Orientation FAQ's    

Question #1:   When should I receive an orientation announcement?
Question #2:   What will we do at orientation?
Question #3:   Where and when do I report for orientation?
Question #4:   What time will I be finished with orientation?
Question #5:   What do I need to bring with me to orientation?
Question #6:   Are my parents required to attend orientation?
Question #7:   What should I wear?
Question #8:   How do I inform the orientation staff of my special needs       
                     (physical, dietary, etc.)?
Question #9:   Will I see my academic advisor at orientation?
Question #10:  What is the fee for orientation and when do I pay it?
Question #11:  When/how do I schedule my classes?
Question #12:  How can I change my class schedule?
Question #13:  When can I see an advisor?
Question #14:  Do I have to take placement tests? (English)
Question #15:  Is there a foreign language requirement?
Question #16:  I have not yet received information about living in campus 
                      housing. What should I do?
Question #17:  Who should I talk with about my financial aid questions?
Question #18:  When do classes start?
Question #19:  My address is different. What should I do?
Question #20:  Is the campus safe?
Question #21:  What is the policy on drugs and alcohol?

Question #1:   When should I receive an orientation announcement?
   Notices for Freshman, Transfer and Graduate Orientation will be sent out at least one month before the next orientation.  If you were not accepted, by these dates, you will receive a notice shortly after receiving your acceptance letter.  Invitations to New Student Orientation are sent out in the summer approximately twice each week after the initial bulk mailing.

Question #2:   What will we do at orientation?
   You will learn about the services and facilities available to you, learn where classrooms and campus resources are located, and meet some of your fellow classmates.  Additionally, you will get to register for classes, provided that you have taken all your tests and met with your advisor prior to orientation. Some advisors may be available during orientation, so it is best to make an appointment prior to orientation. The Bookstore will be open during orientation, although they may not yet have all books in stock for your classes. You can also have your student I.D. made and pick up a card to apply for a parking permit
 
Question #3:   Where and when do I report for orientation?    Check-in for New Student Orientations will be held in the Registrar's Lobby.  Park in the North Parking Lot, walk through the electronic doors, and go up to the second floor.

Question #4:   What time will I be finished with orientation?             In general, every student should probably be advised, registered, and all, by 1:00 p.m. on Friday. 

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Question #5:   What do I need to bring with me to orientation?
   If you have visited with an advisor before New Student Orientation, then you should bring your planned schedule.  If you have not turned in all paperwork to Admissions or Financial Aid, you must bring that completed paperwork with you the first morning of N.S.O.   For students staying overnight at the student housing, bring a sleeping bag, swimming suit, towel, toiletries, etc.

Question #6:   Are my parents required to attend orientation?
   Parents, family members, spouses, or significant others, are not required to come but are welcome.  Information on the "Family Track" orientation will be sent out shortly after the initial invitation for new students.  See the web page for "Family Track" orientation.

Question #7:   What should I wear?
   Most people will be dressed casually, but not t-shirt and jeans.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes for the tours.

Question #8:   How do I inform the orientation staff of my special needs  (physical, dietary, etc.)?  You may call the Office of Student Life (432.552.2650) and discuss the special needs or indicate your needs when you RSVP on the return postcard (or email us at:  studentactivities@utpb.edu )

Question #9:   Will I see my academic advisor at orientation?
   It is best to contact your advisor before orientation to arrange an appointment, since faculty and staff have varying schedules during the summer.  Your academic department will be able to inform you of your academic advisor's name and summer schedule.  They may be quite busy during New Student Orientation, so make every attempt to visit with your academic advisor before N.S.O. (especially if you live close to campus).

Question #10:  What is the fee for orientation and when do I pay it?
   All First-Year Students (freshmen) are assessed a $35.00 orientation fee and $15.00 for transfers and graduate students. (most transfer and graduate students do not attend the "Traditional" overnight orientation which provides more activities and meals) These fees are paid when paying tuition and fees the first semester of attendance.

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Question #11:  When/how do I schedule my classes?
   You are encouraged to meet with your assigned advisor prior to registration.  The advisor's name and contact information should be listed on your letter of acceptance.  During New Student Orientation, upper-classmen (orientation leaders) will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various scheduling options.

Question #12:  How can I change my class schedule?
   Once you have registered, you may change your schedule  through the drop/add process the first day of scheduled classes.  Add/drops are handled in the Registrar's Office.  There is a fee for add/drop.

Question #13:  When can I see an advisor?
   You may schedule an appointment with your advisor at any time through your academic department or college.  Advisors may be available at New Student Orientation, however, your advisor may not be there until later in the day, may be teaching during your available time, or may not even be on campus that week.  Call ahead to the academic office to set up an appointment.

Question #14:  Do I have to take placement tests? 
   First-time Freshmen must take the English and math placement tests.  The test scores will determine what math courses you are qualified to take.  Contact the UTPB PASS Office (432.552.2630) to arrange a test time before orientation if you live near campus.    

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Question #15:  Is there a foreign language requirement?
UTPB does not have a foreign language requirement.

Question #16:  I have not yet received information about living in campus housing. What should I do?
Contact Student Housing.  Their web page is listed under "Related Sites."  and their phone number is 432.552.2743.

Question #17:  Who should I talk with about my financial aid concerns?
   Speak with the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible.  Freshmen who are receiving a loan will not receive a book voucher until registration has passed.  The Bookstore will place books on reserve for you.  The Financial Aid web page is listed under "Related Sites."

Question #18:  When do classes start?
   Check the academic calendar for each semesters start, ending, and other important dates.

Question #19:  My address is different. What should I do?
   Address changes should be made in the Registrar's Office.  Please note that the address listed on your application is the address on record unless you have requested a change.  Any information (grades!) from the university will be sent to that address.  Other offices (Accounting) may also need to be contacted so that they will be able to contact you when necessary. 
 
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Question #20:  Is the campus safe?
   Please refer to the Campus Police web pages.

Question #21:  What is the policy on drugs and alcohol?
   There is a zero tolerance policy on the use or sale of alcohol and other drugs on campus.  

   The university Catalog and the Student Guide will provide additional information for you; both have web sites  on www.utpb.edu .  The Catalog is under Academic Services and the Student Guide is under Student Life.