Student FAQ's

Freshman orientation is a mandatory 2-day program offered during a variety of dates in June and July. During orientation, you’ll work with academic advisors, current students, and professional staff members to get ready for the transition to your new campus community.
During the 2-day program, you will:

• meet with academic advisors to learn about your liberal arts core classes, degree requirements in majors you’re considering, and course selection for fall semester
• talk with UNI faculty members about academic expectations
• learn about on-campus living, student involvement, financial aid, and other aspects of the social and academic environment at UNI
• meet and get to know other new students
• receive your student ID card
• learn about computing and technology options on campus
• register for fall semester classes

Admitted students will have the opportunity to sign up for orientation online by early March. Session size is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be notified of your session assignment via email immediately after completing your reservation online. About two weeks prior to your orientation date, you’ll receive additional information to assist you in making final plans.

If you are planning to continue study in French, Spanish, German, or Russian during your time at UNI, visit the Department of Modern Languages web site at http://www.uni.edu/modlangs/main/placemnt.shtml and complete the appropriate placement exam. Be sure to print your results and bring them with you to orientation.

Orientation provides you a comprehensive introduction to the University of Northern Iowa in preparation for your years as a student on campus. You will meet with academic advisors, faculty members, and professional staff in order to gain a better understanding of the academic culture on campus and to create your first semester schedule. You will also learn about campus resources, student organizations, on-campus living and dining, and you’ll make connections with other students that will assist you in making a successful transition to the UNI community. Research tells us that students who complete a comprehensive orientation experience prior to the beginning of college are more likely to succeed in the first year, and to graduate from college.

No. Students must stay with the orientation group throughout the entire program.

Students who have stayed overnight on campus during orientation indicated later that they were more comfortable with their choice to attend UNI and felt better prepared to start college. If you choose to stay on-campus, you will be housed in a double room in Rider Hall with one other student of the same sex. During your time in Rider Hall, you will have opportunities to connect with other new and current UNI students, and enjoy informal social activities.

Rider Hall is not air conditioned, so plan to bring a fan. Each person will be provided a pillow, pillowcase, bedspread, towel, and a washcloth. Please note that accommodations are not comparable to those found in hotels (no TV, air conditioning, etc.).

• Documentation of any college credit you’ve received through exams (AP, CLEP, IB) or through college courses (PSEO, community college classes, dual enrollment, etc.)
• Financial aid materials (award letter, loan notification, etc.)
• Your immunization records, especially evidence of two MMR (measles mumps rubella) vaccines
• Your insurance card (health and pharmacy)
• Any mailings or emails you’ve received from UNI that you might have questions about for UNI staff
• Check or cash for orientation fees (see this link for details http://www.uni.edu/admissions/orientation/freshman/fees.html
• Umbrella
• Your photo ID
• If you’re staying overnight on campus, bring a fan, toiletries, and comfortable clothes/shoes for the Wellness Recreation Center.
• An open mind, and lots of questions!

You will not have the opportunity to see your specific room, although you will be given a tour of your assigned building and a sample room. This will give you a clear idea of room size, layout, and residence hall facilities (laundry, dining, recreation, etc.). Because students participating in youth camps live in our residence halls throughout the summer, we are unable to open and show a number of specific rooms for privacy and security reasons.

If you are unable to attend any of the orientation programs offered in June or July, we offer a “last chance” one-day orientation program for fall semester on Friday, August 22, 2008. Because the 2-day orientation programs in June and July are more comprehensive, we recommend that you do your best to fit one of those into your schedule.

To learn more about dining, shopping, and other attractions near the University of Northern Iowa campus, visit My CommUNIty Guide. For additonal information about events, recreation, and hotel accommodations in the Cedar Valley, visit the Cedar Falls Visitors and Tourism Bureau