First-Year Information
We are excited that you have chosen the University of Northern Iowa for the next step in your journey and can't wait to officially welcome you to the Panther Family!
Orientation is required for all incoming students and attendance at all scheduled programming is required in order to be eligible to register for classes.
- Orientation registration for students starting:
- Spring 2024 will open in October 2023
- Summer & Fall 2024 will open February 2024
You must accept your offer of admission before you can register for orientation.
Students Starting Spring 2024
Orientation is a half-day (8:00AM-12:30PM CST or 12:00PM-4:30PM CST) online virtual experience, held in December.
During your orientation, you will:
- register for classes with your academic advisor
- meet other new Panthers
- learn about financial aid and other campus resources
- activate your UNI email account
We’re looking forward to providing you a customized orientation experience along with learning more about your goals and interests.
Before Your Orientation Session
Let us know important information about you using your personalized online orientation portal.
Your personalized online orientation portal will go live November 1 (for winter sessions) and April 1 (for summer sessions) or 1 -2 business days after you register for orientation. Make sure you log in and complete your Pre-Orientation Tasks, which are due a week before your orientation session.
These tasks include:
- taking the ALEKS math placement exam
- officially declaring your major
- letting us know what college credits you are transferring in
- informing your advisor what your future career plans are
- uploading your UNI ID card photo
After Your Orientation Day
Once your complete your orientation session you will still have a few tasks to complete before you come to campus. After your orientation session complete your After Orientation Tasks in your orientation portal. These tasks include:
- completing the orientation survey
- ordering your parking pass
- reviewing the Student Conduct Code
- accepting the terms and conditions for your aid to pay out
In addition to completing these tasks in your orientation portal, you will also want to prepare for the start of your first semester as a Panther by:
- ordering your textbooks
- reviewing the Move-In Guide
- talking with your roommate
- checking out the official Panther Welcome Schedule
What's Next?
Panther Welcome
Being in a new environment can be both exciting and scary. We are here to help you make a smooth transition into your new home.
Panther Welcome is a program designed to help new students:
- make meaningful connections with other new students, current students, staff and faculty
- take care of important business before classes begin
- become acquainted with campus and Cedar Falls
- discover University of Northern Iowa traditions
- attend fun social events
- find out what it means to be a UNI Panther!
Welcome Week
Your first week at UNI is going to be full of fun and exciting events. These events are open to all students, so take the time to get to know returning students as well as new student. There are events happening every day of the week to help to start the year off on a high note.
Events include:
- Panthers Downtown
- First Day of Class Pictures
- Paddle on the Pond
- CME Welcome Back BBQ
- Crafty Cats
- College Hill Farmers Market
- Panthers Got Talent
