Prospective Students

Student Advising Office

Freshman Summer Orientation

How do students register for Freshman Summer orientation? 
 The Office of the Dean of Students website will assist students with orientation information including registering, orientation schedules, fees, housing and testing.
http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/nss/

To register, click on "Summer Orientation" and the "Registering and Paying" link.

Where can I get the most current information about the College of Communication orientation?
  Follow UTCommFirstYear on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date announcements regarding your first year and summer orientation. We will post updates throughout the spring semester.

Where should students and parents direct specific questions about the College of Communication orientation?
  Any specific questions about the College of Communication Orientation may be emailed to welcometocomm@austin.utexas.edu.

Where should students direct general Orientation questions?
  All general questions regarding Freshman Summer Orientation should be directed to New Student Services at 512-471-3304, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/nss/

Can students change dates for Summer Orientation once they have registered? 
Any request for changes must be discussed with New Student Services to see if any accommodations can be made at 512-471-3304, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/nss/

Can students visit with a College of Communication advisor prior to orientation?
  Communication advisors cannot meet with students entering in the Fall 2013 semester except during their orientation time.  Students will receive individual assistance choosing the appropriate classes and will be registering for classes during orientation.

Should students take placement tests while on campus during Freshman Summer Orientation?
  Yes. Academic departments use tests for placement in six areas: rhetoric and composition, entry-level mathematics, freshman technical chemistry, computer sciences, foreign languages and mechanical engineering. Students who perform well enough on these tests can receive credit by examination for courses in those areas. If students need to sign up for placement tests or have questions regarding placement testing, Student Testing Services will be available at various times during orientation. Students may contact STS at 512-232-2662 or visit http://www.utexas.edu/academic/mec/for more information.

What interactions can a student expect with the College of Communication's Academic Advisors and Orientation Advisors?
  After lunch on Day One, students will attend a mandatory group meeting with the Student Advising staff. During this meeting students will be provided with detailed information regarding the College of Communication, policies and procedures, registration information and First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs). Directly following the group meeting, students will attend breakout sessions with the Academic Advisors within their major. This will allow each student to learn in-depth information about their major as well as any specific information that may help them get started on the right foot. If a student has college credits or transfer work from another university, they should bring a copy of an unofficial transcript to aid in the advising process.

Can students register for classes before attending orientation?  No. 
Students will receive assistance choosing appropriate classes and register for classes during orientation. They will not have access to online registration until the final day of orientation (and afterwards).  If a student does not attend summer orientation, they will not be able to register until fall orientation.

Do students have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with an Academic Advisor?
  Absolutely! Students will be assigned a time to meet with their Academic Advisor for a one-on-one advising session on Day Two. Prior to meeting with an Academic Advisor, each student will also meet one-on-one with an Orientation Advisor (OA). The OAs will help students begin thinking about their fall schedules and options they may have available to them. OA's will also discuss options for Freshmen Interest Groups (FIGs).

Do students have a schedule of classes for fall when they leave campus after orientation?  Yes. 
If students follow the proper schedule throughout Orientation, meet with their Academic Advisors, and register for classes on Day Three, they should have a complete schedule by the time they leave campus.

Does a student have the chance to change their schedule once they leave campus following orientation?  Yes. 
Students will have a chance to make adjustments to their fall schedules directly prior to beginning classes in the fall.

Do students have to pay tuition while on campus during orientation?
  No. Students do not pay for any tuition/fee bills while on campus during summer orientation.

What assistance is available for students with disabilities?
  Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) can be reached at 512-471-6259 or TTY at 512-471-4641. Students who need to make special arrangements for testing during orientation should contact this office at least two weeks prior to orientation.