Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orientation?
Do I have to attend?
What are the Orientation dates?
How do I register for Orientation?
What is the fee for Orientation?
What should I bring to Orientation?
Do I have to stay overnight?
Should my parents attend Orientation?
Will I be able to choose my own classes?
Am I allowed to bring guests to Orientation?
Do I have to register in advance for Orientation?
Will I need money during the Orientation program?
Where do I go to check in for Orientation?
Will I have to pay tuition or other fees during Orientation?
When are tuition/fees due?
When will the Residence Halls be open for moving in?
Can I register for Orientation by phone?
What is Orientation?
Orientation marks the beginning of the semester for the new students. It's designed to help you settle into university and provide you with information to fully prepare you for the start of your classes. During Orientation student leaders and University staff will guide you through registration process and familiarize you with different services available to you at the UWG.
Do I have to attend?
Orientation is required of all newly admitted undergraduate students. Students who do not attend orientation will be required to take part in late registration and pay late registration fees to the University.
Special Note for transfer students who have attended their prior institution(s) for one or more years as a full-time student:You are not required to attend the July 20 or July 23 session. You may take part in 'Special Advising Days' offered by the College of your major course of study. You will be sent information about how to participate in this program AFTER you have received your official acceptance letter from the Admissions Office. These mailings will begin in early summer of 2009. There is no fee for 'Special Advising Days'.
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What are the Orientation dates?
2010 Orientation dates (tentative)
January 5 Spring Orientation
March 13 Ignite Honors Orientation
June 4 Summer for Summer orientation
June 9-10 Residential 1
June 14-15 Residential 2
June 17-18 Commuter 1
June 21-22 Residential 3
June 24-25 Residential 4
June 28 Transfer/nontraditional 1
July 19-20 Commuter 2
July 22-23 Residential 5
July 26 Transfer/nontraditional 2
August 11 Transitions
How do I register for Orientation?
You can register for Orientation online. After you have been accepted for admission, registration information will be sent to you regarding registration.
During registration you will be required to pay with credit/debit card, and we encourage you and your parent to complete registration together. You can click REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION tab at the top-left of this page to register.
After you register online, you will receive a confirmation via email and via mail. You can check your orientation date at PREP/Application Status. This information is available approximately 5-7 days after you register.
If you have any questions and concerns about registration you can call our Office at 678-839-4739 or send an e-mail to www.westga.edu/prep.
What is the fee for Orientation?
For one day programs , Summer (June 5th), Transfer/Nontraditional July 20th & July 23rd the fee is $25.00.
For Fall 2009 two-day programs, the fee is $85.00 per student. This includes a $10.00 fee for Transitions Orientation.The cost for parents to attend Orientation is $35.00 per parent. The cost for parents who utilize the on-campus housing option is $45.00 per room.
All fees are non-refundable and nontransferable.
What should I bring to Orientation?
Remember to bring:
- Orientation Confirmation Letter.
- Picture ID (State issued Driver's License, or ID, or passport); you will need this to get your UWG ID.
- Comfortable walking shoes (we have a beautiful 400+ Acre campus and there will be a lot of walking during Orientation).
- Comfortable clothing, appropriate for the weather (you will spend time outside) and it will likely be hot. Don't forget, Georgia in June and July is known to be muggy and hot!
- Bring a sweater or a jacket - some of the air conditioned rooms can be chilly.
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Freshmen staying overnight should plan to provide their own linens, pillows and toiletries for their stay.
You can check your application status at: www.westga.edu/prep
Do I have to stay overnight?
All freshman students attending residential orientation programs are required to stay overnight in residence halls on campus – not only is it your chance to experience a residential hall firsthand before you move in for the Fall, but it's a great opportunity to hang out with the students you meet during orientation. Exceptions will be made only in the rarest of circumstances – contact the Office of Orientation for more details.
Should my parents attend Orientation?
Parents and families play an integral role in the successful transition of their son or daughter to college. We want to make sure that parents are prepared for the upcoming changes in their students' life. The UWG Parent Orientation program for parents of Fall 2009 freshman will help parents create realistic expectations and offers a large amount of information to assist both parents and students in making the transition to University of West Georgia. We realize that this step is an important one for parents as well as for students, and we encourage parents to attend and to bring all the questions that you have about your student's future life at UWG.
