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.
Apply to be a 2020 Orientation Leader!
The Orientation Leader (OL) position provides students the unique leadership opportunity to officially welcome new Blue Hens to the University of Delaware! OLs are hired to ease the transition of new first-year, transfer, and international students, and their families as they begin their relationship with UD. OLs aid in the academic, social, and cultural acclimation to the university. OLs also serve as a resource for new students and their families by providing honest and current information about any and all aspects of UD. Through this leadership position, OLs are also able to gain essential skills that are easily transferable into their professional careers and life after UD. OLs are official representatives of the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs (OTP), the Division of Student Life, and the University of Delaware, and should act accordingly with professionalism and good judgment.
Download the full application description [PDF]
Application period: September 3 – 29
Interest Meetings
- Monday, September 16 at 4 p.m. in 231 Trabant University Center
- Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m. in 116 Gore Hall
- Tuesday, September 24 at 5 p.m. in 231 Trabant University Center
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; obtain your student ID card; and interact with the orientation staff. NSO for first year students and Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) for new transfer students are both one-day programs. International Student Orientation (ISO) for incoming international undergraduate students is a two-day program.
For new first year and transfer students entering UD in fall 2019, NSO will take place weekdays beginning Tuesday, June 25 through Wednesday, July 24. For international undergraduates entering UD in the fall 2019, ISO will take place Thursday, August 22 through Friday, August 23.
It is mandatory for every new student to attend 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.
For international undergraduates entering UD in fall 2019, ISO will take place Thursday, August 22 through Friday, August 23. ISO is mandatory for all international students who are new to the University of Delaware, and students must attend both days of the program. Learn more about ISO.
Transfer students entering UD in fall 2019 will attend orientation on Thursday, July 11 or Monday, July 15. Transfers in the College of Arts and Sciences will also have the option to attend orientation on Wednesday, July 3. 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. Learn more about orientation.
Students admitted as World Scholars in fall 2019 will be invited to attend a pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Institute for Global Studies on Monday, June 24. World Scholars can find more information about the program on the World Scholars website.
Extended Orientation
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. Following on-campus move-in on Saturday, the Preview of Perkins Live kicks off the festivities on students' first night with games, performances and activities. Headline events run through the weekend, concluding with the annual candlelighting ceremony, the Twilight Induction, on Monday evening. Activities continue through the first two weeks of the fall semester, and students are encouraged to connect with faculty, staff, and student groups that will support their continued success at and beyond UD. For fall 2019, 1743 Welcome Days occurs Saturday, August 24 through Monday, August 26.
Who are we?
OTP
Staff
Orientation
Leaders
Summit
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.