Frequently Asked Questions

For traditional freshmen, all orientation dates will be offered on campus.

For transfer and non-traditional students, some orientation sessions will be offered virtually and some will be offered on campus. Blazer Beginnings attendance is required whether you attend a virtual or on-campus session, and both will include elements of self-led and live content.

The fee guarantees your spot at UAB and pays for staff, programming, and other administrative costs for both virtual and in-person sessions.

All fees associated with orientation (including the Freshman Enrollment Deposit, orientation fee, guest fees, and housing fees) are NON-REFUNDABLE. However, if you choose to attend UAB in the future, your original payment will be documented so you will only owe whatever amount is unpaid at that time.

If you move from an on-campus orientation date to a virtual orientation date, you can request a refund of optional fees such as guest fees.

You will need the following technology to complete the pre-orientation course in Canvas:

• Internet connection
• Device (such as a computer or smart phone) that can play audio and video
• Mobile users may want to download the Canvas Student app for easier functionality - App Store, Google Play.

The pre-orientation Canvas course will be available 3 weeks before your orientation date.

Your orientation hold will prevent you from registering for classes or modifying your class schedule until you complete the pre-orientation course in Canvas (UAB’s learning management system).

Parents and family members have access to their own separate online orientation available in Canvas (UAB’s online learning management system) as well as live programming on their student’s orientation date (on-campus dates only). Please note that students will be separated from family members for the majority of live programming. Get more information on the Parent & Family Orientation page and in the Parent & Family Orientation portion of these FAQs.

All new students will have the chance to learn about ways to get involved with student organizations and UAB departments through the UAB Student Organizations and Services Expo on the day of your orientation.

You will be able to register for classes on your scheduled orientation date if you have successfully completed all modules in the pre-orientation course in Canvas (UAB’s online learning management system), have taken any required math or English placement assessments, and have met with your academic advisor. There will be a specific time on your orientation date where you can ask questions of advisors and/or Orientation Leaders to get help registering for classes and setting up your course schedule.

For on-campus orientation dates, you will meet with your academic advisor and register for classes during orientation programming.

For virtual orientation dates, your academic advisor may reach out to you by email before your orientation date. Once advised, you will be cleared to register for classes as early as your scheduled orientation date.

Yes! Campus tours are offered as part of on-campus orientation dates. Check the Freshman or Transfer/Non-Traditional schedule for the times of those tours. You can also learn more about UAB’s campus by visiting www.uab.edu/visit to schedule a campus tour on any other day or choose to “Take a Virtual Campus Tour.”

Blazer Beginnings is required for all incoming degree-seeking undergraduate students who are not admitted to an online-only major (online-only students will complete Online Major Orientation in Canvas).

UAB’s orientation program is an introduction to UAB’s culture as well as an introduction to the academic and social expectations of the campus community. It is also most students’ first chance to interact with peers, familiarize themselves with the campus, and meet their academic advisors who will help them to register for classes both at orientation and in future semesters. Plus, it’s fun! Try to make the most of the opportunity to learn about resources and student groups you might be interested in.

We recommend attending the earliest available Blazer Beginnings. Attending an earlier orientation date will allow you to register for classes earlier, which means you have a better chance of getting the classes you want. Keep in mind that orientation dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you make a reservation, the more likely you will be able to select an earlier date. The size of each session is limited so your advisor and other campus reps can work closely with you.

Please note: There are some Fall Freshman orientation dates that are reserved for select student populations. When you make a reservation for Blazer Beginnings online, you are shown only orientation dates that apply to you. For example, if you are in the Honors College, you will only be shown Honors College orientation dates.

