Orientation and Transition Programs is pleased to welcome you to the University of Delaware!
OTP’s primary goal is to provide you and your family with the information and tools you need to explore UD’s offerings, access important resources, learn about a wide range of activities and programs, and discover what it means to be a “Fightin’ Blue Hen.”
We hope this site will be your road map to a successful transition to the University. It is filled with important information about OTP and the University, including important updates about tasks you’ll need to complete before arriving on campus.
DEADLINE EXTENDED - Apply to be a 2021 Orientation Leader!
Orientation Leaders (OLs) bring the spirit and excitement to our newest Blue Hens and their families!
Apply to be a 2021 Orientation Leader today – Deadline Extended!
Application and position details are available here.
Deadline: Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24!
Apply to be a 2021 Welcome Ambassador!
Interested in welcoming new Blue Hens to campus during 1743 Welcome Days?
Apply to be a 2021 Welcome Ambassador today!
Application and position details are available here.
Deadline: Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 28!
Spring Semester 2021 - Virtual NSO Experience
For those of you beginning at UD in spring 2021, we’re thrilled you are joining the University of Delaware community, and to help you feel prepared to begin your semester, we encourage you to actively take part in your virtual NSO experience.
Your virtual NSO includes:
- A synchronous orientation session through Zoom on Saturday, February 6 from 1-4:30 p.m. for you and your family
- An online orientation course through Canvas, UD’s Learning Management System
- An academic advising appointment within your chosen college
- A variety of live Zoom information sessions about important topics, including housing, dining, student financial services and more!
Specific details about your virtual NSO experience is available on My Blue Hen Home.
In addition, spring 1743 Welcome Days will take place February 8-19, featuring an exciting schedule of virtual and in-person events and activities. Stay tuned to your UD email and the Student Life Virtual Hub for additional information about the full schedule in January!
We are committed to making your orientation experience as meaningful as possible and to prepare you to be a successful Blue Hen. If you have any questions, contact us by emailing otp@udel.edu. Our office will be open virtually in the fall semester, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Information about the University of Delaware’s spring 2021 semester is available at udel.edu/home/coronavirus/return/. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, and if you have a question that is not addressed in the FAQs, please email coronavirus@udel.edu.

NSO / ISO / TSO
New Student Orientation (NSO) covers important topics such as student life, academics and registration, and safety and wellbeing. During your orientation, you will meet your new classmates; learn about your College; and interact with the orientation staff. For students starting in spring 2021, NSO will be offered virtually in February 2021. Additional details will be shared by December 2020.
It is mandatory for every new student to participate in orientation. Refer to the New Student Checklist and Resources section for information about how to prepare for your transition to UD.

Special Programs
Students admitted to the Associates in Arts program should visit the Associate in Arts website for additional information about orientation. Associate in Arts students are oriented on their home campus.
ISO is mandatory for all international students who are new to the University of Delaware. Learn more about ISO.
Even though you may have attended orientation at your previous institution, you must attend orientation at UD to learn about our campus’s resources, meet with an academic advisor in your College, and interact with other incoming transfer students. Learn more about TSO.
During orientation, there will be a session specifically for Student Veterans featuring important campus resources and an opportunity to connect with the Blue Hen Veterans student organization. Student Veterans can visit the UD Veteran Services website for additional information about accessing UD resources.
Winter Orientation follows a similar format as summer NSO, TSO and ISO for students entering the University of Delaware in spring semester. For students starting in spring semester 2021, Winter Orientation will be offered virtually. Learn more about orientation.
World Scholars attend a pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Institute for Global Studies in the summer and then participate in NSO before the beginning of spring semester on main campus. World Scholars can find more information about the program on the World Scholars website.

1743 Welcome Days
Named for the year to which the University of Delaware traces its roots, UD's opening weekend celebration offers opportunities for students to connect with their new community, explore all that UD has to offer, and consider how they will contribute during their time here.
For spring 2021, 1743 Welcome Days occurs February 8-19! Stay tuned to the Student Life Virtual Hub for details in January 2021.
Who are we?
OTP
Staff
Orientation
Leaders
Welcome Ambassador
Captains
New Student Resources
We've compiled these lists to help you get all your questions answered before you arrive. Resources for new UD families can be found here.Colleges
- Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics | 302-831-4369
- College of Agriculture & Natural Resources | 302-831-2508
- College of Arts & Sciences | 302-831-3020
- College of Earth, Ocean and Environment | 302-831-2841
- College of Education and Human Development | 302-831-2396
- College of Engineering | 302-831-8659
- College of Health Sciences | 302-831-8073
- Honors Program | 302-831-1195
- University Studies (Undeclared) 302-831-4555
Services
- Academic Enrichment, Office of | 302-831-4555
- Admissions | 302-831-8123
- Banking, PNC | 302-733-7241
- Billing | 302-831-2126
- Bookstore, UD | 302-831-2637
- Campus Recreation | 302-831-8600
- Dining Services | 302-831-6761
- Disability Support Services | 302-831-4643
- Financial Aid | 302-831-2126
- International Students & Scholars, Office of | 302-831-2115
- IT Support Center | 302-831-6000
- Registrar, University | 302-831-2131
- Student Financial Services | 302-831-2126
- Student Veteran Resources | 302-831-0552
- Transfer Student Resources | 302-831-1554
- University Police | 302-831-2222
#LifeAtUD
To be at UD is to be immersed in opportunities for growth. The Division of Student Life offers campuswide programs, groups and opportunities that are designed to help you thrive personally, educationally and professionally. Student Life includes:
Office of the Dean of Students
Center for Black Culture
Center for Counseling & Student Development
Disability Support Services
Fraternity & Sorority Leadership and Learning
Office of Student Conduct
Orientation & Transition Programs
Residence Life & Housing
Student Diversity & Inclusion
Student Health Services
Student Services for Athletes
Student Wellness & Health Promotion
UD Career Center
University Student Centers
Advocacy and Support
Throughout your time at UD, you can always contact the Dean of Students whenever you have a question, a concern, or a problem to solve and you don’t know where to begin. ODS can also be reached in 101 Hullihen Hall, or via phone at 302-831-8939.