Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Orientation?
Orientation is your personal introduction into the APU community. This is your chance to receive answers to all of your spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social questions. Even if you have had siblings attend APU in the past, you will not want to miss Orientation because APU is an ever-evolving community and we upgrade policies and procedures every year. You can register for Orientation by visiting www.apu.edu/orientation/registration and completing the registration form. Make sure to have your credit card available when you register. You will need to register (each student is automatically billed $85 on the financial account) and pay for all family members who plan to attend.

2. How do I register for Orientation?
All students must register for Orientation. You can register for Orientation by visiting www.apu.edu/orientation/registration and completing the registration form. Make sure to have your credit card available when you register. You will need to register (each student is automatically billed $85 on the student financial account) and pay for all family members who plan to attend. Registering ensures that you will have your personalized packet available at Orientation Check-In, which begins on Friday, August 29.

3. How much does Orientation cost?
Orientation is a flat fee of $85 (automatically billed on the student’s account) for each new student and $40 for each family member who wishes to attend.

4. What if I am not attending every event? Do I still pay the full price?
Every person who attends any part of Orientation must pay the full price. Every new student is charged $85 regardless of what events he/she attends.

5. Do I pay for my student to attend?
Your student is automatically billed the $85 Orientation fee on their financial account, but all students must register for Orientation. You can register for Orientation by visiting www.apu.edu/orientation/registration and completing the registration form. Make sure to have your credit card available when you register. You will need to register your student and pay for all family members who plan to attend. Registering ensures that your student will have his/her personalized packet available at Orientation Check-In, which begins on Friday, August 29.

6. Do I pay for children who are not attending Azusa Pacific University?
Yes, you will need to pay the registration fee for each additional person who is attending the Orientation program.

7. What does the Orientation fee pay for?
The Orientation fee pays for a variety of things throughout the 3-day family program and 7-day student program. A portion of the fees cover meal costs. Additionally, the fee provides tables, chairs, shade, and audio-visual equipment, among other things for the overall program.

8. When should parents/family members leave?
You can use your own discretion as to the best time to say farewell to your student; however, we ask that you leave no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 31.

9. What if my student wants to move in early?
New students can begin the move-in process at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 29. If your student is an athlete, a student worker, or in a music ensemble, he/she will receive move-in instructions from those specific departments. You can also call the Office of Housing Services at (626) 812-3056.

10. What are Cougar Bucks?
Cougar Bucks are additional monies that any student or parent can put on the ID card to use at all dining facilities on campus. You can add those monies at the Cashier’s Offfice or One Card Office.

11. How do I get a meal plan?
Depending on the residence hall in which you are living, you will automatically be placed on a meal plan. If you would like to upgrade or add Cougar Bucks, you may do so by visiting the One Card Office, or calling (626) 812-3833. For more information about meal plans, visit the meal plan page.

12. Where am I supposed to stay during Orientation?
As a new student, you can move in and stay at your on-campus residence beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2008. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay at a local hotel. To view a list of local lodging, visit www.apu.edu/orientation/lodging/.

13. Is Orientation mandatory?
Orientation is an integral part of your success at Azusa Pacific University. We highly encourage you to attend all events, because Orientation is designed specifically for you as a new student as well as new family members to the APU community. Even if you have had students attend APU in the past, you will want to come and learn about all the new additions that we make every year.

14. Do I have to register before I come?
Yes, you will need to register for Orientation in order to receive your personalized packet at Orientation Check-In. You can register for Orientation by visiting www.apu.edu/orientation/registration and completing the registration form. Make sure to have your credit card available when you register. You will need to register (each student is automatically billed $85 on the student financial account) and pay for all family members who plan to attend.

15. What if the number of people I want to bring changes?
If the number of people that you register changes at any point prior to Thursday, August 28, 2008, please call (626) 815-2083 and we will assist you in making the necessary changes to your registration account.

16. Where am I supposed to go when I arrive on campus?
If you are living on campus, you will first want to visit Housing Check-In located on East Campus to receive your move-in information and key.

17. What is an Alpha group?
An Alpha group is a small group of 8-10 freshmen students led by an upperclassman through the Beginnings (first-year experience) course. You will have at least two opportunities to meet your group during Orientation before classes begin. Your assigned Alpha group will be given to you at Orientation Check-In beginning Friday, August 29 on East Campus.

18. What is Team Transfer?
Team Transfer is a student-led organization specifically for transfer students. You will have an opportunity to meet them at Orientation Check-In as well as throughout the Orientation program. We encourage you to get to know Team Transfer because they will be a huge help in showing you around the campus community.

19. What if I/my student am/is an athlete? A member of a music ensemble?
Once you have been selected into one of these groups, you will receive specific information regarding your move-in process as well as training prior to Orientation. If you have more questions, you can contact the Athletics Department at (626) 815-5081 or the School of Music at (626) 815-3848.

20. Can I pay per meal for Orientation?
Unfortunately, no. Because these meals are catered by both outside sources as well as by our own APU Hospitality Services, we cannot accurately charge for each individual meal.

21. What if I have questions not found on this page?
Please either call (626) 815-2083 or email ossorientation@apu.edu with any and all additional questions that you may have regarding the New Student Orientation process.