New, Transfer, and
Returning
Student Orientation
Thank you for visiting the New, Transfer, & Returning Orientation (NTRSO) website. The dates for the Fall 2008 NTRSO Program are Sunday, August 17, 2008 - Saturday, August 23, 2008 for students and Sunday, August 17, 2008 - Tuesday, August 19, 2008 for parent/family orientation. The deadline to sign-up was Thursday, July 31, 2008 and is now closed. While the deadline to sign-up for orientation has passed, we will make some accommodations, based on need and availability on a first come, first save basis. Please visit the following website for more information:
Waitlist Sign-Up
Orientation is a week long program for students as each day will have different activities scheduled. Due to an increase in costs to implement a successful orientation program, the registration fee for NTRSO is $75 per student (for the entire week of activities, excluding special excursions that have additional costs and will be noted in the schedule when posted) and $35 per parent/family member (for the two and a half day program).
If you would like information about advising, particularly information about placement exams please visit the following website:
Advising Center
For questions or additional information regarding orientation, please contact the New Student Programs Office at 808-933-0732. Mahalo!
Orientation Kick Off - Evening of Aloha
Keynote Speaker: William Punapaia'alaikahala "Billy" Kenoi
Welcome and congratulations on becoming the newest members of the UH Hilo Vulcan family! Ho'onanea and launa (enjoy and meet) fellow students and key administrators at this aloha (welcome) reception. We will welcome you into the Vulcan family by our featured speaker, Waiakea High and UH Hilo Alum, William Punapaia’alaikahala “Billy” Kenoi! We are honored that Mr. Kenoi will share how he made the best of his college experience to allow him to be the success he is today. An assortment of desserts, coffee, and teas will be provided to nourish you after a long journey to UH Hilo! Students and family members who have registered for orientation are welcome to this event.
Why is Orientation Important?
The 2005 National Survey of Student Engagement Annual Report found that students who attended orientation:
- Were more involved in educationally enriching activities
- Perceived the campus environment to be more supportive
- Reported greater developmental gains during their first year of college
- Were more satisfied with their overall college experience
Mission Statement
The mission of New, Transfer, and Returning Student Orientation is to serve as a vehicle that welcomes and introduces each student and their families. The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is an intellectually stimulating, culturally diverse, and caring community. The goal of orientation is to enable each student to feel personally connected and invested in their own educational success. Orientation provides opportunities for students to engage in activities that will assist them in acquiring tools that will foster a safe and successful transition to the university. Orientation is a first step in developing students into civic-minded citizens of the community.
At orientation you will...
- Receive a UH Hilo Survival pack to include UH Hilo logo items, Community resources and special giveaways
- Receive supportive and personalized academic advising
- Get into small group student interaction with new and experienced students
- Receive personalized advising from faculty
- Have easy access to university staff to guide students' concerns and questions regarding campus life
- Get informed about financial assistance
- Find opportunities for leadership development through involvement with student organizations and community partners
- Celebrate a culturally diverse campus environment through traditions and cultural receptions
- Register to create a class schedule that is balanced and aligns with the students' academic goals
- Be exposed to service opportunities that can be either linked to an academic course, linked to a students' tuition (Americorp), or a practical learning environment
- Participate in career development workshops
- You will have FUN participating in activities and meeting new people
Parents are also an important part of orientation. They will receive resourceful parent sessions that will inform, clarify, and define the family's changing role in the student's college experience.