FAQs - Freshmen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pre-Orientation the same as Academic Orientation?
No. The programs are not the same. Pre-Orientation is an optional program sponsored by the Admissions Office. The pre-orientation meeting offers you the opportunity to learn more about Residence Life, Academic Orientation, Academic Advising and involvement opportunities at CMU.
How do I pay the $175 New Student Orientation Fee?
Online payment can be made using credit card or electronic check. If you do not have access to use online payment, you can mail your payment using the fee card provided by Admissions in your admit kit. This payment reserves your place as a new CMU student. Click here to pay fee online.
How do I reserve a date to attend Academic Orientation?
Once CMU has received and processed your new student orientation fee payment, you will be able to reserve your date to attend Academic Orientation using our online reservation system. You will be required to enter your CMU Global ID and password to gain access. This reservation process will take you approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Ready to reserve your date? Click here to begin.
How do I activate my CMU Global ID and E-mail account?
Visit http://myaccount.cmich.edu or call the CMU Help Desk at 989-774-3662.
What is Academic Orientation and why is it mandatory?
Academic Orientation is a program all freshmen are required to attend prior to enrolling in classes. Highlights of your orientation include meetings with advisors, exploration of academic majors and minors, registration for fall classes and photograph for your campus ID card. You will not be allowed to register for classes until you attend orientation.
Do I need to set up an appointment with an advisor prior to orientation?
No. Meeting with an advisor and registering for your classes are part of the orientation program.
I can't attend on any of the dates published on the online reservation site. What should I do?
Contact the Orientation office at 989-774-6629.
When are Music Ensemble Auditions?
Freshman students: If you do not plan to major in music, but are interested in being a member of any university musical ensemble, you must attend an orientation session when musical ensemble auditions are offered the evening prior. Review these music audition dates at http://www.cmich.edu/orientation/fall/auditions.htm. If you are unable to audition during May or June orientation sessions, you must contact the School of Music to arrange your audition.
| Instrumental: | Choral: |
| James Batcheller | Nina Nash-Robertson |
| (989) 774-3317 | (989) 774-3391 |
| batch1jc@cmich.edu | nashr1nm@cmich.edu |
What if my high school is still in session when orientation is offered?
Some high schools consider attending orientation as an excused absence. You might want to consider asking your high school guidance counselor this question. We do have additional freshman orientation dates available that may not be published on our online reservation site. Contact the Orientation Office at 989-774-6629.
If I can't attend orientation until July or August, will the classes I want be available?
As a new freshman you have many classes to choose from. You will be able to register for classes appropriate for a first semester freshman on any date you choose to attend orientation.
Will I be required to take placement tests at orientation?
No. During your orientation session, you will receive placement reports from the Mathematics and English departments. Your placement scores will be based on your high school performance and ACT scores. An online foreign language placement test can be taken prior to orientation if you intend to continue a language that you have previously taken in high school. Details regarding the foreign language placement test will be included in your online orientation reservation process or visit http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/fllc and click on placements tests.
When will I receive confirmation of the date I selected to attend orientation?
Once you complete and submit your online reservation, confirmation will be sent to your CMU e-mail account listing your orientation date, time and location along with links to other important information relevant to your orientation day. A few days prior to your orientation date, a detailed brochure will be mailed to your home address.
What is the orientation schedule like? (May and June freshman sessions only)
Orientation is a one-day program with morning check in from 8 - 8:45 am at the Bovee University Center (2nd floor lobby). Your day will end between 4 - 5 pm. Students who have family members attending the family program will check in together. Both programs begin and end in the same timeframe. Click here for driving directions and a map of campus.
Am I allowed to leave orientation during the session?
No. Students must stay with the orientation program and their assigned group throughout the entire day.
Does the student pay a fee to attend orientation?
Yes. The $175 new student orientation fee covers the cost of orientation. There are no additional charges for the student to attend orientation.
Do I need a reservation to spend the night in a residence hall? (May and June freshman sessions only)
No. This option is typically selected by students who must travel to Mount Pleasant the day before orientation and do not have alternative lodging such as a hotel with family members. Students can check into the residence hall at 6 pm or later the evening prior to their orientation date. Desk staff will be on duty all night for late arrivals. Specific details will be outlined in a brochure mailed to your home a few days prior to your orientation date.
Is there a fee for the optional overnight stay? (May and June freshman sessions only)
Yes. Students choosing this option will be assessed a $16.75 fee on their August e-bill statement. This fee cannot be paid at the residence hall.
What does the residence hall overnight provide? (May and June freshman sessions only)
The residence hall overnight provides accommodations in a residence hall room. The residence hall complex features a 24-hour reception desk, telephones, and in-room bath facilities. Linens, towels and pillows are provided. Each room accommodates four people, and students will be assigned roommates of the same gender. No dinner or breakfast is provided. There are no planned activities for early arrivers; your orientation program begins the next morning. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided on the day of your orientation session.
Can I bring a friend with me?
Space is limited to freshmen and their family members only. It is not possible for friends to attend your orientation session or advising meetings.
Do students and family members attend meetings together?
No. Sessions are scheduled for the same date, but family and student meetings are held separately in order to address the specific interests and questions of each group.
Will my family members be with me when I schedule classes?
No. Family members are not with you when you schedule classes with your advisor. At the conclusion of orientation and throughout the summer months, CMU advisors are available to answer questions regarding classes, academic program requirements and the registration process.
What if my family doesn't want the family orientation lunch - do they still pay the full $25 fee to attend? (May and June freshman sessions only)
Yes. The full fee is charged per family member whether they choose to eat lunch or not. The family orientation fee is all-inclusive. The fee covers the cost of all program features including an orientation handbook, lunch and a reception with CMU staff members.
What is the parking situation during orientation?
Designated parking for participants attending freshman sessions (May and June only) is in Lot 22 located off Preston Street. Click here for driving directions and a map of campus.
When will I receive my housing information to sign up for a residence hall?
Contact the Office of Residence Life for information on housing, 989-774-3111 or visit www.reslife.cmich.edu. Residence Life begins mailing housing information in February to students who have paid the new student orientation fee.
What should I bring with me?
If you would like to apply for jobs on campus, you should bring your social security card and driver's license. Walking to meeting locations will be part of your orientation day. Wearing comfortable shoes and casual clothing is suggested. Other than that, just bring any questions you have and a great attitude!