Orientation FAQ

When Will I Participate in New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation is offered in July and August. Each Orientation will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. First year and Transfer Students have separate orientation days so it is important to make sure you sign up for the correct orientation.

How Do I Sign Up for Orientation?

First Year Freshmen will receive a link from their Academic Advisor to sign up for orientation. Transfer Students can register here. 

What If I Can’t Make It on My Assigned Date?

Please email orientation@neiu.edu to request to be reassigned to another scheduled date that better fits your schedule. Please use the format "Your Name - Orientation Reschedule" for your email subject.

Is Orientation Mandatory?

Yes. New Student Orientation is an essential part of transitioning to NEIU. The information shared before, during and after the session is critical to you having a successful start and career at NEIU. Consider this your formal introduction to all of the resources at your disposal and to the in’s and out’s of being an NEIU Golden Eagle.

I Know It's Mandatory, but What If I Still Don't Come?

Students must take placement tests (necessary for most first-year students) before orientation and students should meet with an advisor before orientation. That means you could have a class schedule without attending orientation, but orientation has other valuable parts to it. You will be responsible for connecting with financial aid, housing (if applicable), health office regarding immunizations, success programs (if applicable), the registrar's office regarding FERPA, NEIUport and making schedule modifications, submitting final official transcripts (if necessary), the student affairs office regarding getting plugged into campus, plus any other program you may be interested in (e.g. Greek life, student employment, parking and transportation, etc.)

So, if you do not come to the mandatory orientation, you will have to play catch-up at the start of the semester, and we'd rather you be able to focus on class and other good things that happen at the beginning of the school year.

Almost every college in the country expects their students to complete some new student tasks over the summer and NEIU is no different. Plan on coming to campus for a day during the spring or summer.

What will Orientation Look Like?

Orientation is a structured, full-day experience with presentations, campus tours, group activities, and time to connect with staff and fellow students.

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for the Event?

Students are strongly encouraged to have their NEIU email set up on their mobile device and their portal login credentials readily available during Orientation.

Having quick access to both will allow staff to assist you efficiently with any questions or tasks that may arise throughout the program.

Do I Need to Download Anything Special in Order to Participate?

No.

Do I Need To Bring Anything With Me?

A copy of your class schedule and a valid state-issued ID are required in order to receive your NEIU Student ID.

Each new student must also submit a final official transcript before the first day of class.

• For first-year students, the final transcript should include all final grades and your graduation date.
• For transfer students, it should include your most recent completed term grades.

Official transcripts must come directly from your school or college. There are two ways to submit them:

1. Your school can email them to admissiondocs@neiu.edu.
2. You can hand-deliver them in a sealed envelope to the Registrar’s office in D-120.

Is There A Fee to Participate in Orientation?

Yes, all enrolled students will be assessed a $70 mandatory orientation fee. If students have financial aid that covers tuition and fees, that includes the orientation fee.