You will meet with your academic advisor in a small group, a method that is unique to New Student Orientation. You will have a chance to work with your academic advisor one-on-one; however, you will be in a room with other new students. Students are placed with academic advisors based on the major interest code we have on record. If majors change before or during your orientation session, we make every effort to place you with an appropriate academic advisor.
There will always be an academic advisor present, one who is trained in the area in which you are interested. These advisors are there to help you. Throughout New Student Orientation, you will also have the opportunity to speak with HAWK Link Guides, Peer Advisors and Orientation Assistants, all of whom are current KU students, to give you additional assistance.
During your session, you will:
Students will attend all sessions, except the Academic Information Meeting (AIM), on their own. Parents and guests are welcome to attend only the AIM.
When you check-in at your orientation session, you will receive:
Information about how to use these various resources will be provided to you throughout New Student Orientation.
Due to university policy, students who have not completed the requisite English and math courses are required to take them upon initial enrollment. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take introductory courses to majors in which you have interest as well as general education courses that will fulfill graduation requirements. All of these terms will be explained during New Student Orientation.
You will have the opportunity to change your major after check-in on Day One of New Student Orientation. This will ensure that you are placed with an appropriate academic advisor during advising and enrollment.
It is fine to not have decided a major at the time of your session. Many students come to college unsure of their major and career goals. In fact, most students who have chosen a major by the time of their orientation session will change their major during their time at KU. At New Student Orientation, you will be able to work with your academic advisor to build a schedule that will keep you on track for graduation, fulfill general education requirements, and help you explore your interests.
Enrollment takes place on Day Two of New Student Orientation. To be eligible to enroll, you must have attended all other sessions. After discussing options with your academic advisor, you will enroll in a computer lab in Eaton Hall. There will be Academic Advisors, Orientation Assistants, Peer Advisors and Hawk Link Guides available to help you throughout enrollment.
Most new students are more successful if they take 14 to 17 hours during their first semester. This usually means four to five classes. This will also keep you on track to graduate in four years.
When registering for New Student Orientation, you created an online ID and password. You will use this same ID and password to log into our enrollment system (which is called Enroll & Pay). Be sure to bring this with you to enrollment.
You are guaranteed a full-time schedule of courses which will move you toward graduating in four years, including introductory English and math courses if you have not yet fulfilled those requirements. When enrolling, flexibility in scheduling and a willingness to try new classes is essential. It is important to be open to new experiences and to taking classes at various times throughout the day and week.
Parents and guests should attend the Advising Information Meeting (AIM) with their students on Day Two. After the AIM, students (only) and advisors will meet for small group advising. Parents and students will have opportunity to discuss the results of this advising with each other (over lunch) before the students build their schedules and enroll in courses. Students will enroll with advisor assistance (without parents and guests present) in the afternoon on Day Two. After students have enrolled, parents and guests will have the opportunity to speak with an academic advisor. Please ask all questions and communicate all concerns you may have before leaving campus.
Come engaged, ready to learn, and willing to ask questions. This is your first introduction to the university as a KU student, so it is not expected that you know everything right away. However, it is important that you ask questions as they come to mind. We have the staff in place to support you as you make important decisions. Be patient, communicate with us, and the staff working at New Student Orientation will be able to help you become more comfortable at KU.
You are required to attend all of the New Student Orientation programs in order to enroll, so we expect your attendance and attention at all sessions. We hope that you will come to New Student Orientation ready to ask questions, ready to learn, ready to meet new people, and ready to listen. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When you are at sessions, please remember to be courteous to the presenters and other attendees by turning off your cell phone and paying attention to the information being given to you.
Helpful Hint: You will be receiving a lot of important and detailed information throughout New Student Orientation. It can be very helpful to take notes! You will be provided handouts and a writing utensil when you check-in.
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