Group of diverse college students all wearing blue "Class of 2020" t-shirts. The students in the front are holding a banner that says "American University"

Orientation 2021

Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle

Contact Us

202-885-3303

orientation@american.edu

Mon-Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Anderson Hall

Orientation, Transition & Rete 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016-8168 United States

Welcome to American University

Welcome to life as an Eagle! At AU, we're changemakers. We’re all about building connections, strengthening community, and creating a better future. On campus or off campus, in DC or abroad, we rise to the challenges of our times – and we do it together.

The AU journey starts with Orientation. We’ve designed a remote Orientation to ensure that when your classes kick off in August, you’ll already feel at home, be ready to succeed, and will know a lot of fellow Eagles, too!

So let’s get started!

First Things First

Undergraduates will hear from your Orientation Leader, a returning student who knows all about AU and will serve as your personal guide. You'll meet with them and other new students throughout the summer on Zoom. There will be many time slots to choose from and many opportunities for individual meetings to get your questions answered!

(Head's up: If you're a first-year student, you'll hear from your Orientation Leader in mid-May. If you're a transfer student, plan on early July. Grad students have a different process.)

As part of Orientation 2021, there's an Online Orientation full of useful information about life at AU and the shortest and easiest "quizzes" you'll ever ace. There's a lot to learn about your new home! Undergrads, you'll go through it along with your Orientation groups. If you're a grad student, it's self-paced and informative, so please review it and get ready for a strong start!

And remember: All aspects of Orientation 2021 are free, in recognition of the challenges many are facing due to Covid-19. All summer orientation programming is virtual. In August, after move- in we have in person events planned as part of All-American Welcome.