Virtual New Student Orientation and Onboarding
Spring 2021
Monday, November 16, 2020 – Friday, December 11, 2020*
Welcome, and congratulations on your acceptance to the University of the District of Columbia. Student Orientation serves as a formal introduction to the Firebird Nation, and provides pivotal information for new Firebirds as you embark upon your higher education journey. This page is your one-stop hub for orientation.
Participation is mandatory for all new and readmitted undergraduate students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree. If you do not complete student orientation, you will not be allowed to register for classes.
Firebirds We are Available to Serve You Remotely!
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is closed to in-person visits until further notice. You may email Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@udc.edu or leave a voice mail message on 202.274.6155. Please be sure to include your full name and student id number with your inquiry. You can expect a reply to your email, or a return call, within one to two business days. We thank you in advance for your patience. Alternatively, you can utilize the Need Help? feature in Blackboard.
Important Dates
| Activity | Required or Optional | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Orientation
(Please ensure that you can sign into your myUDC portal , my.udc.edu. No steps are required after logging in, we just want to be sure that you can access the platform where orientation will be conducted. If log in assistance is needed, please call 202.274. 5941 or email support@udc.edu. (Have your student id number handy). |
Required | Mon. Nov. 9th – Nov. 11th | No set time. Complete when your schedule permits during the specified date range. |
| Orientation* (Blackboard) |
Required | Mon., Nov. 18th through Fri. December 11th* | Complete within 3 days of notification of your enrollment in the orientation course. |
| Live Question & Answer Sessions
(Webex) |
Optional, but highly recommended that you participate in one session. | Thurs., Nov. 19th & Wed. Dec. 2nd | 5-7 p.m. |
| Student Club & Organization Fair (Webex) | Optional, but highly recommended that you participate in one session. | Thurs., Jan. 21st | 4-6 p.m. |
* Orientation must be completed within 3 days from the time you receive notification that you have been enrolled in the orientation course. Over your 3 day window, you will have access to your myUDC 24/7. The total orientation experience will take approximately 4hrs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, spring 2021 orientation will be conducted virtually to ensure the safety of the University community during the COVID pandemic. You may complete orientation from the comfort of your home.
Orientation Agenda
| Welcome Message from President Mason |
| Virtual Campus Tour |
| Running Your Academic Race |
| Navigating Your Finances |
| Firebird Life |
| Title IX |
| Cultural Competence |
| University Resources |
| Closing and Next Steps |
Beginning November 19, 2020, you may sign into Blackboard to complete orientation. Blackboard is the same platform many of your classes will be conducted in where you will upload most class assignments. You will access Blackboard through your MyUDC portal, my.udc.edu. Please ensure you log into your MyUDC portal prior to the start of orientation. If you have any trouble accessing your MyUDC portal, please call the IT Help Desk at (202) 274-5941 or email support@udc.edu. Please be sure to have your student id number handy.
Please call the IT Help Desk at (202) 274-5941 or email support@udc.edu.
While students have 3-day window to complete orientation, orientation may be completed within 4hrs. You do not have to complete orientation in one setting, you are encouraged to stop and take breaks whenever you deem appropriate. However, be mindful that you will not be permitted to register until you have completed orientation. Therefore, we encourage students to complete orientation as soon as possible.
Recommended Internet Browsers-Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Firefox 3.6 or higher or Google Chrome
JavaScript- You can enable this requirement once you are logged into the Blackboard platform.
Once you have completed all 7 modules and applicable quizzes, you have completed orientation. You can also check your My Progress menu in Blackboard. Lastly, you will receive an email and/or text advising that you have completed and next steps.
Please log into your MyUDC portal, my.udc.edu to ensure you do not have any outstanding holds that will prevent you from registering from classes. If you have successfully satisfied all admission and immunization record holds, you should only see the academic advising and orientation holds on your account which will be removed after you have scheduled an appointment with your academic advisor. If you admission holds such as final high school transcript, please contact your high school immediately and ask that your final high school transcript (graduation date/school official signature) is emailed to the Office of Admission at udctranscores@udc.edu. If you have outstanding immunization history form and immunization records, please upload them udc.studenthealthportal.com. If you need assistance health services may be reached at (202) 274-5030.
Once you completed orientation and have ensured all holds have been cleared (except orientation and advising), please schedule a virtual appointment with your assigned academic advisor using the A.AC.T Platform. You may access the A.AC.T platform by signing into your MyUDC portal, my.udc.edu selecting QuickLaunch then A.AC.T. Academic advisors are assigned by campus and program. Please refer to the chart’s below to identify your advisor.
