All freshmen, including international students, are required to participate in one of the six Orientation sessions. We encourage you to attend the earliest possible Orientation session.

If you have been accepted to the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), your Orientation session is held in August. You do not have to sign up for any of these Orientation sessions. The CAMP office will send you information in mid-July about CAMP Orientation. If you have questions, please contact Esther Q. Yacono, CAMP director, at 512-448-8625 or esthery@stedwards.edu.

Freshman Orientation Dates 2013

Session I: June 13–14   Session IV: July 11–12

Session II: June 20–21   Session V: July 15–16

Session III: June 27–28   Session VI: Aug. 21–22*

*Please register for the earliest orientation session that fits your schedule. We try to reserve Session 6 for our out-of-state and international students as a courtesy to those who must travel greater distances to campus.

To Sign Up for Orientation

Online registration for Freshman Orientation begins Wednesday, April 10, 2013. To register, click “Accepted Students” at stedwards.edu. Before you can register for New Undergraduate Student Orientation, you must pay your nonrefundable $150 enrollment deposit. If you pay your enrollment deposit online, please allow one business day before registering for Orientation. This ensures that your deposit is processed and that you can successfully access the online Orientation registration form. If you have further questions, please contact the New Undergraduate Student Orientation Office at 512-448-8584 or 800-775-6755.

Orientation Fee

An Orientation fee of $200 will be added to your account. This fee covers all Orientation costs, including meals, student housing and other services.

Advising and Registration

All freshmen will meet individually with an academic counselor. The counselor will discuss individual degree requirements, course options and major selection. You will register for fall classes during this individual session.

Placement Testing in English and Math

Some students will be required to complete placement tests in English or math to finalize course placement. Students who must take these tests will be notified prior to registration. Students with Advanced Placement test scores or dual enrollment coursework should discuss their placement and credits with their academic counselor.

Important Freshman Orientation Information — All Sessions

Check-in: You may check in from 8 to 9:00 a.m. on the first day of your Orientation Session. Check-in will take place in the following locations: Sessions I–V, Dujarie Hall; Session VI, Ragsdale Center, second floor. Student check-out is on the second day at 4 p.m.

Transportation: Airport shuttle service will be provided at 8 and 9 a.m. on the morning of check-in. Return transportation will be provided at 4 and 5 p.m. on day two of Orientation Sessions I–V. Please call 512-448-8584 to reserve your shuttle space. Taxi service also is available at the airport.

Housing: Students participating in Orientation Sessions I–V are required to stay on campus for the one night of Orientation. If you are registered for Session VI, you will move into your permanent residence hall on Aug. 21 between 2 and 5 p.m. or commute to Orientation if living off campus. Parents who wish to join their son or daughter for Orientation are encouraged to make reservations at an Austin-area hotel.

What to bring: You should plan to bring extra-long twin sheets and a blanket or a sleeping bag, a pillow, towels, casual clothing, an alarm clock and any other personal items needed for the one-night stay (Sessions I–V). Please also remember to bring a picture ID, your username and password for your computer account, proof of health insurance, and your immunization records. The immunization records should include your bacterial meningitis vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I can’t attend Orientation Sessions I–V, may I still register for classes early?

Students who are unable to participate in Freshman Orientation Sessions I–V must register for classes during Orientation Session VI, which begins Wednesday, Aug. 21.

If I attend Orientation Sessions I–V, when do I return to campus?

Students who attend a June or July Orientation Session should plan to return to campus for Hilltopper Welcome Days beginning Friday, Aug. 23, at 9 a.m. and continuing through check-in on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 9 a.m. This will allow you to check into your residence hall and take required programming to prepare for college, and it will give parents, families and friends the opportunity to meet additional university staff, faculty and students. (Residence hall check-in begins at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23.)

What if I decide not to attend St. Edward’s after I’ve attended an Orientation session and registered for classes?

Students who decide not to attend should contact the Admission Office in writing no later than Sunday, Aug. 25. You assume financial and academic responsibility for each registered course. St. Edward’s University will not automatically withdraw your registration due to nonpayment or lack of attendance