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Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Nighthawk Engagement & Student Transitions (NEST)
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    Frequently Asked Questions for NEST

    If you have questions that are not covered on our frequently asked questions, please contact us at nest@ung.edu or contact our staff so that we may help get the information you need.

    • Orientation
    • General
    • Class & Registration
    • Banner Web
    • Readmit Information
    • Terms to Know

    Orientation Questions

    • Is orientation required?

      Yes, orientation is required for all degree seeking undergraduate students. The orientation format may vary based on campus, student type and time of year.

    • Can I bring a guest to in-person orientation?

      Of course! While students learn about life at the University of North Georgia, family members and guests are invited to tour the campus and attend a special Parent and Family Orientation designed just for them. Parent and guest registration fees vary depending on your campus and session.

    • How much does orientation cost ?

      The cost to participate in orientation varies based on your campus and session type. The orientation fee will be stated when you make your reservation.

      The orientation fee will post to the student account in Banner within 24 hours of making the reservation, if payment is not made at the time of reservation. Requests for alternate payment arrangements should be submitted to the orientation office at the time of making your reservation by completing the Request for Alternate Payment Option form.

      Pricing

      Orientation Type Pricing
      Two Day New Freshmen Orientation (NSO) $130
      One Day New Freshmen Orientation (NSO) $40
      One Day Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) $40
      Virtual New Freshmen Orientation (NSO) $40
      Virtual Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) $40
      Online-Only Student Orientation (OO) $40
      Readmit Student Orientation (RSO) $40

      *All prices subject to change without prior notice.

    • How do I pay?

      By Credit Card or Web Check

      Payments may be made via the student's Banner account using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or a web check.

      By Cash or Check

      Payments can also be made via cash or check to any UNG Business Office. (There is not currently a Business Office in Blue Ridge.) 

      By Mail

      You may mail a personal check to the UNG Business Office at 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, GA, 30597. (Please be sure to note your student id number, 900xxxxxx, in the memo field.)

      Payment Extension?

      Payment is expected at the time of reservation, but extensions can be granted.

      Requests for alternate payment arrangements should be submitted to the NEST office at the time of making your reservation by completing the Request for Payment Extension Form Spring 2023.

    • What does the orientation fee cover?

      The orientation fee for both students and their guests for in-person sessions covers cost of printed materials, food, and other general expenses, such as orientation leader stipends. The fee for overnight orientation sessions also covers meals and housing for the students. Please note, the overnight Parent and Family Orientation fee does not cover lodging. The fees for sessions hosted online and via zoom support the technology and set up costs of these formats and the supplemental support provided.

    • Can I change my orientation date?

      If you need to change your orientation date, you must make the change prior to the cancellation date of your current reservation. You can make an orientation reservation change by logging back into your student banner account, going to the Orientation Reservation form on the student tab, and selecting the view orientation details option.

      Once viewing your reservation details, scroll to the bottom of the page to click the modify reservation button. This will lead you through the steps to update your reservation. Please note you can only modify your reservation one time.

    • How can I cancel and get a refund?
      • NSO & TSO Sessions

        Reservations for New Freshmen Orientations (NSO) and Transfer Student Orientations (TSO) are not transferable to in-person or live virtual orientation sessions for future terms.

        The dates for orientation sessions are published well in advance, so please reserve a spot in the first available session that works for your schedule and make the necessary accommodations to attend.

        You are responsible for paying the orientation fee once you make an orientation reservation regardless of whether or not you complete the orientation requirement or enroll at UNG. You must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023 prior to the cancellation deadline if you would like the charge to be removed from your account or to request a refund for an already paid orientation fee. In some cases, a committee will need to review the request, and this process can take up to 30 days for a decision.

      • OO and RSO Sessions

        You are responsible for paying the orientation fee once you make an orientation reservation regardless of whether or not you complete the orientation requirement or enroll at UNG. You must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023 prior to the start of term for which you enrolled in the orientation course in order for the charge to be removed from your account or to request a refund for an already paid orientation fee.

        If you have already completed the orientation course, the work and payment stay valid for two semesters. If you start classes within two semesters of completing the orientation course, you will not have to pay for orientation or retake the course.

