New Student Orientation

Welcome Future Seawolves

 

Attending orientation is an important step in your journey as a new student, and we are excited to welcome you to campus.

At Howl Days New Student Orientation you will:

  • meet other students
  • learn how to register for classes
  • find out how to get engaged on campus
  • connect with Academic Advisors
  • tour campus

Orientation Options

In-person and On-campus

Icon of person with arms outstretched above head, standing over UAA logo.

We encourage everyone who can to attend the in-person Howl Days for the most dynamic experience. You’ll start with a resource fair, where you can connect directly with the resources and opportunities that will help you make the most of UAA. Next the Orientation Leaders will show you all UAA has to offer with a presentation and tour. Last but not least, you’ll meet with Academic Advisors about academic success, placement, and registration. Please plan to be on campus for 4–5 hours.

What to Expect

  • 45 min. check-in and resource fair
  • 15 min. warm up and getting acquainted
  • 1 hr. presentation and Q&A
  • 1 hr. walking campus tour
  • 1 hr. academic advising session (this session is shorter if you've already registered)

Live Virtual on Zoom

Icon of laptop with person on screen and UAA logo

The live virtual option is a good one for students who are unable to make it to campus or need a more brief introduction to student life at UAA. The Orientation Leaders will show you how to make the most of campus resources and opportunities, lead a virtual tour, and introduce you to some of the Academic Advisors. Plan to be on Zoom for two hours.

What to Expect

  • 1 hr. presentation and Q&A
  • 15 min. virtual campus tour
  • 30 min. Academic Advising session (learning about advising and asking questions of advisors, but not individual assistance with registration)
  • 15 min. Q&A

Self-Guided Virtual

Icon of laptop with play symbol and UAA logo.

If you are not able to find a day and time that works for you to join an in-person or live virtual session, this format is for you. With the virtual orientation module, you can learn about the university at your own pace.  Be sure to connect with your Academic Advisor separately.

Campus Tours with Orientation Leaders

If you are unable to attend in-person orientation but would like an in-person tour of campus, schedule a walking campus tour with one of the Orientation Leaders, or better yet - join us for the tour we’re hosting Wednesday, August 20, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Email uaa_orientation@alaska.edu for more information!

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Summer 2025 Orientation Sessions

In-Person

  • Friday, June 6, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Friday, June 27, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm 
  • Friday, July 11, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm 
  • Friday, July 25, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm 
  • Friday, August 1, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm *Military-Connected
  • Friday, August 15, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm *MSS, Pride Center, & TRIO SSS
  • Friday, August 22, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Virtual

  • Wednesday, April 9, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, May 29, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 18, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 
  • Monday, July 7, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm *MSS, Pride Center, & TRIO SSS
  • Thursday, July 17, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 
  • Wednesday, August 6, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 
  • Tuesday, August 12, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Specialized Sessions:

All students are welcome at any session, but we do have a few specialized sessions we encourage you to choose if they apply to you. The registration form will provide more detail and assist you in picking the best one for you.

When to register

Registration for summer 2025 orientation will be open in March. Please come back soon!

When to attend Orientation

Seawolves starting in summer 2025

If you're starting classes this summer, we encourage you to choose one of the earlier sessions (April, May, or June), but you are welcome to attend any session this summer. Remember to check back after March 1, 2025, to sign up for orientation sessions before your first semester.

Seawolves starting in fall 2025

If you are starting classes in fall 2025, you are welcome to attend any summer 2025 orientation sessions. Remember to check back after March 1, 2025, when registration will go live. We'll send you a reminder email to guide you through the next steps.

College life outside of academics is what YOU make of it!

There are lots of ways to stay connected on campus in your first year. The First-Year Experience team will help guide you. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities available, be proactive in seeking out new experiences, and strive for a balance between academics, extracurricular involvement, and personal well-being.

First-Year Experience

Looking for more in-person opportunities?

Join us on campus for more opportunities to connect and get acquainted with UAA! 

  • Seawolves Connect
    • A one-on-one appointment with an Orientation Leader who can answer your questions, introduce you to the basic technology needed to be successful at UAA, and connect you to applicable resources
    • Email us at uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to schedule
  • Resource Fair
    • Meet departments across campus who are here to support you on your student journey, plus a handful of local organizations too
    • Wednesday, August 20, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Student Union Cafeteria
    • No RSVP or registration required
  • Campus Tours
    • In-person orientation sessions include a campus tour.  The options below are for those who aren’t coming to an in-person Orientation but still want an in-person tour.
    • Wednesday, August 20, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Email us at uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to sign up
    • By appointment most weekdays | Email us at uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to schedule
  • Campus Kickoff
    • The biggest and most vibrant event of the year!
    • Free food, games, music, and a chance to meet departments and student organizations from across campus
    • Save the date: Saturday, August 23 *more information coming soon*

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact New Student Orientation

icon of mobile phone (907) 786-1224  Icon of envelope uaa_orientation@alaska.edu

Group portrait with five student orientation leaders