Online Student Orientation

Online Student Orientation


Orientation introduces you to the technology, resources and support services at the University of Arkansas. The non-credit course takes place right before the semester you were admitted to take U of A classes. Faculty and staff members will help you get to know the university, find new resources and be prepared to start the semester confidently.


Important Things to Note

  • Orientation is required for all incoming online students. There's a one-time $50 fee.
  • The course is fully online and does not require you to come to campus.
  • The course runs for two weeks right before you start your first semester as an online student at the U of A.
  • The course is not self-paced. There are no specific dates or times when you are required to log in; however, throughout the Orientation, you should set aside regular times that suit your schedule to regularly participate.

I appreciated all the hands-on practice for the various platforms that we will be using to communicate, to submit assignments, and to conduct research. Overall, this Orientation has helped me to ease some of my confusion with navigating through school.”

I was iffy about starting college, especially online. I was quite scared and lost on where to start. Now that I've complete this course, I can truly say I have an idea of where to start and how. This course really helped.”

Contact Us

For questions about online student orientation email nsonline@uark.edu.

Information For:

Sign Up for Orientation

Undergraduate Sign Up Form

Yvonne, your orientation guide

Hello. I'm Yvonne, and I will be your guide throughout the orientation course.

FAQs

Is Orientation required for me?
If you are a new online student, then yes, Orientation is required.

Who's not required to attend online orientation?

  • Non-degree seeking students
  • Certificate-seeking students
  • Any student that has previously attended the UARK New Online Student orientation

*If you are not sure whether you should register for the Online Orientation course, please contact the Online Student Orientation Specialist at nsonline@uark.edu.

Will this class affect my GPA?
No. Orientation is a non-credit course designed to help you succeed in future classes. It is facilitated by an instructor and your assignments are graded, however, your final grade will not go on your transcript or affect your GPA.

I work full-time during the day. Does Orientation require me to participate at certain times?
No. There are no specific dates or times when you are required to log in; however, throughout the Orientation, you should set aside regular times that suit your schedule to regularly participate..

What will I learn in Orientation?
You will learn how to navigate Blackboard, how to post in discussion boards, how to access university resources such as the Library and Writing Center, and much more. Orientation will help you succeed in your future courses: students who complete Orientation are more likely to successfully complete their classes by the end of the semester.

I’m an online nursing student and I’ve already completed the nursing orientation. Do I still have to take this Online Orientation?
Yes. Nursing school orientation is separate from Online Orientation.

Sign Up for Orientation

Graduate Sign Up Form

FAQs

Is Orientation required for me?
If you are a new online Graduate student in one of the following Programs, then yes,

Orientation is required:

  • Curriculum and Instruction - EDS and associated certificates
  • Educational Technology – MED
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – MED
  • Special Education – MED
  • Physical Education MEd
  • Food Safety MS
  • MSN Nursing (not DNP)
  • Adult and Lifelong Learning (EDD and MED)
  • Construction Management – MS
  • Human Resource Development (EDD and MED)

Who's not required to attend online orientation?

  • Any student who has previously completed the Grad Online Orientation course

*If you are not sure whether you should register for the Online Orientation course, please contact the Online Student Orientation Specialist at nsonline@uark.edu.

What will I learn in Orientation?

  • How to navigate Blackboard
  • How to post in discussion boards
  • How to access university resources such as the Library and Writing Center
  • Information about specific degree requirements (ie. Capstone, Thesis, Dissertation)
  • The Institutional Review Board (IRB)