Every college journey begins with the first step of arriving on campus. Becoming comfortable in your new environment is an important part of adjusting to college life and that is what orientation is about. Meet your professors, make new friends, and learn about Gallaudet programs and services as you begin your academic career.

The Office of Orientation Programs, a unit of the First Year Experience, is responsible for undergraduate student orientation programs, including:

• New Student Orientation (NSO)
• International Student Orientation (ISO)
• Orientation for New Students with Disabilities (ONSD)
• Visiting Student Orientation (VSO)
• Family Orientation Programs (FOP)

New Student Orientation (NSO)

Fall 2009 - August 26-29
New Student Orientation is a required program for all new undergraduate students enrolling at Gallaudet University for the first time. This includes freshmen, transfer and international students. During NSO, new students become acquainted with Gallaudet culture, meet their academic advisors, register for classes, learn about campus policies, and participate in various activities, programs, and workshops.

Family Orientation Program (FOP)

Fall 2009 - August 27-29
The Family Orientation Program is designed to help families learn about Gallaudet, and ease the transition from family to university life. Two Family Orientation Program Sessions are offered, one in July during JumpStart Program and one in August during New Student Orientation (NSO). During FOP, families learn about campus departments and services and have opportunities to ask questions. Some of the departments highlighted include the Department of Public Safety, Housing, and Academic Advising. Family members arriving during the New Signers Program receive additional information on how students learn American Sign Language. The most popular workshop for both sessions features a panel of current students who share their experiences and perceptions of college life, and discuss strategies to help ease the transition from family home to university life.

International Student Orientation (ISO)

August 23-26, 2009
International students receive a three-day orientation (August 24-26) for the fall semester in addition to New Student Orientation (August 26-29). The International Student Orientation is designed to assist students in their adjustment to Gallaudet and American culture. Students complete INS paperwork, meet the Office of International Programs staff, and get acquainted with other international students. Also, students will take placement testsand receivee more information about their fall semester class schedule.

Orientation for New Students with Disabilities

August 23-26, 2009
The Office for Students with Disabilities is providing a three-day orientation (August 17-19) for students with diagnosed disabilities (learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, deaf-blindness, mobility impairments, and psychological disabilities, for instance) prior to the New Students Orientation (NSO) in August. After the three-day orientation, students then participate in NSO (August 26-29).

Visiting Student Orientation (VSO)

Fall 2009 - August 27-28
Visiting undergraduate students from other universities also participate in a two-day orientation designed primarily to introduce them to Gallaudet University and complete their course and business registration.