Most Frequently Asked Questions about Orientation

All new students must pay a $45.00 Orientation fee. In addition, there is a guest fee of $15.00 per guest. This fee covers all meals, activities, and resources given out during and Orientation program. A seperate registration form will be sent with the student's assignment date or with the Orientation registration booklet to allow students and guests to register and pay for the program. You can also visit the registration page of the Orientation website to print the forms.

What if I can't afford to pay the $75 Confirmation Fee?

Please contact the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs if you are having trouble coming up with the funds for the Confirmation Fee. For your situation to be considered, 2 letters are required: one from the student explaining circumstances and the other from a person such as a social service agency or a guidance counselor speaking on behalf of the student's circumstances. Fax the request to Amy Arbino-Wylie at (859) 572-1960 or email to arbinoa1@nku.edu.

What if I can not attend Orientation?

Orientation is REQUIRED for ALL new students. Under certain and very limited circumstances, students may be exempted. If you can not attend Orientation, please contact the Office of New Student Orienation and Parent Programs. A written request by the student attending Northern will need to be sent either by fax to (859) 572-1960 or by email to arbinoa1@nku.edu in order for your situation to be considered. Keep in mind that if you do attend an Orientation program, you will not be able to register for classes until Open Registration in late August.

What if I need special accomodations?

If you or your guest(s) have a disability or circumstances that require special accomodations during Orientation, please call our office at (859) 572-1967 so that we can make arrangements to make your stay with us more comfortable.

In addition, students with disabilities who require accommodations at NKU must register with the Disability Services Office located in the University Center, Suite 320. Disibility Services can be contacted at (859) 572-6373 or www.nku.edu/~disability.

If I am a residence hall student, when do I move into my room for fall semester?

Freshman move-in date is set for Friday, August 22, 2008, starting at 9:00 a. m. All other students will move in Saturday, August 23, 2008, starting at 9:00 a. m.

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How do I register to attend an Orientation program?

Once you have been accepted and have paid your enrollment confirmation fee, you will receive an Orientation reservation sheet (beginning in February) that must be filled out and returned with your registration fee of $45 to secure your program date. The date of your assigned program will be based on your academic major, as well as any obstacles that you may have identified. There are a limited number of spots for each program. Your orientation assignment will be made on a first come, first serve basis.

Please return you Orientation materials to:

Office of New Student Orientation and Parent Programs

UC 8 Nunn Drive

Highland Heights, KY 41099

Do I register for classes at Orientation?

Advising and registration for classes is incorporated into the Orientation program during the two-day summer program.

Transfer students will be advised and registered through your academic department major. You need to contact your academic department to schedule a time to be advised. If you need help identifying your department, please contact us at 859-572-1967.

Nontraditional Students will be advised at the two-day summer program they attend. However, if they choose to attend the Nontraditional/Transfer evening programs, the student will need to contact their academic department directly to be advised and registered prior to attending the evening program.

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What is the Honors Program?

Faculty from disciplines across the University teach courses at the Honors House, a unique campus facility which features seminar-style classrooms, student kitchen and lounge, computer room, and acres of lawn and woods for study and relaxation opportunities.

The Honors Program offers:

Small classes taught by outstanding faculty
Scholarships and study abroad fellowships
Research opportunities one-on-one with professors
Opportunities to live on-campus in an honors living community
If you have any questions about the Honors program, please email Tom Zaniello, Director of the Honors Program at tzaniello@nku.edu or call the Honors office at 859-572-5400.

Are parents invited to attend?

Students are welcomed and encouraged to bring family members and/or significant others in their lives to help develop a support network early in their college career.

Parent Orientation is a separate yet concurrent program designed specifically for parents, guardians, and spouses of new students. This program consists of special presentations designed to help family members assist with their student’s transition to college and allows them to become familiar with University and its many resources.

Attendance for parents is optional. The first day of the program will include opportunities to meet with faculty, administrators, and students to discuss issues such as academic performance, student health care and counseling, campus safety, money management, student life, available support services, roommate and housing issues, homesickness, expected student behavior, and commuter-student concerns. We encourage questions and give you ample time to interact with these important offices throughout the day.

