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Advising » Exploratory Freshman Orientation

Online Orientation for University College Exploratory Freshmen

Welcome to ASU! We hope you are excited about what lies ahead, and we look forward to meeting you when you arrive on campus. In an effort to better prepare you for your first semester at ASU and the registration process, we have created a homework assignment to make sure you understand what courses you need to take, and where you can find resources to help you succeed.

Students Admitted for Fall

Although we expect all of our new students to attend an orientation program at ASU or at one of our three out-of-state orientation programs, we know that this is not always possible. Students living outside of the metro Phoenix area can set up a phone advising appointment, while students living within the metro Phoenix area can set up an advising appointment in our office. Any student needing an advising appointment (phone or in person) that is outside of an orientation will need to complete the online orientation homework.

Students Admitted for Spring

ASU does not offer an orientation program for students starting in the spring. Students living outside of the metro Phoenix area can set up a phone advising appointment, while students living within the metro Phoenix area can set up an advising appointment in our office. All incoming University College freshmen are required to complete the online orientation homework prior to setting their first phone or in-person advising appointment.

Things to do before attending your advising appointment:

  • Admissions—Make sure that you have been accepted to ASU.
  • Immunizations—ASU requires proof of immunizations in order to enroll in courses.
  • Orientation Preparation. University College Academic Advising has prepared several online resources to assist students and parents in their preparation for orientation. These resources will assist you with topics such as what to expect at orientation, how to register for classes, what are ASU general studies, and the role of University College. Many orientation program handouts are also available for preview.
  • Unified math placement exam - The score you earn on this exam determines what math you are eligible to take. All students need to complete this exam.
  • ALEKS Calculus readiness exam - This exam is required for students who wish to register for certain levels of calculus. If you plan to take a calculus course, you must complete this exam prior to attending orientation and/or meeting with your academic advisor.
  • English composition placement - If you have taken the SAT or ACT exam, your English course will be determined by your test score. If you have not taken one of these exams, you may take the Accuplacer placement exam in person.
  • Foreign language exam—A foreign language is not required for all majors. However, if you want to enroll in Spanish, French, or German and have some knowledge of the language, you will need to take the online exam.
  • Sun Devil Tracking two-minute tutorial—Sun Devil Tracking is ASU’s electronic advising and degree-tracking system. Complete this tutorial to help you understand Sun Devil Tracking. This will be critical to your advising.
  • Explore majors—Do you want to know what classes you would need for a particular major? Do you want to see what degrees ASU offers? Check out this site to get ideas on majors you may want to explore.
  • Check out your MyASU site—MyASU is your “Gateway to Services” here at ASU. This is definitely one site you want to know. In the “My Classes” section browse the course catalog, add/drop classes, view your class schedule (once you’ve registered); in the “My Programs and Advising” section find your advisor’s name and contact info, access your grades, order ASU transcripts; in the “My Accounts” section access payment info, make a payment, update personal info; in the “Resources” section access other ASU student resource websites. For an online presentation on the “My Programs and Advising” section please click here.

The information presented in the online homework will show you how to select your classes and build your first schedule. However, the term ‘orientation’ implies learning and getting acquainted to ASU’s campus. To do this through cyberspace requires more effort on your part. Our on-campus programs last all day long, so our request that you spend 45 minutes on this website is quite reasonable. We expect you to take this assignment seriously and complete all exercises completely. You will have to speak with an advisor before you register, but that won’t happen until you’ve completed this homework.

OK, let’s get started! When you are finished, your “homework” will be submitted electronically and you will be given instructions on how to schedule an advising appointment.

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