international student orientation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are students and guests required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend orientation? 

The university keeps its policies up to date with the most current information. For the most current information about the vaccination policy, please visit Respiratory Viruses & Public Health Preparedness at UM-Flint

Do I have to take placement exams? When should I take them? 

Placement exams are necessary for academic advising and course registration. Placement exams determine what courses students can take, and thus should be taken seriously. Exceptions are for students who are waiting for advanced placement scores or transfer credits to be posted. New students are automatically registered to take applicable placement exams when registering for orientation (regardless of whether orientation is on campus or online). The specific placement exams you need to take are determined by a combination of your selected major, your standardized test scores, and/or previous college coursework you have transferred to UM-Flint.  After registering for orientation, you can access your exams on Canvas.

You should take your placement exams at least two weeks before your orientation or meeting your Academic Advisor. They must be completed before your advising appointment and registration for courses. 

Do I need to bring anything specific to my orientation session? 

We suggest comfy walking shoes because there will be some walking during the orientation session.  You will need also your UMID#, uniquename and password to complete some of the activities – please be sure to bring them if you don’t have them memorized! You will also need the device you set up to operate DUO second factor authentication.

How do I get my Mcard if I am not on Campus? 

Be on the lookout for an email, sent to your campus email, from the Department of Public Safety with information about MCards and Parking Permits. If you have any questions, please contact DPS at 810-762-3333 or email [email protected]

How do I log in to the Student Information System, university email, Canvas, etc.?

You can log into almost all of the university’s online resources using your Uniqname and password. Visit my.umflint.edu for links to each site.

Newly admitted students will receive an email from UM-Ann Arbor ITS (Information and Technology Services) inviting them to visit the Uniqname & Account Setup website where the uniqname creation process can be completed online. As a student, you may use your uniqname to: log in to the computers in the computer labs on campus, access your email online at https://email.umich.edu, access the library’s online resources, log in to our Learning Management System (Canvas), and log in to the Student Information System, also called SIS.  

Setting your password: 

1. Visit my.umflint.edu and click “New Students Click Here” in the upper right corner.
2. Enter your Uniqname.
3. Answer the following questions
   • Last Name?
   • What is your date of birth (MMDDYY)? Example: 070185
   • What is your UMID?
4. Submit
5. Create your password 

How/When do I know if my credits will transfer in?

Established transfer equivalencies can be found in our Transfer Equivalency Database. If you do not see your course in the database, please contact our office at [email protected] and provide as much information about the course as possible. For more about transfer credits please check out this Transfer Student Information

Is orientation Mandatory? Why do I need to complete orientation?

Yes, orientation at the University of Michigan-Flint is a required program designed to facilitate a smooth transition to UM-Flint and assist you in making the most of your college experience. We want to alleviate any worries you might have about attending the university. We’re here to help you!  

*Please note that a non-refundable orientation fee is added to all students’ first-semester tuition bills. 

Is there a different orientation session for the honors program? 

No, there is no separate orientation for students enrolled in the honors program. You can attend any of the orientation sessions offered – your academic advisor will ensure you are enrolled in the proper honors courses.

What accommodations are offered during orientation? How do I request them? 

For accommodation arrangements, please contact us at [email protected] or 810-762-3085.

What forms do I need to submit before orientation? 

Transcripts, AP scores, and SAT/ACT scores, as applicable, should all be submitted before orientation to the Admissions Office. 

What happens if I miss my orientation date? Can I reschedule?

Yes!  You can reschedule in SIS under the tab New Students Menu, then click Register or Reschedule an orientation. 

What if I can not attend any of the orientation dates listed? 

Please contact the Student Success Center
810-762-3085
[email protected]

What if I want to change my major? 

You can change your major in SIS. You will need to login, click Student Services, then Student Records, and then Change of Curriculum. There you will be able to change your major, minor, and catalog information. Please note that if you change your major a day or two before orientation, it might not be updated in our system by the time of the event. There’s no need to reschedule, but be sure to mention that when you check-in.

What is an academic advisor and how do I know who mine is? How do I meet with them? Do I need to meet with them before orientation? 

An academic advisor is a specially trained staff member who you will meet with regularly.  They will help you register for the right classes, monitor your progress, and provide you with guidance to assist you in reaching your academic goals. To view a full list of all undergraduate professional advisors by major, click here. Most students find it helpful to meet with their advisor before orientation, and we highly encourage you to do so. Your assigned advisor will be your primary point of contact throughout your program. Watch your umich email for communications from your advisor!

