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Freshman Summer Orientation

Who is eligible to register for Summer Orientation?

There are several orientation sessions designed to meet the needs of Freshmen. While participating in summer orientation, you will have the opportunity to register for classes for the fall semester.

Because the Summer Orientation sessions are designed to meet the needs of two distinct groups of students, freshmen are not allowed to attend transfer orientation sessions and transfer students are not allowed to attend freshmen orientation sessions. No exceptions are made.

Session Dates

The following Summer Orientation sessions are available for Freshmen:

June 9-12 2009 (Tuesday-Friday)

Registration is for Fall and Summer Second Term Freshman Students.
Colleges/schools represented at this session are:

June 16-19 2009 (Tuesday-Friday)

Registration is for Fall and Summer Second Term Freshman Students.
Colleges/schools represented at this session are:

June 23-26, 2009 (Tuesday-Friday)

Registration is for Fall and Summer Second Term Freshman Students.
Colleges/schools represented at this session are:

June 29-July 2, 2009 (Monday-Thursday)

Registration is for Fall and Summer Second Term Freshman Students.
Colleges/schools represented at this session are:

July 7-10, 2009 (Tuesday-Friday)

Registration is for Fall and Summer Second Term Freshman Students.
Colleges/schools represented at this session are:

July 13-16, 2009 (Monday-Thursday)

Registration is for Fall admits only.
Colleges/schools represented at this session are:

What if I can't attend one of the Summer Orientation sessions?

You should plan to register for Fall Orientation (online registration is available beginning June 1). Fall Orientation is scheduled for August 19-20, 2009. For more detailed information, please go to www.utorientation.com.

Fees

Housing and Food

Housing Options

Freshman students have the option of staying in on-campus housing during orientation. There is an additional fee to stay in on-campus housing during orientation (refer to the Session Dates and Fees section), but doing so makes it easier for you to participate in all orientation activities, many of which are early in the morning and late at night. You will be asked to indicate your preference when you register. Housing space is limited and is filled on a "first respond, first reserve" basis.

Rooming with a friend

To room with a friend, stand in line together during Housing Check-in. Housing is not provided on campus before or after your session; we cannot store luggage before or after a session.

Housing limitations

Space may be available for an orientation session without housing space being available for the same session. If housing is unavailable during the session you select, the orientation registration system will notify you. Housing spaces for each session are limited and are filled as students register; no waiting lists are maintained.

Orientation housing and food costs

The amount you pay for housing includes the following items:

Conference $$$ can be used at any Housing and Food Service dining facility on the first floor of Jester Center. Prices are posted for each food court item, and your Conference $$$ are charged for the items you take. Although the Conference $$$ budget is sufficient for most people, if you run out of Conference $$$, you may pay with cash or credit card. Additional information will be provided at Check-in.

Commuter students who do not stay in Jester may pay for meals or snacks with cash or a credit card.

Registering and Paying for Orientation

All students should register for orientation. The online registration system becomes available Wednesday, January 28, 2009, (each day from 8 a.m. - midnight - Central Time) for Summer Orientation. Spaces for each session are limited and are filled as students register; no waiting lists are maintained.

While registering online, you will be asked to select one of the following options for paying for your orientation fees.

Pay by credit card online

If you select to pay by credit card (MasterCard or Discover only), you will need to enter the full name on the credit card, the credit card number and the expiration date. (Have this information available before you begin.) If payment is approved, you will receive an authorization code confirming the transaction.

By check or money order

If you do not pay by credit card the registration system will automatically generate a billing statement. The billing statement will be mailed to your permanent address within a few days of your orientation registration. Pay the bill by the due date shown on your statement to avoid cancellation of your orientation reservation. Orientation confirmation material will not be mailed until payment has been received.

Financial reimbursement

You may be eligible for a reimbursement of summer orientation fees if you are a fall freshman and you have submitted a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all requirements specified by the Office of Student Financial Services. Submitting the FAFSA does not guarantee a reimbursement of orientation fees. Students may be eligible for a limited number of reimbursements of Summer Orientation fees but not testing fees.

All students must pay for orientation prior to the due date. If selected as a recipient for an orientation reimbursement, you will receive a voucher that will be attached to your orientation packet upon arrival to orientation check-in.

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to New Student Services.

Making Changes and/or Cancelling your Orientation Reservation

You can access the online registration system up to eight days before your assigned session to make changes and/or cancel your orientation session, housing or testing. Session and housing changes are made only if there is space available at the time of your request.

Orientation Refunds

To process a refund you must access the online registration system and cancel your reservation at least eight days before your assigned session to be eligible for an orientation and/or housing refund. Refunds will be mailed approximately two to four weeks from the date of cancellation.

If you do not cancel your orientation and/or housing reservation at least eight days before your assigned session, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Testing Information

Although testing times are offered during orientation, you are encouraged to take the tests you need before orientation if possible.

