Orientation

A hold placed on your account will prevent you from being able to register for classes. Holds can be placed on your account by nearly every department on campus and for a variety of reasons. Some common examples of holds are listed below:

• AV- Advising Hold (placed on all new student accounts, student must be advised)
• AD- Admissions Hold (can limit credit hours and/or specify coursework)
• MI- Medical Incomplete Hold (all new students need current immunization records)
• SS- Selective Service Hold (adult males must be registered with the Selective Service)
• CH- Must See Registrar (students must visit the Office of the Registrar to add/drop courses once classes begin)
• BO- Business Office Hold (placed on past due accounts)

To clear up any holds placed on your account prior to your Orientation date, or you are unsure of any holds, please contact the Colorado Mesa University Admissions Office at 970.248.1875 or at admissions@coloradomesa.edu.

 

What is Orientation?

Student Orientation is a program designed to acclimate students to the Colorado Mesa University campus along with advising and registration for their first semester classes. We are very excited to be able to offer this service to help you connect, meet people, feel comfortable with the campus, and know who to turn to for assistance. We are committed to make certain that your next steps as a new CMU student are taken with confidence.

Why attend an Orientation?

On average, students who attend a Student Orientation program earn higher GPA's, have higher retention rates, and graduate sooner than those who do not attend an Orientation. This is because students that attend an Orientation know where to turn for help whenever the need arises. 

When can I attend an Orientation Program?

We have many options to meet your needs and to work around your schedule. Browse through the dates and choose which one works best for you. Student Orientation sessions are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Remember that the popular classes fill up fast so please attend an early date to ensure a better selection.

Do I HAVE to attend Orientation?

Every incoming, Colorado freshman student is required to attend one of the dates available. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to attend, and transfers who register for a Student Orientation program at least 3 weeks prior will have their transcript evaluation waiting for them.

What does Orientation cost?

$15 per person for every person attending, including family and guests. This is a non-refundable charge.

All charges will be billed to the student's account.

What time will Orientation start and end?

Orientation dates have different start and end times. Please reference your registration confirmation letter to determine what time your orientation will begin and end. Please plan on spending most of the day with us. If you have not received a letter, please contact the Admissions Office at 970.248.1875.

What is the ACCUPLACER? Do I have to take it?

The ACCUPLACER is an assessment tool for English, Math, and Reading. There is no pass or fail. We are merely gathering information in order to put you in classes that fit and challenge you but aren't too easy or overwhelming. If your ACT or SAT scores are below the scores listed, you are required to take the ACCUPLACER assessment. According to your assessment score, you will be recommended to enroll in courses at the appropriate placement level. We will notify you in your SO confirmation of which ACCUPLACER assessments you need to take, if any.

If you scored below on any of the following, you should plan on taking the ACCUPLACER:

English courses: ACT English score of 18 or SAT verbal score of 440

Reading courses: ACT Reading score of 17 or SAT verbal score of 430

Mathematics courses: ACT Math score of 19 or SAT math score of 460

If you have not taken the ACT or SAT, we recommend that you take all sections of ACCUPLACER. You can call the CMU Testing Center with any particular questions about ACCUPLACER, 970.248.1260 or 888.455.2617.

How do I arrange to take the ACCUPLACER?

Contact the CMU Testing Center at 970.248.1260 or 888.455.2614, and they will be happy to assist you in taking your ACCUPLACER. This assessment tool is entirely online, so even if you live far from Colorado Mesa University you can take it at a library or school near you (it must be proctored). The Testing Center will give you ideas for testing locations and provide other guidelines for the assessment. We encourage students to make every effort to take the ACCUPLACER prior to their orientation date.

Are there any other program assessments?

Chemistry Assessment: The following majors are required to take a chemistry assessment:

•  Biology (not Biology Teacher)
•  Chemistry
•  Environmental Geology
•  Environmental Science
•  Exercise Science
•  Geology
•  Mechanical Engineering
•  Secondary Education-Geology 

Please take care of your testing needs before attending orientation. These tests are offered at any CMU campus or they can be proctored in your hometown. Contact the Testing Center for assistance: 970.248.1260, or testing@coloradomesa.edu, or Houston Hall 125.

 

Mechanical Engineering Majors: If you scored at or above a 19-ACT or 460-SAT on the math cut score, you must complete an online math assessment prior to attending an orientation. The assessment is offered online at coloradomesa.edu/engineeringmathassessment. You will need your CMU student ID number (700#) to register, and please bring a copy of the results with you to your orientation session. You will also need to complete the Chemistry Assessment mentioned above. Please contact the Colorado Mesa University Testing Center to arrange a time to take this assessment. 970.248.1260.

I'm a transfer student- will I need to take ACCUPLACER as well?

If you are transferring to CMU and you have not taken college level English or Math courses, the same rules apply as for freshmen. Please look at the ACT/SAT minimum scores above for ACCUPLACER information. Please contact the CMU Testing Center for any questions about ACCUPLACER.

When do I arrive?

You will be notified in your registration confirmation letter of the appropriate time to arrive at your Student Orientation session. The program will last most of the day so please plan accordingly.