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 2022 Orientation Leader!
Orientation Leaders (OLs) bring the spirit and excitement to our newest Blue Hens and their families!
Apply to be a 2022 Orientation Leader today!
Application and position details are available here.
Deadline: Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 3rd!
Want more info? Check out one of our interest sessions below:
Sept. 16: Trabant 230 at 2pm
Sept. 20: Trabant 230 at 1pm
Sept. 21: Zoom at 7:30pm
Sept. 23: Trabant 230 at 12pm
Sept. 28: Zoom at 8:30pm
Sept. 30: Trabant 230 at 4pm
Zoom Info: https://udel.zoom.us/j/95390235638
1743 Welcome Days
1743 Welcome Days, your extended orientation and welcome to the University of Delaware, begins Thursday, August 26 and runs through Wednesday, September 1! You can view the full event schedule through the mobile app Guidebook. To download, follow these instructions:
- Search for Guidebook in the Apple, Google, or Amazon app stores or visit: http://guidebook.com/getit
- Tap to download and install the Guidebook app.
- Tap the Find Guides icon on the bottom right of your display.
- Type in 2021 UD 1743 Welcome Days in the search box.
- Tap Download Guide to download and open the 2021 1743 schedule guide.
In addition, here’s a link to the web version: https://guidebook.com/g/#/guides/ud1743-2021. We can’t wait to see you at 1743!
If you have any questions, contact us at otp@udel.edu.
Information about the University of Delaware’s fall 2021 semester guidelines is available at udel.edu/home/coronavirus/.
New Student Orientation (NSO) 2021 Experience
For new students entering UD in fall 2021, NSO will be offered in June-July 2021.
Your NSO experience includes:
- A live half-day orientation program, which you can participate in on-campus or virtually, your choice!
- A self-paced online orientation course through Canvas, UD’s Learning Management System
- A virtual academic advising appointment within your chosen college, and a live virtual Meet Your College academic information session
- A variety of live Zoom information sessions about important topics, including housing, dining, student financial services and more offered throughout July and August
Log into your My Blue Hen Home portal to view the NSO portal for the specific details and how to get started!
If you have any questions, contact us at otp@udel.edu.
Summer 2021 Office Hours
Orientation and Transition Programs is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. this summer.
Please note: The University of Delaware is closed on Monday, July 5, 2021 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I couldn't attend a live NSO program in June or July. Is there another session offered?
Yes, there is one more virtual live NSO session on Wednesday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Sign up through your NSO portal within your My Blue Hen Home.
How do I access the online orientation course in Canvas?
New students can access the online orientation course by logging into Canvas at https://sites.udel.edu/canvas/ with their UD credentials. Students should complete all 6 sections, or modules, to make the most of their NSO experience.
Do I have to complete the online orientation course if I attend a live NSO program?
Yes, all new students should complete the online orientation course in Canvas as part of their NSO experience. To learn more about how to access the course, visit the Orientation page.
When do 1743 Welcome Days begin?
1743 Welcome Days, students’ extended orientation to UD, begin in the evening on Thursday, August 26 and run through Tuesday, August 31, which is the first day of classes.
Where can I find the schedule for 1743 Welcome Days events?
The most up-to-date 1743 Welcome Days event schedule, details, and important information is available through Guidebook. If you have a smartphone, download the Guidebook app using the steps below:
- Search for “Guidebook” in the Apple, Google, or Amazon app stores or visit: http://guidebook.com/getit
- Tap to download and install the Guidebook app.
- Tap the “Find Guides” icon on the bottom right of your display.
- Type “2021 UD 1743 Welcome Days” in the search box.
- Tap “Download Guide” to download and open the guide.
You can also view the schedule and event details on your web browser at https://guidebook.com/g/ud1743-2021.
If I'm living on campus, when do I move into my residence hall?
First year students move into their residence halls on Thursday, August 26 and Friday, August 27, and returning students move in on Saturday, August 28. Specific details and important move-in information is available on the Residence Life & Housing website.
How do I schedule an appointment with an academic advisor if I didn't complete this step yet?
Students should reach out directly to their academic college to schedule an academic advising appintment to select fall classes. Contact information for each college is available on the advising.udel.edu website.
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 fall 2021, NSO will be offered June through July. Log into the NSO portal on your My Blue Hen Home for details.
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.
International Student Orientation (ISO) is mandatory for all international students who are new to the University of Delaware. Students will receive additional information about ISO from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) within the Center for Global Programs and Services.
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 fall 2021, 1743 Welcome Days begins in the evening Thursday, August 26 and runs through Tuesday, August 31. A full 1743 Welcome Days schedule will be available through Guidebook. Stay tuned to the Student Life website for instructions on downloading the schedule from Guidebook.
OTP Staff
Student Coordinators
Orientation Leaders
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.