Do I need to go to orientation?
Yes. The University of Akron requires all new students and new transfer students to participate in an orientation program before enrolling in classes. Orientation programs are offered on a variety of dates prior to the start of each academic term.
I attended an Admissions visitation day. Is that the same as orientation?
No, Admissions programs are not the same as orientation. At orientation, you will schedule for classes and much more. Find out about what you'll do at orientation.
Why do transfer students have to go to an orientation?
Transfer Transition has been designed to ease the student's transition from one institution to The University of Akron. Transfer students are required to attend a Transfer Transition orientation program to meet with an academic adviser, review their degree plan and to enroll in the appropriate courses toward degree completion.
I changed my major after I was admitted. Will that affect orientation?
It can affect your Academic Advising appointment. Contact the Office of Admissions at 330-972-7100 or admissions@uakron.edu prior to orientation to change your major.
Is aid available for the $100 confirmation fee?
The confirmation fee cannot be waived. If you have applied for financial aid and are experiencing a hardship, you may be eligible to defer the fee to your financial aid. Contact New Student Orientation to request information regarding a confirmation fee deferral.
Can my parent come to orientation?
While not required, your parents can attend Family Focus Orientation, which is offered in conjunction with most orientation programs during the summer months. To register for Family Focus Orientation, e-mail us at orientation@uakron.edu.
I've attended orientation. Now what?
You're a student! Check out some of the great Akron Experience events we have planned throughout the summer and into the new year.
Can a student talk to an Academic Adviser without going through orientation?
No. New students cannot meet with an academic adviser until they attend new student orientation. The Academic Advisement Center does not have access to the students' files prior to orientation.
Academic accommodations are available to students who qualify for services. Please contact the Office of Accessibility to inquire about the registration process for programs and services available to students with disabilities. Call 330-972-7928 or TTY/TDD 330-972-5764; e-mail: access@uakron.edu or visit the Office of Accessibility.
Can a parent be with their student during the academic advising appointment?
No. The University of Akron considers all new students to be adults and responsible for their own academic pursuits. The academic adviser will meet with groups of students during the orientation day to discuss the student's academic goals. A parent can review their student's schedule and adjustments can be made through the end of the first week of the semester, if necessary. Exception: Parents of high school students participating in the Post Secondary Enrollment Option Program have the option of attending the academic advising appointment.
COMPASS is a computer based testing system used by The University of Akron to determine appropriate placement in first semester courses. Learn more about COMPASS.
Am I required to take a COMPASS test?
COMPASS tests are required based on your ACT or SAT scores and your major, and will help us place you in the right class.
This chart indicates the highest level course you are permitted to take, based on your ACT or SAT test scores and your major.
| ACT Math Score | SAT Math Score | Course Placement |
| 28-higher | 630-higher | Calculus 3450: or 2030:255 |
| 24-27 | 560-629 | Pre-calculus 3450:149 or 3450:215 |
| 22-23 | 531-559 | College Algebra 3450:145 Basic Statistics 3470:260, 3470:261 |
| 21-lower | 530-lower | COMPASS Math Test Required |
| Biology Majors | ||
| 23-lower | 560-lower | COMPASS Math Test Required |
| Engineering & Additional Science majors* | ||
| 27-lower | 629-lower | COMPASS Math Test Required |
| ACT English Score | SAT Verbal Score | Course Placement |
| 28-higher | 610-higher | English Composition II 3300:112 |
| 25-27 | 570-600 | English Composition I 3300:111 (Honors) |
| 18-24 | 430-560 | English Composition I 3300:111 |
| 17-lower | 420-lower | COMPASS Writing Test Required |
| ACT Reading Score | SAT Verbal Score | Course Placement |
| 16-higher | 410-higher | No COMPASS Reading Test required |
| 15-lower | 409-lower | COMPASS Reading Test Required |
*Additional majors requiring math testing: All engineering disciplines, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and others if indicated on enrollment packet or requested by advising.
Do I need to come to the main campus to take a COMPASS test?
No. You can test at a branch location. Choose from:
Or you can find a remote test center closer to home:
Visit the ACT site to find a remote testing center
Note: Some remote testing centers may charge a fee. Arrange the test at the location of your choice by calling us at 330-972-6511.
What if I didn't take the ACT or SAT test?
If you have not taken the ACT or SAT, or your test scores are not on file with The University of Akron, you will be required to take COMPASS tests in math, writing, and reading.
I took the COMPASS test for Post-secondary classes. Do I need to take the test again?
We can use your Post-secondary COMPASS test scores if they are less than one year old.
I need accommodations for my placement tests. What is available?
Accommodations may include a quiet testing environment, test reader services, or alternative testing formats such as Braille. Contact Testing Services, at 330-972-7084, to request accommodations.
I took the AP test in high school. What should I do with those scores?
Bring your score report to orientation. If your orientation occurs before you receive your score report, tell your academic adviser so that adjustments can be made when scores are received.
UA currently accepts passing CLEP scores for many general education courses. Learn more.
