As you transition to the University of Vermont, we know you may have many questions. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions by new Catamounts.

Don't see your question here and still need assistance? Please contact the Department of Orientation and Student Advancement at orientation@uvm.edu or (802) 656-4136.

Pre-Arrival Questions

What is the New Student Checklist? How do I access it?

Your individualized New Student Checklist contains all your 'to-do' items to complete before arriving on campus this fall. To access your checklist, log in with your UVM NetID and password and visit your UVM App Status page. Click the green 'View Your Checklist' button at the top center of the page.

I missed a New Student Insight session, what should I do?

All New Student Insight sessions are recorded and then captioned. Recordings will then be posted to YouTube and linked on the New Student Insight webpage. If you have specific questions about the session, reach out directly to the department that led the session.

How will I receive new student information?

Orientation will communicate to both your personal email and UVM email starting May 1st. Starting on June 1st, you will only recieve communications to your UVM email.

Orientation Program Questions

Is New Student Orientation mandatory?

Yes, all new students (First-Time, First-Year and Transfer) must attend New Student Orientation before the start of the classes. During New Student Orientation, you will learn what it means to be a UVM Catamount by exploring campus life, learning about campus resources, connecting with faculty and staff in your school/college, building community with fellow new students, and having fun along the way! Orientation information sessions are not recorded.

Do I have to attend all the days of the Orientation program?

Yes, our orientation program is a comprehensive multi-day in-person experience. You will begin your orientation at 3pm, on the same day you move into your residence hall if you are living on campus. Each day, you will engage in various activities, all created to prepare you for a successful start at UVM.

I can’t attend a certain day of Orientation. What do I do?

You should make every available effort to attend orientation, as it is required for all incoming students. If you are unable to attend orientation on a specific day, refer to your UVM email to find your assigned team color and group assignment, and let your Orientation Leaders (OLs) know. Your OLs will connect with you once you are able to join back into the orientation programming and let you know what session you will be joining into.

How will I know what Orientation team color and group number I am?

You will receive an email to your UVM email from UVM Orientation in August telling you your team color and group number. Your Orientation Leaders will contact you via UVM email to introduce themselves. You can ask any Orientation Leader or professional staff member throughout the orientation program where your group is, and they will connect you to your group.

The Orientation schedule mentions breakfast, lunch, and dinner but I don’t have a meal plan, what does that mean?

Throughout the orientation program, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at no cost to you, regardless of your residential status or student type.

Will I need to pay for any activities at Orientation?

No, you will not need to pay for any activities at orientation. All activities are covered, ensuring that you have access to all the necessary resources and experiences to kickstart your journey at UVM. We are committed to providing all students with a comprehensive and inclusive orientation experience.

I need accommodations during Orientation. What should I do?

For accommodations during Orientation, please contact Student Accessibility Services at access@uvm.edu and Orientation at orientation@uvm.edu indicating what accommodations you will need during the program.

What will I need to bring to Orientation?

You will need to bring your CATcard fully set up on your mobile device as you will use it to scan into your residence hall and various events throughout the orientation program. Additionally, bring a water bottle to refill throughout the day, comfortable shoes to walk around, and a raincoat. If you do not have a mobile device to connect your CATcard to, contact the CATcard Service Center.

Transfer Student Questions

I attended Orientation at my previous institution and/or have been in college for a while? Why do I have to attend New Student Orientation?

Many resources may be familiar to you, yet it is always good to learn about UVM-specific resources. Our Orientation programs are designed to help you meet other new incoming transfer students and build community here at UVM.

I am not living on-campus, where will I park during Orientation?

Parking on campus falls in to two categories - permit and metered.
     -Permit: Review permit types and the application process here. Scroll down the page to the Commuter Student Parking Permit Information section.
     -Metered: Metered parking spots on campus are available through the ParkMobile App. You can download the ParkMobile App and view available metered spots through the app.

Families and Supporters Questions

Can families and supporters attend New Student Insight Sessions?

Yes, we encourage your participation in these sessions. Throughout the summer, there are sessions specifically tailored for both families/supporters and students, as well as some exclusively for parents/supporters or students.

Can families and supporters attend New Student Orientation?

No, New Student Orientation is specifically designed for new students only. Families and supporters typically bid their "see you laters" around 2:30pm on move-in day so that new students can transition smoothly into the new student welcome event. While families and supporters are encouraged to participate in move-in day activities and support their students during the transition, the orientation events are tailored to address incoming students' specific needs as they embark on their UVM journey.

What is the orientation for families and supporters?

The orientation program for families and supporters is provided through our virtual New Student Insight sessions, held throughout the summer. We encourage you to attend these sessions to gain valuable insights into your student's UVM journey.

UVM has over 275+ clubs and student organizations! Get a bird’s eye view of all the involvement opportunity at UVM with this double-sided flyer (pdf). Sometimes simpler is better.

 

Check out the Learning Communities offered by UVM Residence Life that are centered around a common theme, faculty engagement, and have easily accessible events and activities.