FAQs
FAQ Heading link
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As a first-year student, am I required to stay overnight at my orientation program? Why?
Yes, all students attending the first-year student program must spend the night at Orientation. The overnight portion of the program is specifically designed to allow students a chance to become familiar with the campus and to meet their peers. Through various planned academic and social activities, students will experience a taste of college, and the overnight stay will ensure students are on time for the early start of the second day.
Please be aware that all activities are mandatory and students may neither arrive late nor leave early. Students who may arrive late or leave early may be charged for their attendance and may be required to attend a future orientation session.
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How long is the orientation program?
For first-year students, the programs are approximately a day and half long with an overnight in the residence halls. On day 2, students will finish the formal orientation program by 12:30pm. Some students will be invited to attend additional informational sessions occurring in the afternoon of day 2 at the conclusion of the orientation program.
For transfer students, the programs are a day long. You will finish the program by 5:00pm on the day of your program.
For international students, the programs are a day long. You will finish the program by 5:00pm on the day of your program.
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Is my family required to attend orientation?
For family members and guests of both first-year students and transfer students, attendance is optional but recommended. All new students pay the New Student Fee, which includes registration for themselves plus one guest. Additional guests can be registered for the program for a supplemental charge of $35 per person.
Family members and guests will be with their students for elements of the program, but should recognize that there will be intentional moments in the program when they are separate from their student.
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My family and I did not attend our scheduled orientation. Why is there an orientation charge on my bill?
We have a very specific Program Date Change or Cancellation Policy which states:
If you need to cancel or change your or your family/guest reservation, you must do so a minimum of seven days prior to your scheduled date by adjusting your reservation status in my.uic.edu. Changes or cancellations made less than seven days prior to the scheduled date of your program will result in Orientation Adjustment Charge being assessed, regardless of your attendance to the university. Additionally, if you or your guests fail to attend your scheduled orientation program, the appropriate Orientation Adjustment Charge will be applied to your student account. If you have any questions about this policy, please call our office at 312-996-3271. If you have scheduled an orientation and then decide to adjust your enrollment status (such as deferred or withdrawal from the University) you MUST:
- Cancel your UIC Orientation reservation online through my.uic.edu seven days prior to your scheduled orientation.
- Log on to my.uic.edu to adjust your Intent to Enroll status, the official method through which to inform the university. (NetID and common password are needed)
- Contact the Office of Admissions at 312-996-4350 to see if additional information is required.
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Is there any way to avoid paying the New Student Fee?
There is no way to avoid paying the New Student Fee. It covers both a student’s participation in the UIC Orientation program as well as many other transition events throughout the first year at UIC.
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After orientation, may I change my schedule if a class becomes available?
Changes made after orientation should be discussed with your academic advisor prior to the start of the term. More information on class registration and scheduling will be provided to you during your academic advising session during your orientation program.