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Preregistration is a day before school starts when students can get oriented to campus, meet with an academic advisor, and enroll in classes. For Summer and Fall trimesters, all transfer and returning students attend. For students entering in the Spring trimester, freshmen are also invited. (Freshmen entering in the summer or fall attend SOAR).
We have a number of different Preregistration dates throughout the year to accommodate students. However, for those student who are not able to be here early to register, we have General Registration. All Transfer and Returning students who are not able to attend Preregistration will attend General Registration the Friday or Saturday before classes start to meet with an academic advisor and enroll. (Freshmen do not attend General Registration and should work with the Orientation/Advising office on scheduling issues.) We are only able to register new student on Preregistration and General Registration days.
Yes, at General Registration faculty from each department are available to meet with you and help you find available classes. While it is true that typically there are more classes available at early dates, often General Registration is a time when extra seats show up in classes due to other students dropping or adjusting classes in their schedule.
You are welcome to bring your parents if you would like. About half of our transfer students bring parents when they attend. We do not have a separate program for parents, but many find the day informative and enjoyable.
There are several hotels in Maryville that can accommodate you and your family. We encourage you to make reservations early when you receive your Preregistration date to ensure that you get a room. Some hotels offer discounts to Northwest families, so you might want to mention that you are coming for Orientation.
If you are entering in the Summer or Fall Trimester you will receive an invitation in late March. If you have not been accepted by March when the first invitation goes out, you'll receive one with your acceptance letter. If you will be entering in the Spring Trimester, you can look for an invitation in late October. Directions for signing up will be included.
Yes and No, the Orientation part of the day lasts only about 2 hours and advising anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. With lunch included students are typically done by early to mid afternoon, so it really isn't all day. But, we feel that all components of the day are important to help you be successful, so would like you to attend for the whole program.
Please note, if you are a student returning to Northwest after more than a year away, we think it is important for you to get reacquainted with the university. If you have only been out one or two semesters, you will still need to register on that day, but we may be able to waive the Orientation part of the day. If you have questions, please speak to the Coordinator of Orientation and Transfer Affairs.