What is New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation is an essential step in your transition to becoming a student at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University. This orientation will allow you to meet other new students, current student leaders, and staff. You will leave orientation with the information necessary to be successful at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University.
Why is New Student Orientation necessary?
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University is committed to your success and believes that New Student Orientation establishes the foundation for this. Studies have shown that students attending orientation programs have higher GPA's and retention rates than those who do not. New Student Orientation is actually a requirement placed by the state of Texas.
Who is required to attend New Student Orientation, and is it mandatory?
Yes, orientation is mandatory for all First Time College (FTC) Freshmen students who are graduating or have graduated high school in 2025 and have not enrolled in an institution of higher education after high school graduation.
Do I have to register for a session, or can I just show up?
Students have to register for themselves and their guest(s) to be able to attend a New Student Orientation session. Spacing is limited for each New Student Orientation session and each student attending has documentation that is customized for them.
What if I have not activated my LEA?
You will need your LEA username and password to register for New Student Orientation. If you have not activated your LEA, click here, and follow the instructions.
What if I need to reschedule the New Student Orientation session I signed up for?
To reschedule please email orientation@lamar.edu stating your current session date, the date you want to change to, your first and last name, and your L#.
How do I cancel my New Student Orientation reservation?
If you are no longer attending ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University in the fall and you need to cancel your reservation, please email orientation@lamar.edu stating that you will not be attending any longer, your first and last name, and your L#.
What if I cannot attend the entire program?
You will need to make sure to attend the entire orientation session to get credit. If you will be late or need to leave early on that date, you need to choose another orientation date. Please prepare for a day long program.
How much does New Student Orientation cost?
There is a $50.00 non-refundable fee for students and a $25.00 non-refundable fee for each guest (up to two guests can attend). These fees must be paid for your reservation to be complete, and they can be paid by debit or credit card at the end of the registration form. If you have any problems with the payment screen, please email us at orientation@lamar.edu so we can assist you.
There is no waiver for any fees associated with New Student Orientation.
Why are participants charged a fee to attend New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation fees support program-related expenses such as meals, facility rentals, student staffing costs, and other program-related materials and supplies.
Can I meet with an Academic Advisor before New Student Orientation?
Yes! Once you register for a New Student Orientation session your academic advisor will contact you to give you the option to set up an advising appointment. If you meet with your advisor and receive your class schedule before your New Student Orientation session, you will not have to attend group advising during your session (and that means you get to leave early!).
What do I do if I have not received my confirmation email?
You will need to email orientation@lamar.edu stating that you did not receive a registration confirmation after completing the form, please include your name and L#.
How long does New Student Orientation last?
New Student Orientation Sessions are generally expected to run from early morning to late afternoon.
Where do I park for New Student Orientation?
Parking will be available in Parking Lot C-1. If you need help navigating campus, please refer to our interactive campus map. Once you arrive, an orientation leader will guide you to check-in.
Where do I check-in for New Student Orientation?
Check-in will take place at the Setzer Student Center. You will be sent an email two weeks prior to your session that states your check-in time and outlines the check-in process. It is crucial that you arrive at your check-in time.
What should I bring to my New Student Orientation session?
Students will need to bring any documents that will aid in completing your admission’s checklist (meningitis vaccine record, transcripts, test scores, etc.).
Will there be a lot of walking during New Student Orientation?
Yes. Students will be required to walk during portions of the session. Due to the SETX climate, we encourage everyone to dress for warm weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. If there is a chance of rain on the day of your session, grab an umbrella, New Student Orientation will continue rain or shine!
Are family members required to attend?
Students are not required to have anyone attend with them, but ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University does offer a Parent and Family Orientation that goes along with New Student Orientation. When students register for New Student Orientation, they will have the option to add up to two guests that will attend Parent and Family Orientation. Please note that guests must attend on the same day the student registers to attend orientation. There is a $25.00 fee per guest to attend, and a limit of two guests per student. In order to focus on the presentations, we advise that you leave small children at home.
Will students and their guests remain together for the New Student Orientation Experience?
Students and their guests will attend the majority of the orientation separately and some portions together.
What level of involvement can my guests have at the session?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is Federal legislation designed to protect the privacy of education records. When a guest is inquiring about something specific pertaining to their student (this could be about the student’s tuition and fee bill, their class schedule, their housing, etc.) the student needs to be present for the conversation to take place.