What is Freshman Orientation?

Freshman orientation is designed for students who are 20 years old or younger and have not completed college classes after graduation from high school. If you completed college classes while in high school, you will still need to attend a freshman orientation. If you have completed college classes after graduation from high school, you will need to attend a transfer orientation. If you are 21 years old or older, you will need to attend a transfer orientation, even if you have not completed any college courses since high school. If you have questions on which orientation you should attend, please call the Orientation Office at 719-255-3098.

Freshman Orientation Checklist

Prior to coming to orientation, you will need to complete the following:

1. If needed, take the Math Placement Test - If you have previously taken a 100-level or higher math course, or have AP or IB test grades, you do not need to take the Math Placement Test. If you are unsure on whether you need to take the Math Placement Test, go here and  look at your intended major. If you have not yet taken the Math Placement Test, click here. If you do not complete the Math Placement Test prior to your orientation session, you will be unable to register for your math class. If you have questions regarding the Math Placement Test, call 719-255-3659 or email khorner@uccs.edu.

2. Turn in a copy of certified records showing proof of two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) shots - Per Colorado State Law, all UCCS students must submit immunization records proving they have received two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in a block being placed on your student account which will prevent you from further class registration. Please bring a copy of your immunization records to Orientation or have them mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to the Student Health Center prior to your Orientation date. Additionally, Incoming freshmen that plan to live in Housing must submit proof of a meningococcal vaccine or sign a waiver stating they understand the risks associated with bacterial meningitis prior to moving in. More information about this and other immunization requirements can be found at here.

3. Pick a Freshman Seminar class - The freshman seminar class is the best way to meet other students interested in the same things as you, while learning how to navigate UCCS. Visit this site for more information.

4. Check you email for the orientation confirmation email - This email will have important information, such as the orientation location/time for check-in. You should receive this email approximately one week after you submit your orientation reservation form. Check your spam/junk folder or call the Orientation Office at 719-255-3098 if you do not see it.

5. Claim your UCCS account - To claim your account, you will need your Student ID number. If you do not know your ID number, contact Records at 719.255.3361. Once you have your Student ID number, click here. Follow the instructions and retrieve your UCCS username and set your password. Contact Helpdesk at 719.255.3536 with any issues you encounter.

6. Read the Student Rights and Responsibilities - These are expectations UCCS has for you and what you can expect from UCCS.

7. Check out Preparing for Freshman Orientation - This site has all the information you need to know on what to do from when you are accepted to UCCS until you attend an orientation.

8. Relax! Orientation is a busy, but fun-filled, day where you'll meet new friends, register for classes, and learn more about UCCS.

Freshman Orientation Schedule

Please note that this is just a sample schedule. Your actual schedule might be slightly different.

Check-in and Breakfast Upper Plaza outside University Center

Pick up your orientation materials and enjoy a bite to eat on us!

Welcome
We start your morning off right with an introduction to our Freshman Seminar program. Following this, you'll learn about all the things you can do with your Lion One Card.

OWL group time
Get to know the other students in your group during this time with your OWL.

Advising and Registration
Your advisor will discuss the requirements for your program and explain how you can register yourself for classes. Then you will have time to choose your classes for fall semester and register for them. By the time you leave this session, you should have your first semester schedule!

IDs (with parents and families)
Your OWL will take you to meet your guests, and then you will have time to get your official UCCS Lion One Card.

Lunch (with parents and families)
Enjoy a delicious meal provided by Sodexo catering. While you eat, you will have the chance to talk with faculty and staff from UCCS.

Money Matters
During this session, you will learn how to pay your UCCS bill online, how to set up an authorized payer, and find out a little on scholarships, loans, and the College Opportunity Fund from a Financial Aid Counselor  and a Student Financial Services member.

Campus Safety
A representative of Campus Safety and the Dean of Students Office will talk with you about staying safe on campus.

Student Life
During this exciting session, you will hear about all the opportunities for getting involved on campus.

Resource fair, campus tours, bookstore open
You will end your day with the chance to ask any unanswered questions to office representative at the orientation resource fair. Extended campus tours will be going on during this time and will be announced in the resource fair about every 5-10 minutes.

Future Mountain Lion Resident Info
Interested in living on-campus? Meet with Residence Life staff and learn about the different room types, application process, and see a tour room.

• Preparing for Freshman Orientation
• Register For Freshman Orientation Form
• Register for Freshman Adventure Orientation