Freshman Orientation

EXPLORE + PLAN

Orientation is a required, two-day program. In order to register for classes, you must attend the entire program. Plan to take off work for both days. You will not be excused from Orientation for work-related reasons. You will also not be excused from Orientation for recognition and athletic banquets or athletic events. If you are scheduling your orientation session with a friend/boyfriend/girlfriend and plan on coming the same two days, do not expect to be in the same orientation group.

Please read the following information carefully before choosing your two-day orientation program. You will be able to choose your program by clicking on the button at the very bottom of this page. Please note - you can view the available dates once you log in with your pin number without selecting a program at that time. You can log in several times if need be. However, once a program is at capacity, the dates will no longer appear on the screen and it will no longer be available to you. Once you decide what program works for you and your family, you can log in, select a two-day program, and you will be prompted eventually to a confirm page. Once you confirm your dates on that page, you will not be able select another orientation program.

During these two days, you will

Meet with an academic advisor, plan your class schedule, and register for classes.
Learn about academic and career expectations.
Learn how to become a successful college student.
Become acquainted with Ball State faculty, administrators, current students, and new students and their family members.
Learn your way around campus.
Get answers to questions from students, faculty, and staff.

Orientation Program Information

Check-in on the first day is from 7:30-8:15 a.m.
The program on the first day begins at 8:15 a.m. and runs through 9:30 p.m.
The second day is from 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Muncie is on Eastern Daylight Time. If you are not sure how the starting time for orientation affects you, please call us. We want your orientation to be great and that may not happen if you get a late start in the program. Please give yourself plenty of travel time.

Outstanding Student Leaders

Student orientation leaders will guide you through the two-day program sharing insights that will help you prepare for a successful college career at Ball State.

Students Will Stay in a Residence Hall

During orientation, you will stay overnight in Woodworth Complex. (a registration is already made for you.)
You will share a double room with another same gender freshman.
Each room has two single beds, bed linens, pillows, and towels.
Cost for one night in Woodworth Complex is $17.00 per person, per night in a shared double room. The room is not air-conditioned so you might want to bring a fan.
Students and families coming from a distance are welcome to arrive the night before their orientation date and check into the hall.
You must check in by 10:00 p.m.
Even if you plan to commute this fall, we encourage you to stay in the residence hall overnight to give you additional opportunities to ask questions and meet fellow students.
Cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa) accepted.

Family Members are Invited

Family member sessions are all optional, but strongly encouraged.
Family member orientation is designed specifically for parents and guardians of new students. No special programming exists for children.
Some programs for students and family members are the same. There are special sessions to assist family members with their student's transition to college by becoming familiar with the university and its many resources.
Family members meet faculty members, administrators, and current students to discuss issues such as academic performance, campus safety, money management, available support services, campus involvement, and commuter student concerns.
Questions on these and other topics are welcomed.
Family members are also welcome to stay overnight.
Family members must register for housing. Reservations must be made at least a week in advance of your date.
Room rates for family members staying in the residence halls are $20.00 per person, per night in a shared double room, or $25.00 per night for single occupancy of a double room.
The rooms are in Park Hall and are air-conditioned.
Requests can only can be made at the following Web address: www.bsu.edu/housing/visitor or by calling (765) 285-4369.
Space is limited, so please make reservations early.
Families coming to Muncie from a distance are welcome to arrive the night before their orientation date and check into the hall.
You must check in by 10:00 p.m.
Cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa) accepted.

Local Hotels for Family Members

Family members who wish to stay in a local hotel should make reservations early.

Ball State Student Center Hotel.....................(765) 285-1555

Best Western Inn.............(765) 282-0600 or (800) 937-8376

Days Inn..........................(765) 288-2311 or (800) 329-7466

Fairfield Inn......................(765) 282-6666 or (800) 228-2800

Holiday Inn Express...........(765) 289-4678 or (800) 465-4329

Lees Inn..........................(765) 282-7557 or (800) 733-5337

Signature Inn....................(765) 284-4200 or (800) 822-5252

Super 8 Motel...................(765) 286-4333 or (800) 800-8000

For additional options, call the Muncie Visitors Bureau at (800) 568-6862.

Reminders

Estimated Expenses

There is no registration fee for participating in orientation, although there are fees for on-campus housing.
A free continental breakfast is provided on the first morning (mini-bagels, donut holes, juice, coffee).
About $30 per person for total meal expenses.
Plan to pay for each meal at mealtime and for campus lodging when you check in for the program.
You may want to bring along some spending money for incidentals, such as buying a Ball State T-shirt in the bookstore.

Access Needs

Ball State is committed to access and opportunity for students and family members with disabilities. Among the accommodations available are large print and Braille publications, text on diskette, and sign language interpreters. If you or a family member require these or other accommodations during orientation, please notify the Office of Orientation at dperry@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8290 or (800) 482-4278 two weeks in advance of your orientation date. Students with disabilities may also wish to call the Office of Disabled Student Development at (765) 285-5293 or for TTY users only (765) 285-2206 to learn about other available services.

Other Contacts

For any further questions, please call:

Housing and Residence Life...............(765) 285-8000 or (800) 382-8540, ext 8000

Scholarships and Financial Aid...........(765) 285-5600 or (800) 227-4017

Office of Orientation..........................(765) 285-8290 or (800) 482-4278

How Do I Choose my Orientation Date?

You can choose your Orientation date by clicking on the registration button below.
You will need your last name and pin number that we mailed to you.
Please check your calendar and the availability of your family members before choosing your orientation date. You are only allowed to choose an orientation date once.
After you choose your Orientation date, we will mail you a confirmation packet within ten business days.
The confirmation packet includes a campus map, a parking permit, and additional information about orientation, including when and where to check in, and what to bring with you.