Program Information

To Do Checklist

Travel to MSU

International Student Info

FAQs

Student/Parent Newsletter

Contact Us

After AOP

Freshman Summer Orientation
Program Information

We are so excited that you have chosen Michigan State University! The Academic Orientation Program (AOP) staff is carefully preparing for your Orientation Program. AOP has been designed to help you prepare to begin your course work at Michigan State University. During AOP we will:

• Introduce you to the academics at MSU
• Give you information about your major and how to be successful at MSU
• Help you enroll for your classes
• Introduce you to several campus services and resources
• Address academic and student life expectations and responsibilities
• Discuss living in a residence hall

On this page you will find:

Who Attends Orientation
Regulations for AOP
Arriving on Campus
Things to Bring
Tuition and Fees
One Book, One Community
Meals
Lodging
Strategies for AOP
Information You Can Expect Before AOP
Dates
Schedule
Checking Out

Who Attends Orientation?

The Academic Orientation Program (AOP) has been carefully planned to ease your transition into college life at MSU. Attendance at an assigned AOP is required.

Since space is limited and filled by assignment only, you may not attend a different program without prior approval. All students must attend the entire one and one half day program.

All freshmen students, including those students who live in the local area and/or students who will commute to MSU in the fall, must spend the night in Case Hall.

Because of limited space and a tight schedule of activities, family members or friends cannot attend the program activities with you.

Students who live outside of the 500-mile radius of MSU are not required to attend a traditional summer Academic Orientation Program. Although this option is intended to help students avoid excess costs, we encourage these students to attend a summer session.

Students who live more than 500 miles from East Lansing and do not participate in a summer orientation session are required to attend the late AOP session.

If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending your assigned program, please notify us as soon as possible 517/353-5030. If we do not receive notice about a student’s absence from AOP, we assume the student has decided not to attend MSU. Please be advised that Michigan State University reserves the right to cancel a student's admission or defer their arrival on campus should they fail to attend their assigned Academic Orientation Program.

Sign Up/Change Your AOP Date

Regulations for the Academic Orientation Program

The following regulations are in effect for the Academic Orientation Program:

• The possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is not permitted.

• Students must remain where orientation activities are taking place (in the vicinity of Case Hall) at all times.

• Students must be on their assigned residence hall floors when the Hall closes at 11:15pm. Please be considerate of those who are trying to get some sleep.

• Attendance is required at all activities of the Academic Orientation Program except when otherwise noted. You are expected to be on time for all program activities, pay attention and participate.

• Only students attending AOP are permitted in the academic advising rooms and areas used for computer enrollment. No family members/friends may accompany you during these sessions.

• All cell phones and pagers must be turned off during presentations. No cell phone use is permitted during the advising and computer enrollment processes.

• Case Hall is a smoke-free environment.

Any violation of these regulations, or other inappropriate actions as determined by the Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education, Director of Admissions and/or Director of Orientation, will result in disciplinary action, which can include dismissal from the Academic Orientation Program with a postponement of enrolling for classes until fall semester or a revocation of admission to the university.

Arriving on Campus

Women will check in at the main lobby of North Case Residence Hall.

Men will check in at the main lobby of South Case Residence Hall.

Check-in time for students needing to take the placement exams is 8:00am

Check-in time for students who have already taken the placement exams is 9:30am

At check-in, you will be given materials needed to complete AOP activities (this includes a schedule of activities). Other necessary materials for selecting classes and enrolling for fall and spring semesters will also be provided.

Things to Bring

The AOP staff has put together a list of things that you should bring when you pack for your AOP. Remember to dress casually and comfortably when you are getting ready to pack. You want to be comfortable during the sessions and evening activities. Only bring with you what you