MISSION

The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs is committed to providing a welcoming and enriching experience for entering students. Through our programs students are introduced to opportunities that encourage engagement in the academic, cultural, and social components of the undergraduate experience in an effort to ease their transition to the University of Utah.

Goals

  1. To introduce entering undergraduate students to the opportunities and responsibilities of academic and intellectual life.
  • Provide opportunities for interaction with faculty, staff and other students.
  • Inform students about academic policies, requirements and curricula.
  • Introduce students to the philosophy of general education.
  • Ensure that students have an understanding of advising, its importance and where to obtain advising.
  • Familiarize students with services provided by University College.
  • Acquaint students with available academic and support services that will assist them in their intellectual pursuits.
  • Demonstrate how to navigate the University web site and familiarize them with course selection and registration procedures.
  • Provide an overview of the University mission and assist them in understanding their rights and responsibilities as University students.
  • Role model academic qualities and expectations at the University level.
  1. Introduce students to the University community and provide information about the wealth of University resources and services.
  • Acquaint students with the variety of curricular and co-curricular opportunities available which they may become involved.
  • Provide students with information about the physical surroundings of the campus. Discuss with students the options for cultural, social, athletic and academic enrichment, activities and resources.
  • Introduce students to Student Affairs agencies and other service related organizations. Inform students of cohort programs and others designed specifically for entering students (LEAP, Honors, Ed Psych 2600, etc.).
  • Acquaint students with the University Library and its services. Provide information on auxiliary services (Bookstore, Commuter Services, Ucard, Residence Halls).

3. To raise student awareness surrounding issues of health and wellness.

  • Provide information about campus safety and security.
  • Provide information on alcohol and drug policies.
  • Inform students about the variety of accessible services including; Campus Recreation, Student Health, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Campus Wellness Connection and Counseling.
  • Discuss with students the importance of balance between work, school and recreation in order to maintain physical and mental well-being.
  1. Commit to promoting diversity and enabling all individuals to progress and succeed in their academic endeavors.
  • Introduce students to campus resources and refer when appropriate.
  • Offer various types of orientation programming to meet the diverse needs of students.
  • Strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for all students, faculty and staff.
  • Strive to reflect the diversity of our campus and community within our staff.
  • Provide opportunities for our staff to gain multicultural competence.
  • Maintain positive relationships with University offices that are designed to support campus diversity.
  • Welcome and respect students and staff from all backgrounds including ethnicity, color, age, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual/affectional orientation, ability/disability, veteran status, or socio-economic status.
  1. To welcome and familiarize parents, families and support members with the University and the college student experience.
  • Assist parents and others in understanding the academic and personal adjustments University students undergo.
  • Introduce families to opportunities, possibilities and purposes of higher education.
  • Provide opportunities for interaction with faculty, administration, other parents, and students.
  • Provide information on University policies, procedures, expectations and resources.
  • Assist parents, families and others in understanding the physical surroundings of the University.
  • Introduce Parent and Family members to the information about the University found on-line and over the web.