Getting Ready for Orientation

Baylor offers Orientation sessions during the months of June and July, all of which are combined with our extended orientation program called Baylor Line Camp. This allows you to attend both programs in one 5-day campus experience. Limited opportunities are also available to attend a 2-day Orientation-Only session. Orientation registration opens April 2025. All available sessions will show on the registration form.

To change your Orientation-only session, return to the New Student Task List and select "Attend Orientation". You will be able to change to any available sessions. All sessions with open spaces will show as available on the registration form. If the session you want is not currently available, we encourage you to regularly check for available spaces on the registration form. Any openings will continue to be filled on a first-come first-served basis via the registration form. 

In order to provide opportunity for as many students as possible to attend an Orientation, we ask that you cancel as soon as you know you are no longer able to attend your confirmed session. You may cancel your registration by emailing nsp@baylor.edu.

Want to change your session, instead of cancelling?
To change your Orientation-only session, return to the New Student Task List and select "Attend Orientation". You will be able to change to any available sessions. All sessions with open spaces will show as available on the registration form. If the session you want is not currently available, we encourage you to regularly check for available spaces on the registration form. Any openings will continue to be filled on a first-come first-served basis via the registration form. 

Please consider the following information when scheduling your flights into and out of Waco:

The City of Waco offers a flexible, affordable shuttle option with service to/from the Waco Regional Airport. Reservations must be made in advance. Visit the Waco Transit System website to learn more about this service.

• You may want to plan to arrive the day before your confirmed session because Orientation Check-in occurs on Day 1 from 8:00am - 9:00am with the Orientation Welcome Session beginning at 9:00am. Day 2 Orientation activities conclude at 1:30pm.

Please consider the following information when scheduling your flights into and out of Dallas/Fort Worth airports.

We recommend planning for approximately 2 hours travel time to either DFW or Dallas Love Field, and suggest arriving 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

You may want to plan to arrive the day before your confirmed session because Orientation Check-in occurs on Day 1 from 8:00am - 9:00am with the Orientation Welcome Session beginning at 9:00am. Day 2 Orientation activities conclude at 1:30pm. 

Although Baylor does not offer a shuttle from DFW Airport or Dallas Love Field, there is a local shuttle option that provides direct service to both Dallas area airports.

The Waco Streak - 254.772.0430 (Trips to/from the Dallas airports)

Guests are encouraged to attend Orientation with you. Lodging is not provided for students or for guests attending Orientation. You will want to secure off-campus lodging for your overnight stay following Day 1. Depending on your travel plans, you might also want to consider local accommodations prior to Day 1, as Orientation Check-in begins at 8:00am on the first day of your session. Orientation will conclude on Day 2 at 1:30pm. Waco offers a number of great hotels, as well as other short-term rental options. View Baylor's preferred hotel providers, or visit the city of Waco's lodging guide.

Lunch is available at no cost for all Orientation attendees at the Penland Crossroads Residential Restaurant.

Baylor is pleased to host dinner on Day 1 for students, at no cost.

Plan to wear comfortable attire and shoes appropriate for summer in Texas, as there is a fair amount of walking throughout Orientation.

Be sure to check the weather prior to your session, as you might want to bring an umbrella or light rain jacket in the event of rain.

Baylor is transitioning to a fully digital student ID card system. The Baylor Digital ID lives in the Wallet app on your iPhone, Apple Watch or Android device. If you are a student, who still must have a physical ID Card to access campus facilities and resources, please visit the ID Card office in the Speight Garage, Room 190. You must have a government issued ID and your Baylor ID Number to obtain a physical Baylor student ID Card. 

For more information regarding student ID Cards.

Day 1 Orientation:  Check-in for Orientation takes place 8:00 - 9:00am in Waco Hall, located at 624 Speight Avenue.

Parking Orientation Day 1:  Parking for Day 1 Orientation is in the Speight Parking Garage, located at 1521 S. 4th Street. You do not need a parking permit to park on campus during Orientation. Be sure to park in STUDENT PARKING spaces on the second level or higher. You may also park in any other Student or Visitor Parking spaces on campus.

Day 2 Orientation:  Programming on Day 2 Orientation takes place in the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center, located at 905 S. University Parks Drive.  

Parking Orientation Day 2:  Parking for Day 2 Orientation is in the Dutton Parking Facility, located at 1111 S. University Parks Drive. 

Visit the Parking & Transportation website for additional information.

Orientation Check-in will take place from 8:00 - 9:00am at the white tent in front of Waco Hall, located at 624 Speight. The Orientation Welcome Session will also be held in Waco Hall and will begin at 9:00am.

Baylor uses a security program called Duo to help protect students, faculty, and staff as they utilize many of the University’s technology resources. Duo is a two-factor authentication process that you will use when you access systems like Canvas, Bearweb, Box, and other systems.

You will need to set up Duo on your mobile device prior to attending Orientation. Learn about enrolling in Duo on the Information Technology Services website.

Many offices and departments will be communicating important information to you as you prepare for your first semester, and most of this communication will be through your Baylor email. Be sure to activate your Bear ID and Baylor email account, then take steps to set up your Microsoft 365 applications on your computer and any other devices.

The Navigate Student App will be an important resource for you both prior to and throughout your Baylor career. Before you schedule an appointment with an advisor, you should download the Navigate Student app and take the intake survey. Once you complete your Enrollment Guide checklist in goBAYLOR, you will transition fully to the Navigate Student app as a fully-enrolled Baylor student!

Download from the Apple App Store.
Download from the Google Play Store.

Please submit your BMV documentation as soon as possible. This in NOT a requirement to attend your Orientation + Baylor Line Camp Combined Session. You will not be able to move into your residence hall or attend classes if you do not submit this documentation. Allow 1-2 weeks for processing.

Texas state law requires that ALL new students under the age of 22 must show proof of meningococcal vaccination within the last 5 years and at least 10 days prior to the first class day.

The MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines currently accepted. The brand name for these are Menactra, Menveo, or MenQuadfi.

Note: Bexsero and Trumenba are Meningitis B Vaccines and DO NOT meet the requirements of the State of Texas.

Visit the Health Services website to learn more about the requirement and how to submit your documentation. You may also scan and upload your Bacterial Meningitis documentation.

Complete and submit your Health Form. Please scan and upload your Health Form. It may also be mailed, emailed, or faxed. Information is listed on the form. Please submit your Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination (BMV) documentation as soon as possible. 

Baylor is transitioning to a fully digital student ID card system. The Baylor Digital ID lives in the Wallet app on your iPhone, Apple Watch or Android device. If you are a student, who still must have a physical ID Card to access campus facilities and resources, please visit the ID Card office in the Speight Garage, Room 190. You must have a government issued ID and your Baylor ID Number to obtain a physical Baylor student ID Card.

For more information regarding student ID Cards.