New Student ORIENTATION GUIDE 2023-2024 ADMITTED STUDENTS
WELCOMEFIREBIRDS!
CONGRATULATIONS and welcome to Firebird Nation! We are excited that you have chosen UDC to pursue your education.
Welcome to the Firebird family! We, the staff of UDC, would like to welcome you all into our family of connection, community, and commitment Our purpose is to ensure that you have the information and resources you need to succeed in life and your academics. UDC works to ensure that our community is a vibrant, growing, and economically viable community for future generations and to contribute to developing student leaders that graduate and lead in their careers. You should be proud that you are joining a community of over 3,000 students who have made a commitment to further their education and their career. Being part of the UDC community means stepping into a flourishing and welcoming environment, one in which each person is given an equal opportunity to succeed. We welcome you and can't wait to see you succeed! Our goal is to make sure that you are prepared, confident, and ready for a successful first day and semester
Our staff is readily available to assist students or parents via email at FYRE@udc edu Visit www.nsu.edu/orientation for session dates, announcements and additional information.
ABRIEFHISTORY OFTHEUNIVERSITYOFTHE DISTRICTOFCOLUMBIA
The University of the District of Columbia is historic and modern, all at the same time. Public higher education in the District is rooted in the school for “colored girls” that Myrtilla Miner founded in 1851 in Washington, D.C., which came to be called the Miner Normal School Washington Normal School, a school for white girls established in 1873, was renamed Wilson Normal School in 1913, after James O Wilson, Washington’s first superintendent of public schools. In 1929, Congress enacted a statute that converted both normal schools into four-year teachers colleges For several years, Miner Teachers College and Wilson Teachers College were the only institutions of public higher education in the city. After the landmark U.S. Supreme Court school desegregation decision, Brown v Board of Education (U S 1954), the two colleges merged in 1955 to form the District of Columbia Teachers College. Over the next decade, D.C. residents petitioned for an expansion of higher education that would provide training for careers other than teaching In 1966, Congress enacted the District of Columbia Public Education Act, which established Federal City College and Washington Technical Institute
Although these schools were still very new, many Washingtonians continued to advocate for a comprehensive university The City Council authorized the consolidation of the three schools, and in 1976, began the monumental task of creating a new University of the District of Columbia. In 1977, under President Carter’s leadership, UDC began consolidating its academic programs These efforts culminated in the establishment of five colleges: Business and Public Management; Education and Human Ecology; Liberal and Fine Arts; Life Sciences; Physical Science, Engineering, and Technology; and University College and Continuing Education
MYUDC.EDU
myUDC is the University’s on-line portal at the University of the District of Columbia myUDC connects students, faculty, and staff to information and systems from one point of entry. myUDC can be used to check their UDC e-mail accounts, register for courses, print course schedules, and view billing and financial aid statements, among other things.
When can I access myUDC?
MyUDC is typically available to students within 24-48 hours after acceptance to the University Your username and temporary password are e-mailed to your personal email address.
If you are unsure or have not received your username and password, contact the UDC IT Help desk at support@udc.edu.
Where can I find myUDC?
MyUDC can be found at my udc edu
What can I do with myUDC?
From one sign-in you can access: A AC T Academic Calendar
Banner Self-Service Blackboard Degreeworks Handshake Office 365 (Student Email) and more . . .
ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCECENTER
The University of the District of Columbia extends a warm welcome to applicants, undergraduates, and postgraduates with disabilities. The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) Office at each campus offers a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities or special requirements Additionally, the Accessibility Resource Center is charged with the responsibility of exploring possible coverage and reasonable accommodations for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Information shared by you in a counseling session will be kept in strict confidence The Accessibility Resource Center staff operates as a team in order to provide the best possible services to students.
Students are encouraged to contact the A.R.C as soon as possible to determine if the University can provide appropriate accommodations
For additional information, please email arc@udc.edu or call (202) 274-6417. The Accessibility Resource Center is located in Building 39, Room 102 (Van Ness) and Bertie Backus Campus, Room 120C (Community College)
GENERAL CAMPUSRESOURCES
PARKING SERVICES
The University of the District of Columbia is a decal controlled campus. All faculty/staff and students are required to have a valid parking decal or pay the hourly/daily rates
To secure a parking permit, each student applicant shall provide the following:
To purchase a parking decal, complete application and make payment at the Cashier’s Office in Building 39 Room 201. To complete your application, you will need your vehicle registration, vehicle insurance policy, and OneCard ID.
Bring your completed application and receipt of payment to the Parking Operations Office in Building 39 Room 104 during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 9 AM -5 PM to obtain your decal.
Once you have obtained your decal, you may swipe your OneCard ID at the entrance and exit gates of the garage.
UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
The University of the District of Columbia Bookstore provides everything you need to show off your Firebird Pride. In addition, the bookstore is the distributor of your course textbooks.
Contact Location: Building 38, A Level
UNIVERSITY POLICE
The University of the District of Columbia Police Department is responsible for the safety and security of all members of the UDC community The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact Number: (202) 274-5050
UDC ID CARD
To obtain your UDC student ID, log into your myUDC portal, my.udc.edu, select Public Safety then complete the UDC Online Photo Submission intake form If you have additional questions, please email onecard@udc.edu.
