It's time to HOWL!
HOWL Orientation is required of all new students. HOWL is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with Northern and be ready to join the Pack.
During HOWL, you will:
- Get to know classmates
- Set up your first-semester schedule
- Meet your academic advisor
- Have a sample class with a professor
- Get your Pack Pass
- Connect with current Northern students
- Discuss your financial aid
- Tour residence halls
- Become part of the Pack!
HOWL Orientation Steps
HOWL orientation has two required components:
Pre-HOWL Online Orientation and Advising
Pre-HOWL Online Orientation will help you navigate your transition to Northern and provide valuable information about your Northern experience. You must complete the pre-HOWL modules and participate in a virtual meeting with a professional academic advisor before your scheduled HOWL on-campus event.
Pre-HOWL is hosted in Desire2Learn (D2L), Northern's learning management system. During online orientation, you'll be introduced to Northern; prepare for your HOWL day; and become familiar with D2L.
Pre-HOWL will also cover:
- Northern technology
- First-year seminar
- Advising inventory
- Community connections
You can work through Pre-HOWL at your own pace. Reminder: You must complete all activities in Pre-HOWL before attending your on-campus HOWL program.
On-Campus HOWL Orientation
In this component, an orientation leader will guide your small group through a day of exciting and informative activities.
In on-campus HOWL you will:
- Learn about life on campus
- Meet other new students
- Explore campus resources
- Confirm your classes with your professional academic advisor
- Tour residence halls
Questions? Email Director of Student Involvement & Leadership Megan Frewaldt or visit the resources below.
- HOWL: What You Need to Know - More HOWL orientation information
- Placement scores and testing information
- Math/English/reading placement tables
- Math advising and placement help
- Do I need to test? - Northern uses a student’s existing standardized test scores to determine placement, such as ACT or SAT scores. When such scores are not available, Northern uses the modified remote ACCUPLACER testing procedures issued by the College Board to facilitate placement. Students can take the ACCUPLACER here on campus, via Zoom, or at a testing center in their state, if the student is from out of state. Students should complete the ACCUPLACER before meeting with their academic advisor to register for courses.
- Math Index Calculator
- Academic Whys and What Fors
- Privacy Release Form
- First-Year Seminar