First-Year Orientation at UIS
Orientation is a required experience for all first-year students. It’s your first step in becoming a Prairie Star—and it includes everything you need to embark on this new journey!
Orientation Overview (3 parts)
Summer Orientation (required)
- In person: one-day session (multiple sessions available throughout the summer)
- Virtual: two-day session for online and international students
Online Orientation Modules
- Modules will be sent to your Canvas during the summer
Welcome
Week
- The first few days before classes where you will get to know campus better, meet new people, and become a full fledged Prairie Star!
- Move-In Day for New Students - Wednesday, August 20th
Orientation Dates
In-Person Sessions
- January 8, 2026 (for students starting classes in Spring 2026)
For students starting in Fall 2026
- June 22, 2026
- June 24, 2026
- June 26, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- August 18, 2026 (for students from 500+ miles away)
Virtual Sessions
- January 9, 2026 (for students starting classes in Spring 2026 in Online majors)
- May 27, 2026 (for students starting Summer 2026 on-ground or virtual majors)
- June 29, 2026 (for students starting Fall 2026)
- August 17, 2026 (for students starting Fall 2026 in Online majors)
Register for Orientation
- Orientation is a one day event for students and their families
- Orientation Fee (This fee can be paid online or billed to your student account)
- $175 for students
- $30 per guest
- This fee covers materials, meals & programming
- Preview the Sample Schedules:
Before Orientation Checklist
- Start checking your UIS email regularly
- Submit your Intent to Enroll via your Application Status Page
- Plan your time off and travel ahead of time
- Complete your advising preparation worksheet which will be available on your UIS Application Status page, at least 48 hours before your appointment with your academic advisor
- Complete online modules in Canvas
- Checkout the UIS Orientation Guidebook
Add UISOrienation@uis.edu to your safe sender list