To our incoming Class of 2015 — welcome!
The Student Union is the hub on campus and one of your destinations at New Student Orientation.
As you embark on this exciting new challenge of starting college, UA is ready to help with your transition to campus life. Your shift to college freshman from high school senior begins during your day of New Student Orientation.
It’s a day packed with information and fun, says Chris Tankersley, director of New Student Orientation. You'll meet other incoming students, register for classes, tour campus and learn how to get involved in the organizations that interest you.
"We've streamlined the orientation experience so that each group of incoming students can take all the steps needed to be ready for their first day of class," says Tankersley. "Our focus, first and foremost, is on student success, and preparation is key."
Gold and Blue Preview offers it all
Learn more
To learn more about programs for incoming students, visit the New Student Orientation website.
An important part of your orientation day will be the Gold and Blue Preview. At this introduction to UA, you will learn about everything from accessing your UA e-mail to managing your finances and First Year Experience Programs, such as Akron Adventures.
Another important part of the day is registration. Students are organized into small groups, by major, to meet with academic advisers and register for their first semester of classes.
"This gives the students more time with the advisers to learn more about the degree requirements for their majors and minors," says Tankersley. "It also gives students more of an opportunity to talk with other new students and to build relationships that we hope will continue into the fall and beyond."
Other activities for the day include a session presented by UA's Division of Student Engagement & Success that introduces incoming students to all the services they offer to students.
Several sessions geared for parents
Parents are welcome to attend orientation with their student as well. The day is structured so that parents will attend some programs with their students, while other sessions, such as Transitions, Cost of College and Student Perspective, are specific to them.
During the Student Perspective session, parents will hear from student orientation leaders about their experiences during their first years at UA.
"We want parents to come to orientation," says Tankersley. "They bring a whole different perspective to the college experience. They can learn about the services available to their student and how they can be supportive as their student makes the transition from high school to college."
Each orientation day ends with optional tours of campus.
"A Day in the Life of a Zip" walks students through their class schedules, taking them right to their classrooms, when available.
"Go Zips Spirit" offers a tour of UA's new stadium, the athletics fields, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Stile Athletics Field House.
"Campus History and Highlights" showcases some of UA's coolest historical landmarks and what makes the campus so unique.
"Our 'Day in the Life'" is our most popular tour by far," says Tankersley. "Students really want to see where their classes will be."