Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to attend orientation?

Attending orientation helps you start your Mizzou journey off right. Orientation is your opportunity to get answers to any questions you have about attending Mizzou. You’ll also get to know other MU students, meet faculty and staff, and learn about life on campus.

Our academic departments require all new students to complete all of the scheduled orientation events before they can register for classes, so you must attend the full session—in other words, the info you’ll get at the orientation is too important to miss!

I'm a non-traditional student or veteran. Do I still need to attend orientation?

Yes, you should still attend Summer Welcome (or Winter Welcome, depending on the time of your enrollment). But we understand that, as a veteran or other non-traditional student, you might not need the same experience offered for our freshman students. You have the option of attending a one-day orientation session instead. If you don’t see this option when you log in to the reservation system, please contact our office at 573-884-9868 for assistance.

How many days should I plan to be on campus?

Summer Welcome: Your orientation session will take place on campus over the course of one day, with evening activities and optional day 2 drop-in visits to certain offices on campus. Freshman sessions will run from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with overnight housing in a residence hall available and encouraged. Transfer student sessions will run from approximately 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

August Orientation & Winter Welcome: Your orientation session is a one-day event. Expect to be on campus until 5 p.m.

Should I bring a parent or guardian with me to orientation?

Yes! We recommend bringing a parent or guardian with you to orientation if possible. They will receive a lot of helpful information regarding the university. There are also set times during orientation that students and parents are divided up into separate groups for different presentations. This is a great way for parents to learn about what their student will experience at Mizzou.

How do I log in to register for orientation?

Sign up through your Application Status Page (starting November 1 for Winter Welcome). You will need your myZou username and password. If you don’t remember your username, please contact the Help Desk at 573-882-5000.

What's myZou?

myZou is the University of Missouri’s online course registration system. You’ll use it throughout your time at Mizzou.

The Office of the University Registrar has lots of helpful information about using myZou.

How do I reset my password?

To create a password for the first time, go to myzou.missouri.edu and click “Create a Password.” After you’ve changed your password, wait 5-10 minutes for the system to update, then log in to myZou. If you can log in to myZou, you will now be able to log in to the registration system.

If you don’t remember your password, go to myzou.missouri.edu, click “Forgot Your Password?” and follow the instructions.

What is the $300 enrollment fee for? How do I pay it?

All-new, degree-seeking students are required to pay a one-time enrollment fee of $300. If your plans change, your enrollment fee can be refunded until May 1. This fee must be paid in order to participate in an orientation session. If you pay the enrollment fee online, it may take up to 48 hours for the payment to process before you’re able to register for orientation.

You can pay your enrollment fee using cash, check, eCheck (electronic funds transfer directly from your bank account), or credit card.*

*Credit card payments can only be made online. If you visit the cashier’s office in person, the staff will direct you to a computer workstation where you can make your payment. All credit and debit card payments will be charged a 2.75% service fee.

I've already paid, but I'm still getting a payment message when I try to register. What now?

Please contact our office at 573-884-9868. We’ll verify the payment and update our records so you no longer receive the payment prompt.

I paid by eCheck and received a notification that my payment was rejected. What happened?

Sometimes this happens if a number was entered incorrectly. Our office is notified when an e-check payment was attempted but not completed, so this will not affect your reservation and your date will not be canceled. Please send us a check by mail to New Student Programs, G106 MU Student Center, Columbia, MO 65211.

Your summer welcome account will not reflect the returned e-check until our office is notified by the bank. This step usually takes 3-5 business days and the bank will contact you first and notify our office second. If you have further questions about a rejected payment, please contact us at 573-884-9868.

I prefer not to register online. What are my options?

Online registration makes it more likely you’ll get a space in one of your preferred orientation dates and offers more convenient ways to pay your registration fee. But if you are unable to register online, please contact the Office of New Student Programs at 573-884-9868 or summerwelcome@missouri.edu.

Still have questions? Contact us for more information.