Fall Orientation

Download the 2012 Fall Orientation Schedule (.pdf) for reference – The 2013 Fall Orientation Schedule will be posted in Spring 2013.
The dates below are correct but the schedule is tentative.  Please check back for the updated schedule in Spring 2013.

Move-In Days 2013 • Friday August 23 and Saturday, August 24, 2013

Friday/Saturday Check-In

The check-in date for First Year students is dependent on your room assignment. Your move-in date is included with your room assignment information. Please make your plans to move into your on-Grounds housing assignment on the date that your building will be opening.

Either:
Friday, August 23, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or
Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please make your plans to arrive during these times so that you can go directly to the hall that you will be living in.  You will be able to check in and unload in one stop.  The staff will be available to answer any questions and greeters are available to assist you with unloading. If you are not able to arrive during regular check in hours, the Echols Key room will be open from 5 pm – 12:00 midnight.

Sunday Check-In

First-Year Housing Areas. Check-in on Sunday will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Accommodations Office which is located in Page House of the McCormick Road Housing Area. From 5:00 pm until 12:00 am, keys will be available in the Echols Key Room.

Parking and Moving Tips

  • Avoid the rush hours 8:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Short-term, 30 minute parking is available in front of your residence hall.
  • Free long-term parking is available all day in the Scott Stadium lots.
  • Police and Parking and Transportation officers will direct you to your parking areas.
  • No University Transportation System (UTS) buses will be running on August 25.
  • If you have questions about parking email parking@virginia.edu
  • Need help? Ask a Greeter. Greeters will aid students in their move into the residence halls from 9-4 PM Friday and 8-3 PM on Saturday at the First-Year Housing Areas.  Look for students in bright-colored Greeters T-shirts!
  • Only students may pick up their room keys. Room keys are available under a tent outside each of the residential areas from 8:00-5:00 staffed by RA’s in the  building. Photo ID required.
  • Consider bringing a handcart or dolly to transport belongings to your room.
  • Find your room before you unload the car and carry everything inside.

The Housing and Residence Life Office is open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday and 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. on Sunday. The office is located on the lower level of Page House.

Computing help

A newsletter explaining how to get connected to the UVa network will be available at the table in front of your residence hall when you pick up your room key from your RA on move-in Friday or Saturday. If you have any computing questions, you can call the UVa Help Desk 24/7 at (434) 924-HELP for assistance.

Fall Orientation Programming and Events

Fall Orientation begins on Move-In Day, and continues throughout the first week of classes. This orientation program is in addition to the Summer Orientation sessions. Fall Orientation includes a wide variety of academic and social programming. Among the Fall Orientation events are:

For All Students

Friday, August 23

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Move into Residence Halls
First-Year Students: Check in with Resident Staff for information about mandatory meetings and welcome events.
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greeters Available
Student volunteers will be available in the first-year residential areas to assist new students with their move · Sponsored by the University Programs Council
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Beat the Heat with the School of Engineering and Applied Science
Darden Court ( Rain site: Arcade · A Wing )
Enjoy cookies, lemonade and a break from moving in.
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dinner
Observatory Hill Dining Hall
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Welcome Meeting with Resident Advisors
Mandatory for all First Years who move in on Friday
9:30 pm – 12:00 am
Welcome Week Program
Student Activities Building
Sponsored by University Programs Council (UPC)

Saturday, August 24

8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Move into Residence Halls
First-Year and Transfer Students: Check in with Resident Staff for information about mandatory meetings and welcome events.
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Greeters Available
Student volunteers will be available in the first-year residential areas to assist new students with their move · Sponsored by the University Programs Council
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Student IDs prepared and distributed
Observatory Hill Dining Hall
Students who did not have their ID photos taken during Summer Orientation will have the opportunity to complete this important step.
For complete office hours for ID production please click here: http://www.virginia.edu/idoffice/fall_pickup_11.html
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
President’s Welcome Address
Old Cabell Hall Auditorium
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
College of Arts and Sciences Welcome Address
Old Cabell Hall Auditorium
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Beat the Heat with the School of Engineering and Applied Science
Darden Court ( Rain site: Arcade · A Wing )
Enjoy cookies, lemonade and a break from moving in.
2:15pm-3:00pm
School of Architecture Welcome Address
Campbell 158
2:15pm – 3:00pm
School of Nursing Welcoming Reception
Pavilion IX
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Dinner
Observatory Hill or Runk Dining Room
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Welcome Meeting  with Resident Advisors: First Year and Transfer Students
Residence Halls
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Welcome Week Program
TBA
Sponsored by the University Programs Council

Opening Convocation and Honor Induction

All new students attend this official welcome to the University community. The Chair of the Honor Committee and Honor’s keynote speaker introduce students to the honor code and all students are asked to sign the honor pledge.

Grounds for Discussion

Grounds for Discussion is a student-directed and student-performed theatrical production required for all First Years and held every year during Fall Orientation. The eight member casts performs skits focused on the issues and decisions facing first-year students, which include high-risk drinking, the honor code, roommate disagreements, eating disorders, and sexual assault. Follow-up residence hall discussions with resident assistants are an evening complement to the performance.

Project SERVE

Project SERVE is an annual event with a twofold mission: to introduce incoming students to service and service learning opportunities at U.Va. and to familiarize participants with some of the local agencies that rely on the continued dedication and commitment of the University community. Many of our incoming students have been actively engaged in volunteer service during their high school careers and are looking for a way to continue it in college. Project SERVE provides all students with an opportunity to make these connections and form lasting friendships with like-minded volunteers.

Other Fall Orientation activities include:

  • Academic Programming by School
  • Additional Academic Advising Meetings
  • Placement Testing
  • Residential Community Building Activities
  • Important Safety Information Sessions
  • Diversity Programming
  • The Student Activities Fair
  • First Year Food Fest
  • Social Programming