Orientation FAQ

When Will I Participate in New Student Orientation?

The first in-person orientation will be offered in April. Each incoming student will attend only one of these sessions. Each orientation event will begin at 9:30 a.m. CDT and should conclude by 2:30 p.m. CDT on the same day. Lunch will be provided during the event.

How Do I Sign Up for Orientation?

The list of dates for first-year students (and transfer students with less than 24 credits) is here. The list for transfer students (with 24+ credits) is here. You will choose a link that shows up on the bottom half of the page, log in when asked to do so, and then fill out the sign-up form.

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 check in is at 9:00 a.m. so we encourage you to arrive at 9:00 a.m. You will be introduced to some VIPs at NEIU and receive instructions for the day. You will either confirm or complete the next step of your financial aid, to make sure you have enough and that it will arrive on time for you. You will receive instructions about health and immunizations in order to get the right steps done before the first day of class to prevent a registration hold. You will have an opportunity to have lunch and connect with other organizations and student groups at NEIU.

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

All NEIU asks is that you complete math/English placement tests (if required) and meet with your advisor before orientation. You will be told by Admissions if you are required to do so. You may also contact Testing Services at (773) 442-5293 or testingservices@neiu.edu.

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

No.

Do I Need To Bring Anythig With Me?

Each new student must submit a final official transcript before the first day of class. For new first-year students, a final official transcript will have all your Spring 2024 grades on them and a graduation date. For new transfer students, it would have your Spring 2023 grades on the transcripts.

We do require official transcripts, which means the transcripts must come directly from your school/college. There are two ways to do this:

• The school can email the transcripts to NEIU at admissiondocs@neiu.edu.
• The student can hand deliver the transcripts that are still in the sealed envelope.

Students do not need to bring anything to orientation, but if you'd like to bring a sealed envelope with your official transcripts inside, you can complete that step.

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.