Frequently Asked Questions
Orientation and Transition Programs – Summer 2026
What is New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation is an in-person opportunity for individuals to begin to express their roar at Texas A&M University-Victoria. It is held for any new student who will be attending classes on campus. It is an event specifically designed for new Jaguars who want to discover everything our institution has to offer. At New Student Orientation students will learn about campus resources and opportunities and be prepared to acclimate and rise to success at A&M-Victoria. Our New Student Orientation sessions will be held in-person on the A&M-Victoria campus.
When is New Student Orientation?
There will be multiple in-person New Student Orientation sessions. Registration and date information for our New Student Orientation sessions will be released soon.
More details and registration links will be available soon.
Is it a requirement for first-year students to attend New Student Orientation?
Yes, New Student Orientation is required for students who will be attending classes on the A&M-Victoria campus and are in their first year of college with less than 24 credit hours.
As a first-year student, do I have to stay in campus housing for the overnight New Student Orientation?
No. However, we do encourage you to, especially if you will be living on campus in the fall. It is an experience that will help you transition into living in our residence halls.
What amenities are included with campus housing for the overnight New Student Orientation?
A&M-Victoria will provide first-year students with a shower curtain and toilet paper for their overnight stay in campus housing. Students are encouraged to bring their own bedding including sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, and personal hygiene products.
Can I attend New Student Orientation if I am not registered for classes yet?
Yes. However, we do encourage you to register for classes as soon as possible, as classes fill up quickly. Academic Advisors will be available to assist you with registering for classes.
Is there a charge for attending New Student Orientation?
Yes, there is a charge for students and their family/guests to attend New Student Orientation. The participation fee is $100 for students, and $50 for each family member or guest.
The participation fees assist with the costs of providing a quality orientation program, amenities while on campus, and A&M-Victoria swag.
Fees already paid are non-refundable. However, if needed, the funds can be applied to a different date if you need to reschedule. Please contact orientation@tamuv.edu to reschedule your date. Please include your full name and Student ID number.
Can I attend both the New Student Orientation and Virtual New Student Orientation?
Yes. First-Year students are required to attend New Student Orientation in person but are also welcome to attend Virtual New Student Orientation after they have attended in person.
What type of resources will students learn about at New Student Orientation?
Various resources and information will be shared at New Student Orientation and Virtual sessions. Academic resources such as advising, degree plans, tutoring, writing assistance and the A&M-Victoria Library will be covered. Additionally, financial aid, campus safety, student billing, campus life, student services, and Jaguar pride and traditions will be discussed with first-year students. Lastly, there will be several student, faculty, and staff panel discussions.
New Student Orientation is the best way for new students to connect, explore campus life, and get fully prepared for college success.
What is Virtual New Student Orientation?
Virtual New Student Orientation is an online opportunity for transfer or online students to begin to express their roar at Texas A&M University-Victoria. It is an event specifically designed for new Jaguars who want to discover everything our institution has to offer. At Virtual New Student Orientation students will learn about campus resources and opportunities and be prepared to acclimate and rise to success at A&M-Victoria. Virtual New Student Orientation is held live on Teams. Students should expect to log into their University provided account to join.
When is Virtual New Student Orientation?
Virtual New Student Orientation dates will be release soon.
Is there a charge for attending Virtual New Student Orientation?
No, participating in Virtual New Student Orientation is free.
As a first-year student, is there anything that is required for me to participate in before the fall semester starts?
Yes. It is a requirement for all first-year students to attend Jaguar Journey Welcome Weekend. Jaguar Journey is held in Victoria the weekend before (August 19-23, 2026) classes begin for the fall semester and is required for all first-year students as part of their UNIV course. Incoming first-year students are automatically registered for Jaguar Journey. For more information on Jaguar Journey, email orientation@tamuv.edu or visit the Jaguar Journey webpage.
As a first-year student, when do I register for classes?
We encourage you to register for classes as soon as possible, as classes fill up quickly. Preferably, you will work with your success coach (academic advisor) in the Student Success Center to register for classes in an advising session before attending a New Student Orientation session. You can sign up for an advising session by emailing sschelp@tamuv.edu.