WELCOME to Andrews University's first "hybrid" New Student Orientation. It will be a combination of virtual and in-person events. Please come with a wifi-enabled laptop, ready to participate in the online sessions, and a face covering, so you are ready to be part of our in-person events.
Your time on campus will begin in person at First Stop on MONDAY, AUGUST 17. You'll be greeted by our friendly staff, check in with the Campus Safety department, and pick up your ID Card. You can then take your COVID-19 test. Please sign up online for a First Stop check-in time, a COVID-19 testing time, and other Orientation events on our events page. If you are an international student, please also sign up for the International Student Orientation session. Those who haven’t signed up for a check-in time will be assigned one when they arrive.
Please note: no more than two adult family members may accompany you through the First Stop process, COVID-19 testing excluded. The COVID-19 testing area will be limited to students only, unless the student is a minor. Children will not be allowed in the First Stop area.
Also remember to wear your face coverings and abide by physical distancing guidelines.
Once you have been tested for COVID-19 and moved your belongings into the residence hall, all other Orientation events will be held virtually for the next 48-72 hours. This will be a period of limited social contact while test results are obtained. Limiting your social interaction during this time lessens the likelihood of coming into contact with someone who may test positive. Family members should plan to leave campus, if at all possible, once you have gone through First Stop, COVID-19 testing and Move-In.
After test results are received, we will hold some in-person Orientation events, while observing the University's health and safety protocols, in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines.
ZOOM LINKS: Upon arrival, students will receive a PDF version of this schedule with Zoom links embedded for all of the virtual Orientation meetings.
DISCLAIMER: Due to the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, this schedule is subject to change. Please check back periodically to see the most updated schedule
Events Calendar—Fall 2020
Virtual Conference for Parents and Supporters
Virtual Convocation for New Students and Parents
August 12, 2020 | Virtual Convocation
First Stop and COVID-19 Testing
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Buller Hall & Johnson Gymnasium
Description: Be sure to sign up for a First Stop check-in time and a COVID-19 testing time here. We'll get you checked in with Campus Safety, connect you with Student Health (if you have a Medical Hold or need to schedule a TB test), produce your ID card, and administer a COVID-19 test. No more than two family members (adults only) may accompany students through the First Stop area in Buller Hall. Students going into the COVID-19 testing area (Johnson Gym) may not be accompanied, unless the student is a minor.
Move into the Residence Halls
Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Residence halls
Description: Be sure to sign-up for a move-in time. Move-in begins in the adjacent parking lots. No more than two adult family members may assist residents in taking belongings directly to their room. Children will not be allowed in the residence halls. Face masks must be worn at all times in common areas, stairwells and hallways.
CIEP Institutional TOEFL Exam
Description: Only required for students who need to demonstrate language proficiency.
Undergraduate Leadership Program Introduction
Description: Would you like to develop your leadership skills? The ULEAD program may be for you. ULEAD offerings are designed to complement and enhance any academic program. Join us to see what it's all about!
Time: 8–9 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Was your ACT composite score 25 or higher or your SAT (Math+Verbal) score 1200 or higher? Your GPA 3.50 or above? You might qualify for the Honors Program. Discover all of the benefits of being an Andrews Scholar.
Time: 8–9 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: If you are part of the Bridge Program, please start your Orientation journey with us at this online meet-up!
International Student Orientation
Description: This session is for new international undergraduates. Please plan to attend, as it is required by law.
New Student Assembly #1
Time: 10:30–11: 45 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: New Student Assemblies will be in an online format. Please check in via Zoom. This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken.
Individual Advising
Time: 1–5 p.m
Location: Advisors' Virtual Offices
Description: If you need to meet with your academic advisor, you will do so virtually. Be sure to download Zoom onto your computer before arriving for campus. Many faculty and staff will use this software to interact with you.
Math Placement Exam
Time: 2:30–5 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Check here to see if you should to take the Math Placement Exam. If at all possible, prepare for and take the MPE before coming to campus. Otherwise, you can take it at this time.
Residence Hall Orientations
Time: 8–9:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: After arriving, residents will be assigned one of two time slots for Residence Hall Orientation, based on your location in the residence hall. Residents will recieve important information about residence hall living along with mandatory COVID-19 health and safety instructions. This is a required meeting for all residents.
Community Life Orientation
Time: 8–9:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Community students will receive important information about navigating the campus as a community student along with mandatory COVID-19 health and safety instructions. This is a required meeting for all community students.
New Student Assembly #2
Time: 10:30–11: 30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: This New Student Assembly will be in an online format. Please check in via Zoom. This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken.
Student Success Workshop: Time Management
Time: 1–1:50 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Choose from one of several Student Success workshops. These programs are optional but important!
