OAR Overview
Spring OAR will have a few unique parts including the Online Orientation Course and your OAR Session.
OAR Date Selection
Near November 14, 2022 confirmed students will be able to sign up for an OAR Date using our Orientation Portal. Visit the Confirmation Website to follow the steps in order to log in.
OAR Date / Advisement & Registration Appointment
Your appointment will be held via Zoom. It will include the opportunity to meet virtually with a Professional Advisor and/or a Faculty Advisor. The person who will advise you has your best interest in mind and they will recommend classes that fulfill the requirements of your program and move you toward graduation in a timely manner.
What you'll need for your Advisement & Registration Appointment
To best prepare you for your appointment, you will receive an email from your Collegiate Unit (your area of academic interest) at your UMD email approximately two weeks prior to your OAR date. This email will contain further instructions and an invite to an online module we recommend you complete prior to your session.
Please also have the following ready for your session:
- UMD Internet ID and password
- Your 7-digit student ID number (found in your Admissions letter)
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Laptop or tablet computer on which you can share your screen (webcam preferred).
- Most up to date version of Zoom
- Transcript of any post-secondary coursework
Please be sure the following items are complete prior to your OAR Date:
You may have already completed a few of these items when you visited the Admitted Students page, but just in case...
Check your UMD email regularly
Staying connected and informed will help you to be successful at UMD. Email is the official method of communication at UMD and is where you'll get notes from your professors, learn about grades, be notified about information regarding your student aid and record. Please get in the habit of checking it regularly.
Complete the Tasklist Items in the Orientation Portal
Once you have confirmed your enrollment and selected a OAR Date, you will have multiple tasklists provided to you to complete prior to your virtual appointment. These task lists will assist you in being prepared for your meeting with an Academic Advisor.
One of the task list items is to review our online Orientation Course through Canvas. This can be completed after your virtual appointment but you will be invited to the course a couple of days prior to your OAR day. You will need to join the course in order to access the materials (your invitation will be sent to your UMD email address after you have signed up for an OAR date).
All incoming students are expected to complete this course prior to the start of the semester as it will provide information to not only prepare you for your advisement and registration appointment but also will provide valuable information on all next steps and ways to prepare for the transition to UMD.
Submit your FAFSA if you're applying for financial aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to be considered for federal grants, state grants, federal loans, and institutional aid. If you haven’t already done so, you (and your family) should complete and submit the FAFSA now. The FAFSA code for UMD is 002388.
Complete Additional Documentation
After UMD receives your FAFSA, you'll be notified by mail or your UMD email account if additional documentation is needed to process your financial aid. You can monitor your progress in the My Finances tab of MyU. See step 2 in the Financial Aid section to view your To Do List.
We want you and your family to have all the information you need to plan around the investment in a college degree. If you have questions, email One Stop Student Services at [email protected] or call 218-726-8000 to speak to a counselor. You can also make an appointment with our Financial Aid Educator to help you navigate the process or explore resources available to you by scheduling a time that works best for you.
Complete the Immunization Records Requirements
State Required Immunizations
All students, except for those who graduated from a Minnesota high school in the year 1997 or later, must have immunization documentation on file at Health Services. Students must turn in their Immunization Record Form in order to register for classes. A one-semester grace period will be allowed in cases of non-compliance. If the immunization record is not submitted prior to second semester, a hold will be placed on a student's record, and they will be unable to register for classes.
Completed forms can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
UMD Health Services
615 Niagara Court
Duluth, MN 55812-3065
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
As announced by President Gabel and approved by the Board of Regents, the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement is now in effect for all enrolled University of Minnesota students. New Students will be required to complete the Vaccination records process and will be communicated via their UMD Email address with instructions.
Additional information on Immunization requirements can be found here.
Submit your official final transcripts
If you are taking classes at another post-secondary institution, wait until your courses are complete and grades are posted. Then, contact the school’s registrar’s office and request that your official transcripts be mailed directly to:
UMD Admissions Processing
123 DAdB
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812-3011
Alternatively, the registrar at your current institution can email your official transcript to [email protected].
Submit Advanced Placement exam scores
UMD awards credit for scores of 3 or higher on College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. If you haven’t done so, send your scores to UMD through College Board. Visit College Board for more information on submitting your scores.
Let us know if you need disability or mobility accommodations
UMD is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable campus environment. To request disability accommodations (including sign language interpreters and alternate format print materials), contact Disability Resources at 218-726-6130 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Some accommodations may take a few weeks to arrange.
If you would like to register with Disability Resources to arrange formal accommodations for the academic year, please contact our office.