The fee for Northern Exposure is $100.00 for students, and $50.00 per parent/guest.
The Northern Exposure fee of $100.00 (covers both the Northern Exposure: Orientation AND Victorfest) includes all program materials, meals, program facilitation, and a Norse backpack. In addition, this fee helps to assist with the costs associated with programming such as New Student Convocation, Freshfusion and Homecoming. The guest orientation fee of $50 includes all orientation program materials, meals, program facilitation, and an NKU tote. The Northern Exposure fee must be paid prior to attending your scheduled program. For more information on Northern Exposure and how to select a date, click here.
Northern Exposure: Orientation and Victorfest is REQUIRED for ALL incoming students. If you have a scheduling concern, please contact the Center for Student Engagement. If a student cannot attend for some reason, a written request by the student attending NKU will need to be sent by email to orientation@nku.edu in order for your situation to be considered. You can also call (859) 572-6514 for more information. Your situation will be reviewed and you will receive a response to your request from a staff member in the Center for Student Engagement. Keep in mind that if you do not attend and participate in a program, you will not be able to register for classes until mid-August and you are still required to pay the orientation fee.
**Students who fail to attend their scheduled orientation without notifying the Center for Student Engagement at least 2 business days prior to the beginning of the orientation program will be charged a $25 no-show fee and dropped from any courses in which they were pre-registered. This fee will be posted to the student’s account.
If you or your guest(s) have a disability or circumstances that require special accommodations during Northern Exposure, please call our office at (859) 572-6514 or include information regarding your accomodation during the time of online registration.
In addition, students with disabilities who require accommodations at Northern Kentucky University must register with the Disability Services Office. Disability Services can be contacted at (859) 572-6373.
Once you pay your Enrollment Confirmation Fee of $75, you will receive an invitation from our office. This email will be sent to your NKU e-mail address as well as the address you listed on your NKU admissions application. Upon completing your online registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to the same e-mail address. We can be reached at (859) 572-6514. There are a limited number of spots for each program. The dates you will see online are the dates that still have availability.
*Students who fail to attend their scheduled orientation without notifying the Office of Admissions at least 2 business days prior to the beginning of the orientation program will be dropped from any courses in which they were pre-registered.
NKU now offers pre-scheduling* to first-time freshmen. Students, please watch your email for a pre-scheduling survey that you will be asked to complete that will offer more information.
Transfer students and post-traditional students will be advised and registered through their academic department OUTSIDE of their Northern Exposure program. You may contact your advising department as soon as you have confirmed your intent to enroll at NKU, to schedule your appointment. If you need help identifying your advising department, please contact us at (859) 572-6514.
*Students who fail to attend their scheduled orientation without notifying the Office of Admissions at least 2 business days prior to the beginning of the orientation program will be dropped from any courses in which they were pre-registered.
Parents and family members are encouraged to attend the Northern Exposure: Orientation. 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. Parents/Guests will have 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 but strongly encouraged. The program will include opportunities to meet with faculty, administrators, and students to discuss issues such as academic performance, campus safety, money management, student life, available support services, roommate and housing issues, homesickness, and expected student behavior. We encourage questions and give you ample time to interact with these important offices throughout the day.
As for Victorfest, the events that occur during this time are only for students. It is here where students will meet more incoming freshmen, participate in events meant for students, and learn even more about NKU and how to get involved!
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 Admissions at (859) 572-6514.
All of these offices will all be represented at Northern Exposure. Their offices will be open regular hours (8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., M-F) during the programs for you to visit or direct questions.
The Placement Test is optional for incoming new students whose ACT/SAT scores do not meet the current Kentucky CPE testing standards. First time freshmen who want to take a Placement Test should contact the Office of Testing Services. Please note that students MUST complete placement testing PRIOR to ATTENDING their Registration Program.
Please check the Testing Services website for more information at testing.nku.edu
Faculty from disciplines across the University teach courses in the Honors College.
The Honors College offers: