There is a lot of information to keep in mind when it comes to planning for orientation. Please review all the links to learn more about the Orientation Program PRIOR to making a reservation.
What is the Orientation Program at NIU?
It is a one-day academic introduction to the university that provides orientation, testing, academic advising, and registration opportunities for freshman students. You will meet an academic adviser, university faculty and staff members, and other members of your freshman class. Attendance at the complete one-day program is required for all new undergraduate students who wish to register before summer or fall classes begin. You will be able to register for classes only after attending the orientation program and completing academic advising.
Why should I attend the program?
When you attend an orientation program between June 10 and July 15, you will receive a personal introduction to the university and your academic college, and you will:
• learn about academic requirements, course selection, and registration,
• hear about student support services and programs that can help you be successful in college,
• use Northern’s course registration system following academic advising, and
• take care of important university business, including obtaining your NIU OneCard (student ID), and your computer ID (Z-ID).
You can improve your chances of receiving the courses you want by attending an early program. If you do not attend an early session, plan to attend the late program on August 3, when course selection will be limited.
What about academic testing?
Make sure to review the Testing Services Web site (http://www.niu.edu/testing/). This site provides information to help you determine if testing is required or recommended for your selected major. Opportunities to take two placement and proficiency tests also are offered as part of the orientation program; however, we highly recommend that you complete any required testing before your orientation date. Testing questions should be directed to the Office of Testing Services at 815-753-1203, or e-mail testing@niu.edu.
Students majoring in engineering and engineering technology, biological sciences, chemistry, physics, clinical laboratory sciences, pre-medicine, and pre-physical therapy generally take two tests that must be completed before their scheduled orientation date. Many other programs require or recommend at least one placement test.
Students planning a major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts are not required to take any placement tests before beginning course work. They may, however, take one or more of the optional exams, including the English Core Competency Exam.
Testing dates are offered on the DeKalb campus on several Saturdays in May and June (May 2, May 30, June 20) Advance registration (http://www.niu.edu/testing/) is required for Saturday testing dates. If you are unable to participate in the May/June testing program, placement and proficiency tests are offered promptly at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the following dates. Select a test date prior to your orientation program.
June 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30
July 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16
Questions about testing should be directed to the Office of Testing Services at 815-753-1203, or e-mail testing@niu.edu.
How do I participate in an Orientation Program?
To reserve a date, either mail the reservation form with the new student fee or make an online reservation and payment. A limited number of students can be accommodated on each orientation day. Reservations are made on a "first come, first served" basis. It is to your advantage to make an online reservation or return your form and fee promptly. Many dates fill quickly. When a date is filled, we will assign and confirm the next available date. There are no waiting lists. It is not possible to make a reservation by phone, e-mail, or fax. Once a reservation has been made, a confirmation postcard will be sent.
Reservations are necessary so that we can have your records at the proper college advising office on the day you attend.
Do not finalize plans to attend Orientation until your date is confirmed by Orientation & FYE.
What are the orientation dates?
Summer 2009 Freshman Orientation Dates:
Academic advising is available on the following dates for majors in all colleges unless otherwise noted:
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11
Tuesday, June 16 (all colleges except Visual and Performing Arts)
Wednesday, June 17 (all colleges except Engineering and Engineering Technology)
Thursday, June 18 (all colleges except Health and Human Sciences)
Tuesday, June 23 (all colleges except Visual and Performing Arts)
Wednesday, June 24 (all colleges except Engineering and Engineering Technology)
Thursday, June 25
Tuesday, June 30 (all colleges except Engineering and Engineering Technology)
Wednesday, July 1 (all colleges except Health and Human Sciences)
Tuesday, July 7 (all colleges except Visual and Performing Arts)
Wednesday, July 8
Monday, July 13
Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 15
How long will Orientation last?
The one-day program begins with check-in at 8:15 a.m. and ends between 4 and 6 p.m. for most students. Plan to reserve the whole day for Orientation.
How much is the new student fee?
A fee of $105 is required of every student who participates in the program. There is no extra charge for the first two family members attending the family program. Additional guests will be charged a nominal fee. The new student fee covers the cost of facilities, materials, staff, meals, and other new student costs.
Can my new student fee be deferred?
A new student who demonstrates full financial need ($0 expected family contribution and a full financial aid package awarded by the NIU Student Financial Aid Office) may be eligible for a deferral of the new student fee until financial aid becomes available to cover this expense. Contact Orientation & FYE for more information.
Can my new student fee be refunded?
The new student fee is nonrefundable, so it is best to be certain of your plans to attend NIU before returning your form and fee or making an online payment to confirm your orientation date. If you choose not to attend NIU this term, be advised that this new student fee can be applied to a later term but cannot be refunded.
Should family members attend Orientation?
A separate, concurrent orientation program is offered to family members and is designed to help them:
• become acquainted with representatives of university academic departments and student services,
• understand what life at NIU will be like for their students,
• understand the educational goals of NIU, and
• understand the importance of their continued communication and support during the college years.
The university encourages at least one family member to participate in the family orientation session. The orientation programs are not designed for children preschool age and younger.
What is Late Orientation?
It is highly recommended that you attend one of the programs offered on June 10 through July 15 for the best selection of courses and to give yourself adequate time to prepare for the summer session or fall semester. If you are unable to attend an early program, a late orientation program for freshmen will be held on Monday, August 3.
I am ready to make a reservation for Orientation.