Frequently Asked Questions

For traditional freshmen, all orientation dates will be offered on campus.

For transfer and non-traditional students, some orientation sessions will be offered virtually and some will be offered on campus. Blazer Beginnings attendance is required whether you attend a virtual or on-campus session, and both will include elements of self-led and live content.

The fee guarantees your spot at UAB and pays for staff, programming, and other administrative costs for both virtual and in-person sessions.

All fees associated with orientation (including the Freshman Enrollment Deposit, orientation fee, guest fees, and housing fees) are NON-REFUNDABLE. However, if you choose to attend UAB in the future, your original payment will be documented so you will only owe whatever amount is unpaid at that time.

If you move from an on-campus orientation date to a virtual orientation date, you can request a refund of optional fees such as guest fees.

You will need the following technology to complete the pre-orientation course in Canvas:

• Internet connection
• Device (such as a computer or smart phone) that can play audio and video
• Mobile users may want to download the Canvas Student app for easier functionality - App Store, Google Play.

The pre-orientation Canvas course will be available starting March 15 for Summer/Fall students.

Your orientation hold will prevent you from registering for classes or modifying your class schedule until you complete the pre-orientation course in Canvas. Students are expected to register for classes before attending orientation.

Parents and family members have access to their own separate online orientation available in Canvas (UAB’s online learning management system) as well as live programming on their student’s orientation date (on-campus dates only). Please note that students will be separated from family members for the majority of live programming. Get more information on the Parent & Family Orientation page and in the Parent & Family Orientation portion of these FAQs.

All new students will have the chance to learn about ways to get involved with student organizations and UAB departments through the UAB Student Organizations and Services Expo on the day of your orientation.

You will be able to register for classes when your time ticket opens if you have successfully completed all modules in the pre-orientation Canvas course, taken any required math or English placement assessments, and been advised by your Academic Advisor. You can find your time ticket on BlazerNET by clicking on the Registration tab. Students are expected to register for classes before attending orientation.  There will be a specific time on your orientation date where you can ask questions of advisors and/or Orientation Leaders and get help registering for classes or modifying your course schedule if needed.

After you complete the pre-orientation Canvas course, your assigned Academic Advisor will email your UAB email address with instructions and information about class registration. You must be advised before you can register for classes. Note: your UAB email account will not be set up until 1-2 days after completing the Canvas course.

Yes! Campus tours are offered as part of on-campus orientation dates. Check the Freshman or Transfer/Non-Traditional schedule for the times of those tours. You can also learn more about UAB’s campus by visiting www.uab.edu/visit to schedule a campus tour on any other day or choose to “Take a Virtual Campus Tour.”

Blazer Beginnings is required for all incoming degree-seeking undergraduate students who are not admitted to an online-only major (online-only students will complete Online Major Orientation in Canvas).

UAB’s orientation program is an introduction to UAB’s culture as well as an introduction to the academic and social expectations of the campus community. It is most students’ first chance to interact with peers, familiarize themselves with the campus, and meet staff and faculty from across campus. Students will also meet their Academic Advisors who will help them register for classes for their first semester and in future semesters. Plus, it’s fun! Try to make the most of the opportunity to learn about resources and student groups you might be interested in. Please note: your class schedule will be dropped if any portion of your orientation is missed.

We recommend attending the earliest available Blazer Beginnings. Keep in mind that orientation dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you make a reservation, the more likely you will be able to select an earlier date. The size of each session is limited so your advisor and other campus reps can work closely with you.

Please note: There are some Fall Freshman orientation dates that are reserved for select student populations. When you make a reservation for Blazer Beginnings online, you are shown only orientation dates that apply to you. For example, if you are in the Honors College, you will only be shown Honors College orientation dates.

Students will attend Blazer Beginnings prior to their first semester at UAB. Orientation for all semesters open for students to sign up in early October. There are three types of orientation programs that are offered throughout the year:

• Spring Blazer Beginnings - Transfer and freshman students attending their first semester in the spring
• Summer/Fall Transfer and Non-Traditional Freshman Blazer Beginnings - Transfer and non-traditional freshman students (graduated high school two or more years ago) attending their first semester in the summer or fall
• Summer/Fall Freshman Blazer Beginnings - Freshman students starting at UAB the year after or the same year as high school graduation

Please note: If you are admitted to an online-only major, you will not sign up for Blazer Beginnings but will instead complete the Online Major Orientation through Canvas. Visit the Online Major Orientation FAQs for more details.

