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Summer Orientation Schedule

Below is a brief introduction to your orientation program.

8:00 - 8:35 a.m. Early Bird Financial Aid Session (Optional)
An "Early Bird" Financial Aid information session will be held prior to check-in at 8:00 a.m. in the Holmes Student Center, Regency Room. Family members and students are welcome to attend this program together. A repeat of the program will be offered for families only, later in the day, however, this will be the only opportunity for students to attend this session.

7:45-8:35 a.m. Check in at Holmes Student Center, Gallery Lounge, main floor
Look for signs and staff directing you to the check-in area on the main floor. You will receive a schedule of orientation activities, information about the Summer/Fall Schedule of Classes, a current undergraduate catalog, a student handbook, and other materials at check-in. Rolls, juice, and coffee will be served after check-in.

8:40 a.m. Opening Session
Please be on time. Your day will be fast paced and filled with information about registration, advising, testing, and other activities. Individual instruction cannot be provided for missed portions of the day. If you arrive after 9 a.m., you will be asked to reschedule your orientation date.

Your program will include:

  • an explanation of university degree requirements and Northern's registration system (MyNIU)
  • a meeting with your orientation group leader
  • a meeting with your major college
  • academic advising
  • an opportunity to register for classes (we strongly recommend that you begin the course registration process while you are on campus for orientation). In order to have a successful advising session, it will be important to complete all placement testing prior to your orientation
  • an opportunity to obtain your NIU OneCard

This is a full one-day program. It is not possible to attend only a portion of the program. Plan to be finished on campus between 4 and 6 p.m. If your schedule does not permit you to be on campus for the full day, call or e-mail this office to arrange for another date. Only one change in your orientation date may be made, so please plan carefully.

Schedule for Reenter Students Only

Note: Reenter students have previously completed at least one full semester of enrollment at NIU prior to June 2013.

Check-in.
Follow the instructions provided in your reservation confirmation packet. College meetings begin at 12:30 and are followed by advising sessions. 

Hotel

We know the day begins early. If you would prefer to arrive for the day before orientation, there is a hotel in the Holmes Student Center that will be offering a discounted rate for orientation program participants.