As you prepare to participate in this year’s orientation program, we hope that the questions and answers below will be of use to you.
Please note that the 2024 orientation programs will be one-day, in-person orientations. Refer to the orientation page for the most accurate information, or email orientation-testing@iup.edu with additional questions.
Yes. The fee will be included in your fall first billing statement. The amount is determined by your admissions category, not by the date of testing or the semester of admission. (The 2024 orientation fees are: First-year student Indiana campus $255; Punxsutawney and Northpointe $155; Transfer $155.) This fee is nonrefundable irrespective of final attendance at IUP, as services have been rendered. There is also a $15 fee for your I-Card.
Our goal is to help you make the transition to IUP and prepare you for life on our campus. The more familiar you are with the university's expectations of students, the more likely you are to be successful in your first semester. Orientation provides you and your advisor with information about the appropriate levels of courses in which to enroll for your first semester. We'll introduce you to IUP's academic offerings and to the role and benefits of academic advisors. You will also be introduced to campus life and services.
All first-year students need to complete the English Guided Self-Placement process and the Math Placement test.
After you take your placement tests and attend orientation, schedules are created by the Dean's Office of your respective major for first-year students. As transfer students, you will be guided through the registration process by the University College, and after you meet with your advisor you will create your own schedule.
January orientation for spring semester: date changes are not possible as each orientation has only one date. (Extreme conflicts should be noted in the comments section of the online enrollment form.)
Spring/summer orientation for fall admits: You can change your orientation date through your Admissions profile by selecting a new option from the available dates.
Yes, orientation is mandatory for all incoming first-year students. As part of orientation, students will also complete placement testing. The tests are departmentally sanctioned and approved by the IUP Administrative Group and the university's Council of Trustees.
All students must have placement scores on record in order to register for classes. Placement testing is only conducted through new student orientation and should be completed before you attend your orientation.
Transfer students are not required to attend an orientation program. However, you may still need to complete placement testing based on your major and incoming transfer credits.
First-year student orientation invitations are sent to your permanent mailing address once we receive your tuition deposit, starting in early spring (for fall semester admits) and early January (for January admits).
Admitted transfer student invitations will be mailed out in early April (for the fall semester) and in early January (for January admits).
After having submitted the online orientation enrollment form, you will receive confirmation of your participation mailed to your permanent address. Your confirmation letter will include arrival procedures and a campus map from the website.
No, although earlier attendance allows for greater choice when selecting options for required courses. Courses have been reserved specifically for the entering freshman class, and these are divided among the Orientation sessions. Like anything else, earlier attendance may allow for greater choice in class availability.
Yes, the date will only appear to you in the drop-down menu on the enrollment form if it is available. If a date doesn't appear, then it is no longer available, and you must choose a date that is listed. (Dates are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.) Group sizes are restricted to allow the best advising and registration possible.
January orientation for spring semester: Date changes are not possible, as each orientation has only one date. (Extreme conflicts should be noted in the comments section of the online enrollment form.)
Spring/summer orientation for fall admits: If you have a legitimate conflict with the orientation dates and your schedule, please contact our office at orientation-testing@iup.edu.
Please email orientation-testing@iup.edu. Make sure you have your full name and student ID in the email.
If you wish to change majors before orientation, you should notify the Office of Admissions by completing the Major Change Request form.
Notify both the Office of Admissions (admissions-inquiry@iup.edu) and the Office of New Student Orientation (orientation-testing@iup.edu) of the change(s) in writing—also change this information on your account.
We hope that you will change your mind! But if you are unable to attend, please notify the Office of Admissions (Sutton Hall, Room 117, 1011 South Drive, Indiana, PA 15705) in writing (admissions-inquiry@iup.edu) as soon as possible.