Orientation and Transition Programs
welcomes you to the University of Delaware!OTP’s primary goal is to provide you and your family with the tools you need to explore UD’s offerings, access important resources, learn about a wide range of activities and programs, and discover what it means to be a “Fightin’ Blue Hen.”
To ensure your successful transition to UD, this site has information about OTP and the University, including important tasks you’ll need to complete before arriving on campus.
New Student Orientation (NSO)
June 17–July 19, 2024
NSO covers important topics such as student life, academics and registration, and safety and wellbeing. During your orientation you will meet your new classmates, learn about your College and interact with the orientation staff.
Students will receive information on deadlines and to-do items in their UD email. Important information will be posted in My Blue Hen Home. Students will be able to register for in-person orientation in mid-April.
NSO is mandatory for every new student. Refer to the New Student Checklist and Resources sections for information about how to prepare for your transition to UD.
Your NSO experience includes:
- A live orientation program, which you can participate in on campus or virtually; your choice!
- A self-paced online orientation course through Canvas, UD’s Learning Management System
- A virtual academic advising appointment within your chosen college, and a live virtual academic information session
- A variety of live Zoom information sessions about important topics, including housing, dining, Student Financial Services and more offered throughout January.
Questions?
Special Programs
Associate in Arts
Students admitted to the Associates in Arts program should visit the Associate in Arts website for additional information about orientation. Associate in Arts students are oriented on their home campuses in August.
International Students
International Student Orientation (ISO) is mandatory for all international students who are new to the University of Delaware. Students will receive additional information about ISO from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) within the Center for Global Programs and Services.
Transfer Students
Even though you may have attended orientation at your previous institution, you must attend New Student Orientation at UD to learn about our campus’s resources, meet with an academic advisor in your College, and interact with other incoming transfer students.
World Scholars
World Scholars attend a pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Institute for Global Studies in the summer and then participate in NSO before the beginning of spring semester on main campus. World Scholars can find more information about the program on the World Scholars website.
Advocacy and Support
Throughout your time at UD, you can always contact the Dean of Students whenever you have a question, a concern, or a problem to solve and you don’t know where to begin. ODS can also be reached in 101 Hullihen Hall, or via phone at 302-831-8939.
UD’s opening week celebration offers opportunities for students to connect with their new community, explore all that UD has to offer, and consider how they will contribute during their time here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for NSO sessions and events?
You can sign up for NSO sessions and events on the NSO portal within your My Blue Hen Home. The NSO portal will open in mid-April.
Is there a fee for orientation?
Each new student is billed a mandatory one-time $230 fee* for the NSO experience, regardless of in-person or virtual participation. The fee also includes the math placement program and new student programming in the fall semester. This fee will appear on your first semester bill.
The non-refundable event fee for each family member attending an in-person NSO program is $40, payable by credit card through the NSO registration form. Students can register up to two adult family members or guests.
*Current rates are for the 2023–2024 academic year. Rates are subject to change for the 2024–2025 academic year and will be announced in early July and accurately reflected on student bills.
Do family members need to attend a live NSO program?
We encourage families to attend the live NSO program, but it is optional. Attending NSO with your student helps you understand the student experience and be supportive to your student’s transition! As part of the NSO program, families will attend overview sessions about academics, health and wellbeing, student life and university resources. Please note that families will attend sessions separately from their students for the majority of the orientation program.
Families will also have access to orientation content through the Blue Hen Family Hub, and they can choose to attend various virtual topical information sessions about housing, dining, student financial services, and more. Families of students starting at UD in Fall 2024 will receive an invitation to join the Blue Hen Family Hub in mid-June.
When can I start the online orientation course in Canvas?
The online orientation course in Canvas will be available in June for students beginning in Fall 2024. New students will receive a course invitation at their UD email address in early June or can log in on Canvas.
How do I schedule an appointment with an academic advisor?
Students will receive more information on how to schedule a virtual advising appointment in June. More information can be found on your My Blue Hen Home portal.
When will the live NSO programs be offered? Is registration open?
Registration for live NSO programs will open in the NSO portal in mid-April.
Can I reschedule my NSO program?
When selecting your NSO session, please be sure that it works with your schedule. While we understand that your plans may change, please know space is limited and it may be difficult to reschedule.
Do I have to complete the online orientation course if I attend a live NSO program?
Yes, all new students should complete the online orientation course in Canvas as part of their NSO experience.
When do UD Welcome Days begin and where can I find the schedule?
UD Welcome Days, students’ extended orientation to UD, begins on Friday, August 23, and runs through Monday, August 26. Schedule details will be available in June through the UD Connect app.
If I'm living on campus, when do I move into my residence hall?
For more information please visit the Residence Life and Housing website.
New Student Resources
We’ve compiled these lists to help you get all your questions answered before you arrive.
Colleges
- Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics | 302-831-4369
- Biden School of Public Policy & Administration | 302-831-1687
- College of Agriculture & Natural Resources | 302-831-2508
- College of Arts & Sciences | 302-831-3020
- College of Earth, Ocean and Environment | 302-831-2841
- College of Education and Human Development | 302-831-2396
- College of Engineering | 302-831-8659
- College of Health Sciences | 302-831-8073
- Honors College | 302-831-1195
- University Studies (Undeclared) 302-831-4555
Services
- Academic Enrichment, Office of | 302-831-4555
- Admissions | 302-831-8123
- Banking, PNC | 302-733-7241
- Billing | 302-831-2126
- Bookstore, UD | 302-831-2637
- Campus Recreation | 302-831-8600
- Dining Services | 302-831-6761
- Disability Support Services | 302-831-4643
- Financial Aid | 302-831-2126
- International Students & Scholars, Office of | 302-831-2115
- IT Support Center | 302-831-6000
- Registrar, University | 302-831-2131
- Student Financial Services | 302-831-2126
- Student Veteran Resources | 302-831-0552
- Transfer Student Resources | 302-831-1554
- University Police | 302-831-2222
#LifeAtUD
To be at UD is to be immersed in opportunities for growth. The Division of Student Life offers campuswide programs, groups and opportunities that are designed to help you thrive personally, educationally and professionally. Student Life includes:
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Center for Counseling & Student Development
- Community Standards & Conflict Resolution
- Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning
- Orientation & Transition Programs
- Residence Life & Housing
- Student Diversity & Inclusion
- Student Health Services
- Student Services for Athletes
- Student Wellness & Health Promotion
- UD Career Center
- University Student Centers