Associate Degree Programs- Community College
(Freshman & Sophomore)
| Student Success Specialist | Major |
| Domina Glenn
202-274-6721 |
Education |
| Maurice Cook
202-274-6719 |
Corrections Admin., Law Enforcement, Legal Assist.,
Mortuary Science, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy Liberal Studies: Last Name Ro - Z . |
| Daunte Marshall
202-274-6501 |
Liberal Studies
Last Name A-Ri
|
| Tara McNair
202-274-7294 |
Admin. Office Mgmt, Aviation Maint. Tech, Bus Admin,
Fashion Merch., Hospitality Mgmt. Tourism
|
| Dr. Janice Jackson
202-274-6870 |
Architectural Eng. Tech., Comp. Acct. Tech., Comp. Science Tech.
Construc. Mgmt., Music, Graphic Design
|
| Breion Goldsby-Harris
(Academic Coach) 202-274-6718 |
SAP Appeals, Probation, DC-Up
|
Bachelor Programs- Van Ness Campus
(Freshman & Sophomore)
| Academic Advisors | Majors |
| Kenneth Cooper
202-274-5463 |
Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Management Information Systems,)
Architecture (BS), Health Education, Nutrition and Dietetics, Urban Sustainability
|
| Jasmine Fleming
202-274-5688 |
Art (BA) Administration of Justice (BA), Digital Media, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (BA), English (BA), Human Development, Music (BM), Political Science, Social Work,
Special Education, Psychology |
| Gift Middlebroooks
202-274-6008 |
Civil Engineering (BS), Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science,
Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering (BS (BA) Biology (BS), Chemistry (BS) Mathematics, |
| Grady Wright
202.819.2327 |
Non-Degree Seeking Students/Dual Enrollment |
Please Contact Your Respective School of College for Assistance in Identifying Your Academic/Faculty Advisor
You can check your status by logging into your MyUDC portal/StudentForms account, my.udc.edu and selecting the finical aid tab. If you have questions after you have reviewed your status, please email finaid@udc.edu or call (202) 274-5157.
We offer an optional book program named Follett All Access. Follett All Access is a comprehensive program that provides all course materials (i.e. textbooks, lab kits and required supplies as determined by your instructor) by the first day of classes for those students registered by. For example, if you are taking 12 credit hours, you will be charged $408.00 (12 x 34 = 408) for access to this program for the spring semester. We encourage students to participate in this program. However, you may opt out through January 19, 2021 if you choose to do so. For more information, please visit https://www.udc.edu/enrollment-management/follett-access-textbook-program/.
Within 24-48hrs after you register for classes, you may opt out of the University sponsored health insurance program by visiitng www.firststudent.com. Please have your insurance card availble before you log into this website. If your waiver is approved, the Office of Student Accounts (studentaccounts@udc.edu) will remove this charge within 3 business days.
UDC Online Photo Submission (New Cards Only)
All University of the District of Columbia Students, Staff, and Faculty may submit a photo to the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management so that it can be placed on your UDC ONE Card (university ID). Please click on the link below to enter your data into the form and submit it. You should receive a confirmation email within 1 – 2 business days. The confirmation email will include the next steps to obtain your UDC ONE Card. If you have any questions, please email onecard@udc.edu.
RESOURCES FOR NEW STUDENTS
Spring 2021 COVID Frequently Asked Questions – Important COVID 19 Updates
What to Do before Orientation
STEP 1 – STEP 1 – Confirmation of Enrollment
STEP 2 – Submit Final Transcripts, udctranscores@udc.edu
STEP 3 – Submit Health Forms – Students under the age of 27 must complete the Immunization History Form and upload a copy of their immunization records by logging on to the Student Health Portal UDC Student Health Portal
STEP 4 – Apply for Residency Status (if applicable) –Apply for Residency Status (if applicable), Establishing DC and Metro Residency
Transforming the Way Course Materials are Delivered – Follett Access Textbook Program
The Follett ACCESS program takes the hassle out of course material buying because course material costs are covered as part of the Follett All Access Fee. This allows every enrolled student access to all required materials on day one. Click HERE to learn more.
Student Life – How to Get Involved!
Student Clubs & Organizations – If you want the total college experience, you need to get involved! There are plenty of clubs, organizations, activities, and events waiting just for YOU!
Click HERE for more information.
Parent & Family Program
Sending a child to college has an impact on the entire family. It’s our goal to provide you with the resources and support that you need to help your student succeed. Check out our Parent Corner for more information.