Orientation Schedules

Freshman Schedule

Please make note of the Blazer Beginnings schedule before making travel arrangements – all portions of Blazer Beginnings are required unless specifically marked as optional.

Spring

Freshmen starting in the Spring term must make a reservation for a Transfer & Non-Traditional Orientation date.

Summer/Fall

To select when you will attend Blazer Beginnings, view a list of orientation dates. All orientation dates will be hosted on campus.

Important Programming Details

• Overnight on-campus accommodations: Staying on campus gives you the chance to meet other new students at the Blazer Beginnings Social the evening of Day 1. Limited on-campus accommodations can be reserved for $40 per person, per night. If you prefer to stay off campus, there are hotels nearby.
• Parent & Family Orientation: Family programming will be offered live on your orientation date. A reservation for one adult family member is included in your deposit and any additional family members may join for a $35 fee. Family members may also view pre-recorded videos in a specially designed online course free of charge.
  • Attendance at ALL portions of orientation is required for students. Parents and family members are encouraged, but not required, to attend.
  • In order to maximize student learning for all participants at Blazer Beginnings, family members and guests will participate in the Parent & Family Track only and incoming students will participate in the Student Track only.
  • While we welcome parents and adult guardians, attending Orientation with family members younger than 16 is strongly discouraged. Please make alternative arrangements for younger siblings or children under 16 while you are attending Blazer Beginnings.
• Disability Accommodations: Email blazerbeginnings@uab.edu or call 205-975-7999 at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled orientation date to request accommodations.

Day 1

8:45-9:15 AM
Check-In, ONE Card Photos
Hill Student Center

9:15-9:45 AM
Welcome and Morning Instructions
Hill Student Center

9:45-11:45 AM
Student Track: Campus Tour, Blazer Talk
Depart from Hill Student Center

Parent and Family Track: Making the Parent Transition, Family Engagement, Campus Dining
Hill Student Center

11:50 AM-1:20 PM
Lunch
Hill Student Center

Student Organizations and Services Expo
Campus Recreation Center

1:20-2:35 PM
Student Track: Campus Dining, Blazer Culture
Hill Student Center

Parent and Family Track: Information Technology, Academics, Parking and Transportation, Career Center
Hill Student Center

2:35-3:35 PM
Breakout Sessions: Specialized Interest Information Sessions
Hill Student Center

3:45-4:30 PM
Student Track: Paying for College
Hill Student Center

Parent and Family Track: Paying for College
Hill Student Center

Day 2

Reminder: All sessions on Day 1 and Day 2 are required for students.

8:45-9:00 AM
Check-In, ONE Card Pickup
Hill Student Center

9:00-9:25 AM
Breakout Sessions: On-Campus and Off-Campus Housing Information
Hill Student Center

9:25-9:45 AM
Q&A with Student Housing and Residence Life
Hill Student Center

9:45 AM-12:20 PM
Student Track: Disability Support, Student Policies, Campus Safety, Professor Perspectives, UAB History & Traditions
Hill Student Center

Parent and Family Track: Student Health, Professor Perspectives, Campus Safety, Current Student Panel Q&A
Hill Student Center

11:30 AM-12:20 PM
Student Track: Lunch
Commons on the Green Dining Hall

Parent and Family Track: Lunch
Hill Student Center

12:30-1:50 PM
Student Track: Breakout Sessions: Student Success Workshops, Wrap-Up
Hill Student Center

Parent and Family Track: Athletics, Buying Textbooks, Disability Support, Caring for Your Student
Hill Student Center

1:50-4:15 PM
Student Track: Academic Program Visit and Advisor Meeting, Orientation Check-Out
Various Locations

Parent and Family Track: Student Affairs Panel, The Car Ride Home, UAB Bookstore Reception
Hill Student Center

3:00-4:30 PM
Student Health – Immunizations and Health Insurance Submission (optional)
Hill Student Center
If you need help submitting your proof of immunizations or health insurance, visit the Student Health table next to orientation check-out.

Housing Tours (optional)
Depart from Hill Student Center
Plan to stay after orientation to tour on-campus housing if you plan to live on campus. This is your ONLY opportunity to see all 3 freshman residence halls. Last tour departs at 4:30 PM.

3:00-5:00 PM
Individual Financial Counseling and UAB Office Visits (optional)
Hill Student Center
Make the most of your time at UAB! You are welcome to visit the following locations before they close at 5:00 PM. Please note that students must be present for student-specific information to be discussed: One Stop, Disability Support Services, TechConnect, Veteran Services, and UAB Bookstore.

Sessions marked with this symbol may include enthusiastic cheering and/or potentially loud noise.