University Orientation
All students are encouraged to attend a University orientation program prior to the start of classes at South University. Enrolled students who have earned less than 24 hours of college level credits must complete a web-based orientation session, South University College Success Course, prior to the start of classes.
For all students, the University’s orientation program provides an overview of South University and acquaints students with academic policies, resources, success skills and registration procedures. At the conclusion of the campus-based orientation program, students are able to finalize their schedules, obtain parking permits, and have a picture taken for the student ID.
International Student Orientation
In addition to the University orientation, International students attending South University on an F-1 (student) visa are required to meet with the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) prior to the start of classes. The DSO will serve as the student’s International Student Advisor and help the student adjust to the many cultural differences, answer any questions about transitioning to living in the United States, and provide important information for maintaining F-1 (student) visa status. International Students will be SEVIS registered only after completing the International Student Orientation.
Online Orientation
All students taking online courses for the first time through South University are encouraged to take an orientation to online learning prior to the beginning of their course(s). The orientation reviews the expectations, policies and associated procedures with taking online courses. All students taking graduate online course(s) will be encouraged to complete the graduate online orientation. If you are a graduate student that will need to take prerequisites to enter the graduate program you will be encouraged to take the South University undergraduate orientation. When you officially meet the requirements and enter a South University graduate program, you will be encouraged to take the graduate orientation.
You will be given a user name and password prior to starting your orientation. When you are ready to begin your orientation, you will login into the orientation course through your computer and internet connection. The orientation contains several exercises that you will go through to make sure that you are knowledgeable and comfortable working before the class begins. It is absolutely necessary to make sure you are ready to begin working in class when your first session begins. You will not have the time to orient yourself once classes are underway. Should you have any problems getting to class or operating within your online classroom, a toll-free number for 24-hour online classroom support is available for your use, 1-888-444-3404. This number is posted on the course home page within your course under the heading “Tech Support” located on the top navigation bar.
Student IDs
Student ID photos are taken during Orientation and student IDs are issued to new students during their first week of classes. Student ID cards include student identification numbers (that are different from social security numbers). ID cards also function as library cards for utilizing the University library. Student ID cards are issued at each campus location. Online students may order Student ID cards through the Campus Common by navigating to the Student Services Tab and then Form Center.
There is no charge for the initial student ID. If a student needs a replacement ID, there is a charge of $10. The use of a student identification card by anyone other than its original holder is prohibited.