The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥'s transition programs provide all the information new incoming Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ need to successfully begin their journey on campus. The orientation and transition experience extends beyond course registration; we deliver relevant and informative programming to prepare Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ for success, and design a variety of opportunities for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to connect with their new peers, current UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, and broader campus and Missoula community.
New Student Orientation and the Big Sky Experience are programs for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who have already applied, been admitted and intend to enroll at either UM's Mountain Campus or Missoula College. All incoming Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are expected to complete our online New Student Orientation program. New traditional-aged Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are also expected to attend the in-person Big Sky Experience program.
# 1
Voted Most Innovative Program by the National Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education for Region 1 in 2020.
76%
Since redesigning our onboarding programs in fall 2019, first-year student retention has steadily increased every single year. Most recently, UM’s all-time retention record was broken, with a 76% retention rate of first-time Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from fall 2022 to fall 2023.
45+
More than 40 community businesses and organizations hosted Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in 2023 during the third annual Big Sky Experience.