Welcome to the Eller College!

Learn more about getting started in the Eller College as a new student and connecting to Academic Advisors.

The Eller College provides a variety of specialized advising for new first year (freshmen) and new transfer students to assist in the transition to the University of Arizona and the Eller College. We work to ensure accurate and timely information is shared with all new students and strive to develop academic plans that help each Eller student progress toward graduation. To that end, incoming first year and transfer students will have unique Virtual Orientation Experiences.

• Apply for Admission to the University of Arizona
• First Year Student Orientation Advising
• Transfer Student Orientation Advising 
• First Year Follow-Up Group Academic Advising 

First-Year Orientation and Academic Advising

After University of Arizona admissions, the new First-Year student orientation process begins in an online program called the Next Steps Center. Here students complete a variety of "Pre-Orientation Tasks" ahead of their "Virtual Orientation Experience". Pre-Orientation tasks include the Next Steps Center > "Path to Enrollment" tile, choosing an Academic Connections date, sending in dual enrollment or test credits, and completing academic placements. 

The Virtual Orientation Experience includes two parts:

1. Arizona Arrival - a self-paced, informational portal that guides you through everything you need to know as a Wildcat, learning more about your academic unit, campus support services, clubs and organizations, and so much more!
2. Academic Connection Date - this is the date you'll connect virtually with the Eller College of Management, meet Orientation Leaders, and register for classes! Eller College Academic Advisors are excited to meet you:
   • At the Academic Unit Meeting (9:00-9:30 AM)-a 30-minute presentation in Zoom about Eller College programs, curriculum, and engagements. 
   • During Academic Schedule Review (assigned times based on last name from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM): 10 minute conversation, 1-1 with Eller Academic Advisor about first semester classes.
     • To connect and complete Academic Schedule Review, a student must first log into eSMS-Eller Student Management System, join the virtual Drop in Center and wait with their U of A Zoom account and Catmail open.
     • When picked up virtually by an Eller Academic Advisor, the advisors Zoom link will be emailed to the student.

For a successful Virtual Orientation Experience, new Eller students...

• Read their Catmail regularly, checking for updates and announcements about new student requirements and Orientation.
• Set up their U of A Zoom account.
• Complete "Pre-Orientation Tasks" in their Next Steps Center.
• Finalize all academic placements as soon as possible, understanding that without placements there is no guarantee of an accurate first semester schedule of classes which may hinder a student's graduation goals. New students must address the follow placements:
  1. PPL Assessment for Mathematics 
  2. Foundation Writing Evaluation "FWE" for Writing Composition
  3. Second Language
• Complete all sections of Arizona Arrival, as soon as it opens, and completes it before Academic Connection date.
• Attend and participate in all virtual meetings on Academic Connection date.
• Mark the dates for Destination Arizona!

Parents and family have an important role in their students first year orientation experience, namely, to empower their students to take ownership of their collegiate academics and experiences.  Parents and Families are encouraged to engage with the Family Essentials Orientation program and become a member of the Wildcat Family!

Transfer Orientation and Academic Advising

The Transfer Student Orientation process also begins in the Next Steps Center where students will complete a variety of tasks to get ready for beginning classes at the University of Arizona, which includes selecting an orientation session. Transfer students will complete the Transfer Student Orientation by attending an Eller College Meeting and completing mandatory transfer advising. During the College Meeting, students will learn what they need to be successful at The University of Arizona and in the Eller College. Transfer students are encouraged to pay close attention to the Eller Foundational curriculum and what courses in their previous coursework may relate.

Following the College Meeting, students will have mandatory advising with an Eller advisor. During this virtual advising appointment, the student and advisor will collaborate over Zoom to discuss what transfer coursework can apply to Eller and general education requirements, plan classes to move forward towards a professional Eller major, and answer questions for the student.  If transfer coursework is not pre-approved for transfer to the University of Arizona as a particular Eller requirement, the advisor may ask the student to collect syllabi from their previous coursework to determine if there are course equivalencies.  We look forward to seeing you at your mandatory Transfer Student Orientation advising appointment on your scheduled Orientation Day. 

First Year Follow-Up is a mandatory advising program for all first-semester first years in the Eller College of Management.

During this Fall Eller Undergraduate Advising program for First Year students, Eller Advisors guide students in the planning of their second semester Spring classes, as well as confirm registration dates and times. The program also includes additional reminders of various student services available through the Eller College of Management and the University of Arizona. This is not a one-on-one appointment with your advisor but group advising.

Foundational Business Management and Economics majors who are in their first semester of college in the fall semester must attend.  This program is designed for students who graduated from high school last year, not new transfer students.  

If you are a first-semester first year student this fall, you must complete the First Year Follow-Up program prior to registering for spring semester classes.

The main group advising takes place within MIS 111 on October 18, 2024. 

Check your UAccess Student Center this fall for your spring 2025 priority registration date.

For additional information, please contact your Foundational academic advisor.