Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to attend orientation?

All freshmen and transfer students with 13 credit hours or fewer are required to attend the New Student (Freshman) Orientation Program. Transfer students with 13+ hours and Graduate students have the option of and are highly encouraged to attend the Transfer or Graduate orientation.

Why do I have to attend orientation? What will I get out of it?

If you have less than 13 credit hours, then yes orientation is mandatory. Orientation sessions provide valuable student services and academic information critical for success and a strong first semester. Orientation covers degree planning, academic concerns, student support programs, housing and food services, commuter information, and more. Students will also receive the college catalog, student handbook and other essential information guides. Additionally, topics of particular interest to transfer and graduate students will be covered in the programs designed for them.

Do I have to sign up for an orientation session or can I just show up that day?

Yes, you need to sign up to ensure that there will be a place available for you. You can register by phone, by mail, using one of our registration forms, or you can register through the web at http://www.twuorientation.com.

I am trying to register, but there is a registration (orientation) hold on my record. What do I need to do to get it removed?

If you are a freshman or a transfer student with 13 or fewer credit hours, you will need to attend the New Student Orientation. We will release the hold during registration of classes. If you are transferring with 13+ hours you can attend Transfer Orientation. Transfer students should not have this hold but if you do, or if you are experiencing difficulties with an orientation hold, then please contact the Center for Student Development. 

Why should I attend Pioneer Camp – the 2^nd step of my orientation program?

There are so many reasons a new student to TWU should attend Pioneer Camp, but here are just a few…

• To make new friends and reunite with former acquaintances from APR
• To become a part of the TWU community
• To learn to navigate the campus before classes begin
• To learn more about the Denton community
• To meet your new neighbors and fellow commuter students
• To familiarize yourself with your new surroundings
• To plan your successful journey at TWU

  We offer so many different activities for you to choose from. You will have the chance to attend sessions on a variety of topics, such as:

• Student leadership opportunities
• Career services
• Fitness and recreation
• Commuter tips
• Library orientation
• Academic support services
• And many, many more!   

  How much does orientation cost?

  The freshman student orientation fee is $125 and is charged with tuition and fees. You pay for this when you pay for your classes. The transfer student orientation fee is $40 and this is accepted prior to orientation or at orientation check-in. The guest fee for freshman orientation is $40 per guest and pays for programming costs, materials and meals. The transfer orientation guest fee is $20 and pays for programming costs, materials and meals. All guest fees are collected prior to orientation or at check-in. We accept cash, personal check, or credit card.

  What does the $40 guest/parent fee cover?

  The guest fee pays for programming costs, materials, and meals.

  How long is orientation?

  Freshman orientation is a two-day program that begins early on the first day and ends in mid-afternoon on the second day. Both student and parent/family programs run concurrently and for the same length of time. Transfer orientation is a one-day program and should end by mid-afternoon.

  Do my parents need to attend orientation with me?

  We encourage parents and families to attend orientation with their student. For each orientation we provide a student and parent/family program that run concurrently with some sessions designed specifically for students and others for parents/families. At other times during the orientation you and your family will be together in sessions.

  Can my family spend the night in the residence halls?

  Due to limited space and staffing we cannot accommodate guests in the residence halls during orientation. However, your family can reserve a room at one of our many nearby hotels.

  Do I have to stay on campus overnight?

  We strongly encourage and recommend all freshman orientation students to take advantage of the opportunity to spend a night in the residence halls. It provides you with a more complete orientation experience, gives you a feel for what they are like, and allows you extra time to meet and interact with students who will be coming to TWU with you in the fall.

  What should I bring with me to orientation?

  THEA and ACT/SAT/TAAS scores, final high school transcripts with proof of graduation posted, any official college or university transcripts with coursework you wish to transfer to TWU, comfortable clothing and walking shoes for two days, a sweater, an alarm clock

  Do I have to bring a copy of my transcripts?

  We strongly encourage each student to bring a copy of their high school and test transcripts with them to orientation. While most students proactively submit their transcripts and test scores through formal channels, we suggest you bring along copies as backup so that if there are any problems pulling them you can still be advised properly. Many freshmen will not have their final transcripts until July. Do not let this deter you from attending orientation. We can work around it in academic advising!

  Placement tests…what are they and do I have to take them?

  Placement tests help the academic advisors determine your proficiency level in certain subjects and help them place you in courses you will be most successful in. The English placement test is offered online prior to orientation, the math and science placement tests are scheduled during the first morning of orientation. You will receive information about which ones you are required to take and when/how in your orientation confirmation packet.

  How will I know that I am registered for orientation?

  Once you register online you will receive a confirmation email. Shortly following we will mail you a confirmation letter to the address you provided. This confirmation letter will contain information about check-in time, location, parking, placement tests, etc. that is specific to you.

  Can I change the number of guests I am bringing after registering?

  We can accommodate guest changes anytime, but you will be responsible to pay for the number of guests you bring with you that morning during check-in.

  If I am a transfer student attending the Dallas or Houston campus, which orientation do I attend?

  The Dallas and Houston campuses host their own orientation programs through their office of Student Life. Please contact them directly to sign up and/or receive more information:

  Student Life Dallas: http://www.twu.edu/o-sl/studentlifedallas/
  Student Life Houston: http://www.twu.edu/student-life-houston/student-orientation.asp