Clemson Orientation

Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is the cost of Orientation?

Orientation fees for freshmen students are $140, this includes overnight housing for all freshmen. Transfer student orientation fees are $85; overnight housing for transfer students is $20. Pre-orientation housing is offered to freshmen and transfer students for $20. Parent and guest fees are $50 per person (NO Parent/Guest Housing is provided). Orientation fees are non-refundable. There is a $6 processing fee for all Orientation reservations.

What does my Orientation fee pay for?

The Orientation fee covers the cost of housing (freshmen), lunch, receptions, mailings, printing, insurance, shuttles, meeting room rentals, student staff salaries, advising costs, and administrative costs.

Why do I have to pay for Orientation?

We do not receive state or institutional funds for the program. We make every effort to keep costs at a minimum while still providing the best experience possible for incoming students and parents.

How long is Orientation?

Summer Orientation for freshmen is a two-day program beginning at 8:00a.m. on day one and ending at approximately 2:00p.m. on day two. The session is full of programs and meetings designed to provide you with information needed to register for classes, prepare to live on campus, and transition you to college life.

Transfer Orientation is a one-day program beginning at 8:00a.m. ending approximately 5:00p.m. The session includes programs and meetings with information concerning credit evaluations, registration for classes and your transition to Clemson.

Is food included during Orientation?

Freshmen Orientation:

Day One- Continental Breakfast
Day One- Lunch
Day Two- Continental Breakfast
Students staying on-campus:
Day One - Dinner
Day Two - Breakfast

Transfer Orientation:

Continental Breakfast
Lunch

Why is Orientation two days for freshmen?

Orientation provides an abundance of information, spreading the programs and meetings over two days allows for the information to be absorbed. Orientation is also designed to give students a small glimpse of life on-campus, including living and sleeping in the residence halls. Students are invited to an on-campus social the night of day one to meet other freshmen.

Should I bring a family member (parent or guardian)?

While parents do not have to attend Summer Orientation, we encourage parents to come participate in the process. We do offer specific programs and activities for parents where they will have an opportunity to meet other parents, join a parent network group, and learn about the different opportunities and areas of assistance on campus for your student.

I have a younger sibling. Can I bring them to Orientation?

The programs we offer are designed specifically for parents and entering students. Younger children may tire easily and get bored with the process. If you choose to bring another child, you will need to pay the $50.00 parent/guest Orientation fee for that child.

Is there a specific Orientation session I should attend?

Students in the Honors College, Early Success Program (ESP) and Math Excellence Workshop (MEW) do have special Orientation sessions.

Honors College students are encouraged to attend sessions June 16-17, June 26-27, and July 7-8, however, it is not mandatory to attend the specific Honors College sessions. Students not participating in these programs may still attend these sessions. Honors College students attending the Honors Orientation sessions should check into Orientation between 8:00-8:30am; there is an 8:45am Honors College meeting at the Brooks Center on the morning of Day 1 during these sessions.

Student-athletes may attend any session or a session advised by their coaches.

ESP and MEW students should attend the June 30-July 1 session prior to their first term of classes, Summer Session II classes (beginning Wednesday, July 2).

Do I have to stay on campus during Orientation?

Orientation housing for freshmen is included in the orientation fees. Students who have stayed in the on-campus residence halls in the past have commented on the positive benefits of this experience. They tell us they obtained a better understanding of what on-campus living is like. This Orientation fee includes dinner and breakfast. On-campus housing is also available for students the evening prior to Orientation for $20 per person (no food included).

Where do parents and guests stay?

NO Parent and guest accommodations are provided on-campus. For Orientation Hotel Specials please refer to New Student Information & Resources.

What steps do I take to register for Orientation?

Once you finish reviewing all the information on the Orientation web site you can click on ‘Register for Orientation’ from the options to the left. When you begin your registration process you will need your CU User ID, password (the last 4 digits of your social security number), and a valid credit card number. When you complete your registration, print off your confirmation and receipt to bring with you to your Orientation session. Lastly, you must take the Math Placement Exam and then determine if you need to take the Foreign Language Placement exam.

What if I need to make a change to my Orientation Registration?

Please call the Office of Orientation at (864) 656-4402 for any changes to your Orientation registration.

If I register for Orientation and decide not to come, can I receive a refund?

Orientation fees are non-refundable; if there are any questions, please call the Orientation Office at (864) 656-4402.

