Methodist University’s New Student Orientation (NSO) is more than just an in-person “Welcome to MU!” experience. This year, from August 12-15, new students (and parents!) will participate in a variety of activities and educational sessions that help make the transition into MU life both exciting and smooth.
Below, you will find some key information — like new students living on campus can check into their rooms between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Aug. 12. NSO activities then begin in the late afternoon after residence hall check-in concludes.
There is no registration process required to attend NSO. Check out the schedules, office hours/locations, and contact info below. Don’t hesitate to call or email, we’re here to help and can’t wait to see you.
Please note: For additional safety to the community, students will be allowed a maximum of two guests when coming to campus (for new student orientation and/or move-in).
Schedules for Students & Parents
General Information
Office of the Chaplain/Religious Life
Located in the Matthews Ministry Center (MMC), the Department of Religious Life and Office of the Chaplain are open for students interested in connecting with religious and spiritual life on campus, learning about faith communities, and seeking spiritual support during the transition to university life. The Ministry Center’s Student Lounge “Family Room” (open 7 a.m. – Midnight) is an inviting place for students to relax, watch TV, study, meet new people and enjoy an occasional snack. The University Chaplain, Rev. Kelli W. Taylor, is available at 910.630.7515 or ktaylor@methodist.edu. Student program information is available from Ruth Carr at 910-630-7157 or rcarr@methodist.edu.
Computer Services
The CAC Lab in the Trustees Academic Building, Room 264, will be open for use by students on Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13. The Lab is closed on the weekends. Students should have received an e-mail account and myMU portal username and password in a letter from the Admissions Office. If you have not received your e-mail/myMU portal account information or have misplaced your information to log into your e-mail or myMUPortal. For assistance with the setting up your email account, log into myMU Portal, and click on the “Office 365” to access the guides. For assistance with myMU Portal: portalhelp@methodist.edu, for Email: help@methodist.edu, or contact the CAC lab attendant at 910.630.7300. You will need to provide your full name and student ID number so that your identity can be verified.
Departure for Parents and Relatives
Leaving a son or daughter is an emotional experience. Methodist University recognizes that this is a difficult time and is sensitive to all issues surrounding separation. We encourage parents and relatives to depart the campus by 7 p.m. on Friday, August 13, so your student may begin the transition into university life.
Fayetteville Area Hotels
See a listing of local hotels that offer a Methodist University rate.
Financial Aid
Methodist University understands that financial matters are a primary concern to students and their families. The Office of Financial Aid will be open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. – Noon Saturday to answer any additional questions.
Food Service
Food service during New Student Orientation will begin with lunch on Thursday, August 12, in the Dining Hall. Parents and guests are welcome to dine with us during NSO. The Dining Hall will be open for regular service hours and the price per meal is listed below. The Breakfast for Parents is provided at no charge. Dining Hall Pricing: Breakfast, $6.05; Lunch & Dinner, $6.75.
Immunizations
North Carolina state law requires all students to submit proof of the following immunizations: three tetanus (DTP), one tetanus booster (TDAP must be within the last 10 years), two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), three doses of Hepatitis B (Hepatitis B vaccine is not required if an individual was born before July 1, 1994), and one dose of Varicella (Varicella vaccine is not required if an individual was born before April 1, 2001). Meningococcal immunization is recommended for students who will reside on campus. Students who have not sent their immunization records to the Student Health Center should do so immediately. All immunization requirements are due by July 15, 2021. Call 910.630.7652 if you have questions.
Methodist University Post Office
Students will be able to sign up for a P.O. Box on Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturday, August 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Post Office in the Berns Student Center.
On-Campus Housing
Please check your myMUPortal for all the details regarding your housing for the upcoming year. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life at 910.630.7370 or visit your myMU Portal for more information.
Parking
Parking during new student orientation and move in scheduled for August 12 – 14, 2021, open parking on campus will be allowed for all New Students, Returning Students and Commuting Students. New Students, Returning Students and Commuter Students may not park in designated Faculty/Staff parking.
Parking is not permitted at any time in fire lanes, streets, driveways, grass areas or in any location that would impede emergency service vehicles. Vehicles may not be left unattended unless properly parked in a marked parking space.
On August 16, 2021 all Methodist University Parking Rules, Regulations, and Restrictions will be in full effect. Please see the official Methodist University parking rules, regulations, restrictions and color-coded map.
All students are required to have their vehicles registered with the Department of Public Safety no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, August 20. You will have the opportunity to pick up your campus parking permit (provided that you completed the steps required before you arrive at Public Safety) on Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Saturday, August 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Public Safety Office located in the Campus Services Building.
Permits cost $180 per year or $100 per semester and must be purchased online through your MU portal with your debit or credit card (preferred method). If paying with cash, check, or money order, this must be done at the Student Account Office (Horner Administration Building). If the student has money on their account there may also be an option to charge their parking permit to their student accounts (please inquire with the Student Accounts Office). Regardless of the payment method, you must register the vehicle information through your myMU Portal before you arrive at the Public Safety Office.
You will be required to present a receipt if you paid at the Student Accounts Office. *Prior to your arrival on campus and before August 10, you will need to submit a photo through your MU portal in order to receive your campus ID card at Orientation. If you purchase your vehicle permit online prior to August 10, it will also be included with your packet. The portal link will become available July 1, 2021 for purchasing your permits.
Student Accounts Office
Students who have made payment arrangements with the Student Accounts Office prior to Thursday, August 12, 2021, should check in at the Berns Student Center before proceeding to your assigned residence halls. Information about payment arrangements will be available on the Student Accounts tab of the student’s myMU Portal. The payment deadline is August 1, 2021. It is to the student’s benefit to complete payment arrangements before coming to campus in August. If not, you should report to the Student Accounts Office first. When you have settled your account, you should check in at the Berns Student Center before proceeding to your assigned residence hall.
Student Bookstore
The Methodist University Bookstore in the Berns Student Center will be open on Thursday and Friday, August 12 and 13 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday, August 14 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Veteran Students
All new veteran students should check in Thursday and prepare to participate in NSO activities. New Veteran students are encouraged to attend the Student Veterans Orientation Session on Thursday, August 12, from Noon – 2 p.m. in Hendricks 222. You should also plan to attend the Meet Your Advisor and Meet Your Major (Group A or B) session when it is scheduled on Saturday. Your success as a non-traditional student depends, in no small part, on the support of your family. We welcome family members to join you for this orientation session.