansas!
· Admission - Students must have been admitted to the University of Arkansas and received a "Notice of Acceptance" from the Office of Admissions before making reservations to attend Orientation.
· Test Scores - Entering students with fewer than 24 hours of college transfer work must have official ACT or SAT scores (no more than four years old) on file with the Office of Admissions prior to attending Orientation.
· Transcripts - Entering students with fewer than 24 hours of college credit must have a final high school transcript on file with the Office of Admissions prior to attending Orientation. Transfer students must have their official college transcripts on file with the Office of Admissions prior to attending Orientation. Transfer students must bring a copy of their college transcript to their Orientation session to facilitate the advising process.
· Immunization Records - The University of Arkansas requires all full-time and part-time students to provide proof of two vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella except when exempted for medical or religious reasons per the State of Arkansas Immunization requirements. Students who fail to comply with the immunization requirement will risk cancellation of registration. Prior to attending New Student Orientation, students must obtain a COPY of their imunization records. Records can be submitted by mail, fax, or email to: Pat Walker Health Center - Immunization Compliance. Mail; 424 N. Garland Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701 or Fax: 479.575.8793 or email: immu@uark.edu. For further information please visit: http://health.uark.edu/ (select 'New Students')
· Contract for Housing - If you are a single freshman under the age of twenty-one (21) years and will not be living in your parent or legal guardian's permanent home you must complete a housing contract. Go to http://housing.uark.edu/. A $230 Advance Payment is required. you may pay with a credit card online: http://housing.uark.edu/.
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YES! Parents are strongly encouraged to attend Orientation with you! They can make a tremendous difference in your success at the University of Arkansas. The Orientation itinerary for parents and guests is parallel to the student program. Parents will attend some events with students while other events have been specifically designed just for you. The Opening Session led by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, an opportunity to meet with members of the faculty, discussions with various campus leaders, and special campus tours are all part of the Parent and Guest Orientation itinerary.
Back to TopAn Orientation Session on April 25 (one-day) is specially designed for transfer students. Session 13 (one-day), in August, is specially designed for transfer students and non-traditional students. All international students will attend this session also. Please Note: Transfer and non-traditional students may also attend two-day sessions.
These sessions will provide students with the opportunity to:
- take care of University pre-enrollment business in one day
- meet and network with other transfer and/or non-traditional students
- plan and register for fall semester classes
- learn about the wide variety of campus and community resources
- attend information sessions designed for older and experienced students
Transfer students are students transferring 24 or more hours of college credit. The April and August one-day sessions allow transfer students additional time with their academic advisers to discuss transfer of credit. Orientation is the only opportunity for transfer students to pre-register for fall semester classes.
Non-traditional students are students who meet one of the following criteria: 1) married 2) have dependents 3) over 24 years of age 4) full-time employee.
Back to TopWelcome and Information Fair - Representatives from colleges, departments, student services and student organizations answer questions and distribute information.
Opening Session - Multimedia presentation and official welcome from UA administrators and staff members
Small Group Meetings - Opportunity to learn about university policies and procedures, ask questions, meet other new students and prepare for academic advising and class registration
Special Interest Sessions - Short information sessions on a variety of topics of interest to parents and guests
College Sessions- College and departmental representatives provide information about college degree programs, requirements and opportunities.
Campus and Facility Tours - Walking tours will provide the opportunity to visit many areas of interest on campus.
Academic Advising · Faculty advisers discuss test scores, academic planning and class schedules prior to registration for classes.
Registration for Fall Semester · Register for fall semester classes and take your student ID card photo. Representatives from the Treasurer's Office will be available to answer questions regarding fall semester tuition and fees.
Dress casually. It is a good idea to bring a backpack (or something to carry your materials) and please wear comfortable shoes (for tours and walking to meetings)!
Back to TopTwo-day Sessions:
- 1st day: begins at 12:00 p.m. and continues through 8:30 p.m. (please eat lunch prior to attending Orientation!)
- 2nd day: begins at 7:45 a.m. and continues through the end of the class registration period (usually 12:00 p.m.)
