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Orientation FAQs

During Orientation Week

I haven't paid my orientation fee yet, can I/my parents still attend? How do pay that fee?

Yes, you can still attend orientation! You can take care of the payment for your orientation fee ($150.00 for students, $50.00 per adult guest) at check-in using a credit/debit card. You may also pay the orientation fee through the student’s Kennel account. You can log-in to the Kennel using the student’s personal email address and password. 

 

I haven't signed up for Parent and Guest Orientation, can I still attend?

Yes, Parents and Guests can register for Orientation at our Wednesday check-in at the Louisiana Tech Student Center or at the Thursday morning “Late Arrival Check-in” located in Howard Auditorium. Registration for the Parent and Guest orientation provides you with four meals, orientation materials, and access to all orientation events. If you are only planning on dropping your student off and returning on Friday, there is no need to register. Please note, there is limited seating available for the Mayor’s Dinner on Wednesday of orientation. Meals and seating may not be available to individuals that sign-up within a week of the event. 

 

Where can I find a schedule of events for orientation this week?

Check out Student and Parent and Guest Orientation webpages for more information as well as a full schedule of events. 

Is a laptop required for orientation?

It is strongly encouraged that students bring a laptop or tablet with them to orientation. A second device will be helpful in setting up the student’s DUO Mobile multi-factor authentication. DUO is required for students to be able to log-in and register for Fall classes. Having a laptop or tablet will also come in handy when advising and registering for classes. 

Students wishing to take the Math Placement Exam (on Wednesday afternoon) are required to bring a laptop with them in order to take the exam. Students without a laptop will be unable to take the exam at orientation and are welcome to take the exam in the Fall, the day before classes. 

Can I request a roommate for orientation?

Yes, students can request to room with other orientation attendees. To do so, both students must check-in to orientation housing together and let the Housing staff know that they wish to room together. 

Before Orientation

Is orientation required? / Why do I need to come to orientation?

Yes, orientation is required of all incoming students in order for them to register for Fall Quarter classes. More importantly orientation is one of the first welcome experiences for incoming students new to Tech. Whether you are from the area or have never step foot on campus, Freshman Orientation provides students with important information and connects you with the resources that will make your first year a successful one. 

During orientation, students will meet their Orientation Student Leader (OSL), their very own mentor that will guide them through the transition to college. You’ll meet your fellow classmates and begin building connections with them, the faculty and staff, as well as Tech’s beautiful campus, your new home away from home.  

 

Is there a cost for orientation? What does it pay for?

Yes, there is a $150 non-refundable fee for all orientation participants. This fee covers the cost of your on-campus orientation experience. This includes facility rentals, room and board, orientation staff, meals, a t-shirt, lanyard, pen, orientation bag and cost of our orientation app, Bulldogs First Bite. This fee is a flat rate and cannot be reduced. The deadline to pay your orientation fee is the Monday before your orientation date.

 

How will I register for Fall classes?

Advising and Registration is a critical part of orientation. During the Thursday afternoon of your orientation session, you will be guided through this process with the assistance of representatives and advisors from your academic major. Please make sure you have submitted all dual enrollment transcripts, Advanced Placement, and CLEP scores to the university to assist with a smooth advising process.

 

Can I switch to a different orientation session if I can no longer attend my current dates?

Yes, you may switch your orientation session up until a week before the start of a session as long as room is available. Please contact the Orientation Office (orientation@latech.edu) for assistance switching to a new orientation session.

When will I be able to take the Math/Chemistry Placement Exam?

Placement exams for Math and Chemistry take place on the Wednesday afternoon of each orientation session. Pre-registration is not needed, eligible students need only meet in the Student Center 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam. The Math Placement exam is offered through the ALEKS platform and takes place at 1:30 p.m. and the Chemistry Exam will take place at 3:00 p.m. Eligibility for the placement exams are as follows:

  • MATH 101 (College Algebra) – 1:30 p.m. – Math ACT 24-25 / SAT 560-600
  • MATH 112 (Trigonometry) – 1:30 p.m. – Math ACT 26+ / SAT 610+
  • MATH 240 (Pre-Calculus) – 1:30 p.m. – Math ACT 26+ / SAT 610+
  • CHEM 100 (General Chemistry) – 3:00 p.m. – Math ACT 26+ / SAT 610+

The Math Placement Exams cost $25.00, and students are required to bring a laptop to take the exam. There is no charge or laptop required to take the Chemistry Placement Exam. 

I am a transfer student but want to attend a three-day orientation session. Is that possible?

Absolutely! Transfer students are a vital part of the Tech Family, and we want you to have the best possible experience to kick of your journey at Louisiana Tech. Transfer students under the age of 21 are more than welcome to register for and attend a three-day orientation along with our freshmen and other first-year students. To learn more, email our Orientation Staff at orientation@latech.edu.