New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation
We’re so excited that you’ve decided to become a Blue Hen at the University of Delaware! To ease your transition to UD, we require that all new students participate in New Student Orientation (NSO), an experience designed to introduce you and your family to the UD community, help you learn everything you need to know to be successful and welcome you to UD!
Your NSO Experience Requirements
Live NSO Program
As part of your NSO experience, you and your family are invited to attend a live NSO program to learn about your Blue Hen community.
Live NSO programs feature a welcome from UD administrators plus opportunities to learn more about academic life, campus involvement, wellbeing and family engagement. You will meet other new students and our Orientation Leaders (OLs), become familiar with campus and ask questions before classes begin.
You and your family members will choose to attend your live program either virtually or in person on UD’s Newark campus.
In-Person Program
The in-person program will be in the Trabant University Center. Students and registered guests will receive details about program logistics, including health and safety guidelines, parking and check-in location at the email addresses provided on the program registration form.
Check-in begins in Trabant 45 minutes prior to the program start time.
Students can register up to two adult family members or guests (16 years or older) to attend with them. The cost for each family member or guest is $40 in advance, or $45 on site.
NSO begins with a welcome from UD administrators and a session about academic success and expectations, which students and families attend together.
Students then attend separate sessions led by the Orientation Leaders (OLs) for the remainder of the program. They begin to connect with other new Blue Hens as they tour campus (so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!).
While students meet with the OLs, families learn about campus involvement, wellbeing, safety and family engagement from UD staff and administrators, in addition to hearing from student leaders about their experiences as Blue Hens.
Students and families reconnect at the UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore to enjoy UDairy ice cream before the program concludes.
Parking for NSO is available in the Trabant Garage, adjacent to the Trabant University Center at 17 West Main Street, Newark, DE, 19716.
Parking costs are covered by event fees.
Virtual Program
The virtual program will take place via Zoom. Students and registered family members will receive the Zoom webinar link at the email addresses provided on the program registration form.
Students, plan to log into your UD Zoom account with your UD credentials. We recommend you review the UD Zoom Student Guide in advance to learn how to connect to Zoom.
There is no guest fee or limit for family members or guests attending the virtual program.
NSO begins with a welcome from UD administrators and a session about academic success and expectations, which students and families attend together.
Students then attend a session led by Orientation Leaders (OLs). They begin to connect with other new Blue Hens and learn the ins and outs of being a UD student.
While students meet with the OLs, families learn about campus involvement, wellbeing, safety and family engagement from UD staff and administrators, in addition to hearing from student leaders about their experiences as Blue Hens.
Because students and families will attend separate sessions for part of the virtual program, you should use different devices to participate. Students hould use a laptop or desktop computer, if possible, as OL-led sessions are interactive.
New Student Orientation Fee
Each new student is billed a mandatory, one-time $240* fee for the NSO experience, regardless of in-person or virtual participation. The fee also includes the math placement program and new student programming in the fall semester. This fee will appear on your first semester bill.
*Current rates are for the 2024–2025 academic year. Rates are subject to change for the 2025–2026 academic year and will be announced in early July and accurately reflected on student bills.
Rescheduling Your NSO Program
Space is very limited and rescheduling may not be possible. We strongly encourage you to choose the NSO session you can be sure to attend.
If you do need to reschedule, use the Edit Registration link in your program confirmation email. To switch from an in-person to a virtual program, you must first cancel your in-person selection, then register for the virtual program.
Online Orientation Course
The online orientation course is your roadmap to becoming a successful Blue Hen. This self-paced, virtual experience gives you an opportunity to learn and explore, while accomplishing important tasks to ensure you're prepared for your first semester.
The course is hosted on Canvas, UD's learning management system, and is divided into five required sections.
- Section 1: Welcome to UD! (An Overview of How to Navigate Online Orientation)
- Section 2: Important Academic Information and Resources
- Section 3: Blue Hen 101
- Section 4: Health and Wellbeing
- Section 5: What's Next?!
You will receive a course invitation at your UD email before you attend NSO.
To access Canvas, you must have activated your UD email and two-factor authentication. If you have not done so already, complete the following steps:
Assistance
Issues accessing Canvas or the course sections? Email OTP at otp@udel.edu.
For trouble setting up your UD email address or two-factor authentication, contact Information Technologies at askit@udel.edu or 302-831-6000.
Zoom Information Sessions
In addition to your live NSO program, you have the opportunity to join Zoom sessions covering important UD topics, such as housing, dining, student financial services and more.
Details about these sessions are communicated through Canvas in the online orientation course and to parents/families through the Blue Hen Family Hub.
Academic Advising Appointment
One of the major components of NSO is academic advising. You will meet virtually through Zoom with an advisor in your college to discuss your fall semester courses.
Appointments last 15–60 minutes, depending on your major, and you should plan to sign on with a laptop or desktop computer.
Get Started
- Log into your My Blue Hen Home.
- Click the yellow button to view the NSO portal page.
- Schedule your appointment through the Academic Advisement section.
Questions about your college or major? Visit Advising Central for your college's contact information.
Meet Your College
In addition to academic advising, your college offers a live, virtual Meet Your College session. Registration for this session starts in June within the NSO portal on your My Blue Hen Home.
From your college's academic advisors, you and other incoming students will learn about your college, general degree requirements, how advising works and what to expect at your advising appointment.