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Orientation

We are excited to welcome you to the Butte College community! During Orientation, you'll explore campus, connect with the financial aid team, meet with an academic counselor, and register for classes. Orientation is all about setting you up for a successful start at Butte College!

All new students are required to complete Orientation. There are two ways complete this requirement: In-Person or Online.

Butte College Students tabling at campus event

In-Person Orientation

New students should register for an in-person Orientation. You’ll explore campus, connect with financial aid, meet with an academic counselor, and register for classes. Register for an in-person Orientation below.

Online Orientation

Online Orientation may be available if you’ve earned 24 or more units at another school or have personal circumstances that make it hard to come to campus. Complete the request form below to find out if you are eligible.

REQUEST ONLINE ORIENTATION

Some students do not need to complete Orientation. This is called an exemption. You do not need to complete Orientation if you are:

A current K-12 student: You are currently enrolled in elementary, junior high, or high school.
Only enrolling in Winter or Summer classes: You are taking classes only during a winter or summer session.
Enrolling in 6 units or less: You are taking 6 units or fewer and do not plan to earn a certificate or degree. Students in this group register during Open Registration.
Only enrolling in exempt classes: You are taking only noncredit classes or classes listed on the Exempt Class List below.

Exempt Class List

Students may register during Open Registration for the following classes without completing the Orientation and Counseling requirements for new students.

Exempt class list last updated January 13, 2026

AET: 35, 36

AJLE: 1, 100, 130, 140, 141, 151AB, 162, 164

ART14–19, 23, 50, 52, 54, 56, 70

AUT: 81, 82, 83, 200

CDF: 331, 338.00

CLP: 300, 334

COS: 300

CPE: 308, 310–316, 318, 320, 322

CSCI: 65

DRAM: 14

DSPS: 204, 206, 210

EDUC: 302, 310

EH: 40, 60–62, 130–132

EMS: 203

ESL: 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 340, 350, 352A, 352B

FSC: 18, 105, 106, 107

HAL: 300–306

ITAL: 100, 101

KIN: 23, 25, 27–29, 31, 33–35, 38–53, 57, 58, 60–78, 90–94

MSP: 300

MUS: 20–22, 30, 360–364, 370

NSG: 50, 100, 101, 103

OLS: 323–329, 340, 341

PHYS: 11

PSC: 51

SPAN: 100, 101

Parents, guardians, family members, and other supporters are invited to attend a separate Orientation session while their student attends student Orientation. Your session will take place at the same time and will cover ways you can support your student as they transition to Butte College.

Students and supporters will attend different sessions. Due to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA, only students may attend the student Orientation session.

When your student registers for Orientation, they will be asked how many guests they plan to bring to the Parent, Guardian, and Supporter Orientation.

Here is a collection of highly recommended resources for new Butte College students. Whether you are a student, friend, or family member, the resources are here to prepare for your time at Butte College!

New Student Resource Guide

Campus Map and Virtual Tour

Butte College Support and Services