Click on the links below to see the answers to frequently asked questions.
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How do I register for Orientation, and when is registration due?
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Who should I contact if I change my major prior to Orientation?
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Do I need to take the foreign language placement test or a mathematics placement test?
1) Who should attend and what happens during Orientation?
All First Time in College students new to Clarion University are required to attend New Student Orientation, which is a one-day session packed with useful information and exciting activities. In order to better see what will occur, check the schedule for your orientation session (click the link on the menu at the left side of this page). Orientation allows you to come to Clarion and become familiar with the campus as well as the community. Orientation is an essential part of your transition to Clarion University and is necessary to attend in order to get the needed information about your upcoming school year, schedule your classes, and get your Clarion University Photo ID. At Orientation you will meet professors, staff, and other new students.
If you receive early admittance to Clarion University, you are eligible to attend Orientation sessions in the spring. By choosing to attend one of these early sessions, you will be given the opportunity to finalize your college plans before you even graduate from high school; this includes scheduling for fall and spring classes before anyone on campus. Due to the advantages of attending the spring sessions, they do fill up quickly so we suggest you fill out your registration form and return it as soon as possible. If you prefer to attend a later orientation session or are unable to attend a spring orientation session, we do offer sessions in June from which you may choose.
If you are a transfer student to Clarion University, you are strongly encouraged to attend the New Student Orientation; however, it is not mandatory. Please refer to the Orientation Schedule in order to aid in your decision.
Parents, family members, and guests are encouraged to attend Orientation with their student. Parents, family members, and guests will attend a program tailored to answer their questions and address their concerns. This program runs concurrently with the Student Program. If you would like to view what the day will encompass, please refer to the session schedule.
2) When will I receive information regarding Orientation?
You will receive information regarding New Student Orientation approximately one week after we receive notification from the Admissions Office of your acceptance and your paid your deposit to Clarion University.
3) How much will Orientation cost my parents/guests and me?
A Clarion parent/guest fee of $30.00 for adults, $15.00 for high school age and $10.00 for ages 12 and under will be charged to all parents/guests for the orientation program to cover the costs of materials, food, and publications they will receive during the program. An additional $25.00 is charged per bed to those who stay in on-campus housing during the summer sessions.
A Student Fee is billed to all incoming students at Clarion University. A portion of this fee is used to cover new student programs, including New Student Orientation and Discovery Weekend. This fee will be charged to your student account and will appear on your first billing statement.
4) Where can I stay the night before Orientation?
During the August and spring sessions, students are living in campus housing and we are unable to provide overnight accommodations for students and parents/guests. Enclosed in the invitation packet is a list of local hotels. Clarion University rates are available at most local hotels; inquire about these when making your reservations.
During summer sessions, on-campus housing is available. Students and parents/guests will be housed in the University's suites. Students and their parents/guests will be housed in different rooms and on different floors.
Items to bring if you have chosen to stay overnight prior to Summer Orientation: pillows, blankets, towels, toiletries, clothing, etc. Sheets are provided on the beds.
Students will room with another new student participant. Parents/guests may request to room with another parent/guest. Due to limited space, if parents/guests do not have a pre-selected roommate, they may be assigned to room with another single parent/guest of the same sex. To reserve a room for the night, you must fill out the requested information on the reservation form and return it to the Transitions/Orientation office, prior to your arrival. We cannot guarantee housing if participants arrive without a reservation. Parents/guests wishing to stay in on-campus housing are charged an additional $25 per bed fee. Fees should be paid by cash, check, or money order upon arrival to the session.
5) When is Orientation offered?
New Student Orientation is a one day event.
January Orientation is offered on the Friday prior to the start of Spring Semester classes.
January Orientation is Friday, January 20, 2012
Spring Orientation offers five dates from which to choose. Assignments are made on a first come first served basis. You will be asked to rank the sessions in the order of first choice, second choice and third choice. We ask you to give us three session choices so that we can assign you to a session that works for you, in case your first session choice is no longer available. Once our office receives your reservation form, you will be assigned to attend one of the five sessions based on your choices and the availability in the sessions. Keep in mind that there is a 110-student limit for each session, so it is important to return your registration form as quickly as possible.
The spring session dates are listed below:
Session 1: March 30, 2012 (Friday) Session 2: April 13, 2012 (Friday)
Session 3: April 20, 2012 (Friday) Session 4: April 27, 2012 (Friday)
Session 5: May 4, 2012 (Friday)
Summer Orientation offers six dates from which to choose. Assignments are made on a first come first served basis. You will be asked to rank the sessions in the order of first choice, second choice and third choice. We ask you to give us three session choices so that we can assign you to a session that works for you, in case your first session choice is no longer available. Once our office receives your reservation form, you will be assigned to attend one of the three sessions based on your choices and the availability in the sessions. It is important to return your registration form as quickly as possible.