      • Changing Your Admission Term
        • If you decide to change your admission to a future semester after you make an orientation reservation, you must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023.
        • You are responsible for paying the orientation fee once you make an orientation reservation regardless of whether or not you complete the orientation requirement or enroll at UNG. You must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023 prior to the cancellation deadline if you would like the charge to be removed from your account or to request a refund for an already paid orientation fee. If the cancellation form is submitted before the cancellation deadline and you have already paid, you will receive a refund.
        • The Business Office may take as long as a month or more to issue refunds. 
        • You will need to make a new orientation reservation when the reservation system opens for your new start term.
        • You will also need to contact Undergraduate Admissions to change your admission term.
      • No Longer Enrolling at UNG?
        • If you decide to change your admission to a future semester after you make an orientation reservation, you must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023.
        • You are responsible for paying the orientation fee once you make an orientation reservation regardless of whether or not you complete the orientation requirement or enroll at UNG. You must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023 prior to the cancellation deadline if you would like the charge to be removed from your account or to request a refund for an already paid orientation fee. If the cancellation form is submitted before the cancellation deadline and you have already paid, you will receive a refund.
        • The Business Office may take as long as a month or more to issue refunds. 
        • You will also need to contact Undergraduate Admissions to change your admission term.
      • If an Emergency Arises

        If you are unable to attend the live virtual orientation for NSO or TSO, or complete the online orientation course for OO or RSO because of an emergency, you must fill out the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023.

        You will receive additional instructions for meeting your orientation requirements based on your emergency situation.

        You are responsible for paying the orientation fee once you make an orientation reservation regardless of whether or not you complete the orientation requirement or enroll at UNG. You must complete the Modification/Cancellation/Exemption Request Form for Spring 2023 prior to the cancellation deadline if you would like the charge to be removed from your account or to request a refund for an already paid orientation fee. Emergency requests to remove the orientation charge or to refund a paid orientation fee will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Additional documentation may be required.

    • Do I have to stay the whole time?

      Yes, students are required to participate in the entire orientation program. We are committed to helping each new student make a successful transition to our university and attending orientation is an essential part of this process. During orientation we will cover a lot of important information that you need to know!

    • What will my orientation schedule look like?

      Orientation schedules will vary by start time, UNG campus, and student population. Orientation sample schedules will be available in March of 2023.

    • What do I need to bring to my Overnight Orientation? (Dahlonega Residential Students Only)

      Students attending a two-day overnight session on the Dahlonega campus will need to pack additional items for the Residence Hall stay. Students will be staying overnight in The Commons.

      Packing list Items

      • Comfortable Clothes
      • Comfortable Shoes
      • Rain Jacket
      • Sweatshirt
      • Pillow and Blanket
      • Sleeping Bag or Sheets for a Twin XL Mattress
      • Bath Towel
      • Toiletries
      • Photo ID
      • Cellphone and Charger 
      • Water Bottle
      • Sunscreen
      • Spending Money 


      In addition to the items on the packing list, we suggest students also bring an item they would like to use to take notes. This could be a computer, paper notebook, tablet, etc. 

      Each room in the Residence Hall will have a shower and bathroom. Shower curtains and toilet paper will be provided. 

      Meals and Snacks will be provided on both days; however, we encourage students to bring a reusable water bottle and additional spending money if they’d like to visit a vending machine or Starbucks.

    General NEST Questions

    • Where do I go to purchase books?

      The UNG bookstore, of course! Barnes and Noble College is your on-campus resource for reserving, renting, and buying textbooks, purchasing school supplies, and finding the perfect fit in Nighthawk apparel. To review campus textbook lists, learn more about using your financial aid refund in the bookstore, or peruse the online catalog, visit the Barnes and Noble College website..

    • How can I register my vehicle to park on campus?

      The Parking and Transportation Services portal opens annually on August 15 for vehicle registration. Visit the Parking and Transportation Services site for more details.

    • I have questions about financial aid. Where can I go for help?

      All financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid office on your home campus. 

    • How can I get involved on campus?

      Getting involved on campus (joining clubs, playing intramural sports, writing for the university paper, conducting research with a professor, etc.) is one of the best decisions a new student can make. In fact, it may sound counterintuitive, but the more you're involved in campus activities, the better you tend to do academically. That's because getting involved creates opportunities for you to build relationships with other students and faculty/staff members and can help you feel more connected to the university. Not to mention, your time-management skills will definitely improve as you learn to balance multiple on- and off-campus obligations. 