Most new freshmen are required to take the following placement tests:

You may be exempt from the tests listed above based on:

All required tests are offered on campus during each of the freshman summer orientation sessions.

Information about test fees is available from the DIAA/Student Testing Services Web site.

Retaking Tests

If you took the SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics through the College Board, be sure to request that the scores be sent to UT Austin (code 6882). If you took the tests at a College Board test center and you want to try to improve your scores, you may take them again at UT Austin. UT Austin will accept the highest scores.

Testing During Orientation

If you have not taken the required tests before orientation, you must take them at orientation to be eligible to register for classes. You may register for the tests in advance on the New Student Services Web site.

Special Arrangements and Accommodations

For Orientation

If you require accommodations due to a documented disability, contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), at 512-471-6259 or 866-329-3986, (Video Phone), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for information on the services available.

SSD assists students with a variety of disabilities including hearing impairments, visual impairments, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, AD/HD, medical conditions, psychological disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and temporary disabilities. Requests for Braille copies of orientation publications or interpreter service should be made no less than two weeks before your assigned session by calling the Office of the Dean of Students, New Student Services, at 512-471-3304, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendant care is not provided.

If you need special assistance during orientation testing, contact DIIA/Student Testing Services (512-232-2662) no less than two weeks before your assigned session to make arrangements.

Travel Arrangements, Check-in and Check-out

Make travel plans only after you receive confirmation of your orientation registration.

Check-in is in Jester Center from 8-10:30 a.m. on the first day of your session, and check-out is no later than 11:30 a.m. on the final day.

Make airline reservations for departure from Austin no earlier than 1 p.m. on the final day of orientation.

2009 Summer Orientation Freshman Confirmation

Welcome Longhorns!

What should I bring to orientation?
The following items are important to remember when you are packing for orientation. You should not pack more than you can carry yourself.

Where will I check in?
You are required to check in on Day 1 between 8-10:30 a.m. Please plan to arrive early. When you arrive at the Brazos Garage (BRG), look for signs and Orientation Advisors to direct you to Orientee Check-In. Everyone must check in at Jester Center (JES) (see map for location).

When do I check out?
After registration on Day 4, check out will end no later than 11:30 a.m. We recommend making an airline reservation to depart Austin no earlier than 1 p.m. on the final day of your orientation.

Where will I stay during orientation?
If you reserved and paid for housing, you will stay in Jester East (JES). Sheets, blankets and pillows will be provided. Room assignments will be made at Orientee Check-In. If you would like to room with a friend, you must stand in line together during Housing Check-In. On-campus housing accommodations are not provided for family members. Telephones are not provided in rooms. An emergency message may be left for you by calling 512-471-1652. This telephone number is used by orientation staff from June 9-July 17, 2009.

Will housing be provided before and/or after orientation?
Housing is not provided on campus before or after any orientation session. If you need information on nearby hotels, contact the Office of the Dean of Students, New Student Services, at 512-471-3304, or refer to www.utorientation.com/hotels.php for hotel information.

Are meals included if I have paid for orientation housing?
If you paid for housing, the fee includes a barbecue dinner on the first night plus $60 of Conference $$$ to be used for all other meals. You can use Conference $$$ at any Housing and Food Service location on the first floor of Jester Center (JES). Although the Conference $$$ budget is sufficient for most people, if you run out of Conference $$$, you may also pay with cash or credit card. If you are not staying in Jester Center (JES), you are considered a commuter student and may pay with cash or credit card for any meals or snacks you would like to purchase.

Will I be able to receive academic advising?
Academic advising is provided and is required for most majors prior to registration. During orientation, you will be provided with a scheduled time to meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes.

Will I be able to take placement tests?
If you need to sign up for placement tests or have questions regarding placement testing, the Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment (DIIA), Student Testing Services (STS), will be available at various times during orientation. You may contact STS at 512-232-2662 or visit www.utexas.edu/academic/mec/ for more information.

Will I be able to register for fall classes at orientation? You will register for classes on the morning of the last day of the orientation session in which you are registered, if any and all bars are cleared.

How do I get my Student ID Card?
Go to the ID Center located in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) lobby area. You must show an official government-issued photo ID, such as a:

Note: High school IDs will not be accepted.

ID cards cost $10, and must be paid within 30 days. You may pay at the Cashiers Office, Room 8 in the Main Building (MAI), with cash or a check, or online using "What I Owe" in UT Direct at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/rec/wio/wio_home.WBX. UT EID logon required.

How do I upgrade my UT EID?
As a new student at the university, you must upgrade your UT EID. There are two steps to this process, both of which are done at the ID Center, located in Flawn Academic Center (FAC) lobby area:

    1. You must show a government-issued photo ID to prove your identity to obtain the identity proofed upgrade. You may show the same photo ID that you presented to receive your ID card. 2. You must sign the Electronic Agreement form to obtain the legal signature upgrade. This is a legally binding document. When your UT EID has legal signature authority, you may use your EID as your electronic signature to complete transactions online that normally require your physical signature.

