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Orientation FAQs

Do you have questions? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about New Student Orientation! If your questions aren’t addressed below or on our site, please feel free to reach out to the Office of New Student and Family Programs by phone (202-885-3303) or email (Orientation@american.edu)

Get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant AU community! You'll immerse yourself in a wealth of resources, connect with peers, faculty, and staff, and forge lifelong friendships. Orientation is packed with must-attend sessions, optional welcome programs, and the chance to bond with your small group, guided by a seasoned Orientation Leader.

Joining New Student Orientation is an exciting opportunity to discover everything American University (AU) has to offer, bond with fellow students, and gain valuable insights to ensure a smooth transition into college life! Remember, it's mandatory, so don't miss out!

Families, mark your calendars for your exclusive orientation experience on Sunday, August 18, and Monday, August 19. Additionally, you can join our virtual orientation sessions throughout the summer, running concurrently with your student's Eagle Flight program. Be sure to follow AmericanUParents on Facebook to stay in the loop with all the latest updates!

The New Student Checklist is your way to keep track of all the tasks you need to do before classes begin! It's a Web-based tool on your myau.american.edu portal, and lists everything from selecting a meal plan to completing your health insurance waiver. The checklist can be accessed by visiting https://www.american.edu/new-students/index.cfm 

Students may update their information any time using the contact form on the myAU portal. Any change must be made by you through the portal. We cannot make changes to your information in this office.

Beginning June 1, submit your AU One Card photograph via the MyAU portal. Your AU One Card will be the primary way you gain access to your residence hall and your meal plan when you arrive on campus in the fall. Online submissions are due by July 31 and your AU One Card will be issued to you during Move-In Day.

Please submit photos by midnight on July 31 to avoid any potential long lines during August move-in. Physical One Cards will be provided during August move-in through All-American Welcome. Please contact the One Card & Dining Programs team at idcards@american.edu or 202-885-2273 with any additional questions. More information can be found at www.american.edu/onecard

No. Students will register for classes during the summer, before orientation. First-year students will receive detailed communication from the First Year Advising office, based on their responses to the New Eagle Questionnaire and prior to the start of registration. Transfer students will receive communication from their school-based advisor. For more information, visit AU's new students website.

For information about Language Placement Exams, please visit the language placement page.

New Student Orientation is required for all incoming first year and transfer students. New Student Orientation is designed with our new first-year and transfer students in mind to connect them to campus, resources, each other.

Move-in for First Year and Transfer Students is happening on Sunday, August 18 and Monday, August 19, 2024.

New Student Orientation is the first segment of the Orientation experience and begins on Tuesday, August 20 and ends Friday, August 23. The first day of classes is Monday, August 26.

The second segment of the orientation experience is Welcome Week, begins on Saturday, August 24, and ends Saturday, August 31. Welcome Week occurs during the first week of classes and is the part of the overall orientation program.

The Center for New Student and Family Programs hosts Welcome Week and Orientation for students who are new to AU before the start of classes each semester, and during their first week of classes, as part of the orientation experience.

New Student Orientation happens the week before classes and aims to help incoming students gain the resources, they need to be successful and thrive. Welcome Week happens during the first week of classes. During this time, there are tons of activities happening across the campus community aimed at helping new students learn more about AU while helping to foster relationships and connections with your peers. Welcome Week is the second part of the Orientation experience and is critical to student success.

Yes! We designed a program for parents and family members separate from New Student Orientation. Parent, Family and Supporters Orientation will take place on Sunday, August 18 and Monday, August 19, 2024, from 4:00pm – 6:30pm. Parents and families should keep an eye on their email accounts for more information on how to sign up and visit this website for more information.