Next Steps for Admitted Students
What to Expect at Orientation
First-Year Students
Start strong with orientation designed to connect you to campus, resources, and your new Prairie Star community.
Transfer Students
Designed to help you transition smoothly and confidently into the UIS experience.
International Students
Important arrival and immigration information for international Prairie Stars, plus orientation details.
Graduate Students
Get set up for success with our online orientation and in-person support opportunities.
UIS Orientation Guidebook
Family, Parent, & Guest Information
Families are encouraged to attend orientation with their student. We offer a dedicated Parent and Family Orientation track, available both in-person and virtually, with resources to help you navigate your student's transition to college. By registering, you'll also gain access to the Parent Online Orientation, which includes valuable information tailored specifically for you. There is a $30 fee for in-person participation (or $15 for virtual), which helps cover the cost of meals, materials, and programming.
New Student Resources
Academic Advising
Freshmen & Freshman Honors Students
- Make your first advising appointment while completing online orientation, before your in-person session.
- If you don’t schedule in advance, you can make an appointment during your in-person Orientation, but class registration may be delayed due to time constraints.
- First Year Students: Advised by the Center for Academic Success & Advising (CASA).
- First Year CAP Scholars Honors Students: Advised by CAP advisors.
Transfer Students (24+ credit hours)
- If you’ve declared a major, you’ll be assigned a College or Faculty Advisor within your department.
- Use the AdviseU app to find your advisor and schedule an appointment based on their availability.
Graduate Students
- Contact your academic program directly for advisor details and guidance.
Student Self-Service
First-Time Users: Student Self-Service Access
Before accessing UI-Integrate Self-Service, first-time users must activate their account by following these steps:
Step 1: Find Your UIN and Activation Token
After admission, you received two emails from Admissions:
- Your UIN (University Identification Number) was included in your offer of admission.
- Your Activation Token was sent in a separate email titled "Set Up Your UIS Account", typically a few days later.
If you've already claimed your NetID and created a password, you're all set—no need to repeat this step.
Need to Request or Find Your NetID?
You’ll need your UIN, which was included in your Notice of Acceptance and admission packet.
Use it to request or locate your NetID and set your password.
Where to Get Help
Activation Token Help:
(217) 206-4847
admissions@uis.edu
NetID & Password Help (Tech Support Center):
(217) 206-7357
TechSupport@uis.edu
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Due to FERPA regulations, Tech Support can only assist students directly—not parents or guardians.
Financial Aid Information
You can view your financial aid information anytime through Student Self-Service. We recommend checking your status online before contacting the Office of Financial Assistance.
What You Can View in Student Self-Service:
- Financial Aid Offer Notification – Review and understand your aid package
- Award Summary – See a breakdown of your financial aid
- Cost of Attendance – View estimated tuition, housing, and other expenses
- Award History – Access past financial aid awards
- Student Requirements – Check if additional steps or documents are needed
Placement Testing
Students entering UIS who need to complete General Education college-level math and English composition courses may be required to take placement testing prior to registering for their first courses. If you are uncertain if you have to take placement testing, please contact your advisor. Students may not be able to register for these classes until placement tests have been taken.