University of Arkansas New Student Orientation Information

The NWA Life
3 days ago
4 min read

Below is a quick reference guide for the U of A Fall 2026 New Student Orientation. For the most updated information and more details, here the the website: Link to Admissions

When Are Orientation Sessions?

1‑Day Sessions: For summer 2026, one‑day sessions are scheduled on June 22 and June 29–30. Attendees arrive between 7:30–8:30 a.m. and depart after advising mid‑afternoon.
2‑Day Sessions: The two‑day orientation includes overnight housing in Founders Hall and runs June 22‑26. Arrival is from 2:30–3:30 p.m. on Day 1; students meet with advisors, register for classes and conclude on Day 2 by late afternoon.

Students register for their specific date through the New Student Center; the calendar on the registration page shows session availability.

Key Events in the Orientation Agenda

Morning (One‑Day Sessions)

Arriving on Campus (7:30‑8:30 a.m.) – Park in the Garland Avenue Parking Garage and pick up your parking pass; orientation staff help you find check‑in.
Check‑In (7:30‑8:30 a.m.) – At the UARK Bookstore, 2nd Floor; all students must check in by 8:30 a.m..

Optional Honors College Experience (8:00‑8:30 a.m.) – For honors students and those interested in the Honors College, held in the Union Theatre.
University Welcome (8:35‑8:55 a.m.) – Kick‑off in the Verizon Ballroom; includes greetings from university leadership.
Happy Healthy Hogs (8:55‑9:25 a.m.) – Information on campus safety, transit/parking, recreation, health and dining.
Transitions Session (9:25‑9:40 a.m.) – Introduction to Transition Programs & Initiatives and Parent & Family Programs.
Intro to Money Matters & Student Success (9:40‑10:20 a.m.) – Financial aid, scholarships and treasurer’s office overview, plus an overview of academic‑support resources.
Closing Remarks (10:20‑10:30 a.m.) – Orientation staff explain how advising and class registration will proceed.

Midday & Afternoon

College Meetings and Advising (10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) – Students meet with advisors by academic college, eat lunch, and register for classes. End times vary by college.
Optional Parent/Supporter Sessions (after lunch) – University Housing Q&A; Money Matters & Technology Needs session; VA Education Benefits Q&A; Campus Resource Fair; and Commuter Lounge open house.

Two‑Day Sessions

Day 1 of the two‑day session follows an afternoon/evening schedule (arrival 2:30–3:30 p.m., similar sessions as above starting at 3:50 p.m.). Students choosing on‑campus housing stay in Founders Hall; optional evening recreation takes place in the HPER building. Day 2 includes advising, registration and the optional parent sessions.

Parking, Check‑In & Campus Map

Location: All orientation parking is in the Garland Avenue Parking Garage (1055 W Cleveland Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701). Orientation leaders greet visitors at the north entrance and provide a parking pass.
If being dropped off: still go to the Garland Avenue Parking Garage.

Check‑in times: One‑day sessions 7:30–8:30 a.m.; two‑day sessions 2:30–3:30 p.m..
Directions:
- From the north: Take I‑49 south, exit 64 (Wedington Drive), go east 1.5 mi, turn right on Garland Ave, then left on Cleveland Street; garage entrance is on the right.
- From the south: Take I‑49 north to exit 64, turn right on Wedington Drive, then follow the same route.
- From the west or east: Travel via Hwy 412 to I‑49, then follow the directions from the north.
Map: A campus map is provided in the orientation packet, and an interactive version is available online (campusmaps.uark.edu ). On the map, look for GAPG (Garland Avenue Parking Garage) and ARKU (Arkansas Union) to orient yourself.

Orientation To‑Do List (Before Arrival)

The 2026 orientation guidebook lists several requirements and recommendations:

Submit immunization records: Two MMR vaccinations must be on file 48 hours before orientation; records can be faxed or uploaded to the Pat Walker Health Center portal.
Send academic records: Final ACT/SAT/Accuplacer scores are required for course placement; high‑school transcripts are required before the semester starts.
Provide test‑credit records: Submit AP/IB or dual‑credit transcripts when available.

Upload ID photo: Submit a photo online for the Razorback ID card and bring a government‑issued photo ID to orientation for pick‑up.
Special accommodations: Contact nso@uark.edu if you need dietary, mobility or other accommodations.
Optional placement exams: Math or foreign‑language placement tests can be taken online before orientation.
Housing contract: Complete the housing contract or “Live with Parent Exemption” by May 1.

What to Bring

All sessions: Comfortable walking shoes; reusable water bottle; umbrella or rain jacket; phone charger; government‑issued photo ID (students); cash or card for meals/snacks.
Two‑day sessions with overnight stay: Bedding (sheets, blanket, pillow), towel and toiletries, shower shoes, closed‑toe shoes for recreation, medications.

Orientation Fees

New Student Fee: $105 charged to the student’s tuition account for orientation and enrollment.
Guest Fee: $50 per guest over age 12, added to the student’s account; this funds family‑programming events and includes membership in the Parent & Family Association.

Additional Tips & Resources

Parents/supporters welcome: The university encourages parents to attend orientation; they will accompany their student for most of the day and may attend optional sessions during advising.

Accommodation information: On‑campus overnight housing for two‑day sessions is in Founders Hall (community‑style rooms); lodging is not provided for one‑day sessions or guests.
Fayetteville information:
- For local tips, events and hidden gems around Northwest Arkansas, be sure to follow theNWAlife on social media to stay up‑to‑date and inspired: Links
- For information For off‑campus lodging and visitor guides, visit the Experience Fayetteville tourism site.
Contact: New Student Orientation office—232 Silas Hunt Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701; phone 479‑575‑4200; email nso@uark.edu.

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