You will need to confirm your intent to enroll and pay your enrollment fee before you sign up for orientation. Once you’ve paid your fee you’ll be able to sign up for an orientation date.
To register, click on the Undergraduate Orientation tile in the MyNIU Student Center to reserve your date.
The Undergraduate Orientation tile will not appear in your Student Center until your enrollment fee is paid.
You should start this required program at least two weeks before orientation—you’ll need to have this completed before you attend your orientation advising appointment. POP will help you learn about the Huskie Community, introduce you to important resources and make sure you’re prepared for your upcoming orientation.
To access the POP, log in to MyNIU and click on the Undergraduate Orientation Tile. You’ll see the Pre-Orientation Program (POP) link in the upper left corner of the page.
Turn your volume on for the embedded videos (we recommend you use a computer). You can leave the program at any time. It will remember where you left off.
It's important that we have your correct major at orientation. If you changed your major since you applied to NIU, fill out a change your major form. After you submit the form, we'll send you confirmation of the change within 48 hours.
Please note: If you change your major, you may have to change your orientation date. If this happens, we will contact you to reschedule.
Please see our FAQ for information about placement testing. If you have any questions, please contact Testing Services at 815-753-1203 or testing@niu.edu.
During your online orientation, you’ll meet with your academic advisor virtually and register for classes. Here's how to prepare to meet with your advisor:
Prepare for the start of the fall by submitting your photo for your OneCard (student ID) at least one week before orientation. Learn more about submitting your photo.
Your virtual orientation experience will include your Pre-Orientation Program (POP), access to a curated Orientation Video Playlist, virtual meetings with an Orientation Leader and your initial advising and registration appointment with your academic advisor.
After you’ve registered for orientation, you’ll begin receiving emails with information about how to make the most of your virtual orientation programming. An academic advisor from your college will contact you within the seven days leading up to your registered orientation advising date to provide you with your advising appointment time.
Don’t forget to complete POP three days before your scheduled orientation day—we recommend starting it at least two weeks before.
After meeting with your academic advisor, it’s important to complete your course registration. Enrolling in the transfer University Experience (UNIV) course will set you up for success for your first year at NIU and beyond.
Get ready for your first semester at NIU. The last few weeks before starting classes on campus is the perfect time to check out the resources we have to prepare you for your future career. Explore the opportunities to gain experience in research, teaching and other professional development.
Spring classes will begin on Jan. 11, 2021.
Fall classes will begin on Aug. 23, 2021.
Please plan to complete the self-guided Pre-Orientation Program module at least two weeks before online orientation. An academic advisor from your college will contact you after May 1 to provide you with your advising appointment time on your chosen session date.
Also starting in May, we will provide you with a menu of remote resource sessions that you will be able to access online to learn more about topics including financial aid and scholarships, housing and dining, campus life and academic resources, as well as special programs like Honors, CHANCE and NIU Athletics.
You also will have an opportunity to meet with student Orientation Leaders via virtual chats throughout the summer. Our team will send a complete overview of orientation to your NIU email account.