Freshmen Orientation: Advising and Registration

Orientation: Advising and Registration is a pivotal step in preparing you for fall term. We want to be sure that you are familiar with our academic expectations and ready to join the academic community.

After reading the details below, if you still have any additional questions about Orientation, please feel free to contact us.

During your Advising and Registration session, you will:

• Plan your fall term schedule with an academic adviser and register for classes.
• Receive a free copy of the PSU course catalog and Student Handbook & Planner.
• Meet with departmental faculty or academic advisers to learn about your academic requirements.
• Learn about campus resources and services available to support your academic success.
• Meet with current PSU students and other students who are new to PSU.
• Have your photo taken for your PSU ID card.
• OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Take care of outstanding University business, take a campus tour, and take a tour of on-campus Housing

Course registration information

It is essential that you connect with an adviser through an Orientation session to be sure that the courses you plan to take align with your academic, career, and personal goals. Students who do not attend an Advising and Registration session will not be able to register for courses and may need to update their admission to a future term.  

Orientation: Advising and Registration sessions:

Important note: Academic advisers from each department will not be available for every session listed below. If an adviser from your department is available for a particular session, it will be displayed when you access our online sign-up system. On days when an adviser from your department is not available you may meet with one of our University academic advisers. Students who have yet to declare a major should select 'Undecided/Undeclared' for your academic interest when you sign-up. Please note that space is limited in each session. We do not keep waiting lists for full sessions and we will not add students into a full session so please sign-up early.

Reserve your space in an Orientation: Advising and Registration Day

Follow these steps to sign-up for a session listed above:

1. Create your PSU Computing Account:
   You will first need to create your Odin, or PSU computing, account. To get started, read the instructions on your letter of admission or, for help, call 503-725-HELP(4357).
   https://oam.pdx.edu/
    
2. Intent to Enroll and Advanced Tuition Deposit:
   Before you may sign into the Orientation online reservation system, you must first submit the Intent to Enroll form along with a $200 Advanced Tuition Deposit (ATD). Your $200 advanced tuition deposit will be applied to your first tuition bill that is mailed in mid-September. Once your Intent to Enroll form and advanced tuition deposit is received, you will then be able to sign up for an Orientation session.
   *Please note that students who are part of our co-admission program may not need to complete this step.
   http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/intent



3. Sign up for an Orientation: Advising and Registration session:
   Space at each session is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Log into our online reservation system with your PSU ID number which may be found on your letter of admission. If you cannot locate your PSU ID number, call 503-725-3511.

   Sign up

   *Please do not make travel plans until you receive email confirmation, to your PSU e-mail address, of your scheduled session.
   Check your PSU email: mail.pdx.edu
    

Sample 2012 Orientation: Advising and Registration Day Agenda

Programs are from 8:00 am - 5:00pm, you will need to spend the entire day with us. Please make travel plans accordingly.

Financial Aid Counseling

Optional Campus Tour

Orientation Begins:
        Welcome
        Agenda Overview
        Meet with Orientation Team (current PSU students)
        PSU 101: Understanding Academic Expectations
        Lunch
        Student Services Information Sessions and Open Houses
        Academic Advising
        Course Registration

Note: Our space is limited. Each PSU student may bring up to two family members and/or guests with them to Orientation. During each Freshmen session we offer a separate Family program to acquaint guests with the resources and services available to PSU students and their family members. There will be a $20/person charge for any guest you bring.

Learn More about Orientation:

• Prepare for your Orientation: Advising and Registration Session
  Prior to attending an Orientation session, it is important that you review our New Student Checklist.
  • An umbrella or rain jacket in the event of inclement weather,
  • Measles and Mumps Vaccine Requirement Form, and
  • A form of government issued identification in order to have your photo taken for your PSU ID card.
  • Additionally, all freshmen must complete a Writing Placement exam: www.pdx.edu/advising/placement and bring the results with them to Orientation.
    
    
• How much does it cost?
  All program-related costs for students are paid through the student matriculation fee. This fee is included in your fall bill for tuition and fees which will be mailed in mid-September and is due on October 10, 2012. Guests who attend an Orientation: Advising and Registration day will each be assessed a $20 participation fee (per person), which helps cover the cost of breakfast refreshments, lunch, staffing, and program materials.
  
  
• International students
  If you are an international student who is not currently studying in the United States, and are not able to attend an Advising and Registration session in July or August, please be sure to call or email us as soon as possible to learn of your course registration options. All international students, whether you currently reside in the United States or not, must attend the International Orientation session scheduled for September 20, coordinated in collaboration with the International Student and Scholar Services Office.
  
  
• Persons with disabilities
  If you require additional accommodations for Orientation, please contact the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible, but no later than one week before your assigned session, to make appropriate arrangements. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs. For additional information, or to schedule accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center at 503-725-4150 (TTY 503-725-6504).
  
  
• What about parents and guests?
  We encourage guests to participate in Orientation to support your new PSU student but please note that there is a $20 fee for each guest (guest fees are different for out-of-state programs). This fee offsets all program-related costs for guests including: morning refreshments, lunch, staffing, and program materials. Any guests you bring will attend a separate Family program to acquaint them with the resources and services available to PSU students and their family members. Family members are an important component in your student success and we want to support you through this important transition.
  
  
  • Additional Family and Guest Resources:
    • Orientation: Family Program
    • Bilingual (Spanish) Family Program
    • PSU Parent and Family Resource Center
      
      
• Transportation and Parking
  Portland State University is located in downtown Portland which also means that parking is limited. As such, we strongly encourage the use of public transportation. For details visit TriMet at www.trimet.org or 503-238-RIDE (7433).
  
  For those who must drive to campus, parking for each session will be available in Parking Structure 3, 1631 SW 12th Avenue, (mapquest directions) at the M-F daily rate of $9. If you are parking, allow additional time to ensure you arrive by the start of the program.
  
  
• Overnight accommodations
  If you are coming to Portland State from outside the Portland metropolitan region and need a place to stay overnight, we hope you will consider a few places on and near Campus.
  • University Place, a full-service educational conference center with 235 guest rooms. For details or to reserve a room, contact University Place at 503-221-0140. Be sure to mention you are attending orientation.
  • Summer Conference Housing, Students may also stay on-campus in either the Ondine ($40/night) or Broadway ($50/night) - space is limited. For additional details, or to reserve a room, contact Summer Conference Housing at 503-725-4336.
• For additional Hotel and Travel information: go to travelportland.org