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Freshman Students

WHY ORIENTATION MATTERS

Orientation is required for all new freshmen.
  • Orientation is free for all students.
  • You cannot register for classes until you complete orientation.
  • You must attend both days of orientation to complete the requirement.
  • The earlier you attend, the better your class schedule will be. Classes fill quickly, so attending orientation early gives you the best chance at preferred courses, times, and professors.
  • Orientation prepares you by:
    • Meeting with your advisor
    • Registering for classes
    • Learning about campus resources
    • Connecting with other new Miners

Important: You must enroll at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ and attend classes for your orientation requirement to be considered complete.

If you attend orientation but do not enroll, and later decide to attend ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, you will need to re-attend orientation.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND FRESHMAN ORIENTATION?

  • Traditional First-Year Students – graduating from high school and coming straight to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.
  • Early College High School Students – even with an associate’s degree, you are still considered a freshman.
    • Exception: If you were already enrolled at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ while in high school and completed the Early College High School Orientation, you do not need to attend again.
  • Dual Credit Students – you are still considered a freshman.

REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION

You have three options:

  1. Freshman Orientation Dates page - Select a date and send us an email with required information. 
  2. Call us – (915) 747-6752.
  3. Email us – orientation@utep.edu.

When calling or emailing, have your ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Student ID number ready.

Tip: Sessions close once full. The earlier you register, the better chance you have at getting the classes you want.

Note: Confirmation and reminder emails are sent to the personal email you used when you applied to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. If you used a school district email, update it by contacting the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at futureminer@utep.edu or (915) 747-5890 —district accounts often close after graduation.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE ORIENTATION

1. ADMISSION
  • Be fully admitted to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ before registering.
2. TESTING & PLACEMENT
  • Submit official placement scores (TSI, SAT, ACT, AP, IB, CLEP).
  • If you completed College Prep courses or the Texas College Bridge program, you must submit proof before orientation.
  • Even if you requested for transcripts/scores to be sent to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, bring copies with you for advising.
3. IMMUNIZATION
  • The Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination is required for students under 22.
  • Shot must be within the last 5 years to be accepted.
  • Not required to attend orientation; strongly recommended to submit before your session to avoid registration delays.
  • Submit by email to meningitis@utep.edu.
  • Attach your full vaccination record showing your full name and date of birth.
  • Include your ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Student ID number in the subject and body.
  • Send at least 10 days before classes begin.
  • Bring a copy to orientation if your submission has not been confirmed.
4. CHANGING YOUR MAJOR
  • If you want to change your major, you must do it at least 10 days before orientation.
  • Contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment:
5. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ACCOUNT ACCESS

You’ll use your ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ username and password for: My.ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Goldmine, Blackboard, email, and orientation check-in.

Steps to retrieve your username and create your password:

  1. Go to
  2. Click “Retrieve ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Username” and "Create/ Reset Password"
  3. Enter email that was submitted as part of your Admissions application.
  4. Check email for next steps to “Retrieve ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Username” and "Create/ Reset Password"
  5. Enroll in Duo Mobile for two-factor authentication

If you have trouble, contact the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Help Desk at helpdesk@utep.edu or (915) 747-5257.

6. APPS TO DOWNLOAD (KEEP THESE ON YOUR PHONE)
  • Duo Mobile – required daily to log in to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ systems (email, Blackboard, GoldMine, etc.). Keep it downloaded and active at all times.
  • ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ GO – access your class schedule, campus map, financial aid, events, and more.
  • GET Mobile – upload your photo for your Miner Gold Card.
  • Zoom – required only if your orientation is virtual.

WHAT TO BRING

  • ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Student ID (if you have it)
  • Laptop or tablet for advising and registration
  • Copy of your meningitis shot record (recommended)
  • Copies of high school transcript and test scores (recommended)
  • Questions you want answered before classes begin
  • Money or payment method for lunch

WHAT TO EXPECT

BOTH DAYS OF ORIENTATION ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE ORIENTATION REQUIREMENT.

DAY 1 – ADVISING & COLLEGE PROGRAMMING

  • Check-in and welcome
  • Meet with your academic advisor
  • Participate in college programming: learn more about your major and expectations
  • Explore student success resources, student life, and campus programs
  • Lunch break to purchase food on campus

DAY 2 – COURSE REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL AID

  • Register for your courses
  • Meet with Financial Aid and Student Business Services
  • Finalize next steps before the semester begins
  • Lunch break with on-campus dining options

DOWNLOAD TENTATIVE AGENDA

Select your admit term to view a sample agenda (PDF).

AFTER ORIENTATION

  • Check Goldmine for your confirmed class schedule.
  • Log into Blackboard for course materials.
  • Attend Welcome Week events to meet other Miners.
  • Keep checking your ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ email — this is where official updates will be sent.

Connect With Us

The University of Texas at El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½
Office New Student Orientation
Mike Loya Academic Services Building Room 102
500 W University
El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Texas 79902

E: orientation@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-6752