Freshman Programs 

These are the programs offered during the Summer New Student Conferences. Due to limited time availability, some of these programs may not be offered during our January conferences.

Check-In
All students must officially check-in for their New Student Conference.   At Check-In your will receive all of your orientation materials, including a new student folder, official schedule, and a free catalog card to be redeemed at the MSC Bookstore.  At check-in you will also have the opportunity to buy an official freshman class T-shirt, purchase Howdy Lunch tickets, and clear any holds you may have on your account.

Campus Tours Orientation Leaders will conduct tours of the inner campus which will last approximately 45 minutes. You will be better acquainted with the campus, particularly those areas used for conference events, as well as the unique history and traditions of Texas A&M

Advising for Pre-Professional Programs
This session is important for first year students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, allied health, veterinary medicine, law or teacher certification. We strongly encourage you to attend if you are interested in one of these professions, regardless of your major.

From Backpack To Briefcase
Presented by the Career Center, General Academic Programs, and the Career Counseling & Testing Center of the Student Counseling Service this program is designed to help you plan a successful transition to A&M, understand how your first semester affects career options, learn about the steps in career development, and hear about activities that will improve future employment opportunities.

Joining a Community of Learners  
This opening session will provide you with important information to help you navigate your conference with ease, and learn about the many academic opportunities and services available to you.

Aggieland...A Community of RESPECT
Like most communities, Aggieland is made up of a diverse group of people. This programs celebrates the differences that make us all unique and the similarities that bind us together as the Aggie family.

Corps of Cadets Luncheon
The Corps of Cadets will host a luncheon on Day 1 of the conference for students and their family members interested in learning more about joining the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. The luncheon provides an excellent opportunity to visit with current Cadets and key Staff personnel available to answer questions.

College Meetings
You will have the opportunity to meet with the representatives from your specific college. The representatives will discuss requirements for each college as well as answer questions you may have about your major. You will also be given the opportunity to develop a trial semester schedule and meet in small groups with an academic advisor. Each college will have a separate meeting location. Failure to attend this meeting will prevent you from registering for classes during your conference.

Aggie Insights Find out everything you want to know about Aggieland, but aren't sure who to ask. Aggie Insights offers the chance for new students to meet in small, informal groups with Orientation Leaders. Students will have the opportunity to ask any questions about college life, and the Orientation Leaders will share answers based on their experience as a college student.  (Family will be attending a separate program during this time.)

CSI: AGGIELAND
Focusing on “Campus Safety Issues”, this session will inform students of the tough social issues many college students face, as well as the resources that are available at Texas A&M to support them.

Yell Practice Get ready to participate in your first Aggie Yell Practice as a student. Parents are invited to attend and participate.

Aggie Energizer  New Aggies participate in a variety of games and exercises with Orientation Leaders that will "energize" them for the conference experience. Join your fellow Aggies to learn about the many traditions that make Texas A&M so unique. Parents are invited to attend and participate

Corps Open House
The Corps of Cadets will have a social at the conclusion of Day 1 at the end of the Aggie Energizer. All students and parents are invited. This is an excellent opportunity to visit with Commandant and his staff along with current Cadets and answer any remaining questions and such.

Campus Services Meeting
This mandatory meeting will prepare you to register for your first semester's fees. You also will find out background information about each "optional" fee in order to accurately register for the appropriate fees. Failure to attend this meeting will prevent you from registering for classes during your conference.

The Keys to Financial Matters and Resources
Staff from the departments of Student Financial Services and Student Financial Aid will discuss tuition & fees, financial resources (including scholarships, grants, work study, federal loans, and emergency tuition and fee loans), financial deadlines, short-term loans, Aggie Bucks and other financial services available.

On Campus Housing Session
This session is appropriate for those students who have been confirmed with an on-campus residence hall assignment. Students will learn more about the hall assignment process, housing policies, what to bring and what to expect as on-campus residents. (A separate session is held for on-campus parents.)

Off Campus Housing Session
Learn about special services for off campus students including: roommate referrals; AggieSearch (a web-based roommate and housing locator); general rental information; Texas Lease Laws; community information, and getting involved as an off campus student. Other topics covered are services for older undergraduate students, students with children and child care options.

Corps of Cadets Orientation & Housing Session
This is an orientation session for students who will be joining the Corps of Cadets and their parents. It will include information on the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and Corps housing. The Corps offers Texas A&M students the opportunity to participate in numerous Corps-related extracurricular activities in addition to regular campus activities.

Howdy Lunch Come enjoy lunch and take the opportunity to talk to Orientation Leaders and other families . The relaxing, come-and-go atmosphere of the Howdy Lunch, along with the chance to visit resource tables, is a wonderful way to meet new Aggies and find out about a number of University services . Tickets will be pre-sold at conference check-in or can be purchased at the door . The cost is $7.95 per adult and $4.95 per child (5–12 years). Vegetarian dishes will be available.

Meet with Academic Advisor and Complete Registration
You will meet with your academic advisor to get your schedule approved and times will be assigned by college dean. Please be prepared to remain until 6 p.m., if necessary, to complete registration.