Orientation Links

Giving you the answers you need

• Is there a fee to attend Orientation?
• What if I cannot attend Orientation?
• What if I need special accommodations?
• How do I register to attend an Orientation program?
• Do I register for classes at Orientation?
• Are parents invited to attend?
• What overnight accommodations has NKU made for my parents/family?
• How do I get to NKU's Campus?
• During the two-day program, is staying overnight mandatory for all students?
• What should I bring?
• Can I change my Orientation Date?
• What offices will be represented during the orientation program?
• What is Placement Testing and who should take the tests?
• How do I obtain a parking pass?
• What is the Honors Program?
• What is the NKU Book Connection for 2011?
• What do I do If I am attending NKU on the GI Bill or I need to speak to a representative from the Veteran's Affairs Office?
  
  
  

Is there a fee to attend Orientation? 

All new students must pay a $100.00 Orientation fee.  In addition, there is a guest fee of $50.00 per guest.  This fee covers all meals, activities, and resources given out during the Orientation program.  A separate registration form will be sent with the student's assignment date and the Orientation registration booklet to allow students and guests to register and pay for the program.  You can also print the forms by clicking on the New First Time Student, Non-Traditional Student or Transfer Student link on the left side of the screen.

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Orientation is REQUIRED for ALL new first time students. Under certain and very limited circumstances, students may be exempted. If you cannot attend Orientation, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation 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. Your situation will be reviewed and you will receive a response to your request from a staff member in the Office of New Student Orientation and Parent Programs.  Keep in mind that if you do not attend an Orientation program, you will not be able to register for classes until Open Registration in mid-August and you will still be required to pay the orientation fee.

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What if I need special accommodations?

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

In addition, students with disabilities who require accommodations at Northern Kentucky University must register with the Disability Services Office located in the University Center, Suite 320. Disability Services can be contacted at (859) 572-6373.

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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 your assigned Northern Exposure/Orientation date and orientation registration form (beginning in late April) that must be filled out and returned with your registration fee of $100 to secure your program date. The date of your assigned program will be based on your academic major and the date your Enrollment Confirmation Fee payment was received, 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 
Student Union 316, Nunn Drive 
Highland Heights, KY 41099

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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 their academic department.  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.

Non-traditional Students will be advised at the two-day summer program they attend. However, if they choose to attend the Non-traditional/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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Are parents invited to attend?

Parents and family members are recommended to attend the Orientation program.  Students are 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 the 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 accommodations 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.

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How do I get to NKU's Campus?

NKU's main campus is located along U. S. Highway 27 in Highland Heights, seven miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. NKU is served by interstate highways 71, 74, 75, 275 and 471.

Driving to the main campus:

I-275 East 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)

I-275 (East or West):

• 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, OH:

• 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
  

From Louisville, KY:

• Take I-71 North
• Merge I-71/75 North
• Take Exit 185 onto 1-275 East
• Continue on I-275 East
• Follow directions for traveling  I-275 East

From Lexington, KY:

• Take I-75 North
• Continue on I-75 North
• Take Exit 185 onto I-275 East
• Follow directions for traveling I-275 East

From Columbus, OH:

• Take  I-71 South to downtown Cincinnati
• Exit onto I-471 South toward Kentucky
• Take I-471 South over the gold bridge into Kentucky
• Follow directions for traveling from downtown Cincinnati

From Dayton, OH:

• Take I-75 South to Cincinnati
• In Cincinnati, follow US 50 East to I-471
• Follow directions for traveling from downtown Cincinnati

From Indianapolis, IN:

• Take I-74 East to I-75 South
• Take Exit 1B and follow US 50 East to I-471
• Follow directions for traveling from downtown Cincinnati

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

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

All students who will be attending the two-day programs in June, July and 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 Freshman Feud.
• 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 a residence hall student. 

What should I bring?

You will be staying one night in the University Suites residence hall on NKU's campus 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 (tennis shoes and 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 ten days prior to the date of your assignment.  Date changes are based on availability of your requested date. Please contact the Office of New Student Orientation and Parent Programs at (859) 572-1967.

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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 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) during Orientation for you to visit or direct questions.

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What is Placement Testing and who should take these tests?

The Placement Test is required for incoming new students whose ACT/SAT scores do not meet the current Kentucky CPE testing standards. First time freshman who need to take a Placement Test should contact the Office of Testing Services.  Please note that students MUST complete placement testing prior to attending orientation or registering for classes.

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 testing.nku.edu

The dates of the Placement Test for summer and fall enrollment will be coming soon.

(All tests are offered in the University Center Building, room 101)

To register for a Placement Test click here.

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How do I obtain a parking pass?

Contact Parking Services (859) 572-5505 or visit their website at parking.nku.edu for more information on campus parking and pass rates.

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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 Ernest Smith, Director of the Honors Program at smithe11@nku.edu or call the Honors office at (859) 572-5400. 

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What is the NKU Book Connection for 2012?

The 2012-13 Book Connection selection to be determined.

For more information, contact Mei Mei Burr, or the NKU Office of First Year Programs at (859) 572-5913.

What do I do If I am attending NKU on the GI Bill or I need to speak to a representative from the Veteran's Affairs Office?

Students can find information regarding the GI Bill and other services here.   Please contact Maria Reverman at (859) 572-7609 or rieblingm@nku.edu if you have any questions about the GI Bill or other Veteran's Affairs services.