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Freshman Students

WHY ORIENTATION MATTERS

Orientation is required for all new freshmen.
  • Orientation is free for all students.
  • You cannot register for classes until you complete orientation.
  • You must attend both days of orientation to complete the requirement.
  • The earlier you attend, the better your class schedule will be. Classes fill quickly, so attending orientation early gives you the best chance at preferred courses, times, and professors.
  • Orientation prepares you by:
    • Meeting with your advisor
    • Registering for classes
    • Learning about campus resources
    • Connecting with other new Miners

Important: You must enroll at UTEP and attend classes for your orientation requirement to be considered complete.

If you attend orientation but do not enroll, and later decide to attend UTEP, you will need to re-attend orientation.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND FRESHMAN ORIENTATION?

  • Traditional First-Year Students – graduating from high school and coming straight to UTEP.
  • Early College High School Students – even with an associate’s degree, you are still considered a freshman.
    • Exception: If you were already enrolled at UTEP while in high school and completed the Early College High School Orientation, you do not need to attend again.
  • Dual Credit Students – you are still considered a freshman.

REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION

You have three options:

  1. Future Miner Portal – log in and select your session.
  2. Call us – (915) 747-6752.
  3. Email us – orientation@utep.edu.

When calling or emailing, have your UTEP Student ID number ready.

Tip: Sessions close once full. The earlier you register, the better chance you have at getting the classes you want.

Note: Confirmation and reminder emails are sent to the personal email you used when you applied to UTEP. If you used a school district email, update it by contacting the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at futerminer@utep.edu or (915) 747-5890 —district accounts often close after graduation.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE ORIENTATION

1. ADMISSION
  • Be fully admitted to UTEP before registering.
2. TESTING & PLACEMENT
  • Submit official placement scores (TSI, SAT, ACT, AP, IB, CLEP).
  • If you completed College Prep courses or the Texas College Bridge program, you must submit proof before orientation.
  • Even if you requested for transcripts/scores to be sent to UTEP, bring copies with you for advising.
3. IMMUNIZATION
  • The Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination is required for students under 22.
  • Shot must be within the last 5 years to be accepted.
  • Not required to attend orientation; strongly recommended to submit before your session to avoid registration delays.
  • Submit by email to meningitis@utep.edu.
  • Attach your full vaccination record showing your full name and date of birth.
  • Include your UTEP Student ID number in the subject and body.
  • Send at least 10 days before classes begin.
  • Bring a copy to orientation if your submission has not been confirmed.
4. CHANGING YOUR MAJOR
  • If you want to change your major, you must do it at least 10 days before orientation.
  • Contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment:
5. UTEP ACCOUNT ACCESS

You’ll use your UTEP username and password for: My.UTEP, Goldmine, Blackboard, email, and orientation check-in.

Steps to retrieve your username and create your password:

  1. Go to UTEP Account Management
  2. Click “Retrieve UTEP Username” and "Create/ Reset Password"
  3. Enter email that was submitted as part of your Admissions application.
  4. Check email for next steps to “Retrieve UTEP Username” and "Create/ Reset Password"
  5. Enroll in Duo Mobile for two-factor authentication

If you have trouble, contact the UTEP Help Desk at helpdesk@utep.edu or (915) 747-5257.

6. APPS TO DOWNLOAD (KEEP THESE ON YOUR PHONE)
  • Duo Mobile – required daily to log in to UTEP systems (email, Blackboard, GoldMine, etc.). Keep it downloaded and active at all times.
  • UTEP GO – access your class schedule, campus map, financial aid, events, and more.
  • GET Mobile – upload your photo for your Miner Gold Card.
  • Zoom – required only if your orientation is virtual.

WHAT TO BRING

  • UTEP Student ID (if you have it)
  • Laptop or tablet for advising and registration
  • Copy of your meningitis shot record (recommended)
  • Copies of high school transcript and test scores (recommended)
  • Questions you want answered before classes begin
  • Money or payment method for lunch

WHAT TO EXPECT

BOTH DAYS OF ORIENTATION ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE ORIENTATION REQUIREMENT.

DAY 1 – ADVISING & COLLEGE PROGRAMMING

  • Check-in and welcome
  • Meet with your academic advisor
  • Participate in college programming: learn more about your major and expectations
  • Explore student success resources, student life, and campus programs
  • Lunch break to purchase food on campus

DAY 2 – COURSE REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL AID

  • Register for your courses
  • Meet with Financial Aid and Student Business Services
  • Finalize next steps before the semester begins
  • Lunch break with on-campus dining options

DOWNLOAD TENTATIVE AGENDA

Select your admit term to view a sample agenda (PDF).

AFTER ORIENTATION

  • Check Goldmine for your confirmed class schedule.
  • Log into Blackboard for course materials.
  • Attend Welcome Week events to meet other Miners.
  • Keep checking your UTEP email — this is where official updates will be sent.

Connect With Us

The University of Texas at El Paso
Office New Student Orientation
Mike Loya Academic Services Building Room 127
500 W University
El Paso, Texas 79902

E: orientation@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-6752