Hello again,

Welcome to the Griz family! Here are some reminders about our brand new online New Student Orientation, and our award-winning welcome week, the Big Sky Experience. Remember, you will gain access to your personalized orientation the first week of August, and signups for the Big Sky Experience will begin in July. 

We are hard at work preparing this all-new, self-paced online New Student Orientation for you, and we think this video based and interactive system will better prepare you for your first semester with us at UM.  All incoming students will be invited to their orientation in early August, and it should take you about an hour to get through everything – from academics to student life, support resources and campus policies, and to our expectations of you as a new member of our community of respect.  

In addition to this, all incoming traditional-aged first-year students are also expected to attend our week of welcome on campus Aug. 21-25, the Big Sky Experience (BSE). This special week is an immersive program that puts students into groups of peers and engages them with campus and community partners all across Missoula. Later this summer, you will be able to select your preferred site from a variety of options, which will determine the group you remain with for the whole week!  Keep an eye on your inbox for information on how to select your BSE in July.  Want a sneak peek?  View some of this year’s partners here. 

Transfer students and Adult Learners (those of you over the age of 21!) are invited, but not required to attend the Big Sky Experience.  And we certainly can’t forget about parents and families!  You will have access to view the New Student Orientation program if you would like to, and you are welcome to join us for BSE activities on Aug. 21-22.  You can view the full schedule here. 

At UM, we get students out into the world to experience hands-on learning as much as possible. Traditional aged first-year students are invited to consider the Flathead Lake Biological Station trip or Freshman Wilderness Experience.  Only a few slots remain! Find all the details and a link to register here. 

Let us know if there is anything we can help with regarding your transition to the University of Montana. We are here for you. 

Talk to you soon, Griz! 

Devin Carpenter 
Director of New Student Success 
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success 
orientation@mso.umt.edu | 406-243-2332