      There are lots of ways to get involved on campus, so be on the lookout for program, event, and club flyers posted around campus. These departments always have something going on: 

      • Office of Student Involvement
      • Multicultural Student Affairs
      • Campus Recreation & Wellness
      • Leadership Initiatives
      • Community Service
    • How do I locate information about LGBT student services?

      The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs coordinates LGBT information and resources.

    • Where can I go if I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed out?

      Going to college is a big deal, so it's natural to feel stressed and overwhelmed. The important thing is to not let these feelings overtake you and derail your college journey. If you're feeling "stuck," confused, afraid, anxious, depressed, or are concerned about a friend who might be feeling that way, please let us help before things become unmanageable. The Dahlonega, Gainesville, Cumming, and Oconee campuses each have Student Counseling Centers that offer free and completely confidential counseling services to current students. Visit the Student Counseling website to learn more about self-directed resources and to make an appointment.

    • Does UNG provide students with access to computer hardware or software?

      Yes! Once students pay their technology fee, UNG offers a wide variety of discounted software, including Office 365. Computer labs are also available for students to use on all campuses. The VLAB (Virtual Lab) also allows students to access commonly used software from off campus. Learn more about connecting to VLAB on the Remote Learning Toolbox for Students webpage.

    • Where can I find out about on-campus jobs?

      On-campus jobs are a great way to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. An added bonus is that they tend to be in convenient locations and offer flexible schedules that can accommodate your class times. Many campus jobs are available through the Federal Work Study program, for which you might be eligible (check your financial aid award to be sure). 

      The Career Services office maintains a list of on- and off-campus job listings through Handshake. Students should also visit the Human Resources Employment webpage to look for additional student worker opportunities.

    • What kind of security do we have on campus?

      The University of North Georgia's Department of Public Safety (University Police) is on the job 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  All uniformed officers are sworn certified police officers, and whether on routine patrol, responding to emergency calls for assistance, or simply providing information about our campus, they are here to ensure that your experience on campus is a safe one.

    • How do I change my home campus or degree level?

      Students should submit a degree level or campus change application through Banner before the deadline each semester (November 1 for spring and April 1 for summer and fall). Visit the Degree Level Change webpage to learn more about this process.

    • What if I want to change my major before orientation?

      Please contact the Admissions Office to update your student record.

    Registration and Class Questions

    • How can I prepare for class registration ?

      Class registration procedures and the path to graduation will be reviewed in detail during orientation.  Prepare yourself for those important discussions by thinking through scheduling considerations and becoming familiar with important terms like academic advisor, core curriculum, and degree level change. Students should also familiarize themselves with the instructions for self-registration using BannerWeb in the event they need to make schedule changes.

    • How will my AP or CLEP credits affect my course registration?

      You will have an opportunity during orientation to adjust your schedule based on your anticipated test scores. Please refer to the Credit by Examination policy webpage for more information.

    • On which campus will my classes be located? Can I take classes on each campus?

      Your classes will most likely be at the campus for which you submitted an enrollment confirmation. While at orientation, you are welcome to register for classes held at any of the four commuter campuses: Blue Ridge, Cumming, Gainesville, or Oconee (provided there are seats available). If you do schedule classes at more than one campus, be sure to include adequate travel and parking time. 

    • I don't like the schedule created for me prior to Orientation. How do I change it?

      In general, students may change their schedules themselves using UNG BannerWeb, on and after their orientation day. In order to change your schedule, however, registration must be open. The Registration Dates determine your next opportunity for schedule adjustment. If you need a how-to register refresher, check out the Registration Instructions on the Registrar’s website.

      Please keep in mind that changes to your schedule can affect your eligibility for financial aid and your progress towards graduation. Before changing your schedule, we strongly urge you to speak with a financial aid officer to ensure your financial aid award won’t be jeopardized by an increased or reduced course load. You should also speak with an academic advisor to review your program of study and make sure you’re still on track to graduate in your intended time-frame. 

    • Can I take online classes?

      Online courses are a great option for students who excel in self-moderated, online work, and/or who cannot find the in-person core curriculum class they need. UNG offers two types of online courses: 

      • “UNG Online” classes are taught by UNG faculty on one of our five campuses and follow the standard UNG academic calendar. You don’t have to do anything special to be eligible to register for these classes, as long as you meet the class pre-requisites.    
      • “eCore” classes are taught by other faculty within the University System of Georgia and have slightly different start/end dates than UNG classes. 

