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Orientation

Session 13 Wednesday-Thursday, August 16-17

Orientation Schedules

The 2023 Orientation schedules will be made available closer to the beginning of summer session. In the meantime, you can view schedules from 2022 toward the top of this page. These schedules will be similar but not identical.

To attend, each parent/guest/supporter is charged $135. Adult guests bringing younger siblings who are not acting as the primary parent/guest/supporter are charged $50 each and on campus lodging fees for each parent/guest/supporter is $35. The $135 fee includes 3 meals—one off campus dinner at a local steakhouse for parents/guests/supporters, breakfast with your student and a lunch on campus. All families receive one tote bag, folder and materials throughout the program. Students do not pay any additional fees to attend. The funds collected from this program supplement the student program. For additional information please visit the Programmatic Details tab.

Below, please read through the step-by-step orientation registration process:

STEP 1: BUnetID and Password Activation

A short 90 second tutorial video is available below. The orientation registration link will appear on your Bradley Bound Page within 24 hours of activating your BUnetID.

STEP 2: ForeWarn: Emergency text messaging alert system

Students MUST opt in or out of the foreWarn Emergency Text Messaging system on their MyBU page by logging in, (on a computer) hovering over the “My Info” tab, clicking onto the third item down titled “Emergency Text Messaging” and follow the prompts. If using a phone, log in, scroll down and tap “My Info” followed by “Emergency Text Messaging” and follow the prompts. Students should receive a test text from Bradley foreWarn. If you don't please contact the IT Service Desk at 309-677-2964.

STEP 3: Register for Your Orientation Session

Before registering for an orientation session, talk with the up to four guests who can come with you, and discuss the dates that works best for everyone. Once you begin the registration process, we will ask you to select an orientation session. You can make changes in the reservation system, located on your Bradley Bound Page, up to two weeks prior to your assigned session. Within two weeks, you will need to contact the orientation office for any changes.

Refund Policy

Meals, staffing and needed materials are ordered in advance. A 72-hour cancellation notice BEFORE the assigned Orientation session begins is required for a refund. No refunds can be issued within 72 hours of your scheduled session.

Please review the remainder of this website for important information on the following:

  • Required math and optional World Language and Cultures assessments (Step 4 below)
  • Bradley’s Health Form which can be turned in during Orientation (Step 5 below)
  • Sample schedules from 2022 at the top of the page. The 2023 schedules will not be exactly the same but are similar
  • Programmatic Details which has information on orientation roommates, programmatic start and finish times and more.
  • What To Bring for overnight bedding you should bring, forms of ID needed and additional information.
  • Hotel Accommodations for parents/supporters
    • Register for your Orientation session

STEP 4: Accessing Math and World Language Assessments

Math Assessment and retake attempts

All students are required to take the math assessment, even those with AP, Dual or IB credit. All students must complete the math assessment one to two days prior to your scheduled orientation session. Please visit the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment website for general test information and scroll down to item #5 for a breakdown of course placement test scores. Within 48 hours of registering for a session you will be eligible to take the math assessment.

Students are able to retake the math test up to three times but the first attempt must be completed 24-48 hours prior to your orientation session. Even if you are taking a math course currently that would boost your score later, you are encouraged to complete the math assessment ASAP. This will allow you to view your placement and determine if you should test again, which will likely result in an improved score and the most accurate placement in required math and science classes if needed. Students will need to complete a prep-and-learning module before they can test again, the total time required here is approximately 10 hours and should be completed in 2-3 hour blocks per day.

If you were to change your major into a program of study that requires higher than Bradley Core Curriculum math, we need to have a score on file for you.

Accessing and Taking the Math Assessment

The assessment is housed in our Canvas course called “Starting Off”. The instructions with screenshots to access "Starting Off" are below. Please check your computer's setup and installation for Lockdown Browser. If you are having difficulty with the Lockdown Browser, please shut down and restart your computer to make sure no other programs are running besides the Lockdown Browser. It is recommended to take this assessment on a computer or tablet versus your phone. Additionally, some students have run into past issues using a Chromebook. If these or other issues are preventing you from taking the assessment, please email the Academic Success Center at success@fsmail.bradley.edu for assistance.

Starting Off Student Instructions
Starting Off Parent/Supporter instructions

Language Placement Test

Bradley currently offers an online language assessment in French, Spanish, German and Chinese. Students who have taken Arabic previously and wish to continue in the language should contact the Department Chair. Please review this section to determine whether or not a language placement test is right for you:

  • Students who studied a foreign language in high school or at another college or university and who wish to continue studying the same language at Bradley University must take a placement test before enrolling in a language course. Unlike the math assessment, students only take the world language placement one time.
  • While language coursework is required for the Bachelor of Arts degree, not all students are required to complete language coursework. Consult with your advisor to determine how it fits with your program.
  • If language courses are not required in your major, you may still want to consider developing your language skills or pursuing a language minor. Even as elective credits, time spent in language coursework will improve your marketability after graduation. Students who place at the 102 (second semester level) or higher can also earn extra retroactive credit. A student who places in Spanish 201 (Spanish 3) for example, can earn 8 extra Bradley credits. For more information go to their website.
  • If you are interested in language courses it is best to take them sooner rather than later. If you wait you will have forgotten words and your language skills will be rusty.
  • If you are unsure whether or not to take the language placement exam, we generally recommend you complete it and have the score on file. There is no cost to you for the test, and having the score may increase your options for course offerings in the future.

The World Language Placement Exam is now available and needs to be completed 24-48 hours prior to your Orientation session. Unlike the math assessment, students only take the language placement exam once.

STEP 5: Student Health Form

Illinois State Law requires that students have a completed health form on file with Health Services. A doctor's physical is not required. Access and download the updated Health Form which will be available soon. Access and download the updated Health Form here. The health form should be completed and returned to Bradley Health Services, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61606-9986, or brought with you when you come to campus. For questions on the health form please contact (309) 677-2700 or bradleyhealthservices@bradley.edu