Purpose

The purpose of the First Year Summer policies are to inform new students about the requirements of new student orientation and the process for registering for an orientation program. This policy is important for new student’s transition into the university as they prepare to move to campus and become part of the university community and begin their first semester of classes on NIU’s campus.

This policy applies when new students are planning to attend orientation, registering to attend orientation, or deciding not to attend NIU after registering for orientation.

Program Policies and Fees

Orientation is the first step of your education at NIU. The expectation is that you take advantage of the opportunity orientation presents to learn how to be successful at NIU. Failure to attend or participate in any parts of orientation can jeopardize proper academic advising and enrollment.

All admitted students are required to attend and complete an orientation program in order to register for classes.

You (as a new student) are considered a student at NIU while participating in the orientation program. You (students) are, therefore, expected to abide by all university polices and conduct outlined in the NIU Student Code of Conduct.

Alcohol and Other Drug Use

The orientation program strictly adheres to NIU campus policy, as well as all state and federal laws regarding alcohol and/or drug use. The use of alcohol and/or drugs during the program is not permitted.

Students who are in the presence of and/or consuming alcohol and/or drugs will be referred to the office of Student Conduct and/or the university Police Department. Failure to abide by this policy could also result in being asked to leave the program without registering for classes.  Students who are asked to leave the program are still responsible for all confirmation fees.

Smoke Free

Illinois State Law prohibits smoking in all campus locations, buildings and residence halls. Students violating this law will be referred to the Student Conduct Office and/or the University Police Department. For more information, please visit the NIU Smoke-Free website.

Late Policy or Missing Portions of the Program

Students must arrive to orientation on time. If students show up late, they will be asked to reschedule their orientation program.

Failure to attend or participate in any parts of orientation can jeopardize proper academic advising and enrollment.

Assistance Needed During Orientation (Disability, Mobility, and/or Dietary Restrictions)

We want to ensure success at your orientation program. If you need an accommodation for any mobility, disability and/or dietary restrictions, please indicate this when you register for orientation. We also recommend contacting us at 815-753-1535 or orientation@niu.edu at least two weeks prior to your orientation to finalize your accommodations.

Confirmation and Orientation Fees

**Fee is charged per person regardless of the age of the participant.

Billing and Payment

• Students need to pay the full amount of the confirmation fee to reserve your spot at NIU and to make your orientation reservation.
• The full amount of the family orientation fee and family overnight fee (if applicable) must be paid to register guests to attend Family Orientation (if applicable).
• If you have any questions regarding the confirmation fee or family orientation fees, please contact Orientation and First Year Programs at 815-753-1535.

Reservation Modification and Cancellation Policy

• Check-in for orientation is required and students need to be on time. You are expected to arrive at orientation on time. Please plan accordingly.
• If you are going to be late you will have to reschedule. Please call us at 815-753-1535 to reschedule. All information shared at orientation is critical for your success at NIU. You cannot miss any portion of the program.

Withdrawing Admissions and Canceling Orientation Reservation

• If you decide to not attend NIU after signing up for an orientation session, please contact us at orientation@niu.edu to cancel.
• The confirmation fee and family orientation fee(s) is nonrefundable. Please be certain of your decision to attend NIU before paying the confirmation and family orientation fees and making your orientation reservation.

Questions Regarding Policies and Fees

Contact Orientation & Family Connections at 815-753-1535 or orientation@niu.edu.