New student orientation
Attending UAF's New Student Orientation program will help you successfully navigate through the beginning of your UAF experience.
All new students are strongly encouraged to attend New Student Orientation. It is REQUIRED for:
- First-time, baccalaureate degree-seeking students
- International students (Undergraduate F-1 Status and International Exchange in J-1 Status)
If you fall into one of the above two categories, you do not need to register. If you are not a mandatory student but would like to attend New Student Orientation please register for New Student Orientation.
A $115 fall NSO fee will be applied directly to students' accounts, which is settled during regular UAF fee payment at the start of the fall semester.
A $35 spring NSO fee will be applied directly to students' accounts, which is settled during regular UAF fee payment at the start of the spring semester.
Wednesday, August 22 - Saturday, August 25, 2018
If you are a first-time baccalaureate degree-seeking student or an international student (undergraduate F-1 Status and International Exchange in J-1 Status), your participation in New Student Orientation is required and you do not need to register. If you are not a mandatory student but would like to attend New Student Orientation, please register for New Student Orientation
Participation in fall New Student Orientation requires a $115 fee, applied directly to students' accounts, which is settled during regular UAF fee payment at the start of the fall semester.
Schedule:
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6 a.m.-3 p.m. |
NSO Shuttle |
Fairbanks International Airport |
| 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rev-It-Up Your one-stop-shop to check in for New Student Orientation, move into the residence halls, set up your UAF email account, buy a parking decal and get your PolarExpress card and more, all in one convenient location. Visit the Department of Residence Life website for more information. |
Moore-Bartlett-Skarland Complex (MBS) |
| 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | ALEKS Placement Testing Most UAF students have to take at least one math course to earn a degree. ALEKS is UAF's math placement exam. If you haven't yet taken the ALEKS, the computer lab in MBS will be available for testing during Rev-It-Up. The test takes about 90 minutes to complete. Learn more and take the ALEKS test in advance. |
MBS computer lab |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | NSO Info Station Drop by anytime you have a question. If you arrive after 3 p.m., you'll check in for New Student Orientation here. |
Wood Center mall |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Campus Tours Tours will depart every hour, on the hour, from MBS and the NSO Info Station in the Wood Center. The final tour will depart at 4 p.m. and tours will conclude at their starting point. |
MBS or the Wood Center |
| 12-12:45 p.m. | Student Jobs Find out about student employment opportunities including on-campus jobs and internships. |
Wood Center C,D,E,F |
| 1-1:30 p.m. | Alaska Performance Scholarship Learn about the nuts and bolts of the Alaska Performance Scholarship, including requirements for continued eligibility. |
Wood Center C,D,E,F |
| 1:45-2:30 p.m. | Making Sense of Money Management We'll help you understand options and strategies to make the most of your money. |
Wood Center C,D,E,F |
| 5-7 p.m. | Welcome Barbecue Mix and mingle with faculty, staff and other students. Bring your family if they're registered for Parent and Family Orientation. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 6-7 p.m. | Honors Program Reception Join staff and faculty from the Honors Program at the Honors House. Required for all Honors Program students; parents and family members of honors students are encouraged to attend. |
Honors House, 1818 Copper Lane |
| 7-9 p.m. | NSO Kickoff and Pep Rally Show your spirit in this blue and gold-filled event that will keep you on your feet, moving and cheering. You'll also meet your orientation leader and get to know the rest of the incoming class. |
Patty Center Alaska Airlines Court |
| 9-11 p.m. | Outdoor Movie Wind down after a busy day with one of the latest blockbusters. |
Beluga Field (Rain location: Hess Rec., MBS) |
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Group Time Enjoy breakfast with your NSO small group. Be sure to check with your orientation leader to find out where your group will be meeting. |
Wood Center, Dine Forty-nine |
| 8-9:15 a.m. | First-Generation Breakfast Are you the first person in your family to go to college? Connect with other first-generation college students and their families to learn about dedicated support services for first-generation students. Cosponsored by Student Support Services and the Nanook Diversity and Action Center. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Student Success Resource Fair Meet the offices and programs at UAF that will help you achieve your academic and personal goals. |
Regents' Great Hall, Fine Arts Complex |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Academic Induction Academic Induction signifies your formal entry into the community of learners at UAF and will welcome you to #NanookNation. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. | ACT Residual The ACT residual test is available for bachelor's degree-seeking students who have not yet submitted ACT or SAT scores to the university. Please register in advance with Testing Services. Bring $60 in exact change, photo identification and an approved calculator. |
