Orientation FAQs
Click a question below to find out more.
What should I expect from my Orientation experience?
Orientation is a mandatory experience for new students entering the university. First-year students will attend a two-day, overnight program in the summer to acquaint them with campus and help to create strong bonds with other incoming Eagles. During orientation, incoming students will be introduced to an orientation leader (OL) who will guide them through their next steps. The OLs will introduce them to aspects of campus, academics, and resources available to them as they transition to academic and student life at UMW, and generally start to become acquainted with activities that they can be involved in at UMW.
What time and where is check in?
Check in for First-Year students begins at 7:30 AM and runs until 8:45 AM in Willard Hall. Check in for Transfer students begins at 7:30 AM and runs until 9 AM in the Cedric Rucker University Center.
What should I bring?
If you are a first-year student, check out our how to prepare (first-year) page as well as our Orientation packing list!
If you are a transfer student, check out our how to prepare (transfer) page!
What should I wear?
There is no dress code for Orientation – new students and guests should wear comfortable clothing and footwear that is appropriate for walking short distances at multiple points throughout the day. New first-year students may want to bring a change of clothes for the evening of day 1 as our program will have some more active options during the evening activities portion.
What are the available dates for Orientation?
Dates for Summer 2026 Orientation can be found below!
First-Year Orientation Dates:
- Session 1: June 10-11
- Session 2: June 15-16
- Session 3: June 17-18
- Session 4: June 23-24
- Session 5: June 25-26
Transfer Orientation Dates:
- June 12
- June 29
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 Welcome 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? What if I’m commuting in the Fall, do I still stay on campus for Orientation?
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. This includes all first-year students, regardless of residential status for the Fall. This means students who are commuting will still stay overnight for Orientation.
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 a $50 fee for guests of first-year students and a $25 for guests of transfer students. 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.
If you would like guests included in the orientation process, there is a $50 fee for guests of first-year students and a $25 for guests of transfer students. Guest registration can be done at the time of orientation registration and changes can be made at any time.
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 Q&A 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 540-654-1061.
Do I need a parking permit? Where do I park?
No parking permits will be needed during Orientation! Students and guests for Day 1 of First-Year Orientation and Transfer Orientation will park in the George Washington Hall parking lot. Guests for Day 2 of First-Year Orientation will park in the Thornton parking lot.
How do I register for Orientation?
Registration for all incoming students is open and can be accessed here: https://admissions.umw.edu/portal/Orientation
What if I can’t attend any of the listed Orientation sessions?
Please call or email New Student Programs at (540) 654-1061 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?
You can view our First-Year Orientation schedule as well as our Transfer Orientation schedule for more specifics. 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 |