It is a pleasure to welcome both you and your student to the UMD community! Our number one priority is the success of our students and we know that the support from you is essential. Students are required to attend Orientation, Advisement, & Registration. To assist you, we have provided a specific program for families and supporters. The program and resources are outlined below.
Spring Orientation
Each year, the Spring Orientation, Advisement & Registration (OAR) experience is offered to students who are starting in the spring semester. Understanding the unpredictable nature of weather in Duluth and the surrounding areas subject to lake-effect snow, we are proactive in reducing risk for our students and their supporters by offering OAR exclusively online.
Once students confirm their Admissions decision through their New Student Portal, they will begin their OAR journey. For families and other supporters of our students, we are happy to offer a Family and Supporter Canvas Community where anyone may look through up-to-date UMD content similar to what students receive in their New Student Portal Checklist. Feel free to utilize the Discussion tab to ask questions even after your Orientation session. Our staff monitor that page daily!
Fall Orientation
The Fall Orientation, Advisement & Registration (OAR) programming is offered to students in one of two ways - an on-campus format or a virtual experience. Both program styles endeavor to help students acclimate to the UMD culture and campus.
- Throughout the on-campus program families and other student supporters will share in some programming with their student and also have their own distinct programming geared specifically toward those who now have a student in their life. We will share university resources, tips, and tricks for supporting your student, and a chance to chat with others who are in a similar situation with their own student. Details about this program will be emailed to you as long as your student added you as a “Guest” to their Orientation reservation in the New Student Portal.
- Our virtual programming is simply an abbreviated version of the on-campus program - many transfer students opt for this program since they have some level of college experience. During this program, students and their families/supporters will be together the entire time since many supporters have also often had some level of orientation to college in the past.
Looking beyond our OAR experience, you can access a Family and Supporter Canvas Community where anyone can look through up-to-date UMD content similar to what students receive in their New Student Portal Checklist. Feel free to utilize the Discussion tab to ask questions even after your Orientation session. Our staff monitor that page daily. Should you need extra support or have extra questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Orientation program in the Bulldog Resource Center.