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FAQs

 

What is New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation is a journey at Rutgers that begins with enrollment and extends well into and beyond a student’s first semester. It helps facilitate the transition to a large and complex University and prepares students for the educational opportunities and integration into Rutgers’ intellectual, cultural and social communities. Dedicated faculty and staff throughout the university have shown a genuine commitment to developing intentional and valuable programs intended to equip students with the knowledge, skills and tools to achieve ultimate success in their college and educational career.

 

 

Is New Student Orientation mandatory?

All students are expected to register for and attend Summer Orientation. Students who are restricted by an F-1 or J-1 visa from entering the U.S. more than one more before classes begin are not expected to register and attend.The program will provide students with essential information sessions, introduce concepts of college culture, and assist students in navigating buses, buildings, services and resources available on the five campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway. Students will be held accountable for the information provided at the Summer Orientation Program.

 

 

When is New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation takes place in the summer prior to beginning the academic year at Rutgers University. There are multiple 2 day Summer Orientation Sessions that begin in June and end in mid August. Please check the Enrollment Pathway for specific dates.

 

 

Does it matter which Summer Orientation session I attend? How do I register for Summer Orientation?

Registration will be available via the Enrollment Pathway by May 1, 2009. Space for each session will be limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most sessions are open to all new students with others specially designed for special populations. Students should check Scarlet Guide school inserts for any specific programming dates.

 

 

What if I cannot attend one of the Summer Orientation dates?

We provide a variety of sessions to accommodate the busy schedules of our new students but if you are unable to attend one of our Summer Orientation sessions there will be some make-up sessions during Scarlet Knight Days. Unfortunately, all sessions offered during the Summer Orientation Program will not be able to be offered during Scarlet Knight Days; therefore, new students are strongly encouraged to make every effort to attend a session during the summer. .

 

 

How do I pay for New Student Orientation?

Costs for Summer Orientation are included on the term bill, so separate payment is not necessary.

 

 

How long is Summer Orientation?

The Rutgers University Summer Orientation Program is an interactive two day session (with one night overnight) that provides essential information sessions, introduces concepts of college culture, and assists students in navigating buses, buildings, services and resources available on the five campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway. There will also be a special three day Orientation Session for Out-of-State students.

 

 

What should we wear during Summer Orientation?

Dress is casual during Summer Orientation. Please be sure to bring comfortable shoes as we will be walking between programs. Outside temperatures can be in the 80s during the summer months but indoors the air conditioned buildings can be quite chilly so please be prepared. Also please be sure to bring an umbrella in case it happens to rain during your session.

 

 

What should we bring to Summer Orientation?

Please check our “what to bring” page for a list of items to bring. This page can be accessed by clicking here.

 

 

What’s an Orientation Leader (OL)?

Orientation Leaders (OL's) are trained student staff members whose job is to help you adjust to life at Rutgers. There are over forty spirited and talented student Orientation Staff members that will serve as hosts and share their experiences and strategies for success.

 

 

What are Scarlet Knight Days? When are Scarlet Knight Days?

Scarlet Knight Days are a campus wide series of events designed to welcome both new first year and transfer students to Rutgers. Offices, departments, and organizations across campus come together to provide a variety of options for new students. Programs of personal interest, skills and involvement, social events, and activities planned by academic units, student service departments, and student organizations are represented during Scarlet Knight Days. Scarlet Knight Days take place between Saturday August 30th and Friday September 4th.

 

 

I have been admitted to the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program. Is there anything special I need to know?

Yes! Check the academic information in the front folder of the Scarlet Guide booklet for specific information about the EOF Program for your school of enrollment. Students attending a summer EOF program (Engineering, Pharmacy, SAS, and SEBS) do not need to register for the Rutgers University Summer Orientation Program. Components of this program will be incorporated into each summer EOF program.

 

 

I'm a DRC student. Should I attend the DRC Orientation program, the Rutgers University Summer Orientation program, or both?

Students attending the Douglass Residential College Summer Orientation Program do not need to register for the Rutgers University Summer Orientation Program. Components of this program will be incorporated into the DRC Orientation Program.

 

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I’m a commuter student. Do I need to stay overnight?

Commuters are expected to attend a Summer Orientation Program and that includes one overnight. There will be a special commuter student session during every Summer Orientation Program to address the specific needs pertaining to students who will be commuting.

 

 

I’m a transfer student should I attend Summer Orientation?

All new students, including transfers, are expected to attend a Summer Orientation Program. There will be special Transfer Student Summer Orientation Sessions that are geared toward addressing the unique issues that effect transfer students. Please check the Enrollment Pathway for specific dates of these sessions.