New Undergraduate Student FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Confirmation of Semester Attendance (formerly known as Check-In) and registration?

Confirmation of Semester Attendance allows students to confirm that they will attend Mills for the semester. Once a student has confirmed their attendance, they will be able to receive Orientation materials and their Mills ID card, and pick up their housing keys and parking permits (if needed).

Registration provides students with the opportunity to sign up for their classes each semester.

Q: How can I confirm my semester attendance?

There are two steps to the process; firstly an online confirmation; secondly a check-in on campus during Orientation.

Step 1: Students should go to Confirmation of Semester Attendance to confirm their semester attendance online.

Step 2: On-campus Orientation check-in for new students begins on Saturday, August 20. Residential students may check in from 8:30 am through noon; commuting students may check in from noon through 2:00 pm. Report to the Mills Oval (#44 on map) where all new students will begin the Orientation process and receive all materials. See the Orientation Schedule for more information.

Q: When can new students register for classes?

New students register online from 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 23rd through Friday, August 26th.

Before registering, all students will need to meet with their academic advisor to review their course selections for the fall. After this meeting, their academic advisor will remove the registration hold on the student’s record, and the student will be able to register for classes during the designated duration.

At Check-In, each student will be given an appointed time for this advisor meeting. Students not registered for at least one class by Friday, August 26th will incur a $250 late charge.

Q: Do transfer students have to take placement exams?

Go to the Office of the Provost's information page on placement exams.

Q: When is graduate student orientation?

Graduate Orientation is hosted by the College on Tuesday, August 23rd from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Each graduate department has a separate schedule for meeting with and advising their students. Review the schedule online or email orientation@mills.edu for more information.

Q: How do new students know who their academic advisor is?

An email will be sent from Dawn Schrey Colvin of the Provost’s Office informing each new student of her advisor's name. First-year undergraduates will receive this email by June 30. Transfer undergraduates will receive this email by July 15. If you do you not receive this information by this date, please contact dcolvin@mills.edu for more information.

Q: Which office on campus deals with financial aid and/or transcripts?

The M Center located in Carnegie Hall handles all questions/requests concerning student accounts, records and transcripts. During the semester their hours of operation are:

Monday - Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm

(The M Center does not close for lunch.)

Q: What is the official method of receiving announcements from the M Center?

Important College announcements are sent via email and regular mail. Therefore, it is critical that students activate their Mills email account or enter a preferred personal email address and frequently check their email inbox for notices from the M Center.

Students should update their mailing addresses during the winter and summer break or any time they change their address (Change of Address forms are available at the M Center, or online through the Mills Resource Portal).

Q: What are LLCs?

Living Learning Communities, referred to as LLCs, are open to all residential freshwomen and are smaller, first-year student communities in the residence halls that are dedicated to a specific interest or academic area of study. LLCs are housed in Warren Olney and Orchard Meadow (first-year residence halls).

Q: Is there family or graduate housing on campus?

Underwood apartments provide 12 two bedroom units for families, with priority for single parent women with children. Graduate housing is available in the Courtyard Townhouse Apartments, which opened in fall 2007. For more information contact HMDS at 510.430.2127.

Q: Where are the student hang-outs on campus?

Students can enjoy a wide variety of meeting areas and hang-outs on campus. All students are welcome to visit Café Suzie and the Tea Shop, both located in Rothwell Center/Adams Plaza. Across the way is Toyon Meadow, perfect for studying on a sunny day.

In addition, there are lounges geared toward specific student populations such as commuting students, parenting students, graduate students and resumers (undergraduate women over 23 years or who have children). Students living on campus can also relax in their residence hall's lobby and/or recreation room.

Q: Are there any services which are specifically geared toward parenting students?

All parenting students are invited to attend the information session during Orientation in the Parenting Lounge. Located in the Rothwell Center, the Parenting Lounge offers comfortable seating, computers and printers. There is space for parenting students to gather, as well as toys, books, and a playhouse for children. The Parenting Lounge will also offer several family friendly events over the course of the year.

Q: Are there any services which are specifically geared toward new resuming students?

All new resuming students (age 23 and above) are invited to attend the information sessions during Orientation in the Mary Atkins Lounge. This Lounge, located in the Rothwell Center, offers a functioning space for the resuming community to gather. The lounge also offers food storage space, as well as computers and printers, and comfortable seating—it’s a great space for students to take time out of their day to study or share their experiences with each other. The Mary Atkins Lounge will hold several exciting events over the course of the year.

