Orientation FAQs
Click a question below to find out more.
What are the available dates for Orientation?
Virtual First-Year Orientation Dates 2021
Session 1: Monday, June 14
Session 2: Tuesday, June 15
Session 3: Wednesday, June 16
Session 4: Thursday, June 17
Session 5: Friday, June 18
Session 6: Monday, June 21
Virtual Transfer Orientation Dates 2021
May 14
June 11
July 6
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?
Due to COVID-19, all summer orientation programs will be virtual at this time. We are currently exploring the possibility of an optional, one-day, in-person session for students. Please check back for additional details.
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 register for the majority of their classes throughout the summer. There are introductory seats held, so students will not be at any advantage or disadvantage depending on which session they choose.
Transfer Students can set up an appointment with the Office of Academic and Career services to register for classes. They may be reached at 540-654-1010. Those who do not register ahead of time will be provided with an appointment time at orientation check-in.
Can I bring a parent or guests to Orientation?
Parents and guests are will have their own virtual sessions that they may attend in July. The June virtual session programming will be geared towards students specifically. Please check back for additional details about parent and family programming.
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?
Due to COVID-19, all summer orientation programs will be virtual at this time. We are currently exploring the possibility of an optional, one-day, in-person session for students. Please check back for additional details.
How do I register for Orientation?
Registration for all incoming students who will be starting in Summer 2021 or Fall 2021 will open on April 19. For more information on how to register and to access the link, click here.
What if I can’t attend any of the listed Orientation sessions?
Please call or email the Office of Student Involvement at (540) 654-1444 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.
The specifics of the schedule are forthcoming.
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 |