NSO Handbook

The Hoosier Handbook

Welcome!

We are excited to help you start your IU journey. Throughout your orientation experience, we will set you up for a great start. We will share expectations and opportunities, and coach you on ways to connect with the people, places, resources, and services that are here for you. You will also be introduced to many IU traditions, campus culture, and what it means to live The Indiana Promise as you truly become a Hoosier.

Your year has much in store for you—embrace it all. You will find amazing academic opportunities and preparation for your future. You will make new friendships and learn with people from all over the world. Your experiences, successes, adjustments, and even stumbles will help you learn more about yourself, build your community, and become who you are meant to be. We're here to help you do all of that and more.

Welcome to your Indiana University home!

Office lockup

Welcome to Indiana University, and congratulations on beginning your Hoosier journey!

At IU Bloomington, you'll discover world-class academic programs, vibrant campus life, and a supportive community of faculty, staff, and peers dedicated to helping you achieve your college aspirations. With more than 790,000 alumni, you're stepping into a legacy of excellence and opportunity. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the milestones, and take advantage of the countless resources available to make this experience truly transformative. We are thrilled to welcome you home to IU Bloomington and can't wait to see all you will accomplish. Go Hoosiers!

Pamela Whitten
President, Indiana University

Campus map

Find everything you're looking for on campus on the IU Mobile app or on our interactive campus map.

The Indiana Promise

At Indiana University, students make a promise to themselves and to the university.

I promise that:

  • I will be ethical in my academic work.
  • I will take personal responsibility for what I say and what I do.
  • I will respect the dignity of others, treating them with civility and understanding.

Act ethically: Honesty matters. Whether you're writing a paper, taking a test, or working on a project, ensure your work reflects your own effort and ideas.

Take responsibility: College is a time to make your own decisions—and take ownership of their outcomes. Made a mistake? It's okay—acknowledge it, apologize if needed, and learn from the experience. Your words and actions define your character.

Respect others: IU is a diverse community filled with people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. Learn from and engage with those who are different from you. Treat everyone with kindness, civility, and understanding—even when you disagree. Stand up against disrespect, injustice, or harm.

Tips for living the Promise

Your promise as a Hoosier goes beyond words—it's about your daily actions.

Engage and get involved: Attend cultural events, try new experiences, and connect with people from different backgrounds. Find ways to give back to the IU community.

Know the expectations: Familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct at studentcode.iu.edu. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a member of the IU community.

IU’s Culture of Care

Having the courage to care means taking action—big or small—to make a difference. Culture of Care is a student-led, staff-supported initiative that fosters Hoosier-to-Hoosier care in sexual well-being; drug and alcohol awareness; mental health; and respect and inclusion.

How do you live the Culture of Care?

It’s not about meetings or events—it’s about everyday actions that spread kindness, challenge the bystander effect, and promote courage. Holding a door, standing up for a friend, or making sure someone gets home safely—each act helps create a community of care.

Take action

  • Step up when you see someone in need. Stand up against disrespect, injustice, or harm.
  • Support friends struggling with stress, mental health, or other challenges.
  • Educate yourself and others about IU’s safety and wellness resources.

Get help for yourself or someone else by submitting a Care Referral.

Headshot of Harper

"At IU, there is truly a culture of care. Professors, faculty, and students create a welcoming community that prioritizes each other’s well-being. Whether through academic support, mental health resources, or simply being there for one another, IU fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and supported."

HarperOrientation Leader

Families and supporters

Living on campus

Supporting your student in their transition to Indiana University can be exciting—and nerve wracking. Indiana University has resources and people to support you while you support your student.

Consider these tips to support your student in their transition to Indiana University.

  • Be patient. During difficult times, have patience and allow your student to learn from their mistakes.
  • Reach out. Help your student’s transition to college by supporting them through regular communication. Setting a time to talk or text once a week can help them feel less alone.
  • Set boundaries. Even though you’re keeping in touch, it is also important to give them space to learn and grow. Set boundaries to help your student embrace this new adult phase.
  • Encourage healthy habits. When adjusting to busy routines, it is easy for new college students to fall into unhealthy routines. Remind your student to prioritize sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress-relief techniques to encourage them to stay healthy.
  • Celebrate milestones. Whether your student joined an extracurricular group or passed a difficult class, celebrating these milestones can help remind them that their hard work is paying off.
  • Trust the process. Even if your student’s college path does not reflect exactly what you had in mind, it is important to trust the process. Understanding that college looks different for every student can help you offer support to your student.

The Office of Student Life is your home as a parent, family member, or supporter of Hoosiers. Visit their site to stay connected with Family Weekend and the Parents Advisory Board.

Thank you to our sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support of New Student Orientation. We appreciate your commitment to our newest Hoosiers!