First-Year Students

You must be an admitted incoming first-year student to register for FSO. Depending on which academic semester you are admitted for, we offer a specific FSO Session for you to attend. You will receive an email to your UHCL application email when orientation registration is open for your admitted semester. 

Remember, all new undergraduate first-year students must sign up for and complete the FSO program to fulfill the university orientation requirement.

All incoming first-year students will be charged a non-refundable $60 orientation fee. Orientation fee payment is due upon orientation registration or will be reflected on your tuition and fee statement.

When orientation registration opens for your admit semester, you simply need to log in to  E-Services (your UHCL student portal) using your Student ID number and password. Select the "Orientation" tile to sign up for your New Student Orientation program. You will receive your Student ID number and login information in your acceptance package shortly after admittance. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of Information Technology at 281.283.2828 or supportcenter@uhcl.edu.

Attending a First-Year Student Orientation (FSO) session is the final step for a successful transition to your first semester at the University of Houston-Clear Lake! These sessions are offered with a variety of dates, so you will be able to select a day that works best for your schedule.

 As FSO, you will:

• Engage with Orientation Leaders and fellow Hawks to build your UHCL community.
• Learn campus resources, services, and programs by engaging with UHCL staff and faculty.
• Develop UHCL pride through learning about university traditions.
• Recognize university and community resources relating to Title IX and mental health.
• Discuss college student expectations and university policies and procedures.
• Explore the beautiful UHCL campus.
• Review degree plans and overview course registration process with college academic advisors.

Sample FSO Schedule Coming Soon

All Orientation Programs will be held in-person on UHCL's Main Campus. Times are CST.

Admitted Semester: Summer 2024 & Fall 2024

• Wednesday, June 5, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, July 1, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 23, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 6, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please connect with your Academic Advisor or Academic College individually to register for your courses. Course registration is separate from the FSO program.

Registration now open via E-Services.

Admitted Semester: Spring 2025

Registration opens October 2024

• Spring 2025 dates to be announced

Note: You will not be able to sign up for orientation until the orientation for your admitted semester is open. Once registration is open, you will receive an email to your UHCL student email with instructions on how to register.

Congratulations to the parents, friends, and family members of our incoming UHCL Hawks! You can play an active and supportive role for your student as they transition to their academic and social life at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Our office offers various programs and resources to help better inform and prepare you to support your student.

Family and Guests At First-Year Student Orientation

We are excited to offer a brief Family and Guest Orientation program during the FSO program. The majority of the FSO program is developed for your student to engage with fellow UHCL students in small group activities and presentations.

If you are interested in joining your student during FSO, you will follow a separate program track from your student. The cost for this program is $40 for each family member or guest (guests under 12 are not charged).  The charge can be paid before orientation or at check-in on the day of the session. Specific presentations include:

• Campus Resource Fair 
• Campus Tour 
• Coaching Your Student 
• Wellness Panel 
• College Finances 101 

Sample FSO Family & Guest Orientation Schedule Coming Soon 

Register your family or guest for the Family & Guest Orientation program at SOAR!

It is important to note, that students will not enroll in courses during First-Year Student Orientation. If you have not already done so, please schedule your Advising and Registration Appointment as soon as possible. During this one-on-one advising and registration appointment, you will meet with your assigned academic advisor. They will help you plan your first semester courses, review your academic degree plan, and adjust the advising hold to allow you to register for classes.

Schedule your advising and registration appointment through the Navigate App.  Visit Navigate Student Resources for detailed instructions on how to locate your UHCL Username and set up your password.

If you are an incoming freshman student and are also a student veteran or adult learner, the traditional freshman orientation program SOAR might not meet your personal and academic needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your participation in the SOAR program, please contact Orientation and New Student Programs at 281-283-2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu to talk about other options available to you. 

Any individual requiring an accommodation in order to participate in this event should contact Orientation and New Student Programs at 281-283-2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu at least one week prior to the event.