Q: Are there any services which are specifically geared toward new graduate students?

All new graduate students are invited to enjoy the Graduate Lounge. This lounge, located in the Rothwell Center, offers a functioning space for the graduate community to gather. The lounge also offers computers, printers, and comfortable seating. The graduate lounge will host several events over the course of the year.

Q: Are there any services which are specifically geared toward new commuter students?

All new commuter students are invited to attend the information sessions during Orientation in the Commuter Lounge. Located in Rothwell Center, beside Café Suzie’s, the Commuter Lounge offers storage space, a cooking area, comfortable seating, and a pool table. The commuter lounge will host several events over the course of the year.

Q: How do I get access to my Lounge?

Keys are available to students who belong to each lounge. Please sign a lounge contract and get keys to the lounge beginning August 29, 2011 in the HMDS Office located in Sage Hall.

Q: Who can answer questions related to student health insurance plans?

All enrolled Mills students must have health coverage and are eligible to enroll in the Kaiser Student Health Plan. All students must go to the Kaiser StudentNet website by August 31, 2011 to either enroll in or waive coverage of the Kaiser Student Health Plan. If you choose to waive coverage through Kaiser, you must show that you have comparable health care coverage, either individually, through a family plan, or an employer. Students can get more information at Health and Counseling or by calling 510.430.2260.

Q: Where can students go if they are feeling worried, sad or homesick?

Mills students utilize the Counseling Center to discuss a variety of issues, including loneliness, anxiety, depression, and problems in familial and intimate relationships, as well as concerns related to sexual, racial and cultural identity. Undergraduate and graduate students may be seen for up to 10 individual counseling sessions per academic year without charge. CPS also offers couple counseling and discussion groups. For students interested in longer-term treatment or psychiatric medication, the Counseling Center provides referrals to mental health services off campus.

For more information, or to make an appointment to see a counselor, call Health and Counseling at 510.430.2130.

Q: Where can new students worship on campus or explore their spirituality?

New students are invited to explore their spirituality through programs and events offered by the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, as well as through various spirituality-oriented student groups. In addition, the surrounding Bay Area provides an abundance of weekend worship opportunities. Contact Laura Engelken for more information at lengelken@mills.edu.

Q: If a student needs accommodations related to documented disabilities, where do they go? Who do they see?

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) provide support, advocacy services and accommodations for students with a variety of disabilities. SSD appointments may be made in person in the Cowell building or by calling the Division of Student Life at 510.430.2130.

Q: Where can commuter students park on campus?

Commuting students can park in any parking lot designated by a blue "Commuter Parking" sign, such as those on Post Road, behind the Cowell building and near the Education building. Richards Lot is a large parking lot near the front gate.

Commuters can also park curbside in several locations around the campus, including Richards Road and the Mills Hall Oval; please be aware of colored curbs designating loading and accessible parking zones.

Q: What are the hours of the library?

During the semester the F.W. Olin Library is open as follows:

Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 am–12:00 am

Fri. 8:30 am–6:00 pm

Sat. 12:00 pm–6:00 pm

Sun. 12:00 pm–11:00 pm

Q: What sport or fitness opportunities are there for students at Mills?

The Haas Pavilion offers sports and fitness options including a weight room, outdoor tennis courts, gym and Aquatics Center. Informal recreational and intramural events are offered throughout the year along with physical education classes in Yoga, Strength Training, Self-Defense and more. Contact the Office of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (APER) at 510.430.2172.

Q: I don't have a computer, where can I go on campus to do my assignments or check my email?

There are several computer labs/lounges on campus available for student use. Labs open to everyone include those at Stern 10 and CPM 207. Also, many departments have labs available for their students' use. Check with the department secretary or ask a faculty member about lab location and availability.

Some lounges, including the Mary Atkins lounge for resuming students (over the age of 23) and the graduate lounge, offer computer access.

Additionally, all residence halls have computer labs. Students living in a residence hall have access to the lab in their building.

For more information on computer locations and availability visit our technology webpage.

Q: How does a new student find out about good places to eat and hang-out off campus?

Check the Campanil (the Mills student newspaper) or East Bay Express (an Oakland publication) for information on great places to eat or visit off campus in the Bay Area. New students should connect with returning students, faculty, staff and other community members to find the best, most fun, most delicious, and most popular spots both close to campus and throughout the Bay Area. Much more information can be found online at the Student's Guide to Mills.

Have another question that hasn’t been answered yet?

Contact us at orientation@mills.edu