Students posing for photos during orientation at Commonwealth University campuses.

New Student Orientation

Every journey needs a map. Chart your course to the top at orientation.

Commonwealth University (CU) is excited to welcome you to our campuses for an exciting and informative orientation program. Below you'll find details about our orientation programs, but first, let's look at why it's so important. We require that students attend orientation ... yes, it's required.

Male orientation leader shakes pom-pom as he leads a tour around campus.

It's required because national research (as well as our own in-house research) shows participation in orientation is one of the best ways to support college success. Every decision we make as an institution is driven by what's best for you.

Our Mission: Undergraduate Student Orientation is designed to provide you with the tools and insight that will allow you to be successful at CU. We strive for a smooth transition to your new academic and social experiences.

How you benefit from orientation

Gain a better understanding of academic expectations, policies, and procedures
Feel prepared to transition to college life
Make connections with new and current students
Connect with faculty and staff
Become familiar with campus resources available to students
Get familiarized with the people and places necessary for your success at CU
Gain a clearer understanding of your role as a college student
Strengthening our partnership with you and your supporters, which we believe strongly in

To further ease your transition, let's get familiar with some of these regularly used CU portals:

Application Portal: This is where you originally applied using your personal email address. This is home to your acceptance letter, event registration, scholarship offers, where you submit your enrollment deposit, and so much more. You'll want to check this regularly up until you enroll in courses. Once your $200 enrollment deposit is submitted, your student account will be created giving you access to MyCU, student email, housing application, and all things CU.
MyCU: Also known as "Banner," this will be your official student record. Within this system, you can view your academic requirements, schedule your courses, view and pay your tuition bill, and get connected to resources across CU.
MyHousing: Your online portal for managing your housing agreement and dining plan.

New Student Orientation Programs

We’re gearing up to welcome our new students beginning in the Spring semester for an exciting and informative orientation program! Orientation programming will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026 (the day before classes start).

Event Details:

Date: January 25, 2026
Time: Orientation will run from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., with check-In beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Location: McCormick Center for Human Sciences Lobby

Event Details:

Date: January 25, 2026
Time: Orientation will run from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., with check-In beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Ulmer Hall Lobby

Event Details:

Date: January 25, 2026
Time: Orientation will run from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., with check-in beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall 3rd Floor

Mark your calendar for your upcoming New Student Orientation this summer at Bloomsburg! We’re excited to welcome our newest Huskies to campus this summer. Orientation is your chance to connect, explore, and prepare for the journey ahead!

June 22: College of Health, Science, and Technology
June 23: College of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
June 25: Zeigler College of Business and Exploratory Studies majors
June 26: College of Health, Science, and Technology
June 29: Zeigler College of Business and Exploratory Studies majors
June 30: College of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Mark your calendar for your upcoming New Student Orientation this summer at Lock Haven! We’re excited to welcome our newest Bald Eagles to campus this summer. Orientation is your chance to connect, explore, and prepare for the journey ahead!

June 25: College of Health, Science, and Technology
June 26: Zeigler College of Business and Exploratory Studies majors
June 29: College of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Mark your calendar for your upcoming New Student Orientation this summer at Mansfield! We’re excited to welcome our newest Mountaineers to campus this summer. Orientation is your chance to connect, explore, and prepare for the journey ahead!

June 24: College of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences; and Exploratory
June 30: College of Health, Science, and Technology; Zeigler College of Business

Mark your calendar for your upcoming New Student Orientation this summer at Bloomsburg on July 14! We’re excited to welcome our newest Huskies to campus this summer. Orientation is your chance to connect, explore, and prepare for the journey ahead!

Mark your calendar for your upcoming New Student Orientation this summer at Lock Haven on July 16! We’re excited to welcome our newest Bald Eagles to campus this summer. Orientation is your chance to connect, explore, and prepare for the journey ahead!

Mark your calendar for your upcoming New Student Orientation this summer at Mansfield on July 13! We’re excited to welcome our newest Mountaineers to campus this summer. Orientation is your chance to connect, explore, and prepare for the journey ahead!

Roommates hang out in their dorm at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, formerly Bloomsburg University.

What's Next?

You've been admitted but what comes next? The Student Success and Admissions team work together to ensure that you start your college journey off on the right foot.

Next Steps Checklist Student-Athlete Checklist

Friends enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon at Commonwealth University-Clearfield, formerly Lock Haven University at Clearfield.

Student Success

Not sure where to start? We have designed our Student Success Centers to be the one-stop-shop for all of your student needs. If you don’t know what question to ask, or who to reach out to, come see our Student Success Staff and we will get you where you need to be.

Student Success Directory