Get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant AU community! You'll immerse yourself in a wealth of resources, connect with peers, faculty, and staff, and forge lifelong friendships. NSO is packed with must-attend sessions, optional welcome programs, and the chance to bond with your small group, guided by a seasoned Orientation Leader.

Joining NSO is an exciting opportunity to discover everything American University  has to offer, bond with fellow students, and gain valuable insights to ensure a smooth transition into college life! Remember, it's mandatory, so don't miss out!

No, families should not plan to participate in NSO with their students. Instead, your exclusive orientation experience is on Sunday, August 17 or Monday, August 18. See below for more information, and be sure to follow AmericanUParents on Facebook to stay in the loop with all the latest updates!

The New Student Checklist is your way to keep track of all the tasks you need to do before classes begin! It's a web-based tool on your myau.american.edu portal, and lists everything from selecting a meal plan to completing your health insurance waiver. The checklist can be accessed by visiting american.edu/new-students 

Students may update their information any time using the contact form on the myAU portal. Any change must be made by you through the portal. We cannot make changes to your information in this office.

Beginning June 1, submit your AU One Card photograph via the MyAU portal. Your AU One Card will be the primary way you gain access to your residence hall and your meal plan when you arrive on campus in the fall. Online submissions are due by July 31 and your AU One Card will be issued to you during Move-In Day.

Please submit photos by midnight on July 31 to avoid any potential long lines during August move-in. Physical One Cards will be provided during August move-in through All-American Welcome. Please contact the One Card & Dining Programs team at idcards@american.edu or 202-885-2273 with any additional questions. More information can be found at www.american.edu/onecard

No, students will register for classes during the summer before NSO. First-year students will receive detailed communication from their academic advisor based on their responses to the New Eagle Questionnaire and prior to the start of registration.

Transfer students will receive communication from their school- or college-based advisor. For more information, visit AU's new students website.

For information about Language Placement Exams, please visit the language placement page.

New Student Orientation is required for all incoming first year and transfer students. NSO is designed with our new first-year and transfer students in mind to connect them to campus, resources, each other.

Move-in for first-year and transfer students happens on Sunday, August 17 and Monday, August 18, 2025. Students will receive more information regarding assigned arrival dates and times throughout the summer via their AU email address.

NSO is a four-day experience that is required for all incoming first-year and transfer students. This year, NSO begins on Tuesday, August 19 and ends on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Classes begin the following Monday, August 25, 2025.

All-American Welcome begins on Saturday, August 23, and ends Saturday, August 30. All new and returning students are invited to participate in these welcome programs throughout the first week of classes.

New Student and Family Programs hosts NSO and All-American Welcome for students who are new to AU before the start of classes each semester, and during their first week of classes.

New Student Orientation happens the week before classes and aims to help incoming students gain the resources they need to be successful and thrive. All-American Welcome happens during the first week of classes. During this time, there are tons of activities happening across the campus community aimed at helping new students learn more about AU while helping to foster relationships and connections with your peers.

Yes! We designed a program for family members separate from New Student Orientation. Family and Supporters Orientation will take place on Sunday, August 17 and Monday, August 18, 2025, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Parents and families should keep an eye on their email accounts for more information on how to sign up and visit this website for more information.