New undergraduate students engage in a comprehensive orientation process designed to support and guide them as they transition to MSU. Because of MSU’s commitment to student success, as a condition of course enrollment, all new undergraduate students are required to attend the New Student Orientation (NSO), an early step in the academic orientation and transitions process.
NSO for new students who enter MSU fall semester takes place primarily in June and July. There is a program in late August for students who are not able to attend a program in June or July. International undergraduate first year and transfer students on an F1 or J1 visa who enter fall semester complete an online pre-arrival module, attend a mandatory orientation program prior to the start of classes, as well as an extended orientation during the fall semester. International students with other visa types who enter fall semester will begin their NSO experience in July and August. All undergraduate first year and transfer students who enter spring or summer semester will also participate in the NSO experience preceding the first day of classes for that semester.
Prior to attending the New Student Orientation, students take one or more online placement tests. NSO takes place in three parts: an online pre-orientation, advising and enrollment with their academic advisor, and participating in the UGS 100: Introduction to MSU course. During NSO and the UGS 100, students learn more about their declared major and have the opportunity to explore other majors, learn what MSU is all about, learn who the Spartans are, become familiar with academic, financial, health, safety, and wellness resources, the diversity of the university, what life is like on campus and the East Lansing area, and how to get involved on campus. During the orientation experience, students will also have and opportunity to engage with current MSU students and other new students in a group setting.
First year and transfer students are required to register for the New Student Orientation Program online at www.orientation.msu.edu. Students who do not register for and participate in New Student Orientation cannot enroll for classes and may have their admission to the university cancelled.
Visit the Web site: www.orientation.msu.edu or call 1-517-355-8490.