Orientation FAQs

The Office of Student Life and Engagement emails accepted students an OSLE Matriculation packet which contains information on the matriculation requirements managed by our office (University Orientation, HIPAA and Safety Training, and Health Insurance).  This packet is emailed out to accepted students approximately four to six weeks prior to the orientation date, or as soon as they are accepted if that date is less than four weeks prior to orientation.  The OSLE Matriculation packet is emailed to the accepted student’s Jefferson email and primary alternate email on file.

Please note that this is a separate information packet from the acceptance materials sent from the Office of Admissions. You may also receive a packet from your academic area. 

If you believe you did not receive the OSLE Matriculation packet, please first check both your Jefferson email and primary alternate email (e.g. Gmail).  The email subject will read “IMPORTANT: Jefferson Matriculation Requirements”. If you are unable to locate the email, please reach out to the Office of Student Life and Engagement at StudentLife@jefferson.edu to request that another copy be sent to you.

Completion of the University Orientation is MANDATORY for all incoming students. 

You must confirm your attendance at University Orientation using our online RSVP form.  To access the RSVP form, please visit http://www.jefferson.edu/orientation, click on “University Orientation Dates” and then click on your academic program.  If you have a significant and unavoidable extenuating circumstance that you believe may prevent your attendance at the required University Orientation (e.g. being out of the country), please list that on the RSVP form.  We will review your situation and let you know how to proceed.

The University Orientation program is designed specifically for students to give you the best possible start for your time at Jefferson.  We are unable to accommodate parents and guests at the University Orientation program. Please encourage them to visit Jefferson's website for more information on the University and the student experience (www.jefferson.edu).

The University Orientation program runs from 8:00am-5:00pm.  Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance to check in. 

Please note that students are expected to stay for the entirety of the program. 

University Orientation will be taking place in the Hamilton Building, located on the corner of 11th Street and Locust Street.  The building address is 1001 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. 

You will check-in inside the Hamilton Lobby on the first floor and then proceed into Connelly Auditorium for the morning presentations. 

You must confirm your attendance at University Orientation using our online RSVP form.  To access the RSVP form, please visit http://www.jefferson.edu/orientation, click on “University Orientation Dates” and then click on your academic program.  If you have a significant and unavoidable extenuating circumstance that you believe may prevent your attendance at the required University Orientation (e.g. being out of the country), please list that on the RSVP form.  We will review your situation and let you know how to proceed.

Your University Orientation program consists of the following elements:

• College/Department Information Session (includes meeting with faculty)
• Welcome from College Dean(s)
• Jefferson Overview and Holds Presentation
• University Services Presentation
• Jefferson Photo ID Badge (taking your picture for the ID badge)
• Jefferson Policies and the Honor Code Presentation
• Unconscious Bias Presentation
• Campus Safety and Security Presentation
• Wellness Component
  • Overview of Wellness
  • Stress Management Session
  • Drug and Alcohol Use Presentation
  • Getting to Know your Fellow Jefferson Students (Interactive Session)
• Purchasing of Uniforms and required supplies (as needed
  • Students will be able to get fitted for and purchase uniforms and supplies.
  • Cash and credit cards will be accepted as payment.
• Registration for classes (as needed)
  • Students who have not completed their class registration prior to coming to Orientation will be required to do so that day.
• Resource Room - a “fair” type set up where you can visit individual tables to learn more
  • Faculty members will be there to answer your questions.
  • Representatives will be available to answer your questions about the student health insurance and dental insurance plans.
  • Representatives will be present from various University Offices including:  Admissions, Career Development Center, Campus Currency, Commuter Services, Financial Aid, Housing and Residence Life, Information Services and Technology, Jefferson Center for InterProfessional Education, Nutrition and Dietetics (dining services), Office of Student Life and Engagement, Scott Memorial Library and the Center for Teaching and Learning, Student Affairs and Academic Support Services, Student Personal Counseling Center, Tuition Office, and University Health Services.  

Business casual attire is appropriate to wear for Orientation. Please feel free to dress comfortably, but appropriately for a  setting where you will be interacting with faculty and staff (e.g. avoid ripped jeans and cutoffs, attire that is very revealing, tank tops, t-shirts with offensive messages, flip flops, etc.)

In the morning, we’ll have some hot and cold beverages for you upon your arrival as well as soft pretzels so you can enjoy a taste of Philadelphia.

A complimentary lunch will also be provided.  We’ll be serving boxed lunches.  Typically, each boxed lunch contains a wrap, an apple, a bag of chips, and a dessert item.  There will be vegetarian wraps available as well as some vegan and gluten free entree options.  There will be stickers on the box to identify what is inside.  Beverages will also be provided.

You will get your picture taken at University Orientation for your Jefferson Photo ID Badge. Please note that each incoming student is required to present a valid government issued photo ID (i.e. Passport, Driver's License, Military ID) for photo verification purposes at the time they have their picture taken for their Jefferson Photo ID Badges. Please be sure to bring this identification with you to your University Orientation program so that you will be able to have your picture taken at that time.

Students who have their Photo ID taken at their University Orientaiton program will receive their Jefferson ID Badge from their respective College/Department at a later date.  Please contact your College/Department with any questions about when or how you will obtain your ID badge.