Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all new first-year and transfer students are required to participate in virtual orientation. Virtual orientation is designed to assist you in completing the necessary steps prior to starting your first semester at the University of Arizona. You will learn about academic and support services from the campus and your college / academic unit. This is also when you will register for your first semester classes.

You can register through Next Steps Center. Once you've completed the Path to Enrollment tile, you'll then find instructions in the Orientation tile on the home page. You'll be directed to a series of screens and provided a list of program dates that are available to you. Please note that the dates you see may be different from your friends who are attending in the same semester. The dates filter based on your unique academic criteria and program availability. Factors such as college, major, or SALT Center participation will affect the orientation sessions you are eligible to attend. Orientation dates are also limited based on total capacity.

Yes! You’ll need to log into the Next Steps Center and open the Orientation module. In the left-hand menu, select the “Virtual Orientation” tab. In this section, scroll down and click the red button that says "Make Changes." You will be able to switch program dates, add/or remove guests, and request accessibility accommodations.

Please note the following fees associated with making changes to your orientation reservation:

  • Add guests ($40 fee)
  • Reschedule orientation ($35 fee)
  • Accessibility Accommodations (no fee)

If you need to make a change to your session within seven business days, please contact Orientation & New Student Services directly at orientation@arizona.edu

Cancellation of virtual orientation takes place only when a student cancels their admission to the University of Arizona. Since orientation is a required program for all new students, you cannot cancel program attendance unless you have decided not to attend Arizona. Please see the question "Can I make changes to my Orientation registration?" for instructions on how to make changes to the date of your orientation program.

Family and supporter participation for first-year students is optional but encouraged. The virtual Family Essentials orientation provides first-year Wildcat family members with information, resources and contacts that will aid in student success at Arizona. Family members and guests can be added via the student registration process in the Next Steps Center. There is a $40.00 guest orientation fee, which helps to cover programming costs of Family Essentials.

Virtual orientation is required for all incoming students at the University of Arizona. By signing up for orientation, you are acknowledging that failing to attend your orientation session may result in a fee added to your student account. Your classes will also be dropped. If you are unable to attend your scheduled session, you must contact Orientation & New Student Services as soon as possible.