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?
| Dates can only be seen through your account following “Step 1” below. When you complete the steps, click the magnifying glass next to “Session” on the left side in the box. When you click, it will show the dates that are available to you. We process payments and sign-ups every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The only time an earlier session MIGHT be available is IF someone switches out. There are no waitlists or exceptions. Students who cannot attend ANY in-person session can wait for virtual orientation sessions to open at the conclusion of all in-person orientation sessions in mid-July. Freshman Orientation Hold: There is a hold labeled “Enrollment hold: Stu. Affairs”. This will be removed after you attend your orientation session. Honors students with holds: – The student must be signed up and paid for the Honors College Orientation – 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 within 2-3 business days. ONLY if you’re an honors student. Frequently Asked Questions click here: https://fye.utdallas.edu/freshman-orientation-faq/ |
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
- Accept your admission offer. You must do this before you can register for Freshman Orientation. Honors students have a separate orientation and only have to attend that one along with Step 2.
- Go to the Galaxy Portal and log in to Orion with your NetID and password.
- Click on Freshman Orientation Center. The next screen will show the Freshman Orientation FAQ page; please review everything.
- Next, click on the Freshman Orientation Center tab.
- Click on the Register for Freshman Orientation link.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select from available dates and submit your online payment. Note: Payments will be processed every Tuesday and Thursday morning before 9 am.
Your Freshman Orientation registration request will be canceled if you don’t submit your payment at this time.
Overnight: This is a separate sign-up from the Freshman Orientation. Students can complete this process here- https://fye.utdallas.edu/links/
Step 2: Starting March 10, students can login to complete your online Freshman Orientation module in our eLearning platform.
This module 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 and complete the assessment with a score of 100%.
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!
Please be aware our Freshman Orientations often reach capacity quickly and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept walk-in registrations on the day of Freshman Orientation, so please be sure to register in advance.
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, recommended to complete before June 1st/your orientation. There will be time to complete during Day 2 of orientation. 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 School of Engineering and Computer Science, the School of Natural Science and Math, or the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication 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 Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities and Technology’s Language Placement website 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.
