Coming to ISU

Orientation is a program for students who have accepted their offer from the Iowa State University Office of Admissions and paid the acceptance fee. Once payment has been received, you will be sent an invitation to the College of Design's orientation.

During orientation, you will register for your first-semester classes. In addition, you will increase your knowledge of Iowa State, including important policies and procedures. Orientation will also help prepare you for the personal and social adjustments you will make upon entering ISU.

• Learn more about your major
• Meet with an academic adviser
• Register for classes
• Obtain your ISUCard (permanent identification card)
• Sign up for your free Iowa State e-mail account
• Become familiar with the campus
• Consult with a financial aid adviser, if needed
• Learn about resources such as tutoring, counseling and student clubs
• Register for Destination Iowa State
  

Find out more on the university's orientation web page

English Placement Information
You will receive a letter in your orientation packet (a large white envelope marked 2012 Orientation Adventure) that will indicate if you should take the English placement assessment, which is based on your ACT or SAT score. English assessments are taken on campus during orientation at no charge.

If you would like to try to receive a higher placement than the one indicated by your ACT or SAT score, you may take the English placement assessment even if we do not require it.

Math Placement Information
All students who enroll in a math course at Iowa State University must take ALEKS, an online math placement assessment. Although a few design programs do not require mathematics (Art and Design, Design, Graphic Design, Integrated Studio Arts), we encourage all students to take ALEKS so you have the option to apply to any or all of the College of Design's degree programs after completing the Core.

Information on the mathematics assessment, computer requirements and the steps required to log into the assessment system may be found here. You should complete the math placement assessment at least four weeks prior to your orientation date. The placement assessment will determine your math class placement when scheduling classes.

If you are not satisfied with your placement based on your first assessment, you may retake the mathematics assessment only one time, and both the original attempt and the retake must be completed two weeks before your orientation session to ensure your academic adviser will have the scores. Please take the assessment seriously and take time to do as well as possible. Your score affects your math placement and the number of math classes you will need to complete at Iowa State.

You can see which math course you place into for each ALEKS score here.

Other Questions?
If you still have questions after receiving your orientation letter, call us at (515) 294-6983 or e-mail design-ss@iastate.edu.