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 reception offers you the opportunity to learn more about
CMU’s programs to assist you in your decision to attend CMU.
I haven’t received information to sign up for orientation?
Orientation information is mailed after the new student
orientation fee has been paid. The Admissions office
mails a packet of information to students who have been accepted to attend CMU.
The packet includes the new student fee card. The fee must be paid to the Admissions office
before orientation information is mailed to you.
What is Academic Orientation and why is it mandatory?
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 listed on the reservation card. What do I do?
We do have additional freshman orientation dates available
that may not be listed on the reservation card mailed
to you. View these additional dates on this website or contact
the Orientation office for assistance (989-774-1099).
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 (see dates on this website).
If you are unable to audition during May
or June orientation sessions, you must contact the School of
Music to arrange your audition.
Instrumental: James Batcheller Choral: 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 not listed on the reservation card mailed to you. Review these additional dates on
this website or contact our office for assistance in scheduling an orientation date that fits your
schedule.
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.
Detailed instructions regarding the foreign language
placement test will be mailed to your home prior to your
scheduled session.
When will I know the orientation date I have been assigned?
You will be mailed a letter confirming the orientation date you have been assigned within a week
after we receive your reservation card. Keep the letter and note the date on your calendar.
A confirmation packet containing detailed instructions about your orientation session including when
and where to report will be mailed to you
a month prior to your orientation date.
What is the orientation schedule like?
(May and June sessions only)
Orientation is a one-day program with morning check in from
8 – 8:45 am at the Bovee University
Center on the second floor. 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. Designated parking for orientation participants will be in Lot 22.
Driving directions and an on-line campus map are available at
http://www.cmich.edu/visit/campus_map.htm.
Look for specific details in your confirmation materials mailed to you.
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 new student orientation fee you paid earlier covers the cost of orientation. There is no
additional charge for the student to attend.
Do I need a reservation to spend the
night in a residence hall? (May and June 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 Towers residence hall
complex at 6 pm or later on the evening prior to their
orientation date. Desk staff will be on duty all night
for late arrivals. Look for specific details in your
confirmation materials mailed to you.
Is there a fee for the optional overnight stay? (May
and June sessions only)
Yes. Students choosing this option will be assessed a
fee on their August E-bill statement. This fee cannot be
paid at the residence hall. Look for specific details
in your confirmation materials mailed to you.
What does the residence hall overnight provide? (May
and June sessions only)
The residence hall overnight provides accommodations in a
residence hall room. The Towers 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. Look for specific details
in your confirmation materials mailed to you.
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 parent 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 $25 to attend?
(May and June sessions only)
Yes. The fee is $25 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?
Participants who drive to orientation will park in a lot designated for
orientation (Lot 22; May and June sessions).
A map will be printed on the back cover of the confirmation materials mailed to you.
Driving directions and an online campus map are available at
http://www.cmich.edu/visit/campus_map.htm.
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. 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. Other
than that just bring any questions you have and a great
attitude!
