Please review all the links below to learn more about the orientation program prior to making a reservation. Attending orientation at NIU requires advance planning and preparation.
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.
What Freshmen dates are available?
Why should I attend the program?
When you attend a summer orientation program, 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 as a first-year student and beyond
• use Northern's course registration system following academic advising
• participate in Northern's Freshmen Survey
• take care of important university business, including obtaining your NIU OneCard (student ID), and your Class of 2012 t-shirt
Make sure to review the Testing Web site at http://www.niu.edu/testing/pdffiles/NewStudentTestingBrochure.pdf . This site provides information to help you determine if testing is required or recommended for your selected major. We strongly recommended that any required testing be completed before your orientation date because your academic advising will be based on your test results. If you do not complete testing before your orientation day, you may find that you are unable to complete Orientation in one day.
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 May 3 and 31. Use the testing registration form to make your reservation. If you are unable to participate in the May 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 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
July 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17
August 4, 5
File Completion Week (information regarding these programs will be available August 7):
August 19 (closed), 20
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 your date you must either mail in your reservation form with the new student fee or make an online payment.
Reservations are necessary so that we can have your records at the proper college advising office on the day you attend your orientation program.
Tentative dates are not reserved until your reservation form and fee are received or you have successfully made an online payment and the date is confirmed by Orientation & First-Year Experience (FYE). 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, fax, or e-mail.
Do not finalize plans to attend Orientation until your date is confirmed by Orientation & FYE.
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 and what does it cover?
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, mailings, materials, staff, meals, handbooks, equipment, and other administrative costs. The fee also supports several other first-year programs in which you are strongly encouraged to participate.
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 maiking an online paymnet) to reserve 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.
It is highly recommended that you attend one of the programs offered between June 11 through July 16 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 4.
Should family members attend Orientation?
A separate, concurrent orientation program is offered to parents and 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
• understand the importance of their continued communication and support during the college years
The university encourages at least one parent or family member to participate in the family orientation session. The family program is not designed for children preschool age and younger.
I am ready to make a reservation for NIU Orientation.