Freshman Orientation

Now that you’re a Comet, you’ll need to complete your Freshman Orientation. Freshman Orientation is an exciting first step to becoming part of the UT Dallas community. This two-day program gives an overview of opportunities and resources available to you on campus.

Families and guests are welcome to join for the experience. Students are limited 2 guests who can participate in learning about opportunities and resources available. Registration is required when students sign-up to request orientation. For guests and families, there will be a free virtual session to learn more about campus. Date and details coming soon.

We’ll have guest speakers, campus tours, panels, academic information sessions, and opportunities to connect with other students and learn more about life here at UT Dallas.

Please note any information regarding the details of Freshman Orientation will be sent to your assigned UT Dallas email address (ex. abc240001@utdallas.edu).

You’ll need to set up your NetID and password as soon as possible, then check your UT Dallas email at least once every few days to stay up-to-date on all orientation information. Please contact the Help Desk if you experience any trouble setting up your NetID or accessing your UT Dallas email account. 

Got your UT Dallas email account set up? If so, let’s get you signed up for a Freshman Orientation session!

During Freshman Orientation you will have the chance to:

  • Meet other students and make new friends
  • Meet with academic advisors and discuss classes and majors
  • Complete course selections and registration
  • Learn about academic expectations
  • Learn about the University’s services and resources
  • Familiarize yourself with the UT Dallas campus
  • Meet administrators

When is orientation, and how do I sign up?

At this time, there are no more in–person or virtual sessions. Please follow Step 2 to complete your Freshman Orientation requirement.

Freshman Orientation Hold: There is a hold labeled “Enrollment hold: Stu. Affairs”. This will be removed after you complete Step 2 below to have the hold removed.

Honors students with holds:
– The student must be signed up and paid for the Honors College Orientation. As of July 15th, Student must email freshmanorientation@utdallas.edu to be added.
– The Pre-Orientation Online Module must be completed with 100%. See below for details.
– Once both steps have been completed, email freshmanorientation@utdallas.edu from your UTDallas.edu email to have your hold removed. ONLY if you’re an honors student.

Still have questions? View the collection of FAQs for Freshman Orientation.

Students can view the dates by following the steps below to sign in to their Orion account. Pay is required at the time of sign-up to avoid cancellation.

Step 1: How to sign-up for Freshman Orientation At this time, there are no more in–person or virtual sessions. Please follow Step 2 to complete your Freshman Orientation requirement.

  • International Students –  attend an in – person International Student Orientation (ISO) session and complete Step 2 below.
  • Honor Students – if you are NOT signed up for the Honors Orientation session, email FreshmanOrientation@utdallas.edu to receive the payment link and be manually enrolled.
  • All students – Complete Step 2 below to fulfill your orientation requirement.

Overnight: This is a separate sign-up from the Freshman Orientation. There are no more overnight sessions for Summer 2025. https://fye.utdallas.edu/links/

Step 2: Students can log in to complete TWO online Freshman Orientation modules in our eLearning platform.

The modules will cover important information related to UT Dallas policies, procedures and resources. All incoming new students are required to attend an Orientation session and complete eLearning modules. All freshman students are required to attend a Freshman Orientation session and complete the Freshman Pre-Orientation module.

To complete the required eLearning module:   

  • Log in to eLearning with your NetID and password. 
  • Under My Organizations, select Freshman Orientation. 
  • Select the Freshman Orientation Module
  • Review the content for Freshman Pre-Orientation Online module AND the Freshman Orientation Online module and complete the assessment with a score of 100%. 

After completion of both modules of 100%, note that it may take 2 – 4 business days for your hold to be removed.

Have any questions? If so, please check out our FAQ page or contact a member of our Freshman Orientation team at freshmanorientation@utdallas.edu, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Placement Exams

ALEKS Placement Exam

To register for classes at orientation, you must complete your math placement exam — referred to as the ALEKS assessment. There will be time to complete during Day 2 of the in-person orientation or you may complete prior. The ALEKS assessment is required regardless of any Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, or general math courses you may have taken. Please go to the Undergraduate Education Math Placement website for more information.

Computer Science Placement Exam
Students with majors in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology may need to or want to take computer science courses. Please read this information about computer science placement testing.

Language Placement Exam

Any student enrolling in a language course at UT Dallas needs to visit the Bass School’s Language Placement page for more information.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

If you have received an automated email regarding the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), there is a possibility you will need to comply with the State of Texas TSI mandate. TSI does not affect your admission to UT Dallas, but it can affect course placement and registration. If necessary, you will need to take the TSI Assessment. The test can be taken virtually prior to your orientation. An email will be sent with detailed information how to register for testing. Find more information about the Texas Success Initiative.