Orientation

Welcome to IU Columbus!

All students are required to complete the Canvas orientation course. When you complete the course, you'll unlock registration for your in-person orientation day! In-person orientation is required for first-year students and optional for transfer and returning students. Scroll down to learn more about in-person orientation.

Fall 2025 orientations will be held on June 13, June 27, July 16, and July 31. 

Start your orientation on Canvas

Before progressing with orientation, make sure to click the "Join this course" button on the course homepage to officially enroll.

Complete your Canvas course to unlock registration for your in-person orientation day!

Get ready for orientation

Make the most of your orientation day

Create your IU account so you can log into a campus computer for your IT Basics Session and your Academic Advising/Class Registration session. Give yourself about 15 minutes and make sure you have your 10-digit University ID number (from your admissions letter) and a device to enroll in Two-Step Login on hand.

Can't find your ID number? Look it up here.

It is important that you complete this process and set up Duo Two-Step Login so you are ready to participate on orientation day.

During your academic advising appointment, your academic advisor will refer to your ALEKS Math Placement Assessment score to determine which math course you should register for. If you cannot take an assessment before your orientation, we will include one on your personalized orientation day schedule.

Schedule your ALEKS Math Placement Assessment

If you have already taken college math courses or an AP/CLEP math exam, you may qualify for an ALEKS Math Placement Assessment Waiver. If you’d like to request a waiver, please submit your request at least 48 hours before orientation.

After you've completed your ALEKS Math Placement Assessment, you're ready to meet with your academic advisor and enroll in classes. Your academic advisor will help you choose the classes you need to stay on track for your degree. 

To schedule your advising appointment, you will use the Student Appointment Scheduler in One.IU. If you have not created your first IU account, go back and complete that step now.

Schedule your appointment

If you cannot meet with your advisor before your orientation day, you do not need to schedule an appointment. We will include an advising appointment on your personalized schedule.

What to expect

Get ready for a big welcome!

Our faculty and staff will introduce you to IU Columbus and share what being part of the Crimson Pride is all about. You'll get an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, and an introduction to the many resources we provide on campus to help you succeed in college and life. Then, you’ll meet Austin Newberry, your Student Success Coach. Even if you did really well in high school, college can be difficult. Austin will offer guidance on what to expect as you make this big life transition.

 

Unlock your tech toolbox

One.IU, Canvas, OneDrive, IUWare, IUanyWare... we use a lot of tech on our campus! At orientation, we’ll troubleshoot any issues with your IU account to make sure you can access these tools that will become critical to you as a student. You’ll also leave with your CrimsonCard Student ID in hand, giving you access to on-campus printing and University Library resources. First-year students will take a deep dive into campus tech later during START Week!

Paying for college

Maybe you've already completed your FAFSA, but chances are good you'll still have questions about applying for scholarships or paying your bill. We'll walk you through the essentials so you can confidently start your first semester at IU Columbus and feel comfortable reaching out to the Office of Student Financial Services when you have questions or need help.

 

Around campus

We are so glad you're here! You belong in the Crimson Pride, and we want you to know that your IU Columbus campus is a safe and welcoming place where you can feel comfortable reaching out to IUPD Columbus and other supports if you need help. Lieutenant Kyle Young will share how you can help keep our campus safe, including signing up for IU Notify. Parking questions? Don't worry-- we'll break it down for you. Then, we'll take you on a tour of your beautiful campus and show you where to find important locations like the Academic Resource Center and Pride Pantry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and your orientation program is scheduled from 9 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. If you need placement testing or academic advising, personal appointments will be scheduled for you in the afternoon.

Your orientation consists of scheduled programming throughout the times listed. Please plan to attend the full schedule of events.

If you are a first-year student, and you need to take a placement exam or meet with your academic advisor, you will have a personalized afternoon schedule so you can complete your last few steps to enrollment on your orientation day.

Unpermitted parking is available right in front of the Learning Center, in the parking lots parallel to Central Avenue!

There are three things you should bring to orientation:

  • Your IU username and password
    • To keep it safe, memorize your password instead of writing it down.
    • Don't share your password with anyone. To allow your parent or another third party user to view your personal information or your Bursar bill, follow these instructions.
  • A photo ID
    • You will need a photo ID so that University IT Services can create your CrimsonCard.
    • If you've forgotten your password, University IT Services will need to verify your ID before they help you reset it.
  • Your phone
    • You will need your phone or other device that you have enrolled in Two-Step Login (Duo) in order to access your IU account.

We also recommend bringing a jacket and a water bottle.

If you can't remember what day your orientation will be, check the email address you used to register for your confirmation, email coucol@iu.edu or call or text (812) 348-7200.

To reschedule your orientation, email coucol@iu.edu or call or text (812) 348-7200.

Questions? We have answers!

Need help or have a question? Give us a call or send us an email.

University College
Phone: 812-348-7200
Email: coucol@iu.edu