"I came to UM with no real friends here, and was worried about how I would transition. When I got here, I was astounded by how outgoing and friendly everyone is: I was immediately accepted and welcomed. Now I'm going to graduate with friendships that'll last a lifetime."
Orientation
Orientation Registration brochures have been mailed out to all accepted students. You can register online now! If you mail in a paper registration we will submit your payment electronically through this online form. Credit cards will be processed and checks will be entered as E-Checks.
Orientation provides you with a better understanding of The University of Montana and the services we provide-not to mention your first opportunity to register for classes. It's a great time to experience life at UM, get to know some of your classmates, and learn about the programs available to make you a successful student at The University of Montana. We think it is such a valuable program that we require all incoming students to attend an orientation before they register for classes.
We provide five Orientation programs throughout the year. A student beginning in the fall semester will choose from one of our Summer Orientations or the Fall Orientation. A student entering UM at the start of the spring semester will participate in the Spring Orientation. Students will be sent information about each of these programs.
What You Will Do at Orientation
During Orientation you will meet new friends, learn about the transition from high school to college and the services available to you on campus, and get an idea of what campus life will be like!
You can:
- register for your classes!
- get your Griz Card, which is your student ID. Your Griz Card grants you access to your dorm room, allows you to check out books from the Mansfield Library, and get into the Campus Recreation facilities-just to name a few of its many uses!
- learn how to take advantage of the many support programs UM offers to help you be a successful student!
- experience the Food Zoo and enjoy some of the delicious variety of food offered on campus.
- create a class schedule for your first semester by learning how to utilize the online class scheduler and course catalog to create a class schedule that best fits your needs!
- learn about how to get a job and how to stay healthy while you are a student here at UM!
All of your questions should be answered by the time you leave our program you'll be ready to start of your year as a GRIZ!
Which Orientation Is Right for Me?
We know that your summer is really busy, so we have set up several Orientations to meet your needs. Be sure to register well in advance to be sure a slot is open for the dates that suit you.
Summer Orientations
Summer Orientations are great for students who want an early chance to see the campus, live in the residence halls, and register for classes. Summer Orientations also tend to be smaller, so you will get more personalized attention.
To best address your needs, we have both entering freshman orientation programs and transfer student orientation. For families who want more insight into how to support their student, a separate but concurrent family orientation program is offered.
Fall Orientations
The Fall Orientation program is great if you want a single running start at your education. You'll make one trip to Missoula, register for and start classes right after Orientation, and move into your permanent residence hall room right when you arrive for Orientation.
Just like Summer Orientations, we have both entering freshman orientation programs and transfer student orientation. For families who want more insight into how to support their student, a seperate but concurrent family orientation program is offered.
Spring Orientations
Spring Orientations offer a running start those students beginning their classes during the Spring Semester. We have both entering freshman orientation programs and transfer student orientation.
Outdoor Adventure Options
The area around Missoula, MT is any outdoor enthusiast's dream-come-true. To help you get introduced to the natural splendor of our location, you can also take part in an optional outdoor adventure with your Orientation, through Outdoor Programs.
Raft Trip Option for Summer and Fall Orientations
Students of The University of Montana love to float the scenic rivers around Missoula all summer long. They spend much of their free time lounging on inner-tubes down the Blackfoot river, chatting with friends and enjoying the cool water and hot summer sun.
This is your chance to get a taste of the outdoor culture that students enjoy year-round, and see what you can do outside of class during your time at UM. Just remember: not all learning takes place in the classroom!