The summer session dates are listed below:
Session 6: June 5, 2012 (Tuesday)
Session 7: June 7, 2012 (Thursday)
Session 8: June 12, 2012 (Tuesday)
Session 9: June 14, 2012 (Thursday)
Session 10: June 19, 2012 (Tuesday)
Session 11: June 21, 2012 (Thursday)
6) How do I register for Orientation, and when is registration due?
Once you are admitted to the university and have paid the deposit, you will be sent New Student Orientation materials from the Transitions Services Office. You will find a registration form enclosed. Simply fill out the form and mail it back in the enclosed reply envelope. Once we receive the registration form, we will mail you confirmation information about your assigned session. If for some reason you do not have a reply envelope enclosed in your packet of information, send your registration form to the following address: Transitions Services, Center for Academic Achievement, Ralston Hall, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214. Fill out your registration form and return it as soon as possible.
Registration for Summer Orientation must be received at least a week before your preferred first choice.
7) What should I do if I can't attend Orientation?
New Student Orientation is mandatory for all new students. We strongly encourage you to try to rearrange your schedule so that you can attend one of the sessions. We will provide you with Missed Class documentation for your High School if you need to attend prior to your high school graduation. If attending a session in June is not possible, we do offer a session in August right before the start of the semester. You will need to contact the Transitions Office at 814-393-1766 if you find that the August orientation is your only option.
8) Who should I contact if I change my major prior to Orientation?
If you decide to change your major prior to attending New Student Orientation, it is VERY important that you contact the Admissions Office, 814-393-2306 or email adrayer@clarion.edu, prior to your arrival. This will allow us to place you in the proper college while you schedule for your classes.
9) Who assists with special needs for housing or testing?
If you have special needs for housing for the upcoming year and you are living on campus, you should contact the Housing Office at 814-393-2352. If you are living at Reinhard Villages you should contact the leasing office at 814-226-4740. If you are living anywhere else, you should contact your landlord.
If you have special needs for testing, you should contact Jennifer May at the Academic Enrichment Office at 814-393-2249. It is very important that you make these arrangements prior to attending New Student Orientation.
10) Do I need to take the foreign language placement test or a mathematics placement test?
Foreign Language Placement Test. If you have taken French, Spanish or German in high school and are planning on taking a foreign language course as a general education requirement, you should take the foreign language placement test. Taking the foreign language placement test will ensure that you are placed in a language class that best matches your current level of knowledge. Directions for completing the test online are included in the packet of New Student Orientation materials that have been sent to each student. Please complete this test before your assigned session.
Students in the following majors are required to take the foreign language placement test:
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Philosophy |
Art |
Chemistry |
English |
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Mathematics |
Physics |
Psychology |
Theater |
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Speech Communications |
Humanities |
Natural Science |
Sociology |
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Social Science |
International Business |
Political Science |
History |
Mathematics Placement Test. You must complete the Mathematics High School Questionnaire at least two weeks prior to your assigned orientation session. Instructions for completing the Mathematics High School Questionnaire are included in the packet of orientation information that is sent to all new students.
11) What is the weather like in Clarion, PA?
Winters in Clarion are cold and snowy. Summers are warm. Spring and Autumn weather ranges from warm to cold, dry to raining. In order be prepared, we strongly suggest you check out the local weather prior to arriving here.
12) What should I bring and wear to Orientation?
For New Student Orientation purposes, you will need to bring:
Your Confirmation Letter
Any other important information for the University
There is no dress code; however, we strongly encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. We suggest you check the weather forecast for Clarion, PA prior to your session and wear clothing suitable to the weather. However, regardless of the weather, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and footwear since you will be doing some walking.
13) Where and when is check-in for Orientation?
Check-in for New Student Orientation is at the Gemmell Student Center (click link for map). Gemmell Student Center will be highlighted on the map that is sent with your confirmation materials.
Check-in time is from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on the day of your assigned session. Please arrive at check-in as soon as possible! If everyone arrives close to the 8:15 a.m. time, we will not be able to accommodate all of the tasks that must be completed during check-in. If you have parents/guests attending with you, they will also need to check-in.
During check-in, you will be given an up-to-date schedule and other Orientation materials. If you are attending a Spring orientation, you may receive your Residence Hall or Reinhard Village assignment if you have opted to reside in a Residence Hall and if you have completed the residence hall application. Also during check-in, you will have your picture taken for your Clarion University Photo ID.
14) Where is on-campus parking available?
Parking for New Student Orientation will be in Lot 16 on Clarion University's campus. This lot is highlighted on the map that is sent with your confirmation materials. Lot 16 is located behind the Gemmell Student Complex. Directional signs will be posted to guide you to the lot.
15) Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you or your parents/guests have additional questions regarding New Student Orientation, please call the Transitions Services Office at 814-393-1766. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact Information
Erin Schuetz
Coordinator of Transition Services
814-393-1766 office
111/112 Ralston Hall
Click here to see the goals and outcomes of New Student Orientation
Click here to link to Math Placement Questionnaire instructions
Click here to link to Foreign Language Placement instructions
Resource Guide 2012-2013
