MID-YEAR ORIENTATION SESSION: THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2010

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Registration/Check-In for the Orientation Program will begin at 7:30am in the Woodland Commons building. The program will begin at 8:30am. Parking is available in Lot 7 and staff will be on hand to direct you to the Woodland Commons building. Lunch will be provided and you will be ready to leave campus by 3:00pm.

All incoming students are required to complete the MyStudentBody.com program. The packet is available here for download/printing: mystudentbody.com packet. If you have questions about the mystudentbody.com requirement please contact the Orientation Q&A Hotline at 508-910-6497.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU:

• Your 2009 spring semester and 2008 fall semester grades. If your final transcript has not been received by the Admissions Office, bring an official transcript including the Fall 2009 semester grades. If a transcript is unavailable, bring a list of the courses you have completed.
• Notification of any outside scholarships or fee waivers. If you are entitled to receive financial aid funds not awarded by the UMass Dartmouth Financial Aid Office, present notification of your award to the bursars office.

ORIENTATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will I register during Orientation?

Attending Orientation will improve your chances of getting the classes at times you prefer. Faculty advisors and selected staff will be available to provide academic counseling and help you start an appropriate program of studies.

Do I need to bring my health records?

Your immunization records are due do the Health Services Office by January 15, 2009. Please review the information that was sent to you regarding the new online records management system for Health Services.

Do I need to bring verification of my health insurance?

Full and part-time students must be enrolled in a health insurance plan offered by the University or in a personal program which offers comparable coverage. You will not be allowed to enroll in or attend any classes until the Insurance Declaration Card has been returned to the Bursar's Office. Contact the Health Services Office at (508)999-8982 for additional information.

When will I know about Transfer Credits?

You will receive notification of your credit evaluation within 10 days of your acceptance to the University. If you have not submitted your Spring 2009 transcripts to the Admissions Office, your evaluation will not reflect transferable credits for that semester. Please see that all transcripts are submitted to the Admissions Office as soon as possible. At a later date, your credit evaluation will be updated to include transferable credits earned most recently. If you applied and were accepted late, a copy of your credit evaluation will be provided and explained at orientation.

What is Orientation all about?

Orientation is designed to ease you through the many 'firsts' at UMass Dartmouth. Through various workshops, presentations, and small group discussions, we hope to make the beginning of your career at UMD an exciting and successful experience. By the time you leave campus, you will know a great deal more about the University, and more importantly, you will have developed important friendships for the coming school year.

What will orientation cost?

The standard orientation fee will be on your tuition bill. This is a one-time, non-waivable fee. Orientation IS mandatory, but even if you are unable to attend because of emergencies or unavoidable conflicts, the fee will remain on your bill.

How can I finance my education?

Financial aid in the form of student employment, grants, scholarships, and loans may be available for the Fall semester. If you are interested in applying for financial assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office at (508) 999-8632 for more information or click here to visit their web site: www.umassd.edu/financialaid.

Is the campus accessible to the physically disabled?

If you are a student with a disability and need special assistance (note takers, readers, mobility assistance, etc.), please contact the Center for Access and Success at (508) 999-8711. They can help answer any questions you might have regarding your participation in orientation. Special dietary needs (i.e. diabetes, allergies) should be communicated to the Orientation Office at (508) 910-6497. Please let us know of your dietary needs so we can make the necessary arrangements prior to your arrival.

What should I do if I am a veteran?

A Veteran's Affairs official is on staff in the Registrar's Office to handle veteran's benefits and explain policies and procedures related to the GI Bills. For more information please contact the Registrar's Office at 508-999-8615.