Student Success Workshop: Ready for College/Study Skills
Time: 2–2:50 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Choose from one of several Student Success workshops. These programs are optional but important!
Student Success Workshop: Using University Resources
Time: 3–3:50 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Choose from one of several Student Success workshops. These programs are optional but important!
New Student Assembly #3
Time: 6–7 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: This New Student Assembly will be in an online format. Please check in via Zoom. This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken.
Mentoring Groups
Time: 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Location: Howard Performing Arts Center Lawns
Description: Time to meet your new student mentors and get acquainted with the rest of the students in your new student mentoring group. This first session will meet via Zoom, and after that groups will meet in person.
Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Description: Login to your department's Zoom room where you will meet your advisors and learn more about your academic program.
Description: This is an academic orientation for students planning to enter the J. N. Andrews Honors Program.
Hispanic Students Meet-Up
Location: Newbold Auditorium, Buller Hall
Description: Hispanic students are invited to come and get acquainted with each other and our Hispanic faculty and student leaders. (Hispanic students in the Honors Program should attend the Honors Orientation.)
New Student Assembly #4
Description: This New Student Assembly will be in an online format. Please check in via Zoom. This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken.
Mentoring Groups
Description: This is your second Mentoring Group session. This will be held outdoors, so you may need your bug spray.
New Student Assembly #5
Mentoring Groups & Lunch
Location: Howard Center Lawn
Transfer Students Session
Location: Zoom
Pre-Professional Rally
Location: TBD
Mentoring Groups and Supper
Location: Howard Center Lawn
University Vespers
Location: Pioneer Memorial Church
Sabbath School
PMC, New Life and One Place Worship
Location: PMC, HPAC (New Life), Newbold Auditorium (One Place)
Outdoor Movie Night
Time: 9:30–11 p.m.
Locations: Athletic Fields, Flag Mall, Field behind Alumni House
Description: Come enjoy Disney's 2019 release of The Lion King, properly distanced of course, in front of one of our three large movie screens.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You will receive an Andrews ID card when you come to campus. Please note that you must be financially cleared for it to be activated.
You can purchase textbooks and a great selection of supplies and University merchandise at the Bookstore.
Meals in the Terrace Cafe are on a fixed price, all-you-care-to-eat basis. Your Andrews ID card and meal plan will work at the cashier if you are financially cleared. Otherwise, be prepared to pay with cash or a credit card.
Please note: For dietary accommodations, please contact the main office 269-471-3161 to speak with the executive chef directly and set up a meeting to discuss your specific situation.
Yes, all students are allowed to have a vehicle on campus. To register your vehicle, go to our Vehicles & Parking webpage.
First-year testing sounds intense, but it is really simple. The purpose of these tests is to help provide you with a clearer view of your learning style and career suggestions based on personality. During the test you will be completing questionnaires that will provide you with important information on how to improve your success and wellbeing at Andrews University. This testing is required of first-year students and optional for transfer students.
To take the test from any computer, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to Human eSources page
2. Choose "Enter Access Key"
3. Use code: JQC8282
4. Create your account profile
5. Click on the "To Do List" located at the top, right side of the page
6. Take the "Do What You Are assessment (takes anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes).
Please note: You will also receive an email from “Institutional Effectiveness” to complete the Index of Learning Styles Assessment. This assessment takes about 15 minutes and will give you valuable information on how you can obtain knowledge effectively.
We recommend that you complete your math placement before arriving on campus. The Math Placement Exam is available NOW—you can use the provided materials to review and then take the exam with remote proctoring. The purpose of the MPE is to maximize student success in beginning mathematics courses by placing the student in an appropriate-level course.
Do you need placement? Check on your "Academic Information" on your iVue page and compare your score to the prerequisite of the math class needed for your major (if no major requirement then you want at least a P2 score). If you are unsure, then contact the Department of Mathematics at math@andrews.edu.
How do you get started now? Follow the instructions on the Department of Mathematics webpage to sign up for the preparation and placement module (cost of about $20) and start preparing.
If you have a language hold and need to take the Center for Intensive English Institutional TOEFL Exam, please register to the test as soon as possible (space is limited).
You may register for the exam in person at the CIEP office in Nethery Hall, on the phone (269-471-2260) or through email (ciep@andrews.edu). The cost is $35.
For more information, please visit the CIEP website.
Andrews University makes necessary accommodations for students with disabilities, both learning and physical. Students requesting support from the Student Success Center should provide written documentation from a qualified professional as early as possible.
Through AU Alert, Andrews will send emergency notification alerts to the campus. During emergencies and weather closings, text messages, emails and voice calls will be sent to registered recipients. Be informed and register online.