Great Start Registration

Great Start 2024 Weekends

Great Start is a required program for all incoming first-year commuter students. If you plan on commuting/living off campus, you should expect to attend one of the four Great Start weekends this summer. Program registration opens on Wednesday, May 1. Weekends have a registration cap. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Weekend 1: June 29-30
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 25 at 5 p.m.
• Weekend 2: July 13-14
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 9 at 5 p.m.
• Weekend 3: July 27-28
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 23 at 5 p.m.
• Weekend 4: August 3-4
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 30 at 5 p.m.

How to Register 

REGISTRATION DETAILS COMING SOON

Great Start Information Sessions

Want to learn more about what to expect during your Great Start weekend? Attend one of our virtual information sessions. Chat with our Great Start counselors and meet fellow incoming commuter students as you discover all that Great start has to offer. 

Information Session Dates

Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm EST

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm EST

Monday, June 17, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm EST

• When is Great Start 2024?

  First-year commuter students must select to attend one of the following Great Start 2024 weekends:

  • Weekend 1: June 29-30
  • Weekend 2: July 13-14
  • Weekend 3: July 27-28
  • Weekend 4: August 3-4

• Is Great Start Mandatory for incoming first-year commuter students?

  Yes. Great Start is now a required program for all incoming first-year commuter students. If you plan on commuting/living off campus, you should expect to attend one of the four Great Start weekends this summer.

• What is the attendance cost? Is there a fee to attend Great Start?

  There is no attendance fee for Great Start 2024. The program is required for all incoming first-year commuter students and there is no registration fee. Meals, parking, and exclusive promotional items are covered throughout the program.

• Will I be able to park on campus during the Great Start weekend?

  Yes. Our team will share specific information related to parking and arrival the week leading up to your Great Start experience.

• What is the difference between Great Start and ’Cane Kickoff?

  Great Start is a required program for first-year commuter students. During Great Start, participants can expect conversations and community-building activities designed specifically for new commuter students. Participants will get a full understanding of commuter student resources and will learn about tips and tricks that will help them have a positive transition into University life. 'Cane Kickoff is our mandatory orientation program for all new students (first-year commuter students included) which takes place prior to the start of classes. The program assists first-year undergraduate and transfer students with their overall academic, social, and cultural transition to the University of Miami.

• Will I stay on campus overnight during my Great Start experience?

  Program participants will get the full commuter student experience while commuting to and from campus during Great Start. The program does not provide overnight housing accommodations for students.

• If I sign up for the weekend-long Great Start experience, do I need to attend both days?

  Yes. Participants must attend the program in its entirety. Participants may only choose to attend one weekend.

• I am a new transfer student. I will be living off-campus. May I sign up for Great Start?

  Great Start is designed to support the transition of first-year commuter students. Transfer students are not encouraged to register for Great Start. Transfer students will meet the Transfer Assistant during ’Cane Kickoff and will receive support from their TA throughout their entire first year at the U. More information about transfer student support can be found here.

• When does the program start and end each day for the weekend-long Great Start experience?

  Students can expect the days to run as follows:

  • Saturday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

• Will there be University staff present during the Great Start weekends?

  Great Start is hosted by the Department of Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement. Professional staff members from the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement along with professional staff members from other University of Miami departments will be present.

• Can I bring a family member or non- University of Miami student to Great Start?

  Great Start is exclusively designed to assist incoming commuter students as they acclimate to life at the University of Miami. Family members are encouraged to attend Family ’Cane Kickoff in August.