Testing Services, 211 Gruening Building |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. | Academic Lunch Connect with the faculty of UAF in a casual setting as you enjoy a meal together. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 1:45-3 p.m. | Academic Open House Meet the faculty, staff and students in your school or college and learn more about your academic program. |
Various Locations |
| 3-5 p.m. | Title IX and You Join us for an honest conversation about gender equity, healthy relationships and safety. Attendance at this session exempts students from online Title IX training. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| 5-6:30 p.m. | Dinner and Group Time Join your orientation group for dinner to socialize and discuss the day's events. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Living on the EDGE: Skarland Connect with other students living on campus and learn about your responsibilities as a member of UAF's residential community. Required for all Skarland Hall students. |
Hess Rec., MBS |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Commuter Student Connections Living off campus? Connect with other commuters and learn how to stay connected to campus life. Free milkshakes! |
Wood Center, Arctic Java |
| 8-9 p.m. | Living on the EDGE: Moore Connect with other students living on campus and learn about your responsibilities as a member of UAF's residential community. Required for all Moore Hall students. |
Hess Rec., MBS |
| 10-11:30 p.m. | Mission IMPROVable This interactive comedy team has left stomachs at colleges and universities across the country aching from laughter. Co-sponsored by the Student Activities Office. |
Hess Rec., MBS |
| 11:59 p.m.-2 a.m. | Fred Meyer College Night Take advantage of special deals and giveaways just for UAF students! Shuttle buses will run from 11:45 p.m. to 2 a.m. between MBS and Fred Meyer West. Be sure to bring your PolarExpress card. |
Fred Meyer West, 3755 Airport Way, Fairbanks |
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m.-noon | International Student Orientation Mandatory orientation for all new international students coordinated by the Office of International Programs and Initiatives. |
Schaible Auditorium |
| 9-10 a.m. | Breakfast and Group Time Enjoy breakfast with your NSO small group. Be sure to check with your orientation leader to find out where your group will be meeting. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 10-11 a.m. | Academics 101 Learn what it takes to succeed in the classroom and get introduced to the programs, offices and services that will support your studies. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Academics 102 Dive deeper into what it means to be a collegiate scholar and learn about your academic responsibilities. Your orientation leader will guide you to your group's classroom meeting location. |
Gruening Building classrooms |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch and Group Time Eat lunch with your orientation group. Check with your orientation leader to find out where to meet. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 1-3 p.m. | Information Sessions Choose from a menu of information session on topics like campus life, study abroad opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, undergraduate research and scholarly activity, and more. Five concurrent 30-minute sessions will be offered from 1-1:30 p.m., 1:40-2:10 p.m., and 2:20-2:50 p.m. |
Various locations |
| 3-5 p.m. | Nanook Community Values Learn what's expected of you as a member of the UAF community and how you can take an active role in ensuring everyone feels safe and supported at UAF. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| 5-6 p.m. | Dinner and Group Time Have dinner with your orientation group. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | The Price is Too High Compete for prizes and learn about your student rights and responsibilities in this interactive game show. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 7:30-11 p.m. | Wood Center Late Nighter Have a ton of fun in the hub of campus activity. Open mic, free bowling, free pizza, root beer floats and giveaways. Featuring comedian Michael Palascak from 9-10 p.m. |
Wood Center |
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 a.m. | Breakfast and Group Time Enjoy breakfast with your orientation group. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 10 a.m.-noon | Nanook Quest After breakfast, compete against other orientation groups in a campus-wide scavenger hunt. Bring your class schedule to locate your classrooms along the way. |
Start at the Wood Center |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch and Group Time Eat lunch with your orientation group. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 1-3 p.m. | Nanooks Care Being in college can be stressful. You'll be balancing classes, new relationships, homesickness, finances and the other pressures of college life. Learn ways to take care of yourself and your fellow Nanooks. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 3:30-6:30 p.m. | NSO Closing Celebration Celebrate the end of New Student Orientation and the start of your first year as a member of #NanookNation with free food, games, prizes, rock climbing and more. |
Student Recreation Center |
| 7-9 p.m. | The C-Word Join the team behind Mission IMPROVable for The C-Word: Consent -- a frank, difficult and needed conversation about sex and consent. Cosponsored by the Nanook Diversity and Action Council. |
Hess Rec., MBS |
| 9-11 p.m. | Karaoke Sing your heart out or sit back and watch. No talent required. |
Hess Rec., MBS |
Download a printable, at-a-glance schedule. You'll receive the full schedule when you check in for New Student Orientation.
