What You Need to Know

Orientation has two major components:

Orientation Prep Course: The goal of the Orientation Prep Course is to provide you with valuable information about University resources and services, and about your college of enrollment. Your advisor will reference the information you learn in the Orientation Prep Course during your Orientation. You must complete this course and pass the college content quiz with a score of 80% to attend your Orientation. The Orientation Prep Course is required and you will access this as a part of your New Student Checklist. 

At your two-day, on-campus Orientation, you will meet with your college and your academic advisor and register for Fall 2023 courses. Your program includes spending the night in residence hall; you can learn more about this requirement in the Overnight Accommodations section. Attending your Orientation is required.

View the August Orientation Schedule at a Glance

Instructions for accessing your personal schedule will be provided 2-3 days prior to your Orientation date.

Disability

We value disability as an aspect of diversity and want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in all programming available to you. If you have a disability or health condition, or suspect you have one, and would like to have a confidential discussion about accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 612-626-1333 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Some accommodations may take time to arrange.

Mobility

If you have a short-term disability (i.e. broken leg) and would have difficulty traveling long distances during Orientation, please contact the Orientation & Transition Experiences office for accommodations at [email protected].

Dietary Accommodations

You will indicidate your dietary accommodation needs on your Tell Us About Yourself survey. If you have a change to your needs, please visit your New Student Checklist and update your survey.

The Orientation Prep Course is a step on your New Student Checklist which you can access at checklist.umn.edu.

Before You Begin

Review the following items to make sure you are prepared:

• You will need your University of Minnesota Internet ID (x500) and password. For more information, or to claim your account, please visit IT New Students: Start Using Technologies.
• Use a device (computer, laptop, or tablet) that has audio functionality.
• Although other browsers can be used, the Orientation Prep Course is best viewed by using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
• Although it is not required, we recommend using broadband, high-speed Internet access.

Accessing the Orientation Prep Course

You will access the Orientation Prep Course, supported by the University's Canvas course management system, on your New Student Checklist. Canvas is the system faculty use in all coursework, so this as an opportunity to get comfortable using Canvas. It may take up to two hours to complete the Orientation Prep Course, and you will need to make sure you have enough time to complete the course prior to your Orientation.

Enroll and log on to the Canvas site using your U of M Internet ID and password.

Support/Contact Information

Our Orientation staff is readily available to assist you with the Orientation Prep Course and/or questions about the University. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 612-624-1979.

We value disability as an aspect of diversity and want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in all programming available to you. If you have concerns about accessibility of online orientation and would like to have a confidential discussion about accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 612-626-1333 or [email protected] as soon as possible.

June & July Orientation Sessions

For students attending Orientation in June and July, a space in Comstock Hall is reserved for you between Day 1 and Day 2 of your Orientation program. All students will be housed with roommates. This overnight is a requirement of the Orientation program; if you need to request an exemption from the overnight requirement, please email [email protected].

August Orientation Sessions

On-campus lodging is NOT provided as part of the Orientation programs in August. However, limited on-campus housing is available on campus at the cost of $38 (including tax) per night.  Registration for August on-campus housing has closed.

Accommodations for Additional Nights

On-Campus

If you need to stay an extra night before or after your Orientation date, on-campus space will be available in Yudof Hall. The cost is $38 per night (including tax) and check-in will take place after 3 p.m. on the day of your stay.
Register for On-Campus Accommodations 
When you register for accommodations, you may be prompted to create an Iris account.

Please note: If you stay in Yudof the night prior to your Orientation date, you will need to check out of Yudof before you check-in for Orientation. You can bring your luggage to the Orientation Day 1 luggage table just outside Yudof. We will then move and store your luggage; you will retrieve it when checking into Centennial for your overnight stay.

Off-Campus

You can also review off-campus hotels recommended by Orientation & Transition Experiences for the stay before or after your Orientation.

Whether you are driving to campus or arriving via public transit, you can find your way to Orientation using the information at z.umn.edu/orientationdirections. If driving, please be mindful that morning traffic may cause delays in arriving to campus.

Parking will be in the East River Road Garage. There are two entrances into East River Road Garage, please make sure you are entering the Public Entrance and not the Contract Entrance.

After parking in the East River Road Garage, take the elevator to Level 1/Plaza. Then follow the signs to drop off your overnight bag on the west side entrance of Yudof Hall. Your luggage will be transported by Orientation staff to Centennial Hall, where it will be stored until you are scheduled to pick it up in the early evening. Once you have checked your luggage, head to Coffman Union’s ground floor for Orientation Check-In. Be sure to bring your ID and parking ticket with you for reduced rate validation.

When you check-in to Orientation you will receive some program materials. We recommend you pack your overnight items in a small duffel bag or carry-on. You should bring:

• Backpack with a notebook, and pen/pencil
• Device you use for Duo Security
• Credit/debit card to pay for parking
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Umbrella or rain jacket in case of rain
• Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned rooms
• Device charger
• Toiletries, including soap and towel (bed linens and pillow provided)

You will drop off your luggage when you arrive to Orientation and will not have access to it until later in the evening. Plan to carry the items you will need throughout the day (backpack, notebook, devices, charger, etc.) and have your overnight items in a separate bag.