- I am already familiar with SIU, why should I attend an NSO?
I live locally, I know someone who works at SIU, or I have a family member who attended SIU.
While we realize you may be familiar with campus, New Student Orientation is about so much more! In fact, we spend very little time focusing on the physical layout of campus. New Student Orientation offers you the opportunity to make connections with new and current students from across the country, so you start school with friendships already forming. New Student Orientation gives you the opportunity to meet faculty and staff who are there to support you throughout your college experience. New Student Orientation brings together all the various offices you are required to work with in order to complete your enrollment process. It exposes you to the support services in place to help you succeed. It educates your family on the transitions you will face as a college student and how they can best support you. And last, but certainly not least, New Student Orientation gets the entire family excited about becoming Salukis! Don’t forget, attendance at New Student Orientation is required for freshmen and highly recommended for transfer students.
- Is there a cost to attend New Student Orientation?
There are no upfront costs for students.
However, all new students (freshmen and transfers) will be assessed a non-refundable $150 New Student Program fee on their Bursar bill, which covers orientation activities including New Student Orientation, Saluki Startup, Weeks of Welcome and additional activities throughout the year. Because all new students will be assessed this fee, it is important you take advantage of these important activities!
- How do I sign up for New Student Orientation?
Sign up here! Students who have recently been admitted may have to wait 24 hours to access the online reservation system. If you have difficulty with the online reservation form or you have other questions, please contact New Student Programs at 618/453-1000 or orientation@siu.edu.
- Can transfer students attend any of the program dates?
Yes! All orientation programs are open to both incoming freshmen and transfer students.
- How will my date be confirmed?
When you complete your New Student Orientation reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. In addition to confirming your date, this email will provide a checklist of items to complete before, during, and after New Student Orientation; as well as helpful information about academic advisement and planning your trip to campus.
To make the most of your New Student Orientation experience, it is very important you read the confirmation email right away and follow the steps listed in the checklist. Some of these items must be completed before you attend New Student Orientation, or you may not be able to register for classes. You will receive additional reminder emails one and two weeks before your New Student Orientation, and each email will have helpful and important information.
All correspondence regarding New Student Orientation will be done via email, so please make sure you provide a valid email address (which you check regularly) on your reservation.
- What if I do not receive a confirmation e-mail?
There are a few possible reasons you may not receive a confirmation email. Check to make sure you completed your reservation in the New Student Orientation reservation system. Verify the email address provided is correct. Check the Junk folder and settings on your email account. If you still have not received a confirmation email after completing these steps, please contact our office at
orientation@siu.edu or 618/453-1000 and we will work with you to resolve the issue.
- What if I want to change my date?
To change your date, simply log back into your account by clicking the "Edit Orientation Registration" button in your confirmation email. Once "Edit Orientation Registration" is clicked, follow the instructions below:
- If you need to select a different in-person orientation date, you will click the "Reschedule" button and select a different date.
- If you need to adjust your orientation reservation from an in-person to virtual program or vice versa, you must cancel your current reservation and start a new one.
We ask you to change your date as early as possible, so we can plan accordingly for your visit to campus.
Reservations will close 3 business days before a New Student Orientation program, and at this point you will no longer be able to change your reservation electronically. If you need assistance, please email orientation@siu.edu or call 618/453-1000.
- What if I need to change my major?
If you need to change your major, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at 618/536-4405 PRIOR to attending NSO. Changing your major in advance will ensure you meet with the appropriate advisor when you attend New Student Orientation.
- What is the location of the program?
The in-person New Student Orientation programs in April will be held at Shyrock Auditorium. To map directions, use the following address:
1263 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
May-July New Student Orientations will be held at the SIU Student Center. To map directorions, use the following address:
1255 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
The virtual New Student Orientation will be held via Zoom. A link will be emailed to you prior to the program.
- Where do I park?
Free parking is provided for New Student Orientation. Location can vary for different programs. Be sure to read through your email reminders thoroughly for parking directions applicable to your orientation date.
- How long is the program?
The in-person New Student Orientation programs are a full-day program, with check-in beginning at 8:30AM and the last events of orientation ending at approximately 3:00PM. Optional extended day activities include campus & residence hall tours (3:00PM-5:00PM) and Saluki Hangout & Dinner in the 'Dale (5:00PM-8:00PM).
The virtual New Student Orientation program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last approximately two and a half hours.
- Are there available accommodations if needed?
If you, your family member, or a guest needs assistance (such as an interpreter, wheelchair, etc.) to fully participate in New Student Orientation, please indicate this in the reservation system. We will strive to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. You may also contact our office at orientation@siu.edu or 618/453-1000 to discuss your needs and how we can support you. Advanced notification will allow us more opportunity to connect you or your family member or guest with the appropriate resources or accommodations.
- I've attended New Student Orientation, now what?
By attending New Student Orientation, you have started your Saluki path on the right foot. But New Student Orientation is only the beginning! Your next step in the orientation process is to attend Saluki Startup. Saluki Startup gives new and returning students an opportunity to engage with one another and take part in campus activities. During Saluki Startup, you’ll learn more about what it takes to be a successful college student, meet other new students, and meet the faculty, staff, and community members who are here to support you during your journey at SIU. Attendance at Saluki Startup activities is highly recommended for both freshmen and transfer students.
After Saluki Startup, join the campus community for Weeks of Welcome (WOW). During WOW, the SIU campus and Carbondale community provide numerous activities to welcome students to campus and get them excited to be a Saluki.
For more information, visit wow.siu.edu.
- What is the Student Health Insurance Fee?
SIU requires all students that are taking on-campus courses to have health insurance. To
meet this mandate, all students taking on-campus courses will be billed the student health
insurance fee. Students who already have comparable health insurance coverage may waive
the fee by completing the waiver process prior to the posted deadlines.
Waiver for the Fall 2023 semester opens July 14, 2023.
Deadline to complete the waiver is September 1, 2023.
- How do I enroll in the Installment Payment Plan?
The Bursar's Office offers an installment payment plan for a minimal fee per semester. Students must re-enroll in the plan each semester. More information on the installment payment plan can be found here.
Enrollment dates:
- 4 payments for the Fall semester: Enrollment period July 15th - July 30th
- 4 payments for the Spring semester: Enrollment period December 15th - 30th
- 2 payments for the Summer semester: Enrollment period May 15th - 30th
