New Student Programs
Announcements:
Couldn't attend "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" or just missed what all the craziness was about? Watch the video here!
Missed our "Lunch Special" panel session? Check out our Words of Wisdom cheat-sheet!
New, Transfer, and
Returning
Student Orientation
Watch A Personal Orientation Leader Invite!
Aloha Incoming Spring 2010 Students
We are excited to welcome you to your new home at UH Hilo. New Student Orientation will take place beginning on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - Thursday, January 7, 2010, with some optional events on Friday, January 8, 2010. The last day to sign up for orientation will be on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.Please note that the campus will be closed Monday, December 21, 2009 through Friday, January 1, 2010. Payments not received by Friday, December 18, 2009, will not be processed or posted until the week of January 4, 2010. For more information regarding campus closures, please go to: Campus Closures.
Accommodations will be made for those that were not able to sign up by the December 16, 2009 deadline on a first-come first-serve basis. Therefore, it is important for all new incoming students to sign-up for orientation by the deadline .
Why participate in orientation? To ensure your successful transition to university life, all new students are encouraged to sign-up for New, Transfer and Returning Student Orientation (NTRSO). At orientation, you will be provided the tools you need to succeed your first semester at UH Hilo, converse with new friends within your major, have the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff, and learn how to get involved and make the most of your college experience!
How long is orientation? Fall orientation is just under a week-long program for students and two and a half days for parents. Each day is a DIFFERENT day, with a variety of activities scheduled.
Please continue to check this website to update your itinerary and to check for any new changes to the schedule.
For incoming Fall 2010 students!
Please stay tuned for more information regarding new student orientation. Dates will be the week of August 16, 2010 - August 20, 2010If you would like information about advising, particularly information about placement exams please visit the following website:
Advising Center
For questions or additional information regarding orientation, please contact the New Student Programs Office at 808-933-0732. Mahalo!
Why is Orientation Important?
The 2005 National Survey of Student Engagement Annual Report found that students who attended orientation:
- Were more involved in educationally enriching activities
- Perceived the campus environment to be more supportive
- Reported greater developmental gains during their first year of college
- Were more satisfied with their overall college experience
Interested in getting a glimpse of what Orientation week is like? Here's the Fall 2009 program: 
Mission Statement
The mission of New, Transfer, and Returning Student Orientation is to serve as a vehicle that welcomes and introduces each student and their families. The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is an intellectually stimulating, culturally diverse, and caring community. The goal of orientation is to enable each student to feel personally connected and invested in their own educational success. Orientation provides opportunities for students to engage in activities that will assist them in acquiring tools that will foster a safe and successful transition to the university. Orientation is a first step in developing students into civic-minded citizens of the community.
At orientation you will...
- Receive a UH Hilo Survival pack to include UH Hilo logo items, Community resources and special giveaways
- Receive supportive and personalized academic advising
- Get into small group student interaction with new and experienced students
- Receive personalized advising from faculty
- Have easy access to university staff to guide students' concerns and questions regarding campus life
- Get informed about financial assistance
- Find opportunities for leadership development through involvement with student organizations and community partners
- Celebrate a culturally diverse campus environment through traditions and cultural receptions
- Register to create a class schedule that is balanced and aligns with the students' academic goals
- Be exposed to service opportunities that can be either linked to an academic course, linked to a students' tuition (Americorp), or a practical learning environment
- Participate in career development workshops
- You will have FUN participating in activities and meeting new people
Parents are also an important part of orientation. They will receive resourceful parent sessions that will inform, clarify, and define the family's changing role in the student's college experience.