Do I have to go to Orientation?

We encourage new students to go through an orientation program. A lot of important information is available (i.e. KU resources, financial aid, transcript analysis, how to make the transition, etc.). Students will also be advised and enroll in classes during the day, but ultimately, orientation is not required. Non-attendance will prohibit you from registering for classes until Wednesday, August 19, 2009.

I have been admitted and will be attending KU in the fall. When do I go to Orientation?

If you have been admitted to KU, you will be receiving information from New Student Orientation in mid-March, regarding registration information for summer orientation. If you elect not to attend orientation, you will be allowed to enroll on Wednesday, August 19, 2009.

What does the orientation fee cover?

Your student orientation fee includes not only the orientation you attend, orientation handbooks, and orientation assistant salaries, but also orientation activities and programs from the time you are admitted to KU through your first academic year. These include Hawk Notes, Hawk Week activities, and other special services. New Student Orientation depends on orientation fees to offer all of its services and programs. Your orientation fee will be charged to your fall 2009 tuition assessment.

What if I'm taking classes at the KU Edwards Campus?

If you are an Edwards Campus student and will be pursuing a degree in Developmental Psychology; Literature, Language, & Writing; Molecular Biosciences or Public Administration at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, please contact Dan Mueller at dmueller@ku.edu or 913-897-8659 for more information about orientation and enrollment for Spring 2010. If you will be pursuing a degree in Social Work, contact Maxine Elmore at melmore1@ku.edu or 913-288-7304. If you are pursuing the BBA at Edwards, then contact Chris Claussen at Claussen@ku.edu or 913-897-8419.

The Spring 2010 Orientation for the Edwards Campus is Thursday, January 7. Check-in begins at 5:30 in Regnier Hall and orientation will be held from 6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

What if I'm a nontraditional student?

KU defines nontraditional students as undergraduates who are three or more years older than class peers, are married, have dependents, commute 10 or more miles, or are veterans. If you fit into any of these categories and are beginning your college career as a new freshman, you may choose to attend an orientation for transfer students. These sessions are geared toward students with more college and life experience. For more information call New Student Orientation at (785) 864-4270.

What if I need to change or cancel my orientation date?

If you are unable to attend the orientation for which you are scheduled, please call New Student Orientation at (785) 864-4270 or email orientation@ku.edu. We will do our best to reassign you to the next open date that corresponds with your major. A new confirmation will be sent.

If you (or any guest you have registered) do not plan to attend orientation, you must cancel your reservation in writing. Written cancellations must be received in our office by 5:00 p.m. CDT, one week prior to your assigned orientation program, otherwise you will be billed for your orientation fee (and fees associated with any guest(s) you register). The cancellation dates are listed on our website under Program Policies. Cancellations may be sent by letter, email, or fax to:

What about housing at orientation?

The University of Kansas negotiates special rates with Lawrence hotels for students and parents/guests attending an orientation program. Information is available at www.orientation.ku.edu/preparing/accommodations.shtml.

I am a student with a disability. How do I get accommodations at KU?

Accommodations are coordinated by Disability Resources. Because specific documentation is required, the initial process for arranging accommodations can be lengthy. So contact Disability Resources today!

Do I have to take placement exams?

Foreign language placement exams

Placement exams are required for all students with prior coursework or experience in a language they plan to study at KU. Foreign language placement exams will be offered online for French, German and Spanish. Detailed information about foreign language placement exams and about how to take the exams will be sent to you along with your confirmation materials and can also be found at www.languages.ku.edu. Students must complete the online exam at least one week prior to attending their orientation program. Students with backgrounds in other languages will be provided with contact information to use once they are on campus.

To take a foreign language placement exam in French, German or Spanish and to see a complete listing of all the languages taught at KU visit www.languages.ku.edu. Online placement exam password: gojayhawks

What if I plan to participate in Sorority Recruitment?

Prospective members must attend a New Student Orientation Summer session in June or July to participate in recruitment. Panhellenic offers an informational session as part of New Student Orientation and it is strongly encouraged that you attend.

When is Interfraternity Council's Formal Recruitment?

Interfraternity Council's Formal Recruitment will be June 19-22, 2009. For more information, go to www.kugreek.org.

What if I've taken college credit in high school?

If you have taken college courses or earned dual credit while in high school, be sure to have official transcripts sent from the college granting the credit to the KU Office of Admissions and Scholarships. If there is not time to send a final transcript before orientation, bring a grade report or an unofficial transcript to assist in advising. Failure to supply information on all college credits completed could delay your advising and enrollment and result in inappropriate course selection.

What if I've been admitted to two schools?

If you have been admitted to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a professional freshman-entry school (Architecture and Urban Design, Engineering, or Fine Arts), you must register for a professional freshman-entry school orientation date. If you have questions, please contact New Student Orientation at (785) 864-4270.

What happens next?

We will send a confirmation email and mail a confirmation card indicating the date of your orientation. Bring this confirmation with you to orientation. Do not make any travel arrangements until you have received your confirmation information.

You must attend the session to which you are assigned. If you attempt to attend a different session, you will not be allowed to enroll in classes at that time or to participate in other orientation activities.

What is a KU Online ID?

It is the unique username and password you use to enroll in classes and for other KU services on the web. Your KU Online ID is public; it is used as your "nickname" in online classrooms. If you sign up for KU email service, it becomes the first part of your email address.

Students must arrive at their orientation program with their KU Online ID & password. The Online ID will allow you to access important information regarding services available to KU students. You received instructions on how to create your KU Online ID and password in your letter of admission from KU. If you have not established your Online ID and password, go to www.technology.ku.edu/accounts/.

What is HAWK Link?

HAWK Link is an academic-based retention program designed to help first year students in navigating their first year by utilizing existing programs at The University of Kansas. HAWK Link is open to all students with a special emphasis on students of color. Several offices work together to collaborate on the HAWK Link program, highlighting the service that each office provides. For more information go to www.oma.ku.edu/hawklink/.