Guiding Stars Orientation is mandatory for all first-year students—commuters and on-campus residents. It includes three essential parts:
- Online Orientation
- In-Person or Virtual Orientation
- New Student Welcome (online degree majors are exempt from New Student Welcome)
Research shows that students who complete all parts of Orientation achieve higher GPAs and are more likely to return for their second year. Don’t miss this important foundation for your success!
New Student Welcome kicks off on Wednesday, August 20 with check-in at 5 p.m. Programs run until 9 p.m., including meeting your Welcome Leader and classmates. Activities continue Thursday, August 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with fun evening events. Classes begin Friday, August 22.
- Commuter Students: Start with the Commuter Student Event at 5 p.m. on August 20. Be sure to arrange time off work and let your family know about this commitment.
- On-Campus Students: Move into your housing on August 20, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Residence Life will provide detailed check-in information in late July. You will check-in for New Student Welcome at 6 p.m.
Participation is required for all sessions on both days to ensure a successful start to your UIS experience!
- Please note: Information is subject to change as we finalize details.
Future Orientation Dates
Guiding Stars: New Student Orientation
For First-Year, First-Time, and Transfer undergraduates starting in Spring 2026.
Save these Dates!
- Early October: Orientation website updates with Spring 2026 program details.
- Late October: Registration opens for Orientation sessions.
- Early November: Online Orientation available for students registered for In-Person or Virtual sessions.
- Wednesday, January 7: Virtual Orientation for Online degree majors. On-campus students move in.
- Thursday, January 8: In-Person Orientation.
- Friday, January 9: New Student Welcome (9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Online degree majors are not required to attend.
- Please note: Information is subject to change as we finalize details.
