First-Year Student Orientation
National Louis University welcomes first year students through an interactive and informative experience with the primary goal of preparing new students for a successful start at NLU.
The Office of Student Engagement implements new student orientation to aid in the transition of students and families into the university. The information provided here is designed to make students feel confident and excited as they begin their first quarter at NLU!
SOAR National Louis University Orientation must be attended in-person. The program includes an introduction to NLU's campus, important resources for success, and the opportunity to meet other new students. Admitted students will attend a one-day program. During orientation, you will learn about the university's policies and procedures, academic tips and tricks, and resources available to you to support your success.
This orientation session is mandatory, and it is required to attend the entire day of orientation. Students who do not attend the entire orientation day will not be permitted to register for courses. Parents and family are welcome at SOAR and will have their own concurring sessions to attend to introduce the NLU experience, as well as tips and advice on how to support your student during their new collegiate experience.
Your start is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Step 1: Complete your online campus (D2L) orientation (NLU 101) created to help you become a successful NLU student. It should take you approximately 2-3 hours to complete; you can stop and return to the modules as your schedule permits. The information within orientation will be available throughout your first term enrolled at NLU so that you can reference back at any time.
- Step 2: Attend one of our In-person orientation sessions
Due to expected inclement weather, the SOAR New Student Orientation planned for the Chicago campus on January 9, 2024 is being moved to a virtual/zoom option beginning at 9 am. Please use this zoom link to join us: https://nl.zoom.us/j/92852566008
These two steps designed to inform and prepare you to successfully transition into your studies at NLU and our data shows that students who completed both do better in their first term as well—they are designed to help you ease right into your first day of class (whether in-person or online). These opportunities are also an excellent opportunity to meet other new students and explore essential resources NLU has to offer.
If you are having any issues accesses your online campus (D2L), please contact the NLU Help Deck at Helpdesk@nl.edu
For all other questions or concerns, please contact Orientation@nl.edu.
- Step 3: Look out for an exciting schedule of events for your Week of Welcome to NLU!
New Freshmen: Register for Orientation (Chicago)
New Freshmen: Register for Orientation (Wheeling)
New Freshman Kendall Students: Register for Orientation
- Go to the NLU Portal (my.nl.edu), login, and click on the topmost icon to launch the Online Campus (our Learning Management System called D2L) where all your online courses will reside.
- Technical or Portal access issues should be directed to NLU's HelpDesk at helpdesk@nl.edu or (866) 813-1177. Video support is available during business hours at https://live-support.nl.edu
- From the top navigation bar, locate "my courses."
- From "My Courses," either search for "New Student Orientation" in the search bar or simply click the bod labeled "New Student Orientation."
- How do I register for Orientation?
- Registration for Summer 2023 Orientation will be available early April 2023. Stay tuned for more information!
- Registration for Summer 2023 Orientation will be available early April 2023. Stay tuned for more information!
- Is attendance at Orientation required?
- Yes, attendance at all portions of orientation is required. This is how all first time NLU students register for their first quarter of classes. Orientation enables you to learn more about the requirements of your college program, meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, interact with current NLU students, staff, and faculty, and find out more about being a student at NLU.
- Yes, attendance at all portions of orientation is required. This is how all first time NLU students register for their first quarter of classes. Orientation enables you to learn more about the requirements of your college program, meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, interact with current NLU students, staff, and faculty, and find out more about being a student at NLU.
- What are the Orientation dates?
- The Orientation dates occur throughout the summer for both our Wheeling and Chicago campuses. Kendall College students are also required to attend SOAR orientation in order to prepare for their program.
- The Chicago campus Orientation dates are:
- Tuesday, June 27
- Tuesday, July 11
- Thursday, July 20
- Thursday, August 10
- Friday, August 25
- Thursday, September 7
- Tuesday, September 19
- The Wheeling campus Orientation dates are:
- Tuesday, July 18
- Tuesday, August 1
- Thursday, September 14
- Please note that a limited number of students can attend each session and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The Chicago campus Orientation dates are:
- The Orientation dates occur throughout the summer for both our Wheeling and Chicago campuses. Kendall College students are also required to attend SOAR orientation in order to prepare for their program.
- What if I can't attend the whole program?
- Attendance is required. The information shared during the program sessions is critical to your success. If you need to cancel or update your registration prior, kindly contact us (orientation@nl.edu) before your orientation session so that we can try to reschedule you for another program
- Attendance is required. The information shared during the program sessions is critical to your success. If you need to cancel or update your registration prior, kindly contact us (orientation@nl.edu) before your orientation session so that we can try to reschedule you for another program
- Which Orientation session should I attend?
- Students who take action early and select an earlier orientation date do have an advantage when it comes to selecting classes. While every student will leave orientation with a class schedule, the greatest selection of course offerings will be available to those who attend orientation early.
- Kendall College students must register for an orientation session that includes the Kendall College sessions, as they differ slightly from the Undergraduate College. The Kendall College orientation sessions are:
- Thursday, August 10
- Friday, August 25
- Thursday, September 7
- Tuesday, September 19
- Can my parent/guest help me register for classes?
- Parent(s) or family member(s) can assist you when reviewing the Degree Planning Toolsprior to coming to orientation. However, when meeting with your student success coach during the academic advising appointment, parents/guests are discouraged from attending sessions with their students.
- Parent(s) or family member(s) can assist you when reviewing the Degree Planning Toolsprior to coming to orientation. However, when meeting with your student success coach during the academic advising appointment, parents/guests are discouraged from attending sessions with their students.
- What should I bring to Orientation?
- Please bring the following items with you
- Your NLU portal log in information
- Your NLU ID number
- Pen and Notepad
- Casual clothing & Comfortable walking shoes
- Sweatshirt or light jacket (in case meeting rooms are cold)
- A water bottle
- Please bring the following items with you
- A continental breakfast, lunch, and snack will be provided throughout the day
Have another question? Student Engagement can answer further questions about New Student Orientation at NLU. If you have any additional questions, please email orientation@nl.edu
