ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER
TRANSFER STUDENT ORIENTATION: ACADEMIC ADVISING & FIRST SEMESTER COURSE PLANNING
WELCOME, NEW TRANSFER STUDENTS!
The Academic Advising Center supports undecided transfer students in identifying paths for academic exploration, developing a plan for their first semester, and navigating their personal journey of learning at the university.
We are excited to meet with you as you explore majors at the U!
Do you have a major in mind? Find the orientation steps for all colleges here.
Info for In-Person Orientation
In-person new student orientation for Fall 2024 admitted students runs from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Mountain Standard Time. If you have registered for an in-person orientation date, plan to attend and be available for the full time. Students will receive instructions from the Office of Orientation and Transition. Learn more.
Academic advising and first semester course registration is included for New Student Orientation held in person. Students who will be registering for Virtual New Student Orientation will receive instructions on how to speak with an academic advisor. Transfer students do not need to schedule a separate academic advising appointment before their selected orientation.
Steps for Virtual Orientation
Complete Orientation Modules through Canvas before speaking with an academic advisor.
Below are questions you may have:
After registering for orientation, students will receive access to Virtual Orientation modules. Check your Umail!
Modules may take approximately 2-4 hours to complete. After completing them, students are able to return to these modules to review information.
After students have confirmed their intent to enroll, students can register for orientation by CLICKING HERE!
Visit the Office of Orientation & Transition website. You can also send them an email or call 801-581-7069.
Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to plan a first semester schedule.
Schedule Your Appointment
Each student will need to schedule their own advising appointment. All appointments
will be held virtually. Check your Umail account for instructions on scheduling your
advising appointment. This email will have been sent from Madeline Rencher, mrencher@advising.utah.edu
What if you have decided on your major?
Know that a prehealth path is not a major, and students preparing for professional school (law school, medical school, etc.) s are able to choose any major. If you have an intended major in mind, find the orientation steps for your intended college.
Below are steps to take to prepare for your advising appointment.
-
Create a FERPA Pin number before the advising session.
-
Prepare for Your Appointment
1. Create a FERPA Pin Number before your appointment
2. Familiarize yourself with the Graduation Requirements
3. Prepare questions to ask!
4. Learn more about major exploration.
5. Learn more about prehealth and prelaw paths
(if relevant) -
Begin looking over suggested classes for first-year students. What looks interesting to you?
SUGGESTED GENERAL EDUCATION SUGGESTED INTRODUCTORY CLASSES
Health Exploration Courses
- MD LB 1010: Intro to Medical Laboratory Sciences
- PH TH 1010: Foundations of Physical Therapy
- UGS 1020: Intro to PreMed/Physician Assistant
- UGS 1030: Intro to PreDental
University Resources
Office of Transfer Student Success
Consider this your information hub for all things related to transfer students and the transfer process.
PreProfessional Advising
Supports students in successfully preparing for professional schools within health and law.
Major Exploration Program
Assists students with exploring and deciding on a major while designing a meaningful academic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student records at The University of Utah are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and its implementing regulations. A student must authorize the University of Utah to release information to any 3rd party, such as a spouse or parent.
If your appointment is going to be conducted online or by phone, you must set up a FERPA Pin in order to discuss your specific academic record.
You can expect to discuss your academic and personal interests, to identify courses for your first semester at the U, and to learn how to use the registration portal in the Campus Information System (CIS).
No, students who are undecided/exploring majors will not have an assigned advisor. We have a team of advisors and peer (student) advisors who are excited to help you plan your first semester classes. Students may schedule an appointment with any academic advisor or peer advisor in the Academic Advising Center.
All incoming students have two holds—an orientation hold and an advising hold.
Orientation Hold
After completing your Canvas course (including all quizzes!), the Office of Orientation
& Transition will remove your orientation hold.
Advising Hold
After your scheduled appointment, your advisor is responsible for removing your orientation
advising hold. Students are required to meet with one academic advisor but can meet
with more than one advisor, if needed or preferred.
During your advising appointment, your academic advisor will assist you with first semester course planning and registration. When both holds—advising and orientation—have been removed, you will be able to register for classes.
All official college or university transcripts must be sent to the Admissions Office. Please note it can take 6-8 weeks for transcripts to be processed.
During your advising appointment, inform your advisor if you are expecting any previously earned college credit [AP, IB, concurrent enrollment, JST, transfer]. Your advisor will be able to talk with you more in depth about how these credits will transfer and which graduation requirements they may fulfill.
Yes! Student are able to make changes to their class schedule until the Add/Drop Deadline for each semester. Find all important dates and deadlines on the academic calendar.