Frequently Asked Questions

Questions asked by New Students

Find the answers to some questions frequently asked by new Vulcans.

On this page:

What happens during Orientation?

Orientation will be filled with fun activities, events, and workshops all designed to create connections with other new students, with our amazing UH Hilo faculty, and with numerous campus resources and the awesome staff that run them. We'll also have workshops which will help to set you up to be academically successful here at UH Hilo, and of course there will be lots and lots of Vulcan spirit as we welcome you into our university ʻohana.

When is Orientation?

For Spring 2025, Orientation runs Thursday January 9th through Saturday January 11th.

Is orientation mandatory?

While orientation is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, highly encouraged, and any other words you can think of that mean "You should go to Orientation". Orientation provides the tools and creates a foundation for both First Time First Year students and New Transfer students to be successful and to make their transition into UH Hilo as smooth and easy as possible. Besides, it's a great way to meet other new students who have common interest and goals, engage in conversations with faculty and staff, participate in workshops designed to help our newest students succeed, and create life-long friendships. Plus its choke (a lot) fun! So for the price of a nice Aloha shirt, that's a great deal.

What if I only want to, or can, only attend a few activities during orientation; do I still have to pay the entire $50 fee?

The student orientation fee is waived for Spring 2025. The orientation fee is $50 for each student regardless if the student participates in one activity or all the activities offered. We strongly encourage each student to participate in as many activities as possible. Students who participate have an advantage. They have the information needed to succeed in classes, the opportunity to make connections with peers, and knowledge about the resources available on campus.

Do I have to attend orientation to get advising and register for classes?

Although we encourage all students to attend orientation, you do not have to attend orientation to receive advising or to register for classes. However, there will be specific sessions dedicated to advising and meeting with faculty that only those who paid for orientation will be able to attend.

If I already registered for orientation but I decided not to go, can I get a refund?

There is no student orientation fee for Spring 2025. The $50 orientation registration fee is non-refundable.

Do parents need to go to orientation?

Spring Orientation does have a Parent/Family track with events and programs. We encourage you to take the opportunity to meet with various campus resources and staff members to find out more information on the services they provide at UH Hilo. We also recommend you attend our beginning convocation and campus tour.

When can I register for classes?

For more information on how to register, please visit the Guided Pathway System Registration.

I’m not an incoming freshman but I still have a hold on my account. Why?

There could be a number of reasons why you have a hold on your account. It can either be a hold put on when you transferred or it can be a medical hold. If you look on your MyUH Services under the “View Charges/Make a Payment” tab there is a place where you can view your holds. From that page you can see where your hold came. You must work with the department that put on your hold to have it removed.