The Clark Atlanta University 2024 New Student and Parent Orientation Sessions will be hosted for incoming freshmen, transfer students and families on the campus of Clark Atlanta University.
We have a great orientation program that will help prepare you for a successful first year at Clark Atlanta University. As you engage with us during this experience, please take some time to learn about the University by: completing the Orientation modules, connecting with University officials in person, or via our virtual Live Q&A sessions, and getting to know our CAU Orientation Guides (OGs), and other Student Leaders. All of this will assist with your transition to Clark Atlanta University!
We are looking forward to connecting with you this summer during New Student Orientation (NSO) experience!
Welcome to Panther Nation!
Rae M. Warner, M.A.
Associate Director for New Student and Family Programs
CAU ’98, ‘16
At Clark Atlanta University (CAU), the Office of New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and successful integration for all new students and their families into the university community. NSFP serves as a central hub for resources, support, and engagement opportunities designed to enhance the overall collegiate experience.
New Student Orientation and Parent Orientation sessions are designed to assist incoming first-year and transfer students with their transition to Clark Atlanta University. Information on financial enrollment, student services, health services, and academic resources are discussed during orientation, in order to make you and your family feel right at home the moment you step on campus.
Registration information will be communicated to all Confirmed Students via Email
Step 1 – Pre-Register for the Orientation Experience
Confirmed students will receive an email to both your CAU and personal email accounts with instructions on how to pre-register for the NSO Experience. Important information will be provided to you, so please be sure to check your inbox regularly.
Step 2 – Select/Confirm your NSO date
48 hours after pre-registration – confirmed & pre-registered students will receive instructions on how to register to select and confirm your NSO date. Spaces for each NSO session will be limited, so make sure to check your email to register in a timely fashion.
Step 3 –Attend the NSO Experience at Clark Atlanta university
As part of the new student experience, we will be hosting an in-person NSO event to help you complete your enrollment process, learn about student resources, campus involvement opportunities and other experiences at CAU.
June 3-4, June 10-11, June 20-21, June 27-28, July 11-12
Schedules will be communicated to all Orientation registrants via email
Hotels
Information for Parents
The New Student Orientation (NSO) Office is located in the Henderson Student Center, and that office will provide the primary information regarding New Student Orientation to students who have confirmed their attendance to Clark Atlanta University. The NSO office may be reached at 404-880-8428 or orientation@cau.edu.
SO is a tradition at CAU. It is designed to provide important information related to academic expectations and campus resources (e.g., financial aid, student accounts, on-campus living, student health, and other related information.) The major outcome of orientation is for all students to finalize steps to become financially enrolled by completing the enrollment process, which is inclusive of creating a fall schedule, financial aid packaging, and payment arrangements.
Once the confirmation fee is paid, new students will receive an email detailing the dates and times of the NSO sessions, as well, will provide links for students to sign up via the Eventbrite registration site. The CAU website, under the Student Affairs tab, will also provide orientation information and important forms.
Maintaining a safe campus environment is an important value and practice of CAU. One manner of safety is the security of a student’s social security number. Each student is given a “900” number as a personal identifier in lieu of using the social security number.
The non-refundable confirmation fee of $475 is made payable to Clark Atlanta University and must be mailed to the Office of Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30314. A cashier’s check or money order is the only form of payment via mail; however, a credit or debit card payment is arranged through the Office of Student Accounts, 404.880.8033, or can be paid online via the student’s BANNERWEB account.
NSO sessions are covered with the payment of your non-refundable confirmation fee of $475.
Although New Student Orientation is highly recommended, it is not mandatory. However, we ask that you complete all of your financial requirements, and become financially enrolled before the official move-in date.
Contact the Orientation Office at 404.880.8428 or orientation@cau.edu. You can also change your date on the Eventbrite website.
While family members are welcome to visit the campus during orientation, most activities are centered on students. Parent/guardians are welcome to participate and would likely be pivotal during the financial aid process and billing.
The CAU Experience is 5 days of exciting activities and workshops designed to welcome students to their new home away from home, and will offer students a historical perspective of Clark Atlanta University. New students will also participate in a formal induction ceremony, which is a rite of passage to becoming an official Clark Atlanta University student.
CAU Experience starts after the official move-in date, and lasts until the day prior to the first day of school.
There are a few sessions available for parents at the beginning of CAU Experience, and that information will be communicated to the students and parents prior to move-in day.
As with the New Student Orientation sessions, parents are welcome to stay, but most activities are centered on students.
The Parent and Family Network (PFN) is designed to provide a valuable avenue to introduce and connect parents and families with Clark Atlanta University’s information, services and programs. Also, to provide parents and families with resources that will support their students’ success and to also have a positive impact on retaining students as part of the university.
The Parent & Family Network will generate discussion toward Parent and Family Orientation programs, Parents’ Association, and Parent/Family Engagement programs.
Join the Parents’ Association
Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to spend time with students, connect with other families, and enjoy the Panther Experience firsthand. You will have the chance to participate in CAU life through a variety of campus programs and events.
Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to spend time with students, connect with other families, and enjoy the Panther Experience firsthand. You will have the chance to participate in CAU life through a variety of campus programs and events. Parents and Families are welcome to join students, faculty, staff and administrators for a weekend of events that will include a University Welcome, Friday Night Parent Mixer, Campus Tours, and more. We look forward to seeing you!
Below you will find a list of hotels in the Atlanta area. CAU does not claim responsibility for any of the hotels listed. We encourage family members to research hotels that best meet their needs.
The CAU Experience, which occurs prior to the start of classes, is a program that serves as an extension of New Student Orientation.
It is a series of exciting activities and workshops, designed to welcome students to their new home away from home, as they make their final transition to Clark Atlanta University. CAU Experience also offers students a historical perspective of the University, and provides an opportunity to participate in a Rites of Passage/Induction ceremony, which will allow them to become official members of the Clark Atlanta University family.
New Student Orientation (NSO), Parent Orientation and CAU Experience – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NSO?
New Student Orientation (NSO) is an event designed to provide important information related to Financial Enrollment, Academic Resources and Expectations, as well as Student Services and Resources. The major outcome of orientation is for all students to complete the enrollment process, which is inclusive of financial aid packaging, creating a fall schedule, and finalizing payment arrangements.
Q: Is Orientation mandatory?
Yes, New Student Orientation is mandatory for all first-year and transfer students.
Q: Is there a cost for attending New Student Orientation?
The cost to attend NSO is covered with the payment of your non-refundable confirmation fee.
Q: Is it mandatory for my parents and/or guests to attend?
NSO is not mandatory for Parents; however, it is highly encouraged. Parents will finalize enrollment during the Orientation Experience, and there will be sessions specifically designed for Parents and Families. Please note: There is a two-person maximum per student, that may attend, and lodging is not provided for parents and/or guests.
Q: When and how can I register for Orientation?
Once the confirmation fee is paid, confirmed students will receive email communication detailing the process to register for NSO.
Q: What and when is the CAU Experience?
The CAU Experience is 6 days of exciting activities and workshops, which is designed to welcome students to their new home away from home, and will offer students a historical perspective of Clark Atlanta University. In addition, incoming students will also participate in a formal induction ceremony, which is a rite of passage to becoming an official Clark Atlanta University Panther! CAU Experience starts after the official move-in date, and lasts until the day prior to the first day of school.
Orientation Guides are students who assist with New Student Orientation and transitional programs throughout the academic semester, servicing new and transfer students. They also assist family members by introducing them to University resources and areas of support for their student.