View our Pre-Orientation Checklist.

Some students will be required to take a Math Placement Assessment and/or English Placement Survey and Writing Sample. For the most up to date information, visit uab.edu/placement.

Once you complete the online reservation process, two confirmation emails are sent:

• A payment confirmation will be sent to the e-mail of the person making the reservation (sometimes this will go to a parent’s email who is paying the reservation fee).
• An orientation reservation confirmation will be automatically emailed to the student’s email address.

If you have decided to change your major since your admission to UAB, you can visit uab.edu/changemajor to change your major. There will also be a link available to change your major at the same time you are making your reservation to attend orientation.

You have already been assigned an academic advisor based upon your major at admission. In order for us to schedule time for you to meet with the appropriate advisor, you must complete a major change at least seven days prior to your orientation session.

Blazer Beginnings is your most important first step in becoming an official UAB student. All of the programs and information are designed to connect you to UAB and prepare you for success. You will:

• Meet with faculty and academic advisors
• Confirm your course schedule
• Discuss academic expectations
• Discover resources designed to help you succeed
• Build a network of campus contacts
• Check out opportunities and organizations that can help you get involved on campus
• Meet other students – current and new – and start building new friendships

Get more information about what will happen at orientation on the Schedules page.

Immunization records are not required to attend orientation, but all immunization records must be submitted before the first day of classes (deadlines and additional details available at uab.edu/newstudentshots). Submission of immunization records is an online process. Students will receive detailed information by email on how to provide proof of immunizations

For the most up to date and complete policy information, please visit uab.edu/newstudentshots.

To reschedule your orientation date, please call New Student Programs at 205-975-7999 or email blazerbeginnings@uab.edu. You must provide your BlazerID and the date you would like to attend.

You can submit your ONE Card photo online at uab.edu/onecardphoto, and it must meet certain criteria.

A BlazerID is your username you’ll use to access many of UAB's services and online resources. You must use your BlazerID to reserve a spot for Blazer Beginnings and register for classes. If you don’t remember your BlazerID, visit uab.edu/blazerid.

New students obtain their ONE Cards during orientation. UAB employees who later become students may already have a ONE Card (ID Badge) and will not receive a new card at orientation. Your ONE Card has many functions, including serving as your photo ID, granting you admission to the Campus Recreation Center and UAB athletic events, and giving you access to your Meal Plan, Dragon Cash, and Blazer Bucks accounts.

For students attending an on-campus orientation date, you will get your ONE Card at Blazer Beginnings.

For student attending a virtual orientation date, you will receive instructions at your UAB email address for getting your ONE Card closer to the start of the semester. UAB employees who already have a ONE Card as their ID badge will not receive a new one.

Know what to do before you arrive with our What to Bring With You to Orientation list!

You can find a campus map at uab.edu/map.

Orientation is not excused for work, travel, or other commitments. Please make arrangements to attend orientation on one of the listed dates. If there is an unavoidable conflict, call New Student Programs at 205-975-7999 or email us at blazerbeginnings@uab.edu to find out how to complete your orientation requirement.

Try to schedule an orientation session that does not conflict with practice for athletic teams, band camp rehearsals, or other university-related activities. Coaches and directors are aware that you are required to attend orientation, so please talk to them if you are unable to schedule around a practice time.

To reschedule your Blazer Beginnings date, please call 205-975-7999 or email blazerbeginnings@uab.edu.

No, you will not need to pay for tuition at orientation. View a description of payment plans, deadlines, and instructions on how to pay.

Graduate students can contact the Graduate School at gradschool@uab.edu or call 205-934-8227 for assistance. Blazer Beginnings is only for new or incoming undergraduate degree-seeking students.

Please notify us in advance if you, your family, or your guests require special accommodations to participate in orientation. Accommodation requests must be emailed to blazerbeginnings@uab.edu at least two weeks prior to your scheduled orientation session so necessary arrangements can be made.