Great Start Registration

Great Start 2022 Dates

Session 1: July 9-10

• In-person program for all new commuter students. Students admitted for the Spring 2023 semester, are also invited to attend.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 5 at 5:00pm
• Cost: $50 (includes Great Start exclusive merchandise; 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks; and a two-day parking pass)

Session 2: July 23-24

• In-person program for all new commuter students. Students admitted for the Spring 2023 semester, are also invited to attend
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 19 at 5:00pm
• Cost: $50 (includes Great Start exclusive merchandise; 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks; and a two-day parking pass)

TRANSFER DAY : August 6

• In-person program for all new off-campus transfer students
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, August 2 at 5:00pm
• Cost: $40 (includes Great Start exclusive merchandise; 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and snacks; and a one-day parking pass)

Register via CaneLink

Program registration will open via CaneLink on Monday, May 2. Students can find the registration link on the bottom right-hand corner of their CaneLink home page.

Canceling your Registration

If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you will need to e-mail greatstart@miami.edu

All cancelations must be submitted by the registration date. You will receive an email confirmation when this has been successfully completed.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement is able to provide scholarships for students that are not able to afford the cost of the Great Start Program. Scholarship funds are limited so we recommend applicants interested in attending a Great Start weekend, complete an application as soon as possible. Scholarships are reviews and awarded on an ongoing basis.

• The final day to complete the scholarship application form is Monday, June 27
• Those interested in a scholarship opportunity may apply using this link

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 

• When is Great Start 2022?

  Students have the option of attending 1 Great Start weekend. The Great Start weekends are on the following dates:
  

  • Weekend 1: July 9-10
  • Weekend 2: July 23-24
  • Transfer Day: August 6

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

  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 which takes place prior to the start of classes. The program assist first-year undergraduate and transfer students with their overall academic, social, and cultural transition to the University of Miami.

• What is the difference between Great Start weekends 1 and 2 and the Transfer Day experience?

  
  The Transfer Day experience is one day while Great Start weekends 1 and 2 take place over an entire weekend. Transfer Day is exclusively designed to address the concerns and needs of incoming off-campus transfer students.

• I am going to be a commuter student but I was admitted for Spring 2023. Can I still attend Great Start?

  Yes. If you will be a commuter student and are a spring admit, you are encouraged to attend Great Start. If you need assistance registering please e-mail us at greatstart@miami.edu or call us at 305-284-5646.

• 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 an overnight housing accommodations for students.

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

  We encourage participants who sign up to make the most out of their experience. If a student decides to attend Great Start, they must attend the program in its entirety. Participants may only choose to attend one weekend.

• 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: 9:00am-8:00pm
  • Sunday: 9:30am-6:30pm

• When does the program start and end for Transfer Day?

  Students can expect the day to run as follows:
  

  • Saturday: 9:00am-7:30pm

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

  Great Start is hosted by the Department of Orientation and 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.