Can I take a foreign language test for college credit?
Students who have taken several years of foreign language in high school, or who are fluent in a second language, may choose to test for bypass credit. Learn more.
You can take a COMPASS test to try to place into a higher level course with written permission from your adviser.
Do I need to bring my parents to orientation?
Orientation is only required for new students. An optional Family Focus Orientation is offered in conjunction with most orientation programs during the summer months. To register for Family Focus Orientation, e-mail us at orientation@uakron.edu.
Can a parent be with their student during the academic advising appointment?
No. The University of Akron considers all new students to be adults and responsible for their own academic pursuits. The academic adviser will meet with each student individually during the orientation day to discuss the student's academic goals. A parent can review their student's schedule and adjustments can be made through the end of the first week of the semester, if necessary. Exception: Parents of high school students participating in the Post Secondary Enrollment Option Program have the option of attending the academic advising appointment.
How much does it cost to attend The University of Akron?
The most recent tuition and fee schedule is explained here. This information is subject to change without notice. Additional questions about the costs associated with attending the University can be referred to the Office of Student Accounts at 330-972-5100. March 1st is the priority deadline to be considered for Financial Aid. If your Financial Aid is not complete by the due date you should be prepared to pay a down payment and sign up for the payment plan.
What resources are available to assist with financing my college education?
Students who need financial assistance should apply for financial aid early! Don't wait until you attend orientation to apply for financial aid. For information about the financial aid process, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid or call 330-972-7032.
I'm an adult student concerned about returning to school
You are not alone. UA Adult Focus offers a variety of programs and services to assist you in making the transition back to school. For information, or to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns, call 330-972-5793, e-mail adultfocus@uakron.edu or visit Adult Focus.
Who participates in Akron Adventures?
Akron Adventures is open to all incoming first-year students on a first come, first serve basis. On your trip, you will be joined by other first-year students as well as upper-class student facilitators and professional staff members from the Office of New Student Orientation and other offices on campus.
Students participating in the Akron Adventures trips will meet at The University of Akron campus and depart to the Adventures site as a group. Directions to the meeting point on campus and a campus parking permit will be sent with your confirmation materials after you register for your Adventure.
How many students can participate?
Each Akron Adventures trip is designed to accommodate up to 18 new students and up to 6 professional staff and student facilitators.
Both the River Rafting Adventure trip and the Zipline Canopy Tour cost $129. These costs include all transportation, overnight accommodations, most meals, and all activities while at camp.
Each trip provides the same opportunity to bond with other incoming students, learn new skills, and to be challenged. The difference is where you go and the activities you do. So, read about the trips and choose the one that sounds most interesting to you.
How do I register and pay for the program?
Register for your trip by downloading the Akron Adventures Registration materials from the Akron Adventures website at www.uakron.edu/nso/adventures.php and mail them to the Office of New Student Orientation at the address listed on the registration form. Registration for Akron Adventures begins on March 12, 2012, and trips fill on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Most specialized camping equipment—like tents, kayaks, climbing gear, life vests, and rafts are provided by The University of Akron or affiliated outfitters. You are responsible for bringing personal items like clothing and proper footwear. Please see the sample packing list provided in your trip confirmation materials for more details about equipment. For the Akron Virtual Adventure, computer and connection specifications will be sent after registration so you can make sure you will be able to participate fully.
The Akron Adventures programs are designed to challenge all participants at their own level. Beginners will receive basic instruction for each activity and more experienced campers will also have the opportunity to challenge their comfort zones. All students will learn how to cooperate as a group in an outdoor setting.
Do I need previous camping experience?
The Akron Adventures programs are designed to challenge all participants at their own level. Beginners will receive basic instruction for each activity and more experienced campers will also have the opportunity to challenge their comfort zones. All students will learn how to cooperate as a group in an outdoor setting.
Like all physical activities, the Akron Adventure trips can present a risk. The University of Akron aims to minimize that risk by using only trained and certified professionals to facilitate activities. Emergency protocols are in place and will be followed when necessary.
Where and when do I check in for my trip?
A few weeks before the scheduled departure date for your trip you will receive a packet in the mail with updates about your trip and specifics about where to meet the group on campus.
Participants may stay overnight in a residence hall room on campus. To reserve a room, please contact Chris Tankersley at akronadventures@uakron.edu or 330-972-5434.
If I’m driving to Akron for my trip, where can I park my car?
For those driving to campus, parking is available on campus. You will receive a temporary parking permit in your Akron Adventures Trip Confirmation Packet that will be mailed to you about two weeks before your trip departs.
Should I bring a cell phone on the trip?
While you are permitted to bring a cell phone, we will ask you to turn off the phone during the day while participating in camp activities. You should also note that in some remote areas of our camping locations, cell phone service is not available.
| The University of Akron Office of New Student Orientation Simmons Hall 209 Akron, OH 44325-4716 |
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| Phone: | 330.972.2622 |
| Fax: | 330.972.5278 |
| Email: | orientation@uakron.edu |