Wednesday, August 22 - Thursday, August 23, 2018
Parent and Family Orientation is a two-day program for parents and other family members of new UAF students. Register for Parent and Family Orientation.
Schedule:
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6 a.m.-3 p.m. | NSO Shuttle Need a ride? We'll offer continuous shuttle service from the Fairbanks International Airport to the Moore-Bartlett-Skarland Complex between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sign up for the shuttle in advance. |
Fairbanks International Airport |
| 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rev-It-Up Your student's one-stop-shop to check in for New Student Orientation, move into the residence halls, set up their UAF email account, buy a parking decal and get their PolarExpress card and more, all in one convenient location. Visit the Department of Residence Life website for more information. |
Moore-Bartlett-Skarland Complex (MBS) |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | NSO Info Station Drop by anytime you have a question. If you arrive after 3 p.m., you'll check in for New Student Orientation here. |
Wood Center mall |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Campus Tours Tours will depart every hour, on the hour, from MBS and the NSO Info Station in the Wood Center. The final tour will depart at 4 p.m. and tours will conclude at their starting point. |
MBS or the Wood Center |
| 12-12:45 p.m. | Student Jobs Find out about student employment opportunities including on-campus jobs and internships. |
Wood Center C,D,E,F |
| 1-1:30 p.m. | Alaska Performance Scholarship Learn about the nuts and bolts of the Alaska Performance Scholarship, including requirements for continued eligibility. |
Wood Center C,D,E,F |
| 1:45-2:30 p.m. | Making Sense of Money Management We'll help you understand options and strategies to make the most of your money. |
Wood Center C,D,E,F |
| 2:30-3 p.m. | Parent and Family Orientation Check-In Check in for Parent and Family Orientation. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 3-3:30 p.m. | Parent and Family Orientation Welcome Meet UAF's leadership and learn what to expect during New Student Orientation. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 3:30-4:15 p.m. | Taking Care of Business Representatives from the Department of Residence Life, the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of the Bursar and Financial Aid will be available to answer your questions. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 4:15-5 p.m. | Student Safety and Support UAF takes your student's safety seriously. Find out about the ways we support your student's physical and mental health, hear about our approach to educating students about Title IX and healthy relationships and learn how we will educate them to make healthy choices in regards to alcohol and drugs. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 5-7 p.m. | Welcome Barbecue Mix and mingle with faculty, staff and other students and their families. The cost of the barbecue is included in your registration fee. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 6-7 p.m. | Honors Program Reception Join staff and faculty from the Honors Program at the Honors House. Required for all Honors Program students; parents and family members of honors students are encouraged to attend. |
Honors House, 1818 Copper Lane |
| 7-9 p.m. | Parent and Family Social Unwind in a casual environment with the administrators, staff and faculty who will be educating and supporting your student. Light refreshments will be provided; beer and wine available to purchase. Must be 21+ to enter. Sponsored by the UAF Alumni Association. |
Wood Center Pub |
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m. | Breakfast The cost of breakfast is included in your registration. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 8-9:15 a.m. | First-Generation Breakfast Is your student the first person in your family to go to college? Connect with other first-generation college students and their families to learn about dedicated support services for first-generation students. Cosponsored by Student Support Services and the Nanook Diversity and Action Center. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Student Success Resource Fair Meet the offices and programs at UAF that will help your student achieve their academic and personal goals. |
Regents' Great Hall, Fine Arts Complex |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Academic Induction Academic Induction signifies your student's formal entry into the community of learners at UAF and will welcome you to #NanookNation. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. | Academic Lunch Connect with the faculty of UAF in a casual setting as you enjoy a meal together. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 1:45-3 p.m. | Academic Open House Meet the faculty, staff and students in your student's school or college and learn more about their academic program. |
Various Locations |
| 3-4 p.m. | Partnering for Student Success Learn ways you can partner with the university to ensure your student's success. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 4-5 p.m. | Student Panel Speak with a panel of current students to learn what student life is like and how their families encourage and support them. |
Wood Center ballroom |
Download a printable, at-a-glance schedule. You'll receive the full schedule when you check in for Parent and Family Orientation.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Transfer Student Orientation is an accelerated, one-day program designed to help transfer students translate their previous college experience to UAF. Register for Transfer Student Orientation. Participation in Transfer Student Orientation is highly recommended for all transfer students.
