New Student Orientation - a Division of Student Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma

121st Freshman Class Photo during Stampede Week (2012)

General Information

We have four New Student Orientations, as well as a Parent/Family Orientation, all that serve as an opportunity to not only welcome you and your family as official Bronchos, but also to give you the opportunity to meet new people, be informed on campus resources, learn UCO traditions, and become a part of the UCO family. Don't worry- you don't attend all four orientations- you attend the orientations that best fit your needs.

In addition, it is a fact students who attend at least one New Student Orientation have higher first year GPAs, remain at UCO all four years, graduate on time and overall have a much better college experience.

The main orientation is NEW BRONCHO ORIENTATION. New Broncho Orientation is for traditional, incoming first year students. Every year we have between 1,200 and 1,500 students attend New Broncho Orientation where they overwhelmingly tell us in evaluations what a great experience it is and how much more comfortable they feel about starting classes at Central. At New Broncho Orientation, not only will you meet other first year students, but you will meet our fifty Orientation Leaders, learn all about UCO, what it means to be a Broncho, and what you have to look forward to in the upcoming years.

In 2013, New Broncho Orientation will be held August 15th and 16th- you pick which day you would like to attend. The cost is $50, which will provide you lunch, a t-shirt, backpack, student planner, and one of the best first starts to college you can imagine! 

On the same day you attend NEW BRONCHO ORIENTATION, we encourage your parent/family member to attend Parent/Family Orientation. This orientation is geared specifically for the parents and family members of incoming first-year students since they are just as much a part of the UCO family as the student. Here, parents/family members will learn about resources for them such as the Parent Association, meet faculty members, the university administration, and other family members. In addition, we have a fantastic keynote who speaks to our parent/family members about transition for them and their student.

This orientation is $15 per family member and includes lunch.

Additional Orientation Experiences

In addition to NEW BRONCHO ORIENTATION, you are encouraged to attend one of the following orientations, if they meet an area of interest or need for you: 

Multicultural Orientation -  an additional orientation experience, held on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, for students of color. Click Here to get more information.

Disability Support Services Orientation-  an additional orientation experience, held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, for students with disabilities. Click Here to get more information.

International Student Orientation-  an additional orientation experience, held on Saturday, August 17th, for international students. Click Here to get more information.

Finally, if you are a student over the age of 20, or transferring to UCO, you should attend Nontraditional and Transfer Student Orientation, held on Saturday, August 17th. Please follow this link to register for Nontraditional/Transfer Orientation. Click HERE to get more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

My parents and/or I attended Enrollment Central already, isn't that the same thing?

Nope! Enrollment Central is the business side of becoming a Broncho where you get your schedule and meet your advisor. New Broncho Orientation is the next step- it is where you find out all about UCO's resources, how to be the best student and Broncho you can be, and most of all, meet new people. Even if you are coming here with a ton of friends, you definitely want to attend New Broncho Orientation and start your time off right.

What should I wear?

All our orientations are casual events. The Broncho Orientation Leaders will be wearing shorts and comfortable shoes. Please do not wear skirts or heels due to some of the activities during New Broncho Orientation.

Do I need to bring anything?

Actually it is better if you don't bring anything! You'll be given all the materials you need (paper, pens, resources, food, etc). Purses and backpacks get in the way and are just something extra you have to worry about while here.

Where do we park?

Parking is FREE for all new students and parents attending any New Student Orientations. Whether you are coming in from the east or west on 2nd Street, turn north into the campus at Garland Godfrey and park in the Nigh University Center visitor parking lot. Take a ticket and when you leave, let them know you were here for Orientation.

When do I pay for orientation?

All orientation charges, except for Nontraditional and Transfer Student Orientation, and charged to your bursar account. All orientation charges are non-refundable. 

What time is New Broncho and Parent Orientation?

New Broncho and Parent Orientation check in begins at 8:30am with the program starting at 9am. Check in is on the 2^nd floor of the Nigh University Center.  Both programs will end at 4pm.