Students will attend Blazer Beginnings prior to their first semester at UAB. Orientation for all semesters open for students to sign up in early October. There are three types of orientation programs that are offered throughout the year:

• Spring Blazer Beginnings - Transfer and freshman students attending their first semester in the spring
• Summer/Fall Transfer and Non-Traditional Freshman Blazer Beginnings - Transfer and non-traditional freshman students (graduated high school two or more years ago) attending their first semester in the summer or fall
• Summer/Fall Freshman Blazer Beginnings - Freshman students starting at UAB the year after or the same year as high school graduation

Please note: If you are admitted to an online-only major, you will not sign up for Blazer Beginnings but will instead complete the Online Major Orientation through Canvas. Visit the Online Major Orientation FAQs for more details.

View our Pre-Orientation Checklist.

Some students will be required to take a Math Placement Assessment and/or English Placement Survey and Writing Sample. For the most up to date information, visit uab.edu/placement.

Once you complete the online reservation process, two confirmation emails are sent:

• A payment confirmation will be sent to the e-mail of the person making the reservation (sometimes this will go to a parent’s email who is paying the reservation fee).
• An orientation reservation confirmation will be automatically emailed to the student’s email address.

If you have decided to change your major since your admission to UAB, you can visit uab.edu/changemajor to change your major. There will also be a link available to change your major at the same time you are making your reservation to attend orientation.

You have already been assigned an academic advisor based upon your major at admission. In order for us to schedule time for you to meet with the appropriate advisor, you must complete a major change at least seven days prior to your orientation session.

Blazer Beginnings is your most important first step in becoming an official UAB student. All of the programs and information are designed to connect you to UAB and prepare you for success. You will:

• Meet with faculty and academic advisors
• Register for classes
• Discuss academic expectations
• Discover resources designed to help you succeed
• Build a network of campus contacts
• Check out opportunities and organizations that can help you get involved on campus
• Meet other students – current and new – and start building new friendships

Get more information about what will happen at orientation on the Schedules page.

Immunization records are not required to attend orientation, but all immunization records must be submitted before the first day of classes (deadlines and additional details available at uab.edu/newstudentshots). Submission of immunization records is an online process. Students will receive detailed information by email on how to provide proof of immunizations

For the most up to date and complete policy information, please visit uab.edu/newstudentshots.

To reschedule your orientation date, please call New Student Programs at 205-975-7999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You must provide your BlazerID and the date you would like to attend.

You can submit your ONE Card photo online at uab.edu/onecardphoto, and it must meet certain criteria.

A BlazerID is your username you’ll use to access many of UAB's services and online resources. You must use your BlazerID to reserve a spot for Blazer Beginnings and register for classes. If you don’t remember your BlazerID, visit uab.edu/blazerid.

New students obtain their ONE Cards during orientation. UAB employees who later become students may already have a ONE Card (ID Badge) and will not receive a new card at orientation. Your ONE Card has many functions, including serving as your photo ID, granting you admission to the Campus Recreation Center and UAB athletic events, and giving you access to your Meal Plan, Dragon Cash, and Blazer Bucks accounts.

For students attending an on-campus orientation date, you will get your ONE Card at Blazer Beginnings.

For student attending a virtual orientation date, you will receive instructions at your UAB email address for getting your ONE Card closer to the start of the semester. UAB employees who already have a ONE Card as their ID badge will not receive a new one.

Know what to do before you arrive with our What to Bring With You to Orientation list!

You can find a campus map at uab.edu/map.

Orientation is not excused for work, travel, or other commitments. Please make arrangements to attend orientation on one of the listed dates. If there is an unavoidable conflict, call New Student Programs at 205-975-7999 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how to complete your orientation requirement.

Try to schedule an orientation session that does not conflict with practice for athletic teams, band camp rehearsals, or other university-related activities. Coaches and directors are aware that you are required to attend orientation, so please talk to them if you are unable to schedule around a practice time.

To reschedule your Blazer Beginnings date, please call 205-975-7999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

No, you will not need to pay for tuition at orientation. View a description of payment plans, deadlines, and instructions on how to pay.

Graduate students can contact the Graduate School at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 205-934-8227 for assistance. Blazer Beginnings is only for new or incoming undergraduate degree-seeking students.

