You’re Officially a Mills Student!
You’ve made the smart decision to join the Mills community, and we want to help you get off to the best start. Next comes the excitement of choosing where you'll live, charting your academic path, and registering for your classes. Here are the steps you can take this summer so you're ready for New Student Orientation.
Key Next Steps
- May: Apply for campus housing.
- June: Sign up for your first classes at Mills via early registration.
- July: Consult with financial aid representatives.
- August: Attend SO Mills: Student Orientation.
1. Apply for Campus Housing.
Living on campus is one of the best ways for you to take full advantage of the resources at Mills. One business day after you’ve paid your enrollment deposit, you’re eligible to apply for campus housing through the Mills Resource Portal. Find out more about your housing options.
2. Select Courses Through Early Registration.
Choosing your first college classes is a big milestone in your journey. After you've submitted your enrollment deposit, keep an eye out for your email invitation to participate in early registration. This will give you the chance to tell us your preferred courses for the fall semester and review your schedule well before Orientation. Early registration is handled a little differently for first-year and transfer students, so we've outlined the process for each below.
In mid-May, we'll send an email inviting you to participate in early registration. The email will include the link to your early registration form where you can indicate your first semester course preferences. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Activate your Mills email account through the self-guided computer orientation.
- By May 31, complete your online early registration form listing your course preferences for
your first semester.
- You'll need to set aside approximately one hour to complete this form.
- Once you submit your information, you can't make additional changes, and submitting an incomplete form will significantly delay your registration, so please make sure to take your time.
- We'll use information from your completed form to determine the appropriate courses for your first semester. Beginning June 15, check your Mills email for a notification that your course schedule is available for viewing online.
- Review your course schedule. If you would like to make adjustments, you'll be able to do so at Orientation when you'll have the opportunity to work directly with an academic advisor.
In mid-May, we'll send an email inviting you to schedule a remote advising appointment. The email will include the link to your appointment scheduling page. During the advising appointment, you'll be able to discuss your educational goals and course preferences with a Mills academic advisor. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Activate your Mills email account through the self-guided computer orientation.
- By May 31, visit your advising appointment page, and select your area of academic interest. Review the available advising dates and times, and register for an appointment that works for your schedule.*
- Check your email for a confirmation message. Make sure that the appointment details are correct, and review the instructions on how you can search for available courses.
- Set an advising appointment reminder on your personal calendar.
- Prepare for your advising appointment.
- Visit your academic program page(s) and review the course requirements for the program(s) in which you're interested:
- Review the fall semester Mills course schedule so you can discuss your preferred courses with your advisor.
- We'll use information from your advising appointment to determine the appropriate courses for your first semester. Beginning June 15, check your Mills email for a notification that your course schedule is available for viewing online.
- Review your course schedule. If you would like to make adjustments, you'll be able to do so at Orientation when you'll have the opportunity to work directly with an academic advisor.
* Please contact the Office of Admissions at 510.430.2135 or admission@mills.edu if you do not find a registration appointment that fits your schedule. If you are unable to participate in remote advising, you will register for classes during Orientation in August.
3. Talk with Us About Financial Aid.
Understanding the financial aid process and your financial aid package and options is a critical component of college planning. We strongly recommend that you and your family members/support system schedule an educational cost planning and preparation appointment so we can help. Our financial aid and student accounts staff members are available to meet with you during the summer, in person or over the phone, to answer any questions you have about financial aid and tuition and fees payments. They can also help you set up your student account. Contact our Financial Aid Office directly at 510.430.2000 to schedule an appointment.
4. Get Ready for New Student Orientation.
SO Mills: Student Orientation is the start of your life at Mills! You’ll connect with your new classmates, move into your residence hall or pick up your commuter keys, get your Mills student ID card, pick up your AC Transit pass (so you can start exploring Oakland), and learn how to tap into the campus resources that are here to help you succeed. All new students must attend SO Mills: Student Orientation which starts on Saturday, August 25 and runs through Tuesday, August 28.
We know that your family probably has a lot of questions about the Mills experience they'll be sharing with you, and we want to answer their questions. We invite your family members and support system to attend our special Family Orientation from Saturday, August 25–Sunday, August 26, 2018.
A Helpful Summer Checklist
While you're working on the key next steps, there are some additional items that you can check off your list before Orientation. We've put them here in chronological order to help you keep organized during this busy and exciting time.
| May |
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| June |
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| July |
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| August |
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| May |
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| July |
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| August |
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Questions?
Starting college—or transferring to a new college—involves a lot of details at first. But we’re here to help you and your family. Connect with your Mills admission counselor to answer any questions.