Orientation FAQs
Click a question below to find out more.
What are the available dates for Orientation?
Dates for Summer 2025 Orientation will be available in early Spring 2025! Summer Orientation will take place in June and multiple options will be available.
Is Orientation mandatory for all students?
Yes. Orientation is essential in providing to you all the resources you need to make your time at UMW as successful and fulfilling as possible. Please note that you will be billed for the New Student Arrival and Programs (which includes the fees for Orientation) whether or not you attend. This fee goes towards your meals, materials, and staffing during orientation as well as programming that occurs throughout the fall semester.
Remember to start getting into the habit of checking your UMW student email! Need help? Visit the IT webpage.
Will I be staying overnight and, if so, where?
If you are a First Year student, yes! First Year students stay overnight in either Virginia Hall or Willard Hall between day 1 and day 2 of their two-day, overnight orientation program.
If you are a Transfer student, you will not be staying on campus overnight during your orientation experience as Transfer Orientation is a one-day program.
Do I have to pay anything in advance to attend?
As a student enrolling in classes at UMW, you do NOT have to pay anything in advance to attend orientation. The charge will automatically be included in the “New Student Arrival and Programs” fee on your UMW Bill. The fee will be posted to your student account, then billed to you with the rest of tuition.
If you would like guests included in the orientation process, there is no fee. Guest registration can be done at the time of orientation registration and changes can be made at any time.
When do I register for classes?
First Year Students will have an advising appointment with a faculty adviser in July of the summer before their first year. Students are pre-registered for their courses, then have the opportunity within their July advising meeting to discuss courses, goals, and make changes as necessary.
Transfer Students can set up an appointment with the Office of Academic Services to register for classes. They may be reached at 540-654-1010. Those who do not register ahead of time can schedule an appointment time at orientation check-in and be advised during their orientation session.
Can I bring a parent or guests to Orientation?
Yes, and we hope you do! Families and guests are encouraged to attend as they will have their own program, with much of their time spent separated from their student in parent and family specific sessions. Please see a sample of Parent and Family specific sessions at June Orientation below:
- The Partnership Begins
- Campus Safety
- The Partnership Continues
- Guest Reception
- Desserts, refreshments, and cash bar available
- Student Health and Wellness
- Student Panel with Current UMW Students
- Bring your questions!
- Time with the Dean of Students, the Dean of Residence Life and Housing, and more!
How do I request disability-related accommodations?
UMW’s orientation program involves both large and small lecture sessions, sessions that may require movement across campus, and some computer use. All presentations and handouts will be online prior to the start of the program. If you have a disability-related accommodation that needs to be met during the orientation program, please contact us at orientation@umw.edu with the subject line “Disability Related Accommodation Need: Attending Session [insert session number here]” *Please note that no academic testing/placement tests will occur during orientation.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Orientation Office at orientation@umw.edu or 540-954-1444.
Do I need a parking permit?
No parking permits will be needed during Orientation!
How do I register for Orientation?
Registration for all incoming students who will be starting in Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 will open on March 11, 2025.
What if I can’t attend any of the listed Orientation sessions?
Please call or email New Student Programs at (540) 654-1601 or orientation@umw.edu and we can speak with you about how to proceed.
How do I get more information about Orientation including schedule specifics?
A schedule for your Orientation session will be posted on this website shortly before your session date. If you would like to discuss details of the schedule, you can always call us at 540-654-1061!
Common UMW Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ball | Ball Circle |
| CPB | Campus Programming Board |
| Dodd | Dodd Auditorium located in George Washington Hall |
| EagleOne | The student identification card also used for entry into residence halls and dining halls. This card will also swipe students into the fitness center and various on campus events. |
| Jeffy Square | Jefferson Square |
| SCRiB | Student Conduct Review Board |
| OL | Orientation Leader |
| PM | Peer Mentor |
| Sammy D. Eagle | An Eagle and the official mascot at UMW |
| UC | The University Center; commonly used to refer to the 4th floor dining |
| SGA | The Student Government Association |
| The Turf | The intramural fields |
| UG | The Underground; a dining facility and popular spot for night entertainment |
| Student Services | Academic Services, Registrar, Financial Aid, Parking Management, and Cashier on the 2nd Floor of Lee Hall |