      If you think you might take an online class, it’s very important that you read the information on the Distance Learning website. You must complete the eCore introduction quiz in order to be eligible to register for eCore classes. 

    • Am I guaranteed classes at my preferred campus?

      At this time, acceptance to UNG does not guarantee a class schedule at particular times or at the preferred campus. Although we will do our best to schedule classes that meet students’ scheduling preferences, please understand that some classes, particularly those held at peak times such as 9 a.m., 10 a.m., or 11 a.m., will already be filled to capacity by the time students attend orientation.

      Flexibility while scheduling classes is key. There will be other open registration periods prior to the start of each term, during which students are welcome to change their schedule to better fit their needs. For example, the designated drop/add period at the beginning of each semester allows you to rearrange classes, provided seats are available. We will discuss open registration and drop/add in detail during orientation.

    • I'm not doing well in one of my classes. How do I withdraw from it?

      All schedule adjustments happen via UNG BannerWeb.

      1. Log in to BannerWeb.
      2. Select the Student Tab.
      3. Select Nighthawk Registration.
      4. Select Register for a Course, Add, Drop, or Withdrawal.

      Important Note: Withdrawing from a class can delay your progress towards graduation and might even affect your eligibility for financial aid. (Most awards require you to complete at least 67% of the courses you attempt.) If you’re considering a withdrawal, be sure to speak with your advisor and a financial aid officer so that you can make the most informed decision possible. Remember, too, that withdrawing from a class before the semester midpoint will result in a W. Withdrawing after the session midpoint results in a WF, or withdrawal failing. Check the Academic Calendar to determine the withdrawal deadline for full, first, and second session classes. Check out the full withdrawal policy.

    • Where can I go if I'm feeling behind in a class and need academic assistance?

      If you’re falling behind on your coursework or are having trouble understanding class material, please let your instructor know as soon as possible. Our goal is to help you be successful, but we can’t do that if we don’t know you’re struggling. Instructors are available during their offices hours (check your syllabus for those details) or by scheduled appointment. 

      Each campus also has (free!) Tutoring Services with labs that are staffed by several professional and/or peer tutors in a variety of subjects.

      • Cumming Campus
      • Dahlonega Campus
      • Gainesville Campus
      • Oconee Campus
    • What happens if I get accused of cheating?

      Academic dishonesty is a serious offense, and the University of North Georgia treats it as such. The Student Code of Conduct outlines the procedures after a violation and identifies the rights of accused students.

    Banner

    • How do I access Banner Web?

      You can access Banner Web anytime, anywhere as long as you have internet access and have activated your account.

    • How do I log into Banner Web?

      All students must login using their UNG network ID and password

      • Use Find My Username to determine your UNG login credentials. 
      • UNG Network ID
        • First initial of your first name, middle initial (leave out if you have none), first four letters of your last name and the last four numbers of your student ID (900#)
          • JPSMIT1234 = John Paul Smith 900551234
          • Initial Password for new UNG students – Last four digits of your social security number and the two digit day of your birthday.
            • If you were born between the first and ninth days of the month, use a 0 as the first digit of your day of birth
            • Enter four zeroes if you did not provide your social security number to the university
    • How do I find my Student ID number?

      Use Find My Username to determine your UNG Student ID number (begins with 900). Your Student ID can also be found on your UNG acceptance letter

    • How do I view my registration times and holds?*
      1. Login to BannerWeb.
      2. Select “Student” menu.
      3. Select "Nighthawk Course Scheduler"
      4. Select "Check for Registration Time & Holds”
      5. Select a Term from the drop down menu, then click “Submit” to view.
      *NOTE: You must resolve any holds (parking tickets, library fines, etc.) on your account prior to registration.
    • How do I find the name and location of my academic advisor?
      • Log into your BannerWeb account. 
      • Select the “Student” menu
      • Select “Students Records”
      • Select “Student Tranguid.” You will find the name and contact information for your academic advisor under “Academic Information” (towards the bottom of the page). 
    • How do I change my major/minor?
      • Log into your BannerWeb account.
      • Select the “Student” menu.
      • Select the “Change Degree (Level), Major, Minor, and/or Home Campus” tab and then follow the instructions you find listed on that page.
    • How do I check my financial aid status, eligibility, and award?

      First, log into your BannerWeb account. Select the “Financial Aid” tab and then choose the appropriate option.

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