Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - New Student Orientation
Frequently Asked Questions
Newly Admitted students who are graduating, or have graduated high school and have not enrolled in an institution of higher education after high school graduation.
Newly Admitted Transfer Students with less than 24 credit hours moving to UTRGV from a different institution of higher education.
Newly Admitted Transfer Students, with more than 24 credit hours, moving to UTRGV from a different institution of higher education to continue pursuit of their undergraduate degree.
UTRGV is committed to your success and believes that New Student Orientation establishes the foundation for this. Studies have shown that students attending orientation programs have higher GPA's and retention rates than those who do not. (And ....It’s required by the state of Texas.)
Freshman/ First Time in College Students: Academic Advisors are available to new students only during scheduled New Student Orientation times.
Transfer students: Academic Advisors are available to transfer students after admission has been granted, all required registration documents are submitted, and all transcripts have been submitted and evaluated
Yes, you are expected to attend all sessions at New Student Orientation in order to register for classes.
Please call 956-882-4026 to discuss New Student Orientation options.
Spacing is limited for each Orientation session. If you walk in, we may not be able to accommodate you. We highly encourage all students to reserve in advance to secure a spot.
Registration for New Student Orientation is done online. Go to www.utrgv.edu/orientation and scroll down until you see the “Click here to sign up” button. You will need your UTRGV username and password to log in.
No. Space is limited for each session. You may change sessions without penalty provided space is available.
You can cancel by calling 956-882-4026.
Orientation confirmations are sent shortly after you reserve online to your UTRGV student email.
If you do not receive your confirmation email, contact us at orientation@utrgv.edu or call 956-882-4026.
New student orientation is a full-day program from 8am – 6 pm. You will get your V OneCard (student ID), hear from our student services areas, student organizations, be provided information about advisement, register for courses, get your class schedule, become familiar with our Vaquero spirit and traditions, and meet new friends! Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
In your confirmation email, you will receive information about where and when to check-in and if you provided a cell phone number and opted in to text messaging, you will also receive a check in location reminder a few days prior to your orientation date.
If you have a disability and require accommodation (i.e. sign language interpreter services, information in an alternate format, and other), please indicate this during the reservation process or contact us at orientation@utrgv.edu or call 956-882-4026
The first TWO items must be submitted before your orientation session.
- Submit Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination:
- All new students under the age of 22 are required to submit evidence of receiving the bacterial meningitis vaccination (administered within the past five years) before you can enroll. Students will not be allowed to register without providing proof of meningitis vaccination or exemption.
- Submit your TSI Scores.
- Bring Two Forms of Valid Identification with You:
- Examples of what to bring: Driver’s License, Military ID, State issued ID card and/or a Passport/VISA, original Social Security Number card, original Voter Registration card, a credit card and/or an Employee ID/Badge.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes:
- You will be doing a lot of walking around the UTRGV campus so be as comfortable as possible; do not forget to bring your best smile too!
Your reservation confirmation will include parking information and if you provided a cell phone number and opted in to text messaging, you will also receive a parking and check in location reminder a few days prior to your orientation date.
UTRGV offers a Family Orientation. When students register for orientation, they will have the option to add the names of two family members that will join them. Please note that family members must attend on the same day the student registers to attend orientation. There is no fee to attend, but there is a limit of two family members per student. In order to focus on the presentations, we advise that you leave small children at home. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
There is a $75.00 non-refundable fee for New Student Orientation. You do not have to pay the fee before you attend orientation, however, you can either pay it online in ASSIST before the event, in person at the Bursar’s Office, allow your financial aid to pay for the fee, or have it applied to your tuition and fee billing statement.
No, there is no waiver for the New Student Orientation fee.
For a list of important dates, please go to my.utrgv.edu and under Resources click on Academic Calendar.
For questions about financial aid, please contact finaid@utrgv.edu or 888-882-4026.
For questions about student housing and residence life, please contact home@utrgv.edu or 956-665-3439 (Edinburg) and 956-882-7191 (Brownsville).
Yes. You can check your holds on my.utrgv.edu. You will need your UTRGV username and password to login.