Transfer Students
Choose Your Orientation Experience
Please refer to the information sent by your college to determine whether participation in Online Orientation is required.
Option 1: Online Orientation with half-day, on-campus Orientation program
Option 2: Full-day, on-campus Orientation
Which Option is Right for You?
Option 1: Online Orientation with half-day, on-campus Orientation program
Although your on-campus Orientation program will occur between January 7-15, you can begin your Orientation experience now. We have developed an Online Orientation program that, if successfully completed, will give you more flexibility in your Orientation experience.
Step 1: Complete Online Orientation - onlineorientation.umn.edu
Once your Internet Account is activated (www.umn.edu/initiate), you can participate in Online Orientation. The online program contains two sections of information: the first contains information specific to your college of enrollment; the second section discusses University-wide resources, services, and policies. In order to successfully complete Online Orientation and shorten your Orientation day, you must complete both content sections and pass a quiz at the end of each.
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, can 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 note”.
Step 2: Attend on-campus advising and registration
After successful completion of the online orientation program, you will then participate in a morning program offered on-campus in January. On your scheduled orientation day, check in on the ground floor of Coffman Union (located on the East Bank of the Minneapolis campus) between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. During the morning, you will be able to visit with important University departments during a resource fair, meet with an adviser, and register for classes. Students admitted to the University Honors Program (UHP) will meet with a UHP adviser at this time. Following advisement and registration, you may leave at any time, however you are welcome to attend the afternoon sessions which a campus tour and workshops on topics such as: tuition, financial aid, and billing, commuting and parking on campus, 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
- Spend less time on-campus during your Orientation day
- If you still have questions, you can attend the optional afternoon sessions during your Orientation day
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.
On your scheduled Orientation day, check in on the ground floor of Coffman Memorial Union (located on the East Bank of the Minneapolis campus) between 8:00-8:30 a.m. During the morning, you will be able to visit with important University departments at during a resource fair, meet with an adviser and register for classes. Students admitted to the University Honors Program (UHP) will meet with a UHP adviser during this time.
After lunch, you have the option of taking a campus tour and attend workshops to learn more about University resources and services that address your unique interests and needs. Topics include: tuition, financial aid and billing, commuting and parking on campus, involvement opportunities, and University Libraries.
Check-Out
After the mandatory check out at 3:45pm, feel free to explore campus, get your U Card, or tie up any lose 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 during the program sessions
- Choose activities that address your own interests and concerns
Which Orientation Program is Right for You?
While only you can decide which program meets your unique needs, please consider the following when choosing your Orientation experience.
Online Orientation with half-day, on-campus Orientation program
You may want to consider 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.
Full-day, on-campus Orientation program
You may want to consider participating in this program if…
- You have less than one year of college experience;
- You are returning to college after a lapse of enrollment;
- You have more specific questions or concerns;
- You would like more face-to-face contact and want to meet other students;
- If you do not have access to high-speed Internet.