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 a.m. | Check-In and Breakfast Check in for Transfer Student Orientation, pick up your materials for the day and grab a bite to eat. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 10-11 a.m. | Success at UAF: Making the Transition Translate your previous college experience to UAF and learn about the offices and programs at UAF here to help you succeed. |
Wood center ballroom |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Campus Tour Take a tour of campus to learn where your classrooms and other important UAF programs and resources are located. |
Depart from Wood Center ballroom |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch Get to know transfer credit and admissions staff over lunch. Ask questions about your classes, campus life and life in Fairbanks. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 1-3 p.m. | Information Sessions Choose from a menu of information sessions on topics like campus life, study abroad opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, undergraduate research and scholarly activity and more. Five concurrent 30-minute sessions will be offered from 1-1:30 p.m., 1:40-2:10 p.m., and 2:20-2:50 p.m. |
Various locations |
| 3-5 p.m. | Nanook Community Values Learn what's expected of you as a member of the UAF community and how you can take an active role in ensuring everyone feels safe and supported at UAF. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| Please stick around for these optional evening activities: | ||
| 5-6 p.m. | Dinner Dinner is included with your registration. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | The Price is Too High Compete for prizes and learn about your student rights and responsibilities in this interactive game show. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 7:30-11 p.m. | Wood Center Late Nighter Have a ton of fun in the hub of campus activity. Open mic, free bowling, free pizza, root beer floats and giveaways. Featuring comedian Michael Palascak from 9-10 p.m. |
Wood Center |
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Student veterans, active-duty members of the military and others using VA education benefits are invited to participate in this specialized orientation program. Student Veteran Orientation begins with a welcome social on August 22 and participants are encouraged to take part in the full New Student Orientation schedule or participate in one of the condensed schedules listed below:
- Group A: Students without prior college experience.
- Group B: Students with prior college experience.
Register for Student Veteran Orientation.
The Group A schedule is intended for students who do not have prior college experience or who have only taken classes online.
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
Wednesday, August 22 |
||
| 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | ALEKS and Accuplacer Testing Drop-in ALEKS and Accuplacer testing for students who have not yet completed these tests. |
eLearning computer lab, 131 Bunnell Building |
| 5-6:30 p.m. | Welcome Barbecue Mix and mingle with faculty, staff and other students and their families. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-Nine |
| 6:30-8 p.m. | Student Veteran Welcome Social Meet administrators, faculty and others committed to supporting the success of student veterans, active duty military students and other military-affiliated students at UAF. |
Wood Center ballroom |
Thursday, August 23 |
||
| 8-9:15 a.m. | First Generation Breakfast Are you the first person in your family to go to college? Connect with other first-generation college students and their families to learn about dedicated support services for first-generation students. Cosponsored by Student Support Services and the Nanook Diversity and Action Center. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 8:30-10 a.m. | Student Success Resource Fair Meet the offices and programs at UAF that will help you achieve your academic and personal goals. |
Regents' Great Hall, Fine Arts Complex |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Academic Induction Academic Induction signifies your formal entry into the community of learners at UAF and will welcome you to #NanookNation. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. | Academic Lunch Connect with the faculty of UAF in a casual setting as you enjoy a meal together. |
Wood Center |
| 1:45-3 p.m. | Academic Open House Meet the faculty, staff and students in your school or college and learn more about your academic program. Alternatively, visit the Department of Military and Veterans Services in the Eielson Building, room 104. |
Various |
| 3-5 p.m. | Title IX and You Join us for an honest conversation about gender equity, healthy relationships and safety. Attendance at this session exempts students from online Title IX training. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
Friday, August 24 |
||
| 8-9:30 a.m. | Campus Tour Join your sponsor for a campus tour. Rain location: Signers' Hall lobby. |
Flag circle outside of the Bunnell Building |
| 10-11 a.m. | Academics 101 Learn what it takes to succeed in the classroom and get introduced to the programs, offices and services that will support your studies. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Academics 102 Dive deeper into what it means to be a collegiate scholar and learn about your academic responsibilities. Your orientation leader will guide you to your group's classroom meeting location. |
Various |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch Connect with staff from the Office of the Registrar, Office of Admissions and the Department of Military and Veteran Services for lunch. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 1-3 p.m. | Information Sessions Choose from a menu of information session on topics like campus life, study abroad opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, undergraduate research and scholarly activity, and more. Five concurrent 30-minute sessions will be offered from 1-1:30 p.m., 1:40-2:10 p.m., and 2:20-2:50 p.m. |
Gruening Building, various classrooms |
| 3-5 p.m. | Nanook Community Values Learn what's expected of you as a member of the UAF community and how you can take an active role in ensuring everyone feels safe and supported at UAF. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
The Group B schedule is intended for students with prior college experience.
