Freshman floating in inner tubes on the river as part of the Freshman Float during the Big Sky Experience orientation week at UM

Orientation

Welcome to the UM Family!

The Big Sky Experience

Students will be placed into small groups when they check-in for the Big Sky Experience and all sessions are mandatory unless otherwise noted by their UM Advocate leader.  If you have any conflicts or concerns with the schedule please contact Devin Carpenter at 406.243.2332.

Families and guests are encouraged to attend programming for any session marked with an asterisk (*). All unmarked sessions are devoted to setting up our new students to be successful members of the University of Montana community on their own, and they will be placed into small groups of peers.

If you are a student with a disability and wish to request reasonable accommodations for a Big Sky Experience session, contact Devin Carpenter at orientation@mso.umt.edu to discuss the specific modifications. Please be advised, we may request that you work with the Office for Disability Equity in order to coordinate your reasonable modifications. For more information, visit the Office for Disability Equity website.

Monday | January 11, 2027

  • Arrive on campus at your assigned move-in time and follow all instructions given by the UM Housing team to make this transition as seamless as possible for you and your classmates. 

    Parking regulations and traffic flow may be different than usual! Please follow the instructions provided to you by UM Housing.

  • Your dining plan is now active for the semester so you can enjoy our state-of-the-art, all-you-care-to-eat dining center, featuring seven unique food stations.

    The Lodge Dining Center Hours

    • Monday – Tuesday, January 11 – 12
      • Breakfast: 7 – 9:00 AM
      • Lunch: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
      • Dinner: 5 – 7:00 PM
    • Semester Hours
      • Weekdays (Starting 1/13): Open 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
      • Weekends (Starting 1/16): Open 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM

     

  • Your Griz Card lives on your phone now! Submit your photo, sign up for DUO, and download the eAccounts App at edu/grizcard/mobilegrizcard. Have questions? The folks at the Griz Card office are here to help!

Tuesday | January 12, 2027

  • Check in for your Big Sky Experience. You will receive your name tag and small group assignment, some awesome swag, and a UM t-shirt, and important information about the day.

  • Please join us for a hot breakfast - the morning's events are all in one place to make the exploration more straightforward and convenient!

  • The iconic BEAR Fair (Be Educational, Active and Recreational), where you have the opportunity to connect with offices integral to your success.

  • University Center, First Floor

    Your Griz Card lives on your phone now! Submit your photo, sign up for DUO, and download the eAccounts App. Have questions? The folks at the Griz Card office are here to help!

  • Hear from the University of Montana team as we kick off your Big Sky Experience program!

  • This session will be the first time you meet your Advocate Small Group Leader and get to know some of your future classmates. You will remain with this small group throughout the day.

  • Your students are off and running - now it's your turn to ask questions and hear from the experts on campus who are here to support your student's success.

  • At UM, students are at the center of all we do, and your academic success and personal growth are our top priority. This session will build upon the many things you learned about during your online New Student Orientation, and will be presented by UM Advocates so you can hear the first hand student perspective on  what to expect here at UM.

  • Learn how to access your course schedule from your phone and understand how to see when and where your classes will meet. This is also an opportunity to ask your Advocate anything else about the college experience at UM.

  • The University of Montana recognizes and celebrates diversity, works toward equity, and prioritizes inclusion. This learning session will build on the information you received during your New Student Orientation. This session will focus on how you can be an active bystander to help maintain UM's Community of Respect.

  • If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active! You are encouraged to use it at The Lodge, our brand new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility. Students who do not have a meal plan are invited to eat with us as well, and should ask for a voucher from their UM Advocate. 

    Lunch is provided for all new students, and available for purchase for any family members or guests who would like to join them.

  • Still need to register for classes? Want to make changes to your course schedule? Thinking about changing your major? Drop on by your assigned academic advisor's office for assistance. Details can be found here.

  • Take part in the Site Activity that you selected!

  • Join your UM Advocate for an end-of-day wrap-up session where you can ask all your remaining questions and get connected with campus resources.

Wednesday, January 13 - Saturday, January 23, 2027

  • The University of Montana has all sorts of fun things planned for you and all students! Check it out here.