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 student!
- What will an on-campus 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 semester classes in advance of the open registration period beginning Monday, August 17 for Fall 2009 admits, 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 not be able to enrol for classes during orientation. Prior to attending New Student Orientation, students must submit a copy of their immunization records to the Pat Walker Health Center. Records can be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail to: Pat Walker Health Center - Immunization Compliance. Mail; 424 N. Garland Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701 or Fax: 479.575.8793 or e-mail: immu@uark.edu. For further information please call the Pat Walker Health Center at (479) 575-4451, option 1 or visit 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. Some of the events parents and guest should expect to attend are: The Opening Session led by the Chancellor, G. David Gearhart, an opportunity to meet with members of the faculty & staff, engage in discussions with various campus leaders, and even partakw in a special campus tour.
***Please see the information below about Parent and Guests Reservations below prior to registering guests.
What about me? I'm a transfer student student!
Transfer and non-traditional students may attend a two-day session or take our Online Orientation for transfer students. Click here for more information about Online Orientation
Transfer students are students transferring 24 or more hours of college credit.
Orientation is the only opportunity for transfer students to pre-register for semester classes.
What will an Orientation session entail?
A Two-Day Orientation session will entail the following:
Welcome 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)!
How long will Orientation last?
Two-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.
Can I stay in an on-campus Residence Hall while I am in Fayetteville for Orientation?
On-campus accommodations will NOT be available during the January Orientation Session.
How can I make a reservation for Orientation?
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 ISIS registration option to make a reservation to attend New Student Orientation (registration instructions).
Orientation sessions are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
All guests age 13 or older will be charged a $50 non-refundable guest fee for participating in any portion of the Orientation program. This fee is required for guest materials, the meal provided at Orientation, and any related programmatic costs (bus service, etc.). Online guest reservations should only be made if it is confirmed the student and guest will be attending Orientation. Guest reservations may be made online any time prior to the student's scheduled Orientation session. While we encourage making online reservations, guests do have the option to register on-site during their student's assigned Orientation session. Any online guest reservation made is non-refundable regardless if the student attends Orientation.
How much is Orientation going to cost me?
Student Reservation - On Campus Orientation
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 online and on campus 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. 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 Spring 2009 semester (for those admitted for Spring 2009) or Fall 2009 semester (for those admitted for Summer or Fall 2009).
Parent & Guest Reservations - On Campus Orientation
The Parent & Guests non-refundable reservation fee is $50 per person for all ages 13 or older. This fee is required for guest materials, the meal provided at Orientation, and any related programmatic costs (bus service, etc.). Online guest reservations should only be made if it is confirmed the student and guest will be attending Orientation. Guest reservations may be made online any time prior to the student's scheduled Orientation session. While we encourage making online reservations, guests do have the option to register on-site during their student's assigned Orientation session. Any online guest reservation made is non-refundable regardless if the student attends Orientation. The online guest reservations cannot be cancelled. If there is any doubt the student OR guest may not attend Orientation, please do not register the guest in advance.
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.
Student Reservation - Online Orientation
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 online and on campus student Orientation program expenses, a placement testing fee, one Orientation meal for on campus orientation, and the costs of first-year and transfer student programming. Additionally, please know that all students who view the online orientation AND take the quiz will be required to pay the New Student Fee regardless of whether they attend classes in the Fall 2009 semester (for those admitted for Summer or Fall 2009).
The Orientation fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
How will I know which session I've been assigned?
Confirmation 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 brochure 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.).
Can I change my assigned session?
Session 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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