Orientation Dates
Summer/Fall 2025
You will choose one of the below dates:
New Student Resources
Transfer Students (bringing in 24+ credit hours) who have decided on a major are assigned to a College or Faculty Advisor within your major. Use the web-based AdviseU app to find your advisor's name and make an appointment with them from their calendar of availability within the app .
Graduate Students should contact their program for their program advisor and contact information.
New Student Orientation Team
Star Guides
Star Guides are undergraduate student employees. Star Guides assist in orienting new students and their guests to campus.
The Prairie Stars Family Association
2022-2023 PSFA Executive Board
Parent & Family Resources
Parent & Family Group: Prairie Stars Family Connect
New Student Programs is excited to introduce Prairie Star Family Connect, a communication hub designed to enhance your experience as a Prairie Star Family member. Prairie Star Family Connect allows you to customize the information you receive, helping you stay informed at just the right moments throughout your student's journey at UIS.
Through Prairie Star Family Connect, you’ll have access to:
Family Orientation Information
Orientation Costs
There is a mandatory Orientation Fee that covers both online and in-person programming for students. A non-refundable guest fee ($30/person for in-person, $15 for virtual) covers publications, online resources, mailings, staffing, and lunch at in-person sessions. Payments are made online with the student’s orientation fee.
Graduate Orientation
Online Degree Majors - Virtual Orientation - Wednesday, January 8, 2025
New Online (OL) degree majors (students who have been accepted in to our online degree programs) are invited to join our Virtual Orientation - which will be held synchronously (live) via Zoom.
Orientation Fee
Pay with a Personal Check or Money Order
To pay by personal/cashier’s check or money order, mail payment to:
First-Year Student Orientation
Prepare for Orientation
- Request time off from work and plan family activities around your orientation dates.
- Plan your travel to Springfield!
- Complete online modules in Canvas.
- Complete your advising preparation worksheets, which will be available on your UIS Application Status page, at least 48 hours before your appointment with your academic advisor.
- Fall semester classes start Friday, August 22.
