TU welcomes its newest Tigers to campus
Have your student ready for Summer Orientation with this list of Frequently Asked Questions
By Kyle Hobstetter on June 17, 2019
With the summer months finally upon us, Towson University is ready to welcome its newest members to campus!
Over the next three months, the Office of New Student and Family Programs will host 26 different orientation sessions that will welcome incoming freshmen and transfer students to Towson University.
New Student Orientation is a mandatory one-day program designed to introduce students to TU's academic expectations and help them meet their fellow incoming students. Students will learn about their course schedule, academic standards, living on and off campus, and what it means to be a part of the TU community.
The New Student and Family Programs features over 73 dedicated staff members, including 59 student orientation leaders. During the day this staff will help lead new students and their families around campus, and introduce them to life at TU.
The day will feature students taking a tour of campus, receiving their Towson University One Card, meeting with their academic advisers, eating lunch at Newell Dining Hall, meeting campus members, university departments and resources at the Black and Gold Fair, and hearing from members of the TU community at special curated panels.
For a complete schedule, don’t forget to download the TU Events app from your app store
Along with getting to know about the Towson University experience, incoming students and their families will also meet student orientation leaders. These students will teach the newest members of the Tiger community about the TU spirit as well as its traditions. This includes teaching them the Towson University fight song, giving them some helpful tips only students know and what they should expect their first few days on campus.
“Summer orientation is my favorite time of the year as the enthusiasm of our incoming students and their families as well as our Orientation Leaders really showcase the Tiger spirit,” says Katie Murray, director of New Student and Family Programs. “The New Student and Family Programs team is excited to welcome everyone and teach them the ins and outs of life at TU.”
We know preparing for college is tough, and this is a student’s first official day at TU. So here are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully help in the start of your journey here.
ORIENTATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long does Orientation last?
A: Freshmen Orientation begins with check-in at 8 a.m. inside West Village Commons. The program will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 3:45 p.m.
Transfer Orientation begins at the same time, but follows a different schedule and should end anywhere between 3 – 5 p.m.
Please note that students not in attendance by 10:00 a.m. will be required to reschedule.
Q: What do families need to know before coming?
A: It’s important to note that students and families will follow a different schedule. Family members also have to register to attend. They can make a reservation through the student’s account. While it is preferred to have registered in advance, we do take on-site registrations for family members.
Families will also have received a confirmation e-mail 3-5 days prior to their scheduled orientation date. The email will contain both information about the day, as well as the family’s parking permit.
Q: Are there any fees?
A: The only fee collected in advance is the guest fee, which is $25. Students will pay a $110 fee that is billed to their student account.
Q: Do new students have to go to Orientation?
A: All incoming Towson University students are required to go to a New Student Orientation event.
Q: How do I get here and where do I need to go?
A: You can find directions to campus here, and on your parking permit.
Q: What should I wear for Orientation?
A: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. Students and their families will be moving around campus throughout the program.
Q: Will there be parking available?
A: A Towson University Parking permit will be sent to you in your orientation confirmation e-mail. Parking will be available in the University Union Garage on the third and fourth floors in spaces designated with a green border on the signage
Check-in is located in West Village Commons, which is a short walk from the University Union Garage. A shuttle will also be available at the bus stop at the lower level of the garage to take students and families to check-in.
All students and their guests are required to display a parking permit on the front dashboard of their vehicle
Q: Will there be food?
A: Yes! Students and their families will be served a continental breakfast at the start of the day, and well as a lunch at our own Newell Dining Hall.
Q: Will we get to meet TU on-campus organizations?
A: Yes! You will get to meet all the campus partners and resources offered to your student during their time on campus. They will get to meet our campus partners and resources during the Black and Gold Fair from 8 – 9 a.m.
There will also be an Off-Campus Housing Fair during transfer orientation from 2 - 4 p.m.
Q: Will I be given a schedule for the day?
A: There will be a limited quantities of paper schedules will be available at the program. You can download the TU Events app from your app store, and select the “New Student Orientation” book to have the full orientation schedule right on your phone.
Q: What is a TU One Card and how do I get it?
A: The OneCard is the official Towson University ID card. The OneCard provides access to many university services: library privileges at Cook Library, use of the university's athletic facilities, free or reduced-priced tickets at Towson University cultural and athletic events, access to recreational facilities and a free e-mail account through the Office of Technology Services.
Students will be issued their OneCard during orientation. Students need to bring a photo ID to verify their identity in order to obtain their OneCard. Students will have their picture taken at orientation. They cannot wear a hat, sunglasses or anything else that obstructs view of the face and head.
Q: What does a student need to bring to Orientation?
A: Bring any AP credit documentation, IB credit documentation or college transcripts with you for your advising meeting (advising meetings will only be for freshmen students).
Q: If we need to cancel or need to make a reservation for a family member, who do we contact?
A: Any changes to a student orientation reservation please contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at 410-704-2309 or via e-mail at newstudentprograms AT_TOWSON.
Transfer Student FAQs
Q: Who do we contact about the transfer credit evaluation?
A: Direct any questions regarding transfer credit evaluation to University Admissions at 410-704-2113. Please review your online copy of your transfer credit evaluation 24-48 hours before your scheduled date. Please print a copy and bring it with you.
Q: What do you need to bring to orientation?
A: Please bring your final copies of your transcripts or have the ability pull up an unofficial version from your previous institution. Also please bring your class schedule if you are currently enrolled in classes.
Also, we would like to know your thoughts about TU before arriving at orientation. Please take a few minutes to complete our Transfer Perception Survey.