First-Year FAQs

You have questions. We have answers.

Here are answers to some common questions we get. If you do not see your question below, please contact us directly and we would be happy to help.

General Orientation Information

When is first-year orientation for students starting Fall 2024? What will happen during orientation?

For students starting Summer or Fall 2024, first-year orientation is a mandatory program offered on campus in June and July. As part of your orientation, you will work with academic advisors, current students and professional staff members to get ready for your transition to the University of Northern Iowa. Your program will include:

One-to-one academic advising meetings where you’ll talk through your goals, interests, degree requirements and course selections for the upcoming semester
Registering for your first semester classes
Meeting your student orientation leader, who will provide mentoring and guidance as you prepare for your transition to UNI
Connecting with other new UNI panthers to make new friends
Access to one-to-one financial aid counseling, for assistance in reviewing your financial aid award and addressing any financial questions or concerns
Activating your UNI email address and learning how to navigate UNI's online platforms
Information about campus life and resources such as Student Health and Well-being Services, Housing & Dining, Student Involvement and more

When is first-year orientation for students starting Spring 2025? What will happen during orientation?

For students starting Spring 2025, first-year orientation is a mandatory program offered online in December. As part of your orientation, you will work with academic advisors, current students and professional staff members to get ready for your transition to the University of Northern Iowa. Your program will include:

One-to-one academic advising meetings where you’ll talk through your goals, interests, degree requirements and course selections for the upcoming semester
Information on the financial aid & billing process
Finalizing your first semester classes
Meeting your student orientation leader, who will provide mentoring and guidance as you prepare for your transition to UNI
Connecting with other new UNI panthers to make new friends

When will I know the orientation date?

As soon as you accept your offer of admission and sign up for orientation online, you will receive a confirmation of your orientation session. Registration for summer 2024 orientation will go live February 15 and registration for winter 2025 orientation will go live October 1. You will get an email inviting you to sign up for orientation once you are able to do so. Contact us at orientation@uni.edu with any questions.

The orientation dates are based on major, so they may differ from student to student.

What is the schedule for my on-campus orientation day? How long will the program last?

Check in is from at 8:00 - 8:30 AM and you will end the day at 5:00 PM. In the morning you will attend general overview sessions about UNI, your academic requirements and opportunities, break out into small groups, and activate your UNI email. In the afternoon you will have your one-on-one advising appointment with an academic advisor and then select sessions that meet your and your family/guest's specific needs and interests. You will get your full agenda at check in on your orientation day. You must attend the full day to meet the orientation requirement.

Does anyone need to come to my on campus orientation with me? Should my parents or supporters attend?

Your orientation day is all about you and your transition to UNI. We know you are not on this journey alone and that you have supporters in your corner supporting you through this transition. There will be orientation programming specifically geared toward family members and supporters. While their attendance is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. More information can be found on the Family Information page.

Why is orientation mandatory?

Orientation provides you with a dedicated time and space to meet with your academic advisor, register for classes, and make important connections to the people and resources here to support you as a UNI student. Your orientation experience will prioritize the most important information you’ll need to start your UNI journey.

How do I register for the overnight stay? When do I check in for my overnight stay?

The overnight orientation sessions are noted on the registration page. If you sign up for one of these sessions, you will stay over night the night before your on campus orientation session. The overnight stay is for students only.

For your overnight stay you will be staying in Panther Village, apartment style housing, that is set up like a hotel. You will share a common space (living room, kitchen and bathroom) with other people in the apartment. Roommates will be preassigned based on the information shared during orientation registration. If you would like to request a specific roommate, such as your future roommate, you must both email orientation@uni.edu at least a week before your orientation session.

Overnight stay information:

Parking: Panther Village CP Lot - We will have staff there to assist you
Check in into Panther Village from 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Programming from 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Check out 7:45 8:15 AM

Orientation Preparation

When do I need to complete my Pre Orientation Tasks?

Once you have access to your orientation portal (April 1 for summer and November 1 for winter), you may begin completing your Pre Orientation Tasks. Your Pre Orientation Tasks need to be completed ten days before your orientation session.

Some Pre Orientation Tasks include:

Declare Major
ALEKS Placement Exam
Pre-Advising Worksheet
Reporting Test & Transfer Credits
Upload UNI ID Card Photo

Visit the Orientation Portal Page for more information or to access the portal.

Do I need to take any placement tests prior to orientation?

All first-year students will need to take the ALEKS placement exam. More information on this can be found on your orientation portal when it goes live April 1. Visit the ALEKS webpage for more information.

If you are planning to study the Spanish language during your first semester at UNI, visit the Department Languages and Literatures website and complete the placement exam. More information on this can be found on your orientation portal when it goes live April 1. Make note of your results for later discussion with your academic advisor during orientation.

General UNI Information

Is it possible to see my residence hall room virtually?

Yes! Housing & Dining has provided a number of photos, including a 360 view of student rooms. This is the most common room layout for each hall. Additionally, by logging in to your housing portal contract, you can see the dimensions of your exact room.

During your on-campus orientation session you will be able to see a sample dorm room in your dorm building, but not your specific dorm room.

To see each hall's webpage and photos, please go to the Housing website.

Please contact Housing at 319-273-2333 or housing@uni.edu with questions.

How do I access my UNI email account?

You will have access to your UNI email account after your orientation session. We will even walk you though how to access your email during your orientation session.

After your orientation session you can access your UNI email account powered by Google at email.uni.edu or by downloading the Google Mail app.

How do I order my textbooks?

We will walk you though how to find what textbooks you need and how to order them though the UNI Bookstore during your orientation session.

If you have already attended your orientation session you can find your book list by vising the UNI Bookstore website or on your Student Center in MyUNIverse.

What is eLearning (Blackboard)? How do I use it?

eLearning is UNI's online learning platform. This is where you will submit many of your assignments and track your grades throughout the semester. While each instructor uses eLearning in a slightly different way, the best place to start is under the Start Here or Course Content sections.

Make sure you attend the Panther 101 session during Panther Welcome to learn more about how to use and access eLearning.

What is MyUNIverse? What do I use it for?

MyUNIverse is your hub for all things UNI. This is where you can

find your Student Center
pay your U-Bill
set up third party accounts
complete your timecard for on campus jobs

Make sure you attend the Panther 101 session during Panther Welcome to learn more about how to use and access MyUNIverse.

Don't see the answer to your question? Email us at orientation@uni.edu