New Student Orientation

Fall 2012: A World of Opportunities

International Students (students living in the US on an F-1 or other type of visa): You must see Ms. Elizabeth Ongao (eongao@udc.edu or 202-274-6430) prior to attending an orientation.  If you are transferring any credits from another country, please bring a copy of your WES evaluation. 

Please carefully read all the "Frequently Asked Questions" below to prepare for orientation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to do before attending orientation?
A: Orientation is the LAST step in the process of starting school.  Please make sure you have completed all of these steps BEFORE attending orientation:

1. Submitted an application for admission and a $35 application fee.
2. Submitted official high school or GED transcripts to the Admissions Office.     
3. Submitted official transcripts of any higher education institution you have attended prior to UDC-CC or since the last time you have attended UDC or UDC-CC.
4. If you are under the age of 27, submitted immunization records to Health Services (phone: 202-274-5030, fax: 202-274-5411)
5. Taken the ACCUPLACER Exam.  This exam will determine your placement in math and English.  ALL students must take this exam unless you are transferring college-level English and math courses (and received a grade of “C” or higher) or English is not your first language and you scored lower than 79 on the TOEFL.  Please call 202-274-6063 to register for the ACCUPLACER exam.

Q: What should I bring to orientation?
A: Please bring:

1. A photo ID
2. Your ACCUPLACER scores 
3. If you are a transfer student, please bring an unofficial copy of your transcript.

Q: How do I prepare for Orientation?
A: Be sure to write down any questions you may have so you can leave with all your questions answered. 

Think about your goals.  When do you plan to graduate? Do you plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree after? What are some of your career aspirations?  Thinking about these questions before hand will help you think about things like what major you’d like to pursue, what classes to take, or how many classes to take.

Think about your responsibilities for the spring semester (January to May).  Do you work? How many hours per week?  Do you have children? What other commitments do you have in your life?  How many classes will you be able to successfully take in a semester? Remember, classes include study and homework time outside of the actual class!

Q: Is Orientation mandatory?
A: Yes, Orientation is mandatory for all new, readmit, and transfer students.  You will not be able to register for classes without attending Orientation.

Q: Should I prepare for the ACCUPLACER Exam? How?
A: Yes! Yes! Yes! You should definitely prepare for the ACCUPLACER Exam so that your class placement is accurate.  Many students are just a little “rusty” on their skills and some exam preparation could have saved them a whole semester of developmental education. 

For information and practice of the ACCUPLACER Placement Test, please review the ACCUPLACER Sample Test.

Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning offers an ACCUPLACER Preparation course, and this training is free for DC residents.

Q: Can I bring my parents, kids, friend, etc. to Orientation?
A: Space is very limited at Orientation so we request that only the student comes.  This will not only ensure that we have enough seats for all of our students, but will also allow each student to focus on orientation and begin his/her college journey on an independent footing. 

Q: How do I get to the Community College? Is there parking?
A: The University of the District of Columbia Community College is located at 801 N. Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.  It is on the corner of N. Capitol St. and H St. NE.  We are located on the Red Line, just 2 blocks from Union Station. 

The UDC-CC parking garage is for permit holders only.  Once classes begin, you may purchase a parking permit for the semester; however, for Orientation you may park on the street (very limited street parking) or in a nearby parking garage. 

Q: When should I apply for Financial Aid?
A: As soon as possible!  It is never too early to get started on this process; in fact, the earlier the better.  Your first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. 

Q: Can I get some help applying for Financial Aid?
A: Yes!  Representatives from the Educational Opportunity Center are at UDC-CC in room 305 every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm.  They are there specifically to assist students with completing the FAFSA.

Q: Why do readmit students need to come to Orientation?
A: The Community College is constantly evolving and it likely some things have changed since the last time you were at UDC-CC.  We firmly believe that attending Orientation will be key to you having a smooth transition back into UDC-CC.

Q: Why do transfer students need to come to Orientation?
A: Although you may not be new to college, you are new to UDC-CC.  We want to ensure that you are familiar with the policies and procedures here at UDC-CC and we firmly believe that Orientation is the best way for you to learn about your new school.

More Questions?

Please contact the Student Success Center at 202-274-6988 or cc@udc.edu.