What is expected of me before and during orientation? What happens during the event? 

Before orientation:

• Take your placement exams (if necessary) at canvas.flint.umich.edu. If possible, try to complete them at least two weeks before orientation or your advisor’s meeting. 
• Take the College Student Inventory:  Check your UM-Flint email (email.umflint.edu) for the link to your CSI. The subject line will be “UM-Flint Critical Steps: Take the CSI.” After orientation, you will schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss the results of this survey.   **Applicable to First Year students only**   
• Complete the Sexual Misconduct Training online module. This program is UM-Flint’s online sexual assault and prevention program that all students are required to take. Visit my.umflint.edu and within the “Popular Links & Services” section, select Sexual Misconduct Training. You will need to log in with your uniqname and password. 
• Get your MCard. The MCard is your UM-Flint photo identification card that gives you access to different resources on campus. This online portal allows you to submit an appropriate identification photo prior to your orientation date. Submitted Mcard photos are subject to approval, and should resemble a traditional Driver’s License or other ID photo. 
• Register your vehicle for your Parking Permit here. On the left side, there will be a tab that says Parking. 
• Watch your campus email for more information from the Department of Public Safety regarding picking up/obtaining parking permits and MCards.

Day of orientation:

• If your orientation is held in the Riverfront Center – Parking information can be found here
• If your orientation is held in the University Center or Murchie Science Building – Please park in the Mill Street parking ramp. Address: Mill Street Parking Deck 402 Mill St Flint, MI 48502
• Students are expected to stay for the entire orientation program so please choose your session date accordingly.
• If you are feeling unwell the day of orientation, we ask that you please reschedule.  You can do that in SIS under the tab New Students Menu then click Register or Reschedule an Orientation. 

During orientation: 

• One of the most popular segments of orientation is hearing the orientation leaders (all fellow students) discuss their experience here at the University of Michigan-Flint. They welcome and encourage any questions you have for them. You will also meet with professors and other academic leaders to hear their best advice.
• For a detailed schedule of events please visit our website to view the orientation Agenda.
• Come with questions and be engaged! Orientation is an opportunity to get all your questions about the University of Michigan-Flint answered. The orientation staff is here to help you, make you feel comfortable, and ensure you feel connected to the university before classes begin. 

When should I get my textbooks?

You can shop for textbooks anytime after you register for classes! Once you have registered for your courses, you can purchase (or rent) textbooks through the “Shop For Textbooks” link in your SIS account.  Or, you can bring a copy of your schedule to the bookstore before the semester begins.

When do I register for my classes?

You will register for classes during the orientation’s academic advising and registration portion. 

When is the deadline to register for orientation? 

The sooner you register for orientation the better, since sessions can fill up quickly and space is limited for each event. The sooner you register, the more sessions you will have to choose from!

Where and when do I get my parking permit, and why do I need one?

You can get your parking permit at the beginning of the semester. Parking permits are available on the stage on the first floor of the University Pavilion at the beginning of every semester.  There is no charge for your parking permit. You will need your permit to park on campus to avoid receiving a parking ticket (permit violation tickets are not issued during the time parking permits are being distributed). Be on the lookout for an email, sent to your campus email, from the Department of Public Safety with information about Parking Permits. If you have any questions, please contact DPS at 810-762-3333 or email [email protected]

Why did someone call me about orientation?

We want to make sure you get the most out of your orientation experience. Our orientation leaders contact all new students by phone in an effort to ensure that you are fully prepared for your session — and that your records are up to date. They will answer your questions and help ease any concerns you may have.

Will campus tours be available? 

Campus tours will be available at the end of each orientation session. At the end of the summer, individualized tours, during which an orientation leader will show you where each of your classes is located, will be available. We will send an email with instructions on registering for an individual tour closer to the date. The Admissions Office also offers campus tours.

Will I have opportunities to connect with other students on campus this semester? 

Yes! The university hosts Wolverine Welcome near the start of the fall semester. Wolverine Welcome is an on-campus event where you will be able to meet and get to know some of your fellow students while learning about the traditions of the University of Michigan-Flint. Other events like the Mgagement fair, an opportunity to learn about clubs and organizations on campus, will also be held. Be sure to check your campus email for the “Wolverine Weekly. ” This newsletter will inform you about virtual and on-campus events and opportunities.