Student Orientation
Now that your college decision is made, it is time to begin your “college career” at Bradley University. As you begin this experience, your emotions may range from excitement to nervousness. Orientation will give you the necessary tools to deal with these emotions and will help ensure your success at the University.
Orientation is a necessary introduction to college life and to the challenges and opportunities students will encounter. Because of its importance, it is REQUIRED that students attend one of the thirteen 2-1/2 day sessions offered this summer. We limit each session to approximately 80 students.
During Orientation, you will:
- Meet other students (social activities)
- Cultivate new friendships
- Become familiar with campus
- Learn about campus life
- Participate in "team-oriented" activities
Orientation Presentations include, but aren't limited to:
- Placement testing*
- Meetings with Student Aides (Orientation Leaders)
- Individual appointments with faculty and staff**
- Campus resources (Health Services, Student Involvement, University Police, etc.)
- Fall class registration
- Discussion on campus issues
*Part of the Orientation process involves your participation in math and possibly foreign language course placement testing and the completion of various surveys and questionnaires. Most of these items are of the “no-wrong-answer” type. However, it might be to your advantage to arrive well-rested so that your course placement test scores are as accurate as possible. If you are interested in taking a practice test, please visit the Math Department’s web-site at http://www.bradley.edu/las/math/ and click on "Resources" and then “Placement Test”. Calculators are not allowed during the math placement test.
**You will meet with your academic advisor. He/she will assist you with planning your class schedule and will help you learn about Bradley’s academic requirements. Your advisor is also available to help you learn more about future career and educational interests and opportunities. You can also request individual appointments with other faculty and staff at the University when you need specific information, or where you have a particular need.
Travel and Scheduling Information
It is imperative that you plan your travel to arrive on campus during the registration check-in time between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. If not, you will likely miss some sessions that cannot be made up without considerable inconvenience to you (e.g., placement testing, Orientation session guidelines, receiving residence hall information and proper accommodations). Check-out for Orientation will be after the Closing Ceremony, which ends at approximately noon on the final day of each session.
What should I bring?
Students and parents will stay in two different locations. Orientation provides your bedding and a towel. You should bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- A blanket (residence halls are air conditioned)
- An alarm clock
- Washcloth and extra towel
- Toiletries
- Light jacket or sweatshirt (some meeting rooms are VERY COLD)
- Money for snacks, souvenirs, etc.
- Recreational clothing
- Students are required to stay in a residence hall during orientation*
*Students attending sessions 1-12 (even local) must stay on-campus. Students attending session 13 who live off-campus will not be required to stay in a residence hall.
What else do I need to know?
- Reservations for Orientation are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students and parents are not assured a reserved session until they receive a confirmation email.
- Encourage your parents/guardians to attend Orientation because most do.
- Campus Security will not issue parking citations during the summer unless you are parked in a handicapped space or next to a fire hydrant. You may park wherever it is most convenient.
- Orientation events are casual. Bring some recreation clothes and shoes.
- If you wish, you can pay your tuition at Orientation, but it’s not required.
- All of your meals during the program are provided except for lunch on your check-in morning.
- Here’s a State of Illinois Law you need to know regarding immunizations…You MUST have an immunization form on file at Bradley’s Health Center or the Law will not allow you to register for Spring semester classes. Mail your form or bring it with you to Orientation.
- You will receive an Orientation Session Confirmation email. If a change is necessary, please call the Center for Orientation and Advisement at (309) 677-2420.
How do I make an Orientation reservation?
- Be sure you have activated your BUnetID and set a password. A letter was included in the Orientation packet mailed to your home that you will need to complete this process.
- Go to www.bradley.edu/campuslife/orientation/ to make an on-line reservation or you can download our reservation form from that same website and send it in via email or fax.
- Listed on the registration form are the 13 sessions offered throughout the summer. Please indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd preference. If you plan to attend a June orientation session, your reservation must be received two weeks prior to the date you will attend. It is preferred that all other reservations be received by June 15.
If you have further questions, please call the Center for Orientation and Advisement at (309) 677-2420 or email us at mohl@bradley.edu.
