New Student Orientation
New students enrolling at Durham Tech for the first time are strongly encouraged to attend a New Student Orientation after completing the enrollment application.
New Student Orientations are hosted in-person on Main Campus and Orange County Campus, and online through Microsoft Teams.
What to Expect
New Student Orientation prepares students to take the next steps toward fulfilling their dreams and getting a strong start in college by:
- Welcoming participants to a student-centered community that is dedicated to their success.
- Expanding access to resources and services that support students' wellbeing, growth, and goal attainment.
- Helping students identify their next steps through proactive communication and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are New Student Orientations available?
New Student Orientations are available on a monthly basis with the exception of August and January.
- How should I prepare for an in-person New Student Orientation?
- Check your Email. After registering, monitor your email for reminders about your upcoming orientation.
- Arrive Early. For in-person orientations, arrive early to allow time for parking and navigating to the appropriate building and room number. Campus maps and driving directions are available on the Durham Tech website.
Seating for in-person orientations is limited. Additional guests are welcome to visit campus with you, but may be asked to wait in one of our café or lobby areas to ensure space is available for registered participants.
- Actively Participate. You may bring items to take notes during orientation. There will also be time to ask questions and engage with our presenters.
- Check your Email. After registering, monitor your email for reminders about your upcoming orientation.
- How should I prepare for a virtual New Student Orientation?
- Check your Email. After registering, monitor your email for reminders about your upcoming orientation.
- Check your Device and Join Early. For virtual orientations, double check your device sound and internet connection. Open the Teams link included in your email alerts. Join the session early and wait in the virtual lobby until you are admitted by the host.
Participants who join late or leave early may not be able to access the session after it has started.
- Actively Participate. Camera and mic features are not enabled in virtual orientations. Participants can use the Q&A chat feature to ask questions and chat with our staff. You may also see questions and answers from other participants that are helpful to you.
AI assistants or other transcription and recording tools are not currently permitted.
- Check your Email. After registering, monitor your email for reminders about your upcoming orientation.
- What should I do after completing New Student Orientation?
Students preparing to register for classes should proceed to academic advising after completing New Student Orientation.
Academic Advising is required for all students prior to registering for classes at Durham Tech. New students can meet with a member of the Advising Services department by visiting one of our locations for walk-in advising or scheduling an appointment online. Our hours, locations, and appointments are available on the Advising Services webpage.
- What should I do if I am unable to register or attend New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation is encouraged for all new students at Durham Tech, but is not intended to prevent students from moving forward with enrollment.
Students who are unable to register or attend New Student Orientation may proceed with academic advising. For additional details about academic advising, please refer to the Advising Services webpage.
- Are accessibility accommodations provided at New Student Orientation?
Durham Tech provides disability accommodations to ensure equal access to all aspects of education. Students who need accommodations due to a disability or medical condition may voluntarily self-identify with Accessibility Services to request support.
If you would like to request accommodations for New Student Orientation, please visit the Accessibility Services webpage to review eligibility and complete the service request steps at least two weeks in advance to allow time for processing.