The first of a series of 13, two-day New Student Orientation sessions with activities aimed at getting the students ready for classes this fall begins on The University of Arizona campus on Wednesday, May 27.
"Orientation provides a way for students to connect with and become familiar with the UA campus. Many students have seen photos of campus but haven't visited," said Sabrena Heilman, associate director of the UA New Student Orientation Office. "Also, orientation provides a way for students to connect with their advisers and their colleges as well as with other students so that they are ready to move in and start classes in August."
Wednesday's orientation begins at 8:30 a.m. with check-in and CatCard photos at the Park Student Union, and a University Welcome and Orientation at 10:30 a.m. in Centennial Hall. The day ends at 9 p.m. with a Beach Block Party at Main Gate Square, on University Boulevard between Park and Euclid. Main Gate merchants will treat students to free desserts as part of an official welcome from the Associated Students of The University of Arizona.
Approximately 600 students and 400 parents will be on campus attending the two-day orientation session and by the end of the summer, over 12,000 UA students and their families will have attended the orientation sessions.
The orientation session includes a full day of activities that include meetings to connect students with UA colleges and breakout sessions covering the UA BookStores, Library, tutoring, Residence Life and Blue Chip Leadership, among others. Heilman said the breakout sessions provide an additional opportunity for students to get to know one another.
On Thursday, students will hear presentations on campus living and learning from the UA Bursar's Office, the Dean of Students, Student Financial Aid, Residence Life and Parking and Transportation. Students also will get to review their class schedule with an adviser.
On both days, parents will be treated to their own breakout sessions, which will focus on student transition to college with information on campus basics from the Dean of Students, Campus Health, UA Police and the Parents and Family Association.
"The Parent's Orientation schedule focuses on what students need to do to graduate as well as services and programs geared for and of interest to the parents," Heilman said.
New Student Orientation ends on Thursday at 2 p.m.
Sabrena Heilman
New Student Orientation Office