NOTE: Students younger than 18 years-of-age must have a legal guardian accompany them to claim high assurance. The student and their legal guardian must present a government-issued identification with a photo (driver license, passport or other government-issued ID). Students whose legal guardian cannot be present can print the UT Electronic ID Agreement form from https://idmanager.its.utexas.edu/eid_self_help/ and have it notarized. The completed form can be mailed to UT Austin ID Center, 1 University Station G9805, Austin, Texas 78712-0175, or be presented in person at the ID Center.

Will I need to pay my tuition and fees when I register for fall classes?
No. Fall tuition/fee bills will be distributed via e-mail on July 21, 2009. Your registration must be complete, either by paying your bill or confirming a zero balance, by Wednesday, August 12, 2009, or your registration will be canceled. To view and pay your bill online, visit the "My Tuition Bill" Web site at www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar/. Bills may also be paid in person with cash or check at the Cashiers Office, Room 8 of the Main Building (MAI). Additional information may be obtained from the Course Schedule online at www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/.

Am I required to stay through the entire orientation program?
Yes. You are required to stay through the entire three-and-a-half day orientation program. You will be required to attend certain meetings and programs before being allowed to register for classes. The programs run from early in the morning to the late evening. You will check out on Day 4 after you have registered. We recommend making an airline reservation to depart Austin after 1 p.m.

What if I need accommodations due to a disability?
If you require accommodations due to a documented disability, contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 512-471-6259 or 866-329-3986 (Video Phone), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., for information on the services available. SSD assists students with a variety of disabilities including hearing impairments, visual impairments, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, AD/HD, medical conditions, psychological disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and temporary disabilities. Requests for Braille copies of orientation publications or interpreter service should be made no less than two weeks before your assigned session by calling the Office of the Dean of Students, New Student Services, at 512-471-3304, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendant care is not provided.

For accommodations for placement testing during orientation, contact the DIIA, Student Testing Services (STS) at 512-232-2662, no less than two weeks before your assigned session to make arrangements.

When will I get my e-mail account?
During orientation, you will have the opportunity to set up your needed computer accounts.

What should my family members do?
Family Orientation is offered on the first day of each freshman orientation session. Most family members attend the program offered during the orientation session for which their student registers, though they may attend any of the Family Orientation sessions. See www.utorientation.com/familyorient.php for a complete schedule. This is the only program offered for family members.

Is transportation provided to and from the airport or bus terminal?
New Student Services does not provide transportation to or from the airport or bus terminal. Taxi, shuttle and bus services are available from the airport to the university campus for varying rates. The cost to ride the Capital Metro Airport Flyer bus (Route #100) is 75¢ per person each way. Route #100 drops off and picks up at 26th Street and Speedway. Please refer to www.capmetro.org for information regarding the rates and schedules. Please see Austin-Bergstrom Airport's "Parking and Ground Transportation" Web site at www.abia.org for more information.

Where should I park?
Parking is provided near Jester Center in the Brazos Garage (BRG) at the rate of $30 for the four days and three nights. This rate includes unlimited in/out privileges. There is also a daily rate available. On the first day of orientation, daily parking is offered at a flat rate of $10 with unlimited in/out privileges. Subsequent days are charged at a maximum rate of $10 per ticket pulled. Orientation staff will direct you to the designated parking levels. All vehicles will park starting from the highest level and will work down to lower levels as spaces fill. Please be prepared to pay for parking at the time of your arrival. There is no free parking on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Specific information regarding university parking garages and maps can be found at www.utexas.edu/parking/.

How do I get to the Brazos Garage?
Traveling south on IH-35, take the upper level of IH-35, then the MLK Blvd. exit.

Turn right onto MLK Blvd. and stay in the far right lane. Turn right at 200 East MLK Blvd. The garage will be on your immediate right. Watch for orientation staff who will direct you into the Brazos Garage.

Traveling north on IH-35, take the 15th St./MLK Blvd./Capitol exit. Proceed to the second light, make a left turn onto MLK Blvd. and move into the far right lane. Turn right at 200 East MLK Blvd. The garage will be on your immediate right. Watch for orientation staff who will direct you into the Brazos Garage.

Lost?
Look for one of UT Austin's guard stations, located near almost every campus entrance. Guards at these stations will be able to direct you to the Brazos Garage.

Questions?
If you have additional questions about orientation, please visit www.utorientation.com, or telephone New Student Services at 512-471-3304, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Note: Check-In begins at 8 a.m.
See you at Jester Center


  Updated 2009 March 25
  Comments to Office of the Dean of Students
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