If a family member registers for Orientation and decides not to come, can I receive a refund?

If a family member registered for Orientation the fee is non-refundable. If a family member decides to attend Orientation after registration has been completed please call the Office of Orientation to add the family member, and the fee can be paid at check-in of your Orientation session.

If I pay for pre-Orientation housing and decide not to stay, can I receive a refund?

Yes! If you pay for pre-Orientation Housing during Orientation and do not use it you can receive a refund by contacting the Orientation office.

How long should I wait before registering for Orientation?

Orientation sessions are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. To get the session that fits within your summer schedule, please register as soon as possible.

I called earlier this morning to try to get into a closed session, but they said it was full. Is there any way that I can be put on the waiting list for that session?

Unfortunately, we do not maintain waiting lists for any of our sessions.

I want to attend the same Orientation session as my friend, how can we do this?

You and a friend can attend the same Orientation session if you register and complete payments at the same time, requesting the same Orientation session. We will do all that we can to accommodate this request, however, because reservations are made on a first-come-first-served basis, we cannot guarantee your request.

I want to room with my friend during Orientation; can we sign up to stay in the same room now?

Rooms are assigned at the Orientation Housing Check-in desk on day one of your session. If you would like to room with someone in particular, you will need to check-in together at the Orientation Housing Check-in desk. However, we encourage you to utilize this opportunity to meet new friends by staying with others at Orientation.

What do I need to bring to Orientation?

Please bring an open mind, patience and excitement! Bring comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be walking a lot. It is also recommended to bring an umbrella and raincoat. Students staying overnight in the Residence Halls will be provided with linens, blanket and a pillow. Alarm clocks, televisions and phones are not available in the Residence Hall rooms. Orientation is a fun, but sometimes an overwhelming experience. The Orientation Ambassadors and Staff are here to assist you during your stay!

Will I have to walk a lot during Orientation?

We provide shuttles that run every 5 — 15 minutes throughout much of the Orientation day. However, many participants prefer to walk between sessions. Therefore, we recommend cool, comfortable clothes and shoes.

If I or a family member have a special need or disability, will assistance be provided?

Yes! On your Orientation registration please note any assistance that may be required. We will provide special transportation for persons requiring assistance getting around campus. In addition, all of our CAT buses meet ADA requirements and are equipped to handle any special needs required.

Are all the sessions and programs required during Orientation?

The majority of the programs are required for attendance at Orientation. The information may sometimes be repeated, but this is only to reiterate the importance of the information as we have tried to develop a program that will aid in this transition period.

I had a family member attend Clemson previously; do I need to come to Orientation?

Yes! Orientation is unique to each student who attends. Clemson is continually improving its programs and services, thus it is important to attend Orientation to learn about Clemson's current academic requirements, services and policies. Orientation is also an opportunity to meet other students experiencing the same transition. Many life-long friendships have been established from attending Orientation.

I'm a transfer student and have attended Orientation at my previous institution; do I need to come to Clemson's Orientation?

Yes! Clemson has its own unique academic requirements, policies and student services. In order to fully understand everything Clemson has to offer it is helpful to attend Orientation. In addition to learning about Clemson's resources, transfer students will have an opportunity to have courses evaluated for transfer credit. During Orientation the departments are conveniently centralized to complete the credit evaluations.

Do I meet with my academic advisor during Orientation?

Yes! During Orientation you will meet with your academic advisor, in addition to attending a college meeting. The college meeting is established to learn the policies and graduation requirements. The college meetings will vary in time and information content due to the many differences between them.

Will I be able to register for classes during Orientation?

Yes, there will be time for you to meet with your academic department and register for fall or spring classes.

When do I get my Tiger1 card?

The Tiger1 card is your CU ID card. You will take your picture for your Tiger1 card during Orientation and will pick-up the card in the Hendrix Student Center prior to departure.

When do I find out about my roommate?

Roommate housing assignments are mailed at the end of July. Due to the number of students living on-campus we are unable to assign roommates prior to Orientation.

If I meet someone at Orientation who I want to room with during the year, can I do this?

Yes! If you attend one of the first two Orientation sessions and meet someone you would like to room with during the school year, you and your selected roommate should visit Mell Hall (Main Housing Office) before you leave campus to receive further assistance. If you have any questions about Housing or your assignment, please email housinginfo-l@clemson.edu.