Please notify us in advance if you, your family, or your guests require special accommodations to participate in orientation. Accommodation requests must be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two weeks prior to your scheduled orientation session so necessary arrangements can be made.

View Directions & Parking information to find your way to Blazer Beginnings!

Parking will be available in the 12th Street Parking Deck, and a parking pass is not required on your orientation day. Get more detailed Directions & Parking information before you leave for campus.

For Summer and Fall Blazer Beginnings, housing is only offered for the freshman sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. For Spring Blazer Beginnings, housing is NOT provided.

Overnight accommodations are not provided as part of orientation, but limited on-campus accommodations can be reserved—on a first-come, first-served basis—for $40 per person per night for Summer/Fall Freshman orientation dates only. Students will share rooms with other students, and parents will be housed in their own rooms in a different part of the building. Siblings or guests must be at least 16 years of age in order to take advantage of the on-campus accommodations.

A list of nearby hotels with phone numbers may be found by visiting the Accommodations webpage. When you make your reservation, please make sure you mention you are coming for a UAB-sponsored event as many area hotels will offer discounts.

• Strong internet connection
• Device (such as a computer or smart phone) that can play audio and video
  • For a better view, use a larger screen (like a desktop or laptop) to access the live Zoom sessions. If you don’t have that available, you can still fully participate on a smart phone or tablet.

The Zoom links will be sent to you by email the week before your scheduled orientation date.

The live Zoom sessions are on your scheduled orientation date. See the schedule for Transfer/Non-Traditional Students.

Get Orientation Pro Tips before you head to campus!

Blazer Beginnings is a 2-day program for first-time freshman students. A schedule is available on the Freshman orientation page.

All portions of Blazer Beginnings are required.

All first-time freshmen are required to pay a non-refundable $200 Freshman Enrollment Deposit to secure a place in the entering class. The Freshman Enrollment Deposit covers the cost of Blazer Beginnings and associated enrollment fees. Students may not apply for on-campus housing or make a reservation for Blazer Beginnings until the Freshman Enrollment Deposit is submitted.

Please visit our Freshman Enrollment Deposit Policy for more information.

Entering freshmen who have demonstrated financial need may request a deferral of payment.

Sessions for students in the Honors College include the regular programming offered at Blazer Beginnings. There are no differences in orientation programming except that the other students attending are also in the Honors College. There is an additional mandatory honors advising session the evening of the first day of Blazer Beginnings.

On-campus housing requests can be made during the orientation registration process for summer/fall freshman dates only. Visit the accomodations page to get more details.

Blazer Beginnings for Transfer and Non-Traditional students consists of a Canvas course and a half-day of orientation-day programming either on Zoom or on campus. You can view the Blazer Beginnings schedule for more information.

All portions of Blazer Beginnings are required. Any optional sessions will be marked as optional on the orientation-day schedule.

The nonrefundable fee for transfer and non-traditional student orientation is $50 for each student—this pays for staff, programming, and other administrative services.

No, you are not able to defer the orientation fee before attending Blazer Beginnings. If you are unable to pay, please call 205-975-7999 to discuss your options for paying the orientation fee.

Although there is some overlap in information you learn as a UAB employee, there are some things that will be different for you as a student. UAB requires orientation for all new students so that everyone has the same set of information before starting classes.

You can access the online orientation in Canvas, UAB’s eLearning management system.

The online orientation modules in Canvas can take up to 4 hours to complete, but you don’t have to finish it all in one sitting. You can leave it at any time and return to complete the remaining portions.

You are welcome to attend Blazer Beginnings, our on-campus orientation program, if you would like to! It costs $50 to attend. Please call 205-975-7999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get signed up.

You will be able to access the online orientation in Canvas as early as November 1 for Spring students and April 1 for Summer/Fall students.

Please call 205-975-7999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance with getting added to the course.

You can find your academic advisor’s contact information underneath your profile picture in BlazerNet. You’ll just need to log in with your BlazerID and password at www.uab.edu/blazernet.