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What overnight accomodations has NKU made for my parents/family?

If you will be traveling from a distance and need to make overnight accommodations, the University has established several relationships with local area hotels that have a special rate for NKU guests.

Country Inn & Suites

Hotel (859) 441-3707

Reservations 1-800-456-4000

Approx. 3 miles to NKU

**$89 per night**

Ask for the NKU rate

Best Western

Hotel (859) 331-1500

Reservations 1-800-297-2576

Approx. 6 miles to NKU

Ramada Inn

Hotel (859) 331-1400

Reservations 1-800-272-6232

Approx. 9 miles to NKU

Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront

Hotel (859) 291-4300

Reservations 1-888-465-4329

Approx. 9 miles to NKU

**$89 per night**

Ask for the NKU rate

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Hotel (859) 491-1200

Reservations 1-800-333-3333

Approx. 9 miles to NKU

**$92 per night**

Ask for the NKU rate

Days Inn

Hotel (859) 342-7111

Reservations 1-800-329-7466

Approx. 9 miles to NKU

Hilton Cincinnati Airport

Hotel (859) 371-4400

Customer Support 1-800-HILTONS

Approx. 12 miles to NKU

Holiday Inn @ the Airport

Hotel (859) 371-2233

Reservations 1-800-345-8082

Approx. 12 miles to NKU

Sheraton Cincinnati Airport Hotel

Hotel (859) 371-6166

Reservations 1-800-325-3535

Approx. 12 miles to NKU

Drawbridge Inn

Hotel (859) 341-2800

Reservations 1-800-354-9793

Approx. 12.5 miles to NKU

Ask for the NKU rate

Residence Inn by Marriott, Cincinnati Airport

Hotel (859) 282-7400

Approx. 12 miles to NKU

Amenities

Courtyard by Marriott, Cincinnati Airport

Hotel (859) 647-9900

Reservations (800) 627-7468

Approx. 12 miles to NKU

Amenities

Courtyard by Marriott, Florence

Hotel (859) 371-6464

Reservations (800) 971-4741

Approx 13 miles to NKU

Amenities

How do I get to Northern Kentucky University's Campus?

Northern Kentucky University's main campus is located along U. S. Highway 27 in Highland Heights, seven miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. The NKU Covington Campus is located at I-401 Dixie Highway in Covington, four miles south of Cincinnati. NKU is served by interstate highways 71, 74, 75, 275 and 471.

Driving to the Highland Heights campus:

East on I-275 only (use these directions if coming from the Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky Airport):

Take Exit 76 (Three Mile Road/Northern Kentucky University)
Turn right off of the exit on University Drive
Turn right at the first traffic light onto Kenton Drive
You may park in Lot F (first lot on the left) or in Lot M (on the right). There is additional parking available in Lot I (consult the campus map for location)

East or west on I-275:

Take Exit 74A (US Highway 27 - Alexandria)
Continue straight on US 27 South
Continue straight through the first light and turn right at the next traffic light onto Nunn Drive.
Take first right off the round-a-bout onto University Drive
Turn left at light onto Kenton Drive
You may park in Lot F (first lot on the left) or in Lot M (on the right). There is additional parking available in Lot I (consult the campus map for location)

From downtown Cincinnati:

From US 50, take exit 1J onto I-471 South into Kentucky toward Newport, Kentucky
Follow I-471 to US 27 towards Alexandria (do not take the Ft. Thomas/US 27 exit)
I-471 ends at US 27 - continue straight on US 27 South
Continue straight through the first light and turn right at the next traffic light onto Nunn Drive.
Take first right off the round-a-bout onto University Drive
Turn left at light onto Kenton Drive
You may park in Lot F (first lot on the left) or in Lot M (on the right). There is additional parking available in Lot I (consult the campus map for location)

NOTE: Students and parents will need to go to Greaves Hall to check-in. Please consult the map for location.

Click here for the campus map

During the two-day program, is staying overnight mandatory for all students?

All students who will be attending the two day programs in May, June, July & August will be required to stay on campus for the duration of the program, regardless if they will be a resident or commuter in the fall.

