Welcome, New Cards, to the Exploratory & Transition Advising Orientation resource page!

When you meet with your academic advisor for the first time, we may refer to some of these resources during the advising appointment. Use the links below to jump ahead if you know what you're looking for.

Before & After Orientation:

If you're a new freshman or a transfer student, the New Cards Checklist is something you should look at! It has links to register for your orientation session, and has lots of to-do items to get done before you start classes your first semester at UofL (parking passes, meal plans, housing, etc.).

New Freshman Checklist - http://louisville.edu/newcards/first-year/first-time-freshman-checklist/freshman-checklist

Transfer Student Checklist - http://louisville.edu/newcards/transfer-students/checklist

Get ready for advising before orientation by looking at the classes that you need! During summer orientation, we ask that you come to your advising appointment with 4-5 Cardinal Core courses to discuss. Especially focus on those in the Arts/Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social/Behavioral, Historical, and Oral Communication categories. Understand Cardinal Core and its requirements by reading more in the Course Catalog.

Make some time to get familiar with CardSmart. CardSmart is where you can schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor, read your advising notes after a meeting (click here for instructions), and see your Success Team - including your assigned Academic Advisor, Student Success Coordinator, Peer Mentor, and your professors for each semester.

Degree Planning

• Exploring UofL Majors is a website that lists all UofL majors, possible careers, and other information that can help you choose a major that fits you!
• Building Your Degree helps answer the important question, "What types of courses make up your degree?" Check out this quick overview of the different types of degree requirements your advisor may review with you, including Cardinal Core requirements.
• The Academic Catalog is your go-to for all things related to academic programs, major requirements, class descriptions, and even university policies, financial aid info, and academic support systems here at UofL. Bookmark it!

Registration Information:

• Once you've met with your advisor and are ready to enroll in classes, follow the instructions on our registration resources page! You can get more instructions and help with registration on the Registrar's website. You will also need to complete your Pre-Registration Questions before you can enroll each semester.
• ULink is super important! It's where you register, updated your personal info, and more. Log in and look around! We recommend you bookmark this link so you can register, check your official grades, view your unofficial transcripts, and manage your personal info. There are some helpful how-to guides for using ULink on the ULink Upgrade for Students website.
  
• This schedule of Classes lists all course offerings by semester, including times and days of the week. Search for classes that fit your needs and interests, and then use the Class Number in the first column to search and register for courses in ULink.

Placement Testing:

• Your biggest question is probably "How do I know if I have to complete the Accuplacer?" Here's how:
• See if you need the Math Accuplacer.
• See if you need the Reading Accuplacer.
• Do you need to complete the Accuplacer? Here's the Accuplacer: Math/Reading Placement site. We recommend you study for at least 2 weeks if possible! There is a free study app on the Accuplacer website and there are also instructions for how to register for your testing preferences.
• If you want to take a Foreign Language Placement exam, check this out. If you are a native speaker in a language other than English and are looking to waive the foreign language requirement, click HERE.

General Campus Resources:

• Campus Map - Looking to see where your classes will be? Check out this PDF campus map! You can also use this Classroom Building Codes list when you are searching the Schedule of Classes to figure out which building is which.
• ITS Helpdesk - Password issues? Trouble accessing ULink, Blackboard, or other UofL websites? Contact them for quick assistance!
  
• UofL Bookstore - After you have registered for classes, you'll need to purchase any required textbooks or course materials. You can see what course materials are required by searching on this website.
• Office 365 ProPlus for Students - once you have enrolled, you will have access to download a free version of Microsoft Office.
• Counseling Center - The UofL Counseling Center is a fantastic free resource for students. They offer individual services and group counseling.
• Disability Resource Center - The DRC fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community. They provide support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services.
• LGBT Center - The LGBT Center at the University of Louisville is a resource for all students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests and aims to create a safe, inclusive community for everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
• Name Change Guide - Helpful instructions for how to update your Preferred Name for UofL, and how to conduct a legal name change in Jefferson County, KY.
• Cultural Center - The Cultural Center offers support to students in a variety of ways, including scholarships, involvement opportunities and RSOs, and individual coaching meetings. They also host a lot of campus events!
• Student Financial Aid Office - If you have requests about financial aid, your FAFSA, scholarships, work study, etc. please contact the Student Financial Aid Office.
• Student Success Coordinators - Part of the SSC, Student Success Coordinators are a resource for students that need extra assistance navigating their college experience, overcoming obstacles and completing the path to graduation.