For on-campus orientation dates, family members of all students are invited to attend the concurrently-run Parent & Family orientation. For traditional freshman orientation dates, one family member is included with payment of the Freshman Enrollment Deposit and any additional family members may join for a $35 fee. For transfer/non-traditional student orientation dates, family members may join for a $10 fee. These fees cover the cost of meals and staffing. See the schedule for parents and family members on the Parent & Family Orientation webpage.

Live family programming is not available on virtual orientation dates.

Parents and family members also have access to their own separate online orientation available in Canvas (UAB’s online learning management system) with information about how to support their UAB student. Find the link to the Parent & Family Orientation Canvas course on the Parent & Family Orientation webpage.

While participation in Parent & Family Orientation is optional, we strongly encourage you to take part in order to learn essential information you need to help your student transition successfully to UAB. If you choose to participate, you will learn information that will help you support your student. You can get a link to the Parent & Family Orientation Canvas course and see a schedule for orientation-day programming on the Parent & Family Orientation webpage.

Programming is designed for parents, guardians, and adult family members supporting their student in college. While we welcome parents and adult guardians, attending Blazer Beginnings with family members younger than 16 is not recommended. Please make arrangements for children under 16 years of age to be cared for while you are attending Blazer Beginnings. All guests, regardless of age, require a $35 fee to attend (for traditional freshman dates) or a $10 fee to attend (for transfer/non-traditional student dates).

We believe support from parents and family members makes students more successful at UAB. By participating in Blazer Beginnings, you will be taking a first step in showing support for your student as they begin a new journey while also learning tips on how to help them get on the path to success in college.

Parents and family members are welcome to participate in Blazer Beginnings but are not required to attend.

To add a guest, call New Student Programs at 205-975-7999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The cost is $35 per person (beyond the first registered guest) for Summer/Fall Traditional Freshman sessions and $10 per person for transfer and non-traditional freshman sessions.

To change a guest name or contact information, call New Student Programs at 205-975-7999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The student program and family program of Blazer Beginnings are two distinct programs with separate schedules. You may be together with your student at some combined sessions.

Yes! Contact us with any accommodation requests at least two weeks prior to Blazer Beginnings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There is a video about Family Engagement available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff members may be available upon request to answer questions on orientation days, but it is best to bring another guest with you to provide translation for all the information sessions delivered throughout orientation. If you require an additional guest for translation purposes, please contact the New Student Programs office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make arrangements for your translator.

Find more information about UAB in Spanish at https://www.uab.edu/admissions/bienvenida-a-la-uab.

Hay un video sobre la participación familiar disponible en español. Es posible que haya miembros de nuestropersonal de habla hispana disponibles para responder a preguntas durante los días de orientación, pero es mejor traer a otro invitado para que le traduzca en todas las sesiones de información impartidas durante laorientación. Si necesita traer un invitado adicional para fines de traducción, comuníquese con la oficina de Programas Para Nuevos Estudiantes (New Student Programs office) en This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. para hacer arreglos para su traductor.

Encuentra más información sobre la UAB en español en https://www.uab.edu/admissions/bienvenida-a-la-uab.

To learn more about our Orientation Leader program, please visit uab.edu/OL to learn more and apply. Applications open annually in the fall semester and are typically due at the end of October.

Yes! To access your class schedule, log in to your BlazerNET home page. Click Registration at the top of your Student Profile to access options like Student Detail Schedule, Week at a Glance, and Add, Drop, or Withdraw Classes.

To-Do List for New Students:

• Submit Proof of Health Insurance Coverage.
• Submit your Immunization Forms.
• Submit your Official Final Transcript by the first day of class. These are only accepted by mail directly from the institution.
• Order your Parking Hangtag.
• Select Your Meal Plan.
• Order Your Textbooks.
• Figure Out Your Technology Needs
• Download the official UAB App.
• Get in touch with your roommate if you are living on campus to arrange what you will contribute when moving in.
• Review a comprehensive checklist for accepted freshmen and transfer/non-traditional students.