Lana Oconnell
The University of Washington's orientation program, Advising & Orientation (A&O), is designed to help new students transition to university life and set them up for success in their academic pursuits. The program is mandatory for all first-year students and offers a comprehensive introduction to the university's resources, community, and academic expectations. During A&O, students learn how to register for courses, connect with academic advisors, and explore campus resources. They also have the opportunity to meet current and incoming students, building a sense of community and belonging. In addition, optional programs such as Family Orientation and International Welcome Programs provide further support for students and their families as they navigate the transition to university life. The University of Washington's orientation aims to ensure that new students feel welcomed and equipped with the tools they need to thrive in their academic journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Orientation format | Hybrid, virtual, in-person |
| Orientation goals | Teach students how to register for courses, connect to critical resources and build community |
| Number of parts | 3 |
| First part | Self-guided First-Year Checklist and Husky Foundations course |
| International students | Complete the International Student Services (ISS) Pre-Arrival Checklist |
| Family Orientation | Optional, remote |
| Placement tests | Mathematics, foreign languages, chemistry, music history and theory |
| Number of students | 8,200+ |
| Retention rate | 93% of first-year students return for their second year |
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What You'll Learn
Students learn about campus resources and support services
During the University of Washington's orientation, Advising & Orientation (A&O), students are introduced to campus resources and support services. A&O is a mandatory three-part process for all first-year students, which includes a self-guided First-Year Checklist, pre-A&O modules, and a remote A&O session.
Through A&O, students learn about campus resources and support services to help them transition to university life and succeed academically. They are connected with academic advisers who guide them through the course registration process and provide advice on potential majors. Students also have the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, current students, and other incoming students to build a sense of community.
For international students, there are additional resources such as the International Student Services (ISS) Pre-Arrival Checklist, Regional Connection Groups, and International Welcome Programs. These programs assist with practical matters like setting up cell phone plans, opening bank accounts, and completing immigration check-ins.
The University of Washington Bothell also offers specific programming for international students and veterans, ensuring that all new students receive a comprehensive introduction to the campus resources and support services available to them.
Furthermore, the university's First Year Programs provide a modified version of A&O for different groups of students, ensuring that everyone receives the information and support they need to navigate their university experience successfully. This includes resources for neurodiverse students, such as the Neurodistinct Husky program, which helps students adjust to academic and community expectations.
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They meet with academic advisers to register for courses
The University of Washington's Advising & Orientation (A&O) program is designed to help new students transition to university life and set them up for academic success. A key component of this is the opportunity for students to meet with academic advisors to register for courses. This process ensures that students are well-informed about their academic options and can make informed decisions about their class selections.
During their meetings with academic advisors, students can discuss their academic goals, interests, and major areas of study. Academic advisors are knowledgeable about the various programs and courses offered by the university and can provide guidance on the specific requirements and expectations of different majors. They can also offer insights into the registration process, including how to navigate the course catalogue and enrolment systems. This is particularly important for first-year students, many of whom may be undecided about their majors or exploring new areas of interest.
Academic advisors play a crucial role in helping students develop a comprehensive academic plan that aligns with their goals and interests. They can provide information about the prerequisites for specific programs, the sequencing of courses, and the availability of electives. Advisors can also assist students in understanding the importance of general education requirements and how they contribute to a well-rounded education. By meeting with an academic advisor, students can ensure that they are on track with their graduation requirements and are taking the necessary steps to achieve their academic objectives.
In addition to course registration, academic advisors can offer support in other areas, such as connecting students with campus resources and support services. They can provide information about tutoring or mentoring programs, study abroad opportunities, research initiatives, or internships that align with students' academic pursuits. Academic advising is not just a one-time event during orientation but an ongoing process throughout a student's university career, providing continuous guidance and support.
The University of Washington recognises that academic advising is essential for student success, and they strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment during orientation. By meeting with academic advisors, new students can gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate their academic journey and make the most of the opportunities available to them at the university.
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Students connect with current and incoming peers
The University of Washington's Advising & Orientation (A&O) program is designed to help students connect with current and incoming peers. The program is mandatory for all first-year students and offers a mix of online and in-person sessions. During A&O, students will have the opportunity to interact with current students, build community, and make connections with the UW community.
One of the main goals of the A&O program is to help students connect with one another and build a sense of community. This is facilitated through discussions and activities led by Orientation Leaders, who are current students themselves. These Orientation Leaders guide first-year students through the process of registering for classes and discovering campus resources, all while sharing their own experiences and insights. This creates a supportive environment for new students to ask questions, get involved, and form connections with their peers.
The University of Washington recognizes that starting university can be a daunting experience, and that it is important for incoming students to feel welcomed and included. To achieve this, the A&O program includes social events and activities that encourage interaction and bonding between students. These events provide opportunities for students to meet and get to know each other in a more relaxed and informal setting, fostering the development of new friendships and support systems.
