More detailed information about your orientation session will be emailed to you closer to your session.
Your orientation program has been designed to be as informational and helpful as possible. Our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to succeed academically and find your place in the UT Austin community.
Transfer students can complete orientation virtually during any of the three June/July sessions, or can choose to attend in-person during the third session (July 20-21). Both programming options will feature a day and a half of programming culminating in registering for your first semester of classes at UT Austin.
Participating in orientation is required. You are also required to participate throughout the duration of your session, unless an emergency arises. Please do not register for an orientation date if you know you will be unable to be available for the required time frame.
For most students orientation begins with check-in early in the morning on the first day of their session. Incoming students should plan to be attending orientation between 8 a.m. on Day 1 and 2:30 p.m. on the final day.
All orientation programs listed on the live schedule will take place in Central Standard Time. While we will not be able to provide all live content during ideal hours across time zones, we are understanding in the challenges this may create. Orientation information will include both self-paced and live material. Required live sessions with critical information will also be recorded so that those who are unable to attend live can view the content at another time.
Here's a brief overview of what you can expect during your session:
College Meeting
You will participate in a virtual College Meeting with your college or school, where you’ll learn more about college requirements and expectations, degree plans and how to use the course registration system.
Academic Advising
You will also have a virtual meeting with an academic advisor who will go over the course schedule with you, talk about your degree plan and help you map out a sample schedule of classes. Your live academic advising appointment which will also take place in Central Standard Time. If you are unable to attend this session live, you will need to coordinate directly with your academic advisor after you have been notified of your appointment. Lastly, class registration will take place live on Day 3 of each session at 2 p.m. (you will have until 11:59 p.m. CST to register). If you are unable to register for classes at this time, make sure to discuss with your academic advisor.
Campus Resources
There will be many opportunities to hear about programs, services, and resources throughout orientation. Check out the Discover UT Resource Presentations or participate in one of the interactive tours, wellness sessions, or involvement events.
Math Assessment
If you’re planning to take Calculus I (M408C/K/N/R), you are required to complete the UT Math Assessment. You must purchase the online Math Readiness Package that will provide online learning modules and the proctored assessment.
The College of Natural Sciences, which oversees the assessment process for students in all colleges and schools, offers additional information on their UTMA website.
If you have further questions, please email readiness@cns.utexas.edu and be sure to provide your UT EID.
UT Exam for M305G (Pre-Calculus) Credit
If you do not plan to take a calculus course but still need a math credit to complete your degree, you will have the opportunity to take the UT Math for Credit Exam (M305G).
If you are not taking Calculus I, but your degree plan allows credit for M 305G (a pre-calculus course), you have the option to take the UT Math for Credit Exam (M305G). This test will not be offered during orientation for summer 2020 but will be offered prior to the fall semester through Student Testing Services. For more information and to register, visit the Student Testing Services website. Results from these exams are available within 24-48 hours, in time for students who may need to adjust their fall schedules based on their results to do so during the add/drop period.
Placement Tests
Placement tests in French and Spanish will not be offered during orientation for summer 2022. If you need to take other placement tests, you may register online through Student Testing Services at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/ctl/regi/. Results from these exams are available within 24-48 hours, in time for students who may need to adjust their fall schedules based on their results to do so during the add/drop period.
Students with credit-eligible Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, SAT Subject Test, or International Baccalaureate (IB) test score may find they have already earned coursework credit at UT Austin by taking exams. To learn more about what tests you should plan to take and when you can take them, visit Student Testing Services or call (512) 232-2662.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
You can check your TSI status on your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). If you are exempt it will say "Exempt" or "Complete" on your RIS and there is no further action needed from you. If not, you will need to provide documentation of your exemption or present passing scores from the TSI Assessment before you can register for courses. For more information, email the TSI Office at tsi@austin.utexas.edu.
Chemistry Assessment
All students registering for CH 301 will be required to complete an online assessment prior to the Fall semester. The assessment will not need to be completed until after orientation. More information will be sent out after students have registered for classes. If you are unsure whether or not you will take CH 301 your first semester, you will have an opportunity to meet with your academic advisor at orientation and determine your course schedule. IMPORTANT: do not purchase the online Chemistry ALEKS assessment package required for current UT Austin students. No refunds will be issued for the current Chemistry ALEKS package.
Spatial Visualization Assessment
All incoming engineering students are required to take a free, online Spatial Visualization Assessment prior to orientation. For more information, visit engr.utexas.edu/admissions/undergraduate/spatial-visualization-assessment.
Other Tests
Depending on your college, you may be required to take other placement tests or assessments. You will receive information from your college via email about any college-specific testing requirements.
For more information about assessments and placement tests, see the pre-orientation checklist.
Class Registration
Be sure to access your Registration Information Sheet no later than two weeks prior to your orientation session to ensure there are no holds that will prevent you from registering.
You won't be able to make changes to your schedule until the add/drop period in August. Course schedules may be available prior to the start of orientation.