First-year Student Orientation

Orientation is required for all admitted students. You'll meet other students, learn about campus offices and resources, and discover tips for being successful here. There are important tasks that you are required to complete prior to your Orientation date. Learn more about how to prepare for Orientation.

Register for Orientation View Orientation Dates

 

Your Orientation Program

Your Orientation experience is comprised of four parts:

  • 1

    Pre-orientation Program (POP).

    You'll start with our Pre-Orientation Program (POP), a self-guided online module that you complete at your own pace prior to your Orientation date. You'll access POP through your Next Steps Portal, and we'll send you an email when it's time to get started. 

  • 2

    Pre-Orientation Advising and Class Registration.

    Once you’ve scheduled your orientation, you’ll be invited to schedule a one-on-one advising appointment. Pre-orientation advising appointments are scheduled between two months and one week before your Orientation, depending on when you select your date. You must complete your advising before Orientation, as your orientation experience does not include the opportunity for individualized conversations with your academic advisor.

    Your pre-orientation advising meeting will take place virtually, hosted by Microsoft Teams. Each meeting will be approximately 45 minutes long and will prepare you to register for your first-semester classes. Following your advising appointment, you’ll independently finish registering for your first-semester classes, with the expectation that you arrive at Orientation with 3-5 classes on your first-semester schedule.

  • 3

    Orientation.

    Attending your Orientation date is mandatory to remain enrolled in your first-semester courses. Participating in Orientation will help you to start making connections with other new students and help you prepare for your first year at NIU.

    Choose in person or virtual:

    • In person: Experiencing your Orientation on campus is the recommended format for first-year students. This is a day on campus where you learn about campus tools and resources and connect with other new students. You may bring up to two guests to your in-person Orientation, and you'll provide that information when you register for your Orientation date. There is no fee for guests.
    • Virtual: We understand not all students are available to travel to campus to complete Orientation. For the select virtual dates available, your Orientation will take place online via Microsoft Teams. Our virtual programs are designed to offer flexibility while still providing essential information about key resources, support services and guidance in finding success in your first year at NIU.

    Registration is required, and dates fill up quickly. Register as soon as you are able to. 

  • 4

    Post-Orientation Program (POP 2.0).

    Your Post-Orientation Program (or as we like to call it, POP 2.0) is a self-guided module that you'll complete after attending your Orientation date. POP 2.0 highlights opportunities to get engaged as a Huskie and will help you learn about what to expect during the Week of Welcome (WOW). Watch your NIU email for information about accessing and completing POP 2.0.

Summer/Fall 2024 Orientation Dates for First-Year Students

Orientation dates for students beginning classes in Summer or Fall 2024 are listed below. We recommend registering for the earliest date you can.

Date Format
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 In person
Friday, June 7, 2024 In person
Monday, June 10, 2024 Virtual
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 In person
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 In person
Friday, June 21, 2024 In person
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 In person
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 In person
Thursday, July 11, 2024 In person
Thursday, July 18, 2024 Virtual
Friday, July 19, 2024 In person
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 In person
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 In person

Make Sure You're Ready

  • Check your NIU email account frequently! Important information is shared weekly to help prepare you for your first semester at NIU, so make time to review the information that is sent to you.
  • Check your Next Steps Portal for tasks you need to complete.
  • If you have any questions, try checking the orientation FAQ.

Contact Us

Orientation and First Year Programs
Williston 334
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1535
orientation@niu.edu

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