Orientation FAQ's

2008 Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Orientation

Q: Do all new students have to attend Summer Orientation?

A: Yes (with the exception of RN to BSN Nursing students). It is expected that you will attend the appropriate summer session for your school of enrollment. You will benefit greatly from attending orientation because it is during this time that you will begin to register for classes for the fall semester. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take care of many logistical details, such as having your picture taken for your student ID card. You will also be able to familiarize yourself with Grounds, meet some of your future classmates, and speak with representatives from various offices such as Dining and Housing.

Q: When and how will I be able to sign up for a Summer Orientation session?

A: You should register online for a Summer Orientation session upon receipt of the MyUVa book, which is mailed to you after the University has received and processed your acceptance and admission deposit. (You can expect to receive the MyUVa book mailing about 5-7 days from the time your $250 deposit has been processed by the University). To begin the registration process, visit www.virginia.edu/orientation/myuva. Once on the site, you will activate your U.Va. computing ID, and in addition to registering for Summer Orientation, you will be able to apply for University Housing, submit a dining contract and take care of other business that will help prepare you for the fall.

Q: How do I know which session to register for?

A: You should plan to attend one of the sessions for the school in which you are enrolled. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive your session selection confirmation at the end of the online registration process.

Q: What does it cost?

A: The student fee for Summer Orientation is $190 for first years and $150 for transfers (included in the tuition and fees bill you will receive in July), and all students must pay this fee regardless of whether or not they attend orientation.

Q: Do my parents/guests have to come with me to Summer Orientation?

A: It is entirely optional for your parents or guests to attend Summer Orientation. During the summer of 2007, over 78% of all students brought at least one guest with them to orientation. While at orientation, parents and guests participate in a parallel program during which they have the opportunity to have all of their questions answered about various University resources (Student Financial Services, Health and Wellness, Student Life, etc.). We request that you limit your guests to two people because of space constraints. All of the programs are targeted for parents/guardians, and we are unable to provide daycare services for younger siblings.

Q: Do parents/guests have to pay?

A: Yes. The guest fee for orientation is $45 per person to cover parking, transportation, lunches both days, an evening reception on Day One, a light breakfast on Day Two, and program materials.

Q: Where will I stay during Summer Orientation? What about my guest(s)?

A: First-year students will be provided with overnight accommodations in Hereford Residential College on Day One of their orientation session. Transfer students needing overnight accommodations at the end of their session (G or H) may take advantage of optional one-night housing in Hereford for an additional $34.50, which can be paid at Check-In. Parents and guests are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. For a list of hotels/motels at which we have secured discounted room rates for each of the Summer Orientation sessions, please click here.

Q: Where do my guests and I park?

A: Parking is available adjacent to the Student Activities Building (SAB), where Summer Orientation Check-In will take place. Upon checking in, students will receive a parking permit which will allow guests to park in the SAB lot for the two-day period.

Q: What do I do if I require special accommodations for a medical, physical or disability-related need? Will the University be able to provide for parents/guests who need special assistance?

A: We will do everything we can to make your Summer Orientation visit a wonderful experience. For information regarding special needs accommodations for you or your guests, please visit the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC) web site or call them at 434.243.5180 or 434.243.5189 (V/TTY). You will also have an opportunity to note any special needs for you and/or your guests during the online orientation registration process.

Q: When do I take my foreign language placement exams?

A: If you are student needing to take the French or Spanish placement exam, please take the exam online BEFORE coming to Orientation. To take the Spanish exam, please visit http://www.virginia.edu/span-ital-port/spa_und_spa101_stud.htm#placement. For the French exam, visit http://www.virginia.edu/french/resource/students/admin/placement/instruct.htm. First-year students interested in taking the German, Latin, or Russian placement exam will be able to take them during Summer Orientation, while transfer students will be able to take those exams in the Fall. All students needing to take other language placement exams will have the opportunity to take them during Fall Orientation.

Q: How does course registration work at orientation?

A: Students will meet in a small group with a faculty member and Orientation Leaders to design a schedule on Day One of Orientation. On Day Two, students will have a pre-assigned course registration time, during which a graduate student will input their schedule into the Integrated Student Information System (ISIS). (Transfers--with the exception of Architecture students--will have their schedules entered into ISIS on the same day).

Q: What is the Monticello After-Hours Tour?

A: Parents and guests are invited to attend a private, after-hours tour of Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, following Day One of their Summer Orientation session. While the students are meeting each other and learning more about Grounds, it is the perfect opportunity for parents and guests to learn the history of Mr. Jefferson, Founder of the University of Virginia. The cost of this special tour is $30 per person. For more information, contact Monticello at 434.984.9827. Download the Monticello After-Hours Tour Registration Form now. (Sorry, this option is not available during Sessions G or H).

Q: What is Project SERVE?

A: Project SERVE is a one-day program that gives new students an opportunity to participate in important service activities throughout the community and to learn about the many service avenues available to them. It is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs and various community service organizations. Project SERVE 2008 is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 beginning at 9:30 a.m. You will have an opportunity to sign up for Project SERVE when you register for Orientation online. Note: If you have already registered for Orientation, you can re-enter the system to sign up for Project SERVE.