Freshman OAR Frequently Asked Questions
What will I do at Orientation?
During Orientation, you will:
- Plan your academic program with the help of an advisor
- Register for classes
- Discover a wide variety of student activities and services
- Tour the campus
- Receive training needed to register for classes online
- Meet with representatives from financial aid
- Receive advisement testing results
- Meet other incoming students and continuing students
Is there a fee for OAR?
The fee to attend Orientation is $25 and will be collected at check-in.
When should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. on day one in the URC (University Readiness Center). Students must stay the entire time and all freshmen (under the age of 20) are required to stay overnight. Day two usually ends around 1 p.m.
Do my parents need to attend Orientation?
Parents are always welcome at OAR. Day one will include information sessions for parents and students, lunch, advisement and activities. A list of local area accommodations can be found on the Parents FAQ page.
Will I need to pay my fees while on campus?
Fall bills will be posted at the end of July. All fees must be paid in August to secure your class schedule, so those attending August Orientation will need to pay their fees at Orientation. The fee payment process will be explained thoroughly during Orientation.
What do I need to bring?
You must bring proper identification in order to verify your citizenship status (acceptable documents include: SC Driver's license if you began driving after Jan. 1, 2002; valid passport; birth certificate. If you are a married female student, you must present both a marriage license and a birth certificate). For more information, visit the Citizenship Verification information page. All immunization forms should also be brought to campus if you have not mailed them to Health Services prior to Orientation. You may also want to bring a voided check in order to set up a direct deposit account, along with your direct deposit form. Also make sure to refer to the Overnight Checklist for everything you'll need to stay overnight.
Are any tests required prior to Orientation?
All entering freshmen who did not take the writing portion of the SAT or ACT, have not completed a college-level English or math course or scored at least a 3 on an English or math Advanced Placement test must take advisement tests online prior to attending OAR. Results of the tests are used during academic advisement, which is an important part of the OAR program. Foreign language tests will be given during Orientation if you wish to place in a course beyond the 101 entry level.
Can I get my college ID card while I’m on campus?
Student ID cards will be made at the University Public Safety department during Orientation. Your ID is used for admission to campus events, as your library card and as your official campus identification.