First-Year Students
As you begin your journey to becoming a Redhawk, Orientation Programs will be here alongside you each step of the way.
Welcome New Redhawks!
Orientation is a hybrid experience that includes online tasks, virtual appointments and events, and an in-person event on campus. The purpose of Orientation is to provide you with the tools needed for a successful transition to college life at Seattle University.
New Student Guide - First-Year Students
Looking for a centralized place for your orientation resources, tasks, and contacts? Check out our New Student Guide for First-Year Students! Think of this is all of your Orientation essentials in one go-to location. This guide is for first-year students and their parents, families, and supporters!
WINTER ORIENTATION
Monday, January 5, 2026 from 10:00am - 4:00pm PT in Student Center 160 (STCN in our campus map).
Part of your onboarding includes our required one-day, in-person orientation event to help connect you with fellow new Redhawks and important campus resources. Lunch will be provided.
This event is only for new, incoming students; we ask that students refrain from bringing friends or family to winter orientation. For any questions or concerns, contact orientation@seattleu.edu. Read more details about winter orientation in your SU email.
WINTER WELCOME
Winter Welcome is an event series that provides opportunities for you to connect with fellow Redhawks, learn about academic support resources, and find out how to get involved on campus. Dates & times to be updated in the coming weeks for the events below, check back soon!
First Day of Class Photos
Stop by the Student Center for coffee and pastries and to snap a First Day of Class photo!
Campus Resource Fair
Engage with numerous academic support resources from across campus and explore opportunities to get involved. Our campus staff & faculty will share opportunities that can help set you up for success in the classroom and beyond!
Wellness Wednesday Fair
Learn about mental & physical health resources, fun programming, and find spaces for belonging across campus!
MOSAIC Open House
The MOSAIC Center is here to journey alongside students from historically minoritized backgrounds and underrepresented life experiences to help them thrive in their academic journey here at SeattleU. While our programs focus on these experiences, The MOSAIC Center is a home and community for all Seattle University students so visit our open house to learn how to be a part of our community!
Library Open House
Take a quick trip through the services and spaces of the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons!
Sign Up for Winter Orientation
Click the button to be directed to your orientation portal to submit your RSVP to attend Winter Orientation.
The Orientation Portal
Your Orientation Portal is a central hub for navigating your transition to college. It is the home of your New Student Checklist and your go-to spot to sign up for virtual and in-person events. We’ll send you emails with updates and reminders to let you know when new tasks become available and when event sign-ups go live. You can access your Orientation Portal by logging into your Admissions Portal and clicking on the "Orientation Portal" button.
New Student Checklist | First-Year Students
The New Student Checklist is a list of required tasks you need to complete before starting classes. The information below is the same as you will see on your New Student Checklist in your Orientation Portal, however, you need to complete these tasks in your Orientation Portal. Please review the list below to learn more about the required tasks you need to complete before you arrive on campus.
Click the > sign next to each section below to expand the information.
Completing your Housing Plan helps to inform us whether you plan to live on-campus or commute to campus. You can fill out your Housing Plan in the Housing Portal. For more information about completing a Housing Plan and on-campus living, review your 2025-2026 Housing Guide. Additionally, you can visit the Housing & Residence Life webpage, email housing@seattleu.edu, or call (206) 296-6305.
Washington State Law requires that information on meningococcal disease must be provided to every student prior to class registration. Submitting this form will acknowledge you have read the provided information.
We will need your official high school transcript on file as confirmation that you have completed your high school degree. This document confirms your high school credits and helps with Academic Advising and Course Registration. You can submit your transcript by following the instructions when clicking on this High School Transcript item in your Admissions Portal.
All Seattle University students are provided a photo ID called a Campus Card, which gives you access to printing, your meal plan, and campus buildings including the library, gym, and residence halls. You may upload a photo online through your New Student Checklist. You will receive your Campus Card when you come to campus. Please contact our campus Service Desk at (206) 296-5571 or servicedesk@seattleu.edu if you have any questions or need support with uploading your photo.
Your Orientation Modules will provide you with information about preparing for academics at Seattle University, how to get involved on campus, and learning about our shared campus values. Visit Canvas to complete your Complete Orientation Modules.
Voices for Change from Vector Solutions is an online training program designed to promote a healthier and safer campus environment for everyone. Seattle University requires all incoming students to complete the program prior to attending classes.
All new undergraduate students must complete the following modules:
- Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (approximately 75 minutes)
- Hazing Awareness and Prevention for Students (approximately 27 minutes)
Your modules include videos to watch, text to read, and knowledge checks. We recommend students set aside 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete their Voices for Change modules.
Most first-year students are required to complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment before registering for classes. ALEKS is an online math skills assessment that covers a broad range of mathematics topics. This is a “Placement Assessment,” not a pass or fail test. ALEKS is designed to determine your current math skill levels and provide a score that your Academic Advisor can use to "place" you into the initial math course that will set you up to complete program requirements and graduate on time. For more details and instructions for completing ALEKS, please visit your New Student Checklist in your Orientation Portal.
All first-year students are required to schedule and attend an appointment with their Academic Advisor before starting classes on campus. Find more information about scheduling your appointment in your Orientation Portal
Prior to arrival on campus or attending classes, undergraduate students are required to provide proof of immunity to measles. Find more details about immunizations here and submit your information via our Online Student Health Immunization Form.
Disability Services (DS) partners with the University community to recognize disability as a valued aspect of diversity and to embrace access as a significant component of social justice. The DS office facilitates equal access to courses, programs, and activities through campus leadership on disability access and inclusion issues.
Applying for Disability Services
Students who are requesting academic, housing, and meal plan accommodations for the first time at Seattle University are required to complete the New Student Application via myDS and meet with Disability Services before receiving services.
- If you would like to request accommodations, please visit our Getting Started page for a detailed step-by-step process and access to the New Student Application via myDS.
- If you would like to contact us with any questions about our services and accommodations, please see our contact information below to connect with us.
Contact Information
- Call 206-296-5740
- Email DS@Seattleu.edu
- Join us in the Zoom Disability Services Virtual Lobby (between 9am-3pm Mon-Fri)
- Visit us at our Disability Services Office at Loyola 100 (open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, except holidays)
Please review your contact information and update as needed.
- Deadline: ASAP