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student success CAMPUSRESOURCES
Academic Coaching
Academic coaching is an educational service that provides individualized support for students to help them achieve their academic goals. It is based on the principles of positive psychology and focuses on motivation, problem-solving, and study skills Here at UDC, Academic Coaches support students through the creation and execution of individualized coaching, supplemental instruction, and tutoring services. Overall, academic coaching is a great way for students to get the extra support they need for success
Career Services
Academic Advising
Advisors will help you develop a firm plan to stay on track and achieve your academic and career goals. At UDC, we view academic advising as a critical support service for students, providing the best possible guidance tools to assist them in reaching their highest levels of human potential.
Contact your Academic Advisor to schedule an appointment.
New Student Experiences
New Student Experiences provides a comprehensive support system for new and transferring students. From the moment they register and attend orientation to their first day of classes, New Student Experiences is there to ensure a smooth transition to the institution They provide resources and guidance to help students become better connected to their new school and community.
Email: fyre@udc.edu
The Office of Career Services’ mission is to prepare undergraduate and graduate students as well as alumni for career success through career planning, career readiness, and career opportunities services in partnership with employers/recruiters and faculty and staff to empower them to become transformative leaders in the workforce, government, nonprofit sectors and beyond
Contact your Career Counselor to schedule an appointment.
Upswing
Upswing is our comprehensive tutoring platform which offers in-person and virtual tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in over 140+ subject areas, including graduate/professional school preparation This service is free of charge for all undergraduate students enrolled in an associates or bachelor degree program
Grammarly
Grammarly is available for usage at UDC Students, Faculty, and Staff can sign up for Grammarly using their UDC email address at the following link:
https://www.grammarly.com/enterprise/sig nup
New Student Orientation
College orientation is designed to help with the transition to higher education for incoming students First-year orientation aims to teach new students more about the campus, go over the various services and resources available to learners, and provide meet-and-greet opportunities with peers. Attending orientation can also help get you excited about campus life Come learn more about the rich culture of UDC at orientation and jumpstart your educational career with a bang! All new students are required to participate in the New Student Orientation.
The First 18/51 Programs
The First 18/51 initiative is to welcome, educate and engage new students in campus life Studies show that students who are engaged on campus within the first six weeks of the semester are more likely to persist This calendar of programming includes interactive entertainment, intercultural and athletic events, community engagements and opportunities for professional development. The goal is to create a vibrant environment for our newest Firebirds on campus within the First 51 (Fall Semester) and First 18 (Spring semester) days on campus.
CAMPUSRESOURCES
ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES
The University of the District of Columbia extends a warm welcome to applicants, undergraduates, and postgraduates with disabilities. The ARC is charged with the responsibility of exploring possible coverage and reasonable accommodations for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Contact Number: (202) 274-6417
Email: arc@udc.edu
STUDENT LIFE
The Office of Student Life is committed to facilitating student learning while developing students holistically through leadership, social, and cultural awareness programs. Get engaged by joining one of our 50+ clubs/organizations
Contact Information: studentlife@udc.edu
COUNSELING SERVICES
The UDC Counseling and Wellness Center is available to promote psychological wellbeing that helps students reach their academic, personal, and relational goals We work to help you address any issue that may be interfering with your wellbeing or success Services are provided by trained professionals and are fully confidential.
Contact Number: (202) 274-6000
VETERAN AFFAIRS
Whether you are continuing your education or just getting started; currently serving on active duty; a reservist; a national guardsman; a veteran or a family member; we have the programs to help you complete your personal mission of achieving your education goals
Contact Number: (202) 274-6099
Email: military@udc.edu
student development
International Student Services
Office of International Student Services provides services, support, and advocacy to the University’s international student population ISS also oversees the University’s certification to host F-1 student visa status Services are available to international students for the duration of their educational journey at UDC and beyond graduation
Contact Information: (202) 274-6317
Email: international@udc.edu
Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Affairs (CDIMA)
The Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs (CDIMA) is dedicated to promoting social justice through the development of cocurricular programs and educational activities that enhance the personal development, success, and collegiate experience for historically marginalized students at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
Health Services
UDC Health Services promotes health, wellness, and preventive care for students and staff All services provided to students are confidential. All communication between you and your clinician is also strictly confidential Issues of privacy and confidentiality are covered thoroughly in staff and volunteer training. A confidential medical record is established and maintained for every patient who receives care If you are 18 years or older, information cannot be released, even to your parents, without your permission. Information is released only with your written permission, upon a court-ordered subpoena, or in a life-threatening situation.
Contact Number: (202) 819-5892
Office of Student Advocacy
The Office of Advocacy and Student Support (OAS) provides one-on-one student assistance, coordinate services across campus and facilitates partnering with community-based resources. Our mission is to support students who are experiencing temporary crises, in need guidance and solutions to life's stressors, and are encountering barriers that may impede their academic success.
Contact: (202) 274-2319
Student Outreach and Leadeship Development (S.O.L.D)
The mission of the S O L D office is to provide support and enrichment opportunities for students at the University. We are committed to helping students survive and thrive by increasing their engagement on and off campus, fostering their academic success, and creating a supportive social environment promoting student leadership development through student initiated outreach and retention projects.
Contact Location: Buildling 56, Room B33
Student development cont . . .
