Transfer Students
Online Orientation
Please note: students enrolling for fall will attend Orientation in July or August. Additional information will soon be sent to you by your college.
If you are enolling in the College of Continuing Education, see this note.
Orientation : Your Two Options
We are pleased to offer you two options that will help you with a successful transfer experience: online orientation with an on-campus, morning experience or an on-campus, full-day experience. Regardless of which option you choose, you will meet with your adviser and register for classes in the morning of your Orientation date. We know that transferring can be a stressful experience and you have specific concerns. We have developed orientation programs that will assist you in getting your unique concerns met. Based on your own learning style, individual needs, and unique college experiences, you determine which option is best for you.
Option 1: Online Orientation with Half-Day, On-Campus Program
Although your on-campus Orientation program will occur in July or August, you can begin your Orientation experience as early as June 1. We have developed an Online Orientation program that, if successfully completed, will give you more flexibility in your Orientation experience.
Step One: Complete Online Orientation
Once your Internet Account is activated, you can participate in an Online Orientation. The online program contains information on both general University resources, and for some students, content specific to your college of enrollment. The entire Online Orientation program typically takes about an hour and a half to complete. Similar to a classroom setting, you will learn about specific topics, take notes as you learn, and complete two quizzes. You work at your own pace and the brief quizzes are entirely "open book" and "open notes." Please refer to the enclosed letter from your college to determine whether the college portion of Online Orientation is required.
Step Two: Attend on-campus advising and registration
After successful completion of the online component, you will then participate in a morning program offered on campus in July or August. During the morning, you will be able to visit with important University departments during a resource fair, meet with your adviser, and register for classes. Following advisement and registration, you may leave at any time, however you are welcome to attend the afternoon session which includes workshops on topics such as: tuition, financial aid, and billing, University Libraries, and involvement opportunities.
Benefits
- Become familiar with University resources and services at your own pace
- Get many of your general questions about the University answered before your on-campus Orientation
- Become better prepared to meet with your adviser
- Have a personalized directory of resources and services after successfully completing the Online Orientation
- Learn more about the University by attending optional programs in the afternoon
Is it right for you?
You may want to consider participating in this program if...
- you have been a full-time student at another college or university for over a year
- you work full-time and will have difficulty taking time away from work
- other commitments prevent you from spending an entire day on-campus
For more information
Feel free to visit the Online Orientation Web site and read through the introduction carefully to determine if this program is right for you. You can also contact Orientation & First-Year Programs to get answers about this option.
To see if Online Orientation for your college is available, visit onlineorientation.umn.edu.
Option 2: Full-day On-campus Orientation
Participating in a full-day, on-campus program will also fulfill your orientation requirement. The day includes activities designed to acquaint you with the University, get your questions answered, and register for fall courses. Please note, students who choose to participate in this Orientation option are required to attend all sessions until the mandatory check-out at 3:45 p.m.
Attend each activity
During the morning of your full day on campus, you will be able to visit with important University departments during a resource fair, meet with an adviser and register for classes. After lunch, you will attend workshops to help address yourunique needs and concerns. Topics include: commuting and parking on campus, tuition, financial aid and billing, opportunities to get involved on campus, and University Libraries. Time has also been set aside for you to ask a current student questions.
Check-out
After the mandatory check-out at 3:45 p.m., feel free to explore campus, get your U Card, or tie up any loose ends before classes begin.
Benefits
- Obtain more detailed information about University resources and services
- Ask questions of staff who work in specific offices and departments on campus
- Meet other transfer students
- Chose activities that address your own interests and needs
Is it right for you?
You may want to consider participating in this program if...
- you have less than a year of college experience
- you are returning to college after a lapse of enrollment
- you have more specific questions or concerns
- if you like more face-to-face contact and want to meet other students
- if you do not have access to high-speed Internet
More program information
Please note: transfer students enrolling in the College of Continuing Education (CCE) are not required, but are encouraged, to attend orientation. Contact CCE for additional information about your orientation options.
You can always contact Orientation & First-Year Programs to get answers about this option. Feel free to call us at 1-800-234-1979 or 612-624-1979 or email us at transfer@umn.edu for more information.