| Time | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
Wednesday, August 22 |
||
| 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | ALEKS and Accuplacer Testing Drop-in ALEKS and Accuplacer testing for students who have not yet completed these tests. |
eLearning computer lab, 131 Bunnell Building |
| 5-6:30 p.m. | Welcome Barbecue Mix and mingle with faculty, staff and other students. Dinner is included with your registration. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-nine |
| 6:30-8 p.m. | Student Veteran Welcome Social Meet administrators, faculty and others committed to supporting the success of student veterans, active duty military students and other military-affiliated students at UAF. |
Wood Center ballroom |
Friday, August 24 |
||
| 8-9:30 a.m. | Campus Tour Meet your sponsor and take a tour of campus. Rain location: Signers' Hall lobby. |
Flag Circle in front of the Bunnell Building |
| After the campus tour, Student Veteran Orientation participants are invited to transition to Transfer Student Orientation. | ||
| 9:30-10 a.m. | Check-In for Transfer Student Orientation Check in for Transfer Student Orientation. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 10-11 a.m. | Success at UAF: Making the Transition Translate your previous college experience to UAF and learn about the offices and programs at UAF here to help you succeed. |
Wood Center ballroom |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Taking Care of Business While other participants in Transfer Student Orientation take a campus tour, your Student Veteran Orientation sponsor will meet you to take you to the bookstore, to get your PolarExpress card and take care of any other outstanding business. |
Depart from Wood Center ballroom |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch Join staff from the Office of the Registrar, Office of Admissions and the Department of Military and Veteran Services for lunch. |
Wood Center Dine Forty-Nine |
| 1-3 p.m. | Information Sessions Choose from a menu of information sessions on topics like campus life, study abroad opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, undergraduate research and scholarly activity and more. Five concurrent 30-minute sessions will be offered from 1-1:30 p.m., 1:40-2:10 p.m., and 2:20-2:50 p.m. |
Gruening Building, various classrooms |
| 3-5 p.m. | Nanook Community Values Learn what's expected of you as a member of the UAF community and how you can take an active role in ensuring everyone feels safe and supported at UAF. |
Salisbury Theatre, Fine Arts Complex |
UAF Online Orientation will introduce you to the tools and information necessary to make a smooth transition to UAF. Nine interactive modules give you the tools for success through a mix of text, videos, games and quizzes. Complete on your own time before your first semester at UAF.
Online orientation is not intended to replace in-person orientation and completion of online orientation cannot be substituted for required participation in New Student Orientation.
Friday, August 24, 2018
9 a.m.-noon
Bunnell Building, Schaible Auditorium
New Student Orientation is required for all incoming international students in F-1 or J-1 status. A specialized International Student Orientation takes place during New Student Orientation and is designed specifically for international students to cover topics related to cultural adjustment, immigration compliance and more.
For additional questions about International Student Orientation, please contact the UAF Office of International Programs and Initiatives.
Getting Here for New Student Orientation
Whether you're arriving by road, train or plane, finding your way to campus is easy. Find more information on getting to campus, finding a hotel room, or arranging a shuttle to campus.
Refund Policy
Refunds are only granted when you are not required to attend NSO and/or with a written statement from the mandated student stating why they are unable to attend NSO. All requests will be considered at the discretion of the NSO Coordinator. Please contact the NSO office with any questions or concerns.
Contact New Student Orientation
Ronnie Houchin
Transition Programs Coordinator
rshouchin@alaska.edu
907-474-7500