The overnight portion of the program gives students the following opportunities:

Meet and begin to form lasting relationships with other new students.
Get exposed to student organizations and Student Life opportunities through events like the Tailgate and Freshman Fued.
Engage in activities planned specifically for new students to build a community amongst the fall class.
Begin to build the relationships and connections with other NKU Student leaders, Faculty and Staff to allow the student to be successful as they begin their college career.
Experience campus life through the eyes of residence hall student.

What should I bring?

You will be staying one night in the University Suites at Northern Kentucky University for Orientation. We suggest that you bring the following:

Linens for bed or a sleeping bag
a pillow
Towels
Informal clothing that is appropriate for outdoor activities and comfortable shoes. Bring tennis shoes as well as Sandals
Alarm Clock
Toiletries (i.e soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
Money for vending machines

Can I change my Orientation Date?

Yes you can, but you must request your change at least 10 days prior to the date of your assignment and is based on availability of your requested date. Please Contact the Office of New Student Orientation at (859) 572-1967.

What offices will be represented during the orientation program?

Financial Aid (859) 572-5143
Bursar's Office (859) 572-6426
Registrar's Office (859) 572-5556
Admissions Office (859) 572-5220
Department of Public Safety (859) 572-5500
Parking Office (859) 572-5505

All of these offices will all be represented at Orientation. Their offices will be open regular hours (8:15 am to 4:30 pm) during Orientation for you to visit or direct questions.

What is the Challege Test and who can take it?

The Challenge Test is optional for incoming new students. First time freshman who want to take the Challenge Test must do so prior to Orientation on open Challenge Testing dates. The only exception is for students residing more than 50 miles from NKU. These students may test during their first day of Orientation. Please note that students who do not test prior to registering for classes forfeit their right to testing and must take the appropriate development course(s).

The test covers English, Reading, and Math (determining whether developmental classes are necessary). Another option is to re-take the ACT. Please check the Testing Services website for more information at www.nku.edu/~testing.

The dates of the Challenge Test for summer and fall enrollment :

(Report to Founders Hall Building, room 421)

Wednesday, January 9: check-in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, February 21: check-in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, March 20: check-in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, April 17: check-in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, May 15: check-in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, June 19: check-in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, July 17: check in at 4:45 pm, testing begins at 5:00 pm.

Please Note: Academy Students are not eligible to take the Challenge Tests.

How do I obtain a parking pass?

Contact Parking Services (859) 572-5505 for more information on campus parking and 2008 pass rates. You will not need a parking pass to attend an Orientation program.

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What is the NKU Book Connection for 2008?

The book for 2008-2009 is Love My Rifle More Than You- Young and Female in the U.S. Army by Kayla Williams.

For more information, contact John Alberti, Peg Adams, Jennie LaMothe, or the NKU Office of First Year Programs (859.572.5913).

Synopsis:

Kayla Williams, author of the memoir Love My Rifle More Than You: Young and Female in the U.S. Army, Williams is a former sergeant and Arabic linguist in a military intelligence unit of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Among the many battlefield memoirs and blogs, William’s book was the first to be written from a woman's perspective — meant to capture the gamut of her experience; both the visceral and the psychological. A graduate of a Liberal Arts college with a degree in literature, adorned by tattoos, and with a love of punk music, Kayla was not what one would consider a “traditional” enlistee, but she came to embrace the power and honor that her position conferred — especially as a woman among men. During her five years of service, including a year of deployment to Iraq, Williams and her female peers navigated both extreme danger and emotional minefields. Kayla recounts her decision to enlist and brings home with vivid intensity and empathy what it is like for a woman soldier to serve her country today. As a soldier in Military Intelligence, fluent in Arabic, Williams found herself at the forefront of the troops' interaction with Iraqis and at the crux of the contradictions soldiers face in the current conflict. On her return to the U.S., Kayla experienced first-hand the difficulties encountered by family members of traumatized and wounded vets, as the man who became her husband (also a veteran) recovered from a serious brain injury sustained in combat and she attempted to personally reintegrate into civilian society.

More on Kayla: http://www.creativewell.com/kwilliams.html

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