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New Student Orientation FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding New Student Orientation. We will continue to update this list of questions as further details become available.

When will the New Student Orientation sessions take place?

The University is excited to host in-person two-day (one-overnight) Orientation sessions for the Class of 2029! The one and a half day sessions will take place on on June 23-24, June 26-27, June 30-July 1, and July 2-3. Students will be able to sign up for an Orientation session through their application status page beginning in early May 2025.

What information will be covered at New Student Orientation?

During each New Student Orientation session, we will be hosting a variety of presentations to allow our newest Royals to prepare for the transition to campus in the fall. This experience will provide an opportunity for you to connect with peers, meet your Orientation Assistants, and begin to explore how to prepare for life both inside and outside of the classroom. Please bring any questions you have about academics, life at Scranton, or the University in general and we will be ready to answer them!

How do I sign up for an Orientation session?

Students will complete the registration process for themselves and any guests through their application status page beginning in early May 2025.

What is the schedule for my Orientation session?

Each student (along with any registered parents/guests) will attend a their Orientation session in-person in late June/early July. Students will learn about acclimating to campus life and a variety of campus resources that can assist them with the transition to college. There will be full schedule tracks for both students as well the registered parent/guest. Sample schedules are available on the Orientation website, however, for planning purposes, Orientation sessions will start at 9:00 AM on the first day and end on the second day around with lunch starting at 12:30 PM.

Is Orientation required for all incoming students?

Yes, all incoming first year students are required to attend an Orientation session. Participating in Orientation is a critical step in fostering a smooth transition to the University. During Orientation, you will meet other incoming students, learn about resources, and discover ways to be successful at The University of Scranton.

What if I cannot attend an Orientation session or need to change sessions?

If something should come up that makes it is impossible for you to attend the session you are scheduled for and you need to switch sessions, please contact the Center for Student Engagement at (570) 941-6233 or orientation@scranton.edu. If for any reason you absolutely cannot participate in any of the Orientation sessions, please contact the Center for Student Engagement as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

I plan on attending an Orientation session in late June/early July. What can I do between the end of Orientation and Fall Welcome Weekend in August?

We will be share additional information and resources throughout the summer. Students are encouraged to follow the Center for Student Engagement on Instagram and regularly check their Scranton.edu email account to learn more information about the upcoming fall semester. We are excited to help you prepare for your transition to college! More information will be shared in July.

How much does Orientation cost?

The cost for students to attend Orientation is included in the First-Year Student fee ($275). The cost for family members and/or guests to attend is $80 per person to cover meals and necessary materials. All costs will be billed directly to the fall tuition statement.

When will Fall Welcome Weekend take place?

The University anticipates Fall Welcome Weekend to take place on August 23-25, 2025. Residential first-year students are currently scheduled to begin arriving to campus on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Please visit our Fall Welcome Weekend page for additional information (this site will be updated throughout the summer as details become available).

When will students move into the residence halls?

Residential first-year students are currently scheduled to begin arriving to campus on Saturday, August 23, 2025. For information about move-in, please contact the Residence Life office at 570-941-6226 or visit their website.

When will I know information about my fall course schedule?

All new students will have the opportunity to meet individually with an academic advisor during their Orientation experience. In these sessions, students will be able to ask questions relative to course schedules or academics at the University, review a preliminary fall schedule, and go over academic goals.

I have a medical, mental health, or disability-related need. Who should I contact?

Students and/or parents who may need accommodations for the Orientation program should indicate any accommodations needed when they register for a New Student Orientation session. If you need to make changes to your accommodation requests, please call the Center for Student Engagement at (570) 941-6233 for assistance as soon as possible.

For accommodations that will be needed for the academic year, the Office of Student Support & Success (which processes accommodation requests), the Counseling Center, and Student Health Services are open now and throughout the summer. We encourage you to reach out in early summer to ensure that any accommodations can be in place before the semester starts.

Contact Information:

How long will each Orientation session last?

Each in-person Orientation session will begin on Day 1 at 9:00 AM with registration and end with lunch on day 2 beginning at 12:30 PM. Sample schedules for students and guests are available on the Orientation website.

Can I see my parent/guest/student during the session?

Students and a registered parent/guest each have a different schedule to follow that goes for the entire day. Although most of the programs and activities are separate, there will be a few times where they overlap and you can see your parents/student for a short amount of time. Please don't plan on spending the whole day with them.

Where do students stay during Orientation? Where do parents/guests stay?

We have designed the New Student Orientation schedule to allow most students/guests attending to travel to campus with a single overnight stay. Students will be housed overnight in a first-year residence hall room with another first-year student. Parents/guests who choose to attend may select from a number of local hotels from which to choose. We have included a list of hotels for your convenience.

If I'm local to the Scranton area, do I still need to attend Orientation?

YES! Each Orientation session is filled with essential information you will need to make a successful transition to the University. Since the schedule is full and there are opportunities to interact with fellow students, Orientation Assistants, staff, and faculty, we encourage you to stay for the full program (including overnight) so as not to miss out on any of the important sessions or activities.

Does a parent/guest have to attend Orientation?

There is a separate schedule for registered parents/guardians throughout Orientation where they will receive information about their student's transition into college life. They will also get a chance to meet and speak with faculty and staff and ask any questions they might have regarding the University. It is highly encouraged that a parent/guardian attend the Orientation program, but not required.

Do I need to take any placement exams during Orientation?

Students will not take placement exams during the New Student Orientation in-person sessions. Students will take any required placement tests online beginning in May. These processes will be self-paced and on-going leading up to Orientation. 

If you have questions regarding whether or not you will need to take an exam, please contact your Advising Center. The phone numbers of each Advising Center are listed below.

  • College of Arts and Sciences • (570) 941-6323
  • Kania School of Management • (570) 941-6100
  • Panuska College of Professional Studies • (570) 941-6390

What should I bring to Orientation?

During Orientation, all students will stay on campus in University housing. The University does not provide linens so bring whatever you feel you would need to sleep over for one night. Keep in mind, it is only one night, so you won't need to bring a lot.You should pack the following items:

  • Pillow
  • Linen/Sheets (beds are 76" or 80" - bring long sheets if you have them)
  • Towels
  • Blankets
  • Toiletries
  • Alarm clock
  • Fan
  • Casual clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Shower shoes/flip flops

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