New Student Orientation

Welcome Future Seawolves

 

Attending orientation is an important step in your journey as a new student, and we are excited to welcome you to campus.

At Howl Days New Student Orientation you will:

  • meet other students
  • learn how to register for classes
  • find out how to get engaged on campus
  • connect with Academic Advisors
  • tour campus

Orientation Options

In-person and On-campus

Icon of person with arms outstretched above head, standing over UAA logo.

We encourage everyone who can to attend the in-person Howl Days for the most dynamic experience. You’ll start with a resource fair, where you can connect directly with the resources and opportunities that will help you make the most of UAA. Next the Orientation Leaders will show you all UAA has to offer with a presentation and tour. Last but not least, you’ll meet with Academic Advisors about academic success, placement, and registration. Please plan to be on campus for 4–5 hours.

What to Expect

  • 45 min. check-in and resource fair
  • 15 min. warm up and getting acquainted
  • 1 hr. presentation and Q&A
  • 1 hr. walking campus tour
  • 1 hr. registration lab (this session is shorter if you've already registered)

Live Virtual on Zoom

Icon of laptop with person on screen and UAA logo

The live virtual option is a good one for students who are unable to make it to campus or need a more brief introduction to student life at UAA. The Orientation Leaders will show you how to make the most of campus resources and opportunities, lead a virtual tour, and introduce you to some of the Academic Advisors. Plan to be on Zoom for two hours.

What to Expect

  • 1 hr. presentation and Q&A
  • 15 min. virtual campus tour
  • 30 min. Academic Advising session (learning about advising and asking questions of advisors, but not individual assistance with registration)
  • 15 min. Q&A

Campus Tours with Orientation Leaders

If you are admitted to UAA and unable to attend in-person orientation but would like an in-person tour of campus, schedule a campus tour with one of the orientation Leaders. We can show you how to find your classes and navigate campus. Email uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to schedule yours!

 

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Winter 2026 Orientation Sessions

In-Person

  • Friday, Decemeber 5, 12:30 - 5:00 pm
  • Friday, January 9, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Virtual

  • Thursday, November 6, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 18, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm *Transfer Student Special Session
  • Wednesday, December 17, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday, January 6, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Transfer Student Special Session:

Transfer students are welcome at any session, but we do have a specialized session on November 18 that we encourage you to choose if you can. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Ready to sign up for a session?

When to attend Orientation

Seawolves starting in spring 2026

If you’re starting classes in spring 2026, we encourage you to choose one of the available sessions.

Seawolves starting in summer or fall 2026

If you're starting classes in the summer or fall of 2026, remember to check back after March 1, 2026, to sign up for orientation sessions before your first semester. We'll send you a reminder email to guide you through the next steps.

College life outside of academics is what YOU make of it!

There are lots of ways to stay connected on campus in your first year. The First-Year Experience team will help guide you. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities available, be proactive in seeking out new experiences, and strive for a balance between academics, extracurricular involvement, and personal well-being.

First-Year Experience

Looking for more in-person opportunities?

Join us on campus for more opportunities to connect and get acquainted with UAA! 

  • Seawolves Connect
    • A one-on-one appointment with an Orientation Leader who can answer your questions, introduce you to the basic technology needed to be successful at UAA, and connect you to applicable resources
    • Email us at uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to schedule
  • Campus Tours
    • In-person orientation sessions include a campus tour.  The options below are for those who aren’t coming to an in-person Orientation but still want an in-person tour.
    • Thursday, January 9, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Email us at uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to sign up
    • By appointment most weekdays | Email us at uaa_orientation@alaska.edu to schedule

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact New Student Orientation

icon of mobile phone (907) 786-1224  Icon of envelope uaa_orientation@alaska.edu

Group portrait with six student orientation leaders during the summer in ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓÆµ. It is a beautiful sunny day. The background is surrounded by green trees and grass. They are also sitting and leaning on a big rock