One-day Sessions: Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue through 6:00 p.m.
Make plans to attend all of the programs scheduled during Orientation.
Back to TopAlthough staying on campus or off campus during Orientation is your decision, we encourage you to experience residence hall living by making plans to stay in the Maple Hill Residence Facility during your session. Check-in for Maple Hill is occurs during the Orientation Check-In activity from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on session days. Guests must check out of their residence hall room by 10:00am on the day following the last night of their room reservation. A luggage storage room with valet tags will be available if guests can not put items in their cars.
Payment for accomodations will be collected at the time of your stay. Please do NOT send payment with your reservation form. Charges for on-campus accommodations are as follows: $25.00 per night for one person in a room, $50.00 per night for half of a suite (sleeps up to 2 people), and $100.00 per night for a whole suite (sleeps up to 4 people). Suites will be furnished with linens, pillows, washcloths and toiletries, but guests should bring additional items with them if they will be staying at Maple Hill during New Student Orientation.
NOTE: On-campus accommodations will not be available during the April Transfer Session (April 25) or our Transfer/Non-Traditional/International Student Session (August 14).
During Session 14 (August 18 - 19), on-campus accommodations will be available only to students with a Fall Room & Board Contract. Students attending Orientation Session 14 with Room & Board Contracts may move directly into their Fall semester residence halls on Sunday, August 17 between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 pm. Parents, guests, and students without Room & Board Contracts must make arrangements for off-campus accommodations during Session 14. For assistance finding off-campus accommodations, please call the Fayetteville Visitor's Bureau at 800.766.4626.
Student Reservation
Students who have been admitted to the University of Arkansas will receive an insert with their Notice of Acceptance informing them of the importance of registering for and attending New Student Orientation.
Students should then use the online registration option to make a reservation to attend New Student Orientation (registration instructions).
Orientation sessions are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students who wish to be assigned to the same Orientation session should make reservations online to do so.
You must have a confirmed reservation to attend New Student Orientation. Once a student makes a reservation to attend the Orientation program a confirmation letter will be mailed within the week confirming the reservation information (Orientation Session, Orientation dates).
Parent and Guest Reservations
Parents, family members and guests are encouraged to make their reservations in advance by clicking the checkbox located within the 'Guest Information' section of the registration page and following the appropriate steps. Please know that each guest age 13 or older will be charged a $40.00 non-refundable fee. However, parents and guests may make reservations and check-in "on-site" during their student's assigned Orientation session.
How much is Orientation going to cost me?
Student Reservation
A fee is incorporated within every new student's tuition and fees package, payable when tuition and fees are paid. The New Student Fee ($100) includes student Orientation program expenses, a placement testing fee, one Orientation meal, and the costs of first-year and transfer student programming. Overnight accommodations are not included. Parents and guests pay separately. Please DO NOT send with Orientation reservation. Additionally, please know that all students who participate will be required to pay the New Student Fee regardless of whether they attend classes in the Fall 2008 semester.
Parent & Guest Reservations
The Parent & Guest reservation fee is $40 per person (includes Orientation program expenses, program materials, and one Orientation meal).
Also, due to the time required for the Check-In Activity, all students and guests are encouraged to eat lunch prior to arriving for Orientation on Day One. Overnight accommodations are NOT included in the fees or packages.
The Orientation fees and packages are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Back to TopConfirmation letters are mailed approximately one week after a student makes a reservation to attend New Student Orientation to notify him/her of the Orientation Session Reservation. Please also expect to receive a confirmation packet two to three weeks prior to your Orientation date. This mailing will provide all pertinent information related to your specific Orientation session (parking instructions, Orientation check-in information, what to bring, etc.).
Back to TopSession changes may be made using the online registration option. Please visit the site and select any available Orientation sessions. The student's reservation will then be updated, and any accompanying guest reservations will be changed as well. Unfortunately First Year Experience cannot grant exceptions to change a reservation for a student to attend a session that has already reached full capacity. Students and guests are encouraged to regularly visit the registration page to check for session openings when attempting to make a reservation for an 'full-capacity' session. Session changes may not be made over the telephone.
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