In addition to the A&O program, the University of Washington offers other initiatives to help students connect with current and incoming peers. One example is the First Year Programs (FYP), which aim to promote a successful undergraduate experience throughout the first year. FYP creates partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and student leaders to develop programs that cater to the diverse needs of incoming students. These programs provide spaces for students to define how they will engage, learn, and thrive at the university, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
For international students, the Center for International Relations and Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) offers additional support through initiatives such as the Virtual International Husky Welcome. This event allows international students to connect with UW staff, current international students, and student organizations from their region. Regional Connection Groups also provide a platform for international students to interact and receive support from their peers through social media group chats. These targeted initiatives ensure that international students have the opportunity to form connections with other students who may be facing similar challenges and adjustments.
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International students get help with their transition
The University of Washington has a comprehensive orientation program to help international students transition smoothly to life at the university. The program is designed to address the specific needs of international students and ensure they feel welcomed and included. Here are some key aspects of how international students get help with their transition:
Virtual International Husky Welcome
International students are introduced to the University of Washington community through the Virtual International Husky Welcome. This event allows them to meet staff, current students, and student organizations from their region over Zoom. It provides a great opportunity for new students to connect with their peers and gain a sense of belonging.
Regional Connection Groups
Regional Connection Groups are social media group chats assigned to all new international students from the same region. These groups are active on various platforms, including Wechat, WhatsApp, Kakao, Line, and Instagram. They offer a familiar and comfortable space for students to connect, seek support, and build community even before they arrive on campus.
International Welcome Programs (IWP)
The International Welcome Programs offer a series of in-person welcome events when international students arrive in Seattle. These programs provide practical assistance with essential tasks such as setting up cell phone plans, opening bank accounts, shopping for furniture, and completing immigration check-ins. This support helps international students navigate the challenges of relocating to a new country and ensures they have a smooth start to their life at the University of Washington.
Advising & Orientation (A&O)
The Advising & Orientation (A&O) program is a crucial part of the transition process for all first-year students, including international students. During A&O, students learn how to register for courses, connect with academic advisers, and discover important campus resources. They also have the opportunity to meet current and incoming students, building their community and support network. International students are required to complete the International Student Services (ISS) Pre-Arrival Checklist as part of their A&O experience.
First Year Programs
The University of Washington's First Year Programs are designed to promote a successful undergraduate experience throughout the first year. These programs focus on positive academic transitions and the development of learning communities. They offer various resources, events, and support systems to help international students navigate their new academic environment and adjust to life at the university.
The University of Washington's orientation programs aim to create a seamless transition for international students, ensuring they have the necessary tools, connections, and support to thrive in their new academic and cultural environment.
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Students and their families learn about the university
The University of Washington (UW) has a comprehensive orientation program to help new students and their families learn about the university and transition smoothly to university life. The Advising & Orientation (A&O) program is mandatory for all first-year students and consists of three parts. The first part is a self-guided checklist and pre-A&O modules that students complete remotely before attending their remote A&O session, which is the second part. During the remote A&O session, students are guided by current students, known as Orientation Leaders, through discussions and activities with academic advisors and campus experts. This is where students register for classes, discover campus resources, and begin building their community. The third part is an in-person session where students meet current and incoming students, interact with faculty and staff, and continue to learn about academic and community expectations.
The orientation program also offers an optional Family Orientation for parents and family members to learn more about UW and how to support their new student. This session is held remotely on Zoom and is designed to help families understand the university and their student's transition to UW. The university also provides additional resources for international students, such as the Virtual International Husky Welcome, Regional Connection Groups, and International Welcome Programs, to ease their transition to life at UW.
During orientation, students receive guidance on placement tests, course registration, and exploring potential majors. They learn about campus resources, academic expectations, and the various opportunities available at UW. The university community, including faculty, staff, and current students, comes together to welcome the new students and ensure they feel included and part of the UW community. The orientation process is tailored to the specific quarter of admission and application type, ensuring a personalized experience for each student.
Through the First Year Programs, UW aims to promote a successful undergraduate experience for new students. The orientation process is carefully planned, with curriculum development, information sessions, campus partnerships, and faculty involvement, all coordinated to help students transition smoothly and make informed decisions about their academic journey. The university prioritizes reinvesting in students, providing welcome packages, and utilizing technology to enhance the orientation experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A&O is an introduction to the Husky Experience. It is a mix of online and in-person sessions. Students will register for courses, discover campus resources, and begin building their community. There are also optional remote family orientation sessions.
Students learn about campus resources, register for courses, and begin to build their community. They also learn about academic and community expectations, and how to navigate the institution.
The orientation helps students transition to university life and feel welcomed, included, and that they belong. It also helps them learn about the breadth and depth of opportunities at the university.
Orientation activities include webinars on topics like academics and healthcare, placement tests, and social events like the RSO fair. There are also welcome events for international students, such as setting up cell phone plans and completing immigration check-ins.