Because of space limitations, students are allowed to have only TWO guests attend Orientation Phase I: Connections with them. This includes all children, as well. Our program sessions involve speakers, panels and some walking on our 400 acre campus, and are not ideally suited for young children. Because of this, we encourage you to make other arrangements for young children as child care is not provided at any Orientation session. In addition, if you or your student has any special needs, please let us know so that we can work to accommodate you in advance.
Will I be able to choose my own classes?
One of the many important sessions of Orientation Phase I: Connections is your Academic session. You will learn about academic requirements, choosing a major, core curriculum requirements, and how to choose your courses. Based on the information from your admissions application, and on the information you submit during online registration for Orientation, our trained academic advisors will create a schedule that we think will work best for your first semester. You will receive this schedule when you check in for Orientation Phase I: Connections. During your Academic session, you will have the opportunity to talk to an academic advisor about course scheduling options.
Am I allowed to bring guests to Orientation?
For one day programs (June 5 Summer Orientation & the July 20 & July 23 Transfer/Nontraditional sessions), parents and guests are not allowed due to space limitations. In addition, we will not provide any programming for parents/guests on those dates.
For all two-day orientation programs for freshman beginning UWG in the Fall semester, you may register & pay for two guests during the orientation registration process. This includes all children, as well, though we do not suggest you bring young children to the Orientation program. Our program sessions involve speakers, panels and some walking on our 400 acre campus, and are not ideally suited for young children. Because of this, we encourage you to make other arrangements for young children as child care is not provided at any Orientation session and there is no area where children can be unsupervised on campus during the program.
Do I have to register in advance for Orientation?
YES! Registration for orientation sessions will close at least five business days before the session dates or if program is filled, whichever comes first. Due to the nature of our programming and scheduling, if you have not registered by this date, you will not be able to attend that session. If you have successfully registered for an orientation session, you will receive a confirmation in the mail.
Will I need money during the Orientation program?
For one day programs (Spring, Summer & the July 20 & July 23 Transfer/Nontraditional sessions), the lunch meal is included in the cost of the program. You may also wish to bring extra pocket money for the vending machines in campus buildings. Also, our bookstore is open, so you will be able to purchase your books or any other UWG merchandise.
For all two-day orientation programs for freshmen beginning Fall 2009, student & guest meals are provided in the cost of Orientation. You may also wish to bring pocket money for the vending machines in campus buildings for snacks in between meals. Lunch on day one is not provided (check in starts at noon), and we suggest that you eat lunch before you arrive.
Also, our bookstore is open, so you may be able to purchase your books or any other UWG merchandise while you are on campus.
Where do I go to check in for Orientation?
Check-in for one day programs (Spring, IGNITE, Summer & the Transfer/Nontraditional sessions), will be in the Campus Center. Because of space limitations, guests are not allowed at one-day programs. Once you have registered for Orientation, and are confirmed for a session, you will receive a confirmation and directions.
Student check-in for all two-day orientation programs for freshman beginning Fall 2009 will be in the Technology-Enhanced Learning Center (TLC). Parent/guest check in will be in the Campus Center. Once you have registered for Orientation, and are confirmed for a session, you will receive a confirmation and directions.
Will I have to pay tuition or other fees during Orientation?
No.
Tuition and fees for the Summer 2009 term must be paid by June 10th at 5pm or all courses that you registered for at Orientation will be dropped.
Tuition and fees for the Fall 2009 term must be paid by August 4, 2009 by 6pm or all courses that you register for during Orientation will be dropped.
When are tuition/fees due?
Tuition and fees for the Spring term must be paid by June 10, 2009 at 5pm or all courses that you registered for at Orientation will be dropped.
Tuition and fees for the Fall 2009 term must be paid by August 4, 2009 at 6pm or all courses that you register for during Orientation will be dropped.
When will the Residence Halls be open for moving in?
You may also check the Residence Life website at www.westga.edu/prep for updated information or contact them at 678 839 6426.
The Office of Residential Life has a staggered moving in period for Fall 2009 semester students-your move in date will depend on the residence hall that you will be living in. Information regarding move in dates will be sent to you over the summer. You may also check the Residence Life website at www.westga.edu/prep for updated information or contact them at 678 839 6426.
Can I register for Orientation by phone?
No. You must register and pay for Orientation via our online registration process with a credit or debit card. Please click on the registration link at the top-left of this page to register. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 678 839 4739.
