January orientation

January in-person orientation on Friday, January 16, 2026, includes workshops and presentations on campus safety, physical and mental wellness, academic success, college life and getting involved. Attendees will have the chance to meet other students, staff and faculty while engaging with campus resources.

• This is a single-day program held on Friday, January 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• We will offer a pre-orientation workout from 9-11 a.m. at the E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center to all registrants. (pre-registration required).
• Check-in begins at 10 a.m. in the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.
• Eligible students will pick up their iPad and attend a 30-minute setup workshop prior to the Orientation program.
• Other pre-orientation activities will take place between 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. including a resource fair, open houses and tours of popular locations on campus.
• Campus offices will be open by 8 a.m. for students who have business to complete on campus, i.e., financial aid, WolfCard, etc.
• Students who have not submitted a photo for their WolfCard should plan on checking by 10 a.m. to do that before the program begins.
• The Orientation program will begin with a Welcome Session at 12:30 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union ballrooms.
• An optional all-you-care-to-eat dinner at Pack Place is available after the Orientation for an addition fee. (pre-registration required).

This orientation program does not include academic advising. Students starting school in spring semester should find their academic advisor and use the Navigate web portal to make an advising appointment and discuss their class schedule prior to attending Orientation. Students may register up to two guests.

Online orientation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 is intended for students who are not able to attend the in-person program.

Online January orientation includes live online sessions held in Zoom. The schedule of Zoom sessions is contained in a WebCampus course that students will access by signing into WebCampus with their NetID on orientation day. The program includes virtual workshops and presentations on health and wellness, academic success and campus resources.

This orientation program does not include academic advising. Students starting school in the spring semester should find their academic advisor and use the Navigate web portal to make an advising appointment and discuss their class schedule prior to orientation. Registered guests will attend the sessions alongside the students.

Students, you must complete the following tasks prior to attending orientation:

• Activate Net ID. Your Net ID (letters) is different from your NSHE ID (numbers). The Net ID must be activated prior to orientation.
• Find your academic advisor. January orientation does not include academic advising. You must contact your advisor directly.
• Use the Navigate web portal to make an appointment with your advisor and register for classes.
• Register for WolfCard. WolfCard is your Student ID. Submit your information now and have your ID available at in-person orientation or move in.
• Complete Wolf Pack Preview. Students will receive the link for Wolf Pack Preview one week prior to orientation. Students should sign in using their Net ID. Guests can create a Family Member account.

Families and guests are welcome to participate in January orientation alongside their student. Guest registration is not necessary for the online orientation. However, guests who wish to attend the in-person program must be registered through the student’s orientation account. There is a $40 per guest fee, which covers programming, materials and snacks. Students may register their guests when they register themselves. To add/delete guests, students must email orientation@unr.edu. Refunds can only be issued if cancellations are made at least ten (10) days prior to your session.

Families and guests are invited to complete Wolf Pack Preview by creating a guest account. Wolf Pack Preview is a comprehensive introduction to learning, success, community, safety, finances and getting started at the University of Nevada, Reno. It takes about one hour to complete the full online course, which you can do at your own pace. Your progress will be saved if you log out and return later. The link is emailed to registered students and guests one week prior to orientation.

Orientation is required for all first-year students. It is optional and strongly recommended for all new transfer students.

Students are eligible to sign up for orientation when they have accepted admission in MyNevada and submitted the required immunizations. Students will also receive an email invitation to register for orientation.

• If changes need to be made to your registration, including canceling or changing dates, adding or deleting guests, or updating information, please email orientation@unr.edu
• If adding or deleting guests, please provide the name and email of the guest
• All changes must be made at least ten (10) days before the date
• Guest refunds will not be issued for any cancellation made less than ten (10) days in advance

Orientation is covered by a New Student Fee that all new students pay as part of their tuition and fees. There is no additional cost for students to sign up for and attend orientation. The cost to bring a family member or guest is $40 per guest for the in-person session. Guest fees are waived for families who qualify for a Pell Grant. There is no fee for guests to participate in the virtual orientation.

Refunds can be issued for cancellations that occur at least ten (10) days prior to the event. 

• The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located about 15 minutes from campus
• A rideshare or taxi trip from the airport is easily accessible
• The University address is 1664 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89557
• If driving, the University is easily accessible off of I-80, N. Virginia St. exit
• Driving east on I-80, take the N. Virignia St. exit and turn left onto Virginia street
• Driving west on I-80, take the N. Virginia St. exit and turn right onto Virginia street

Free parking is available for students and guests at the West Stadium Parking Complex. Parking passes are required. Download and print the parking pass below and display in your window. Passes are only valid on orientation days and not valid at parking meters. Passes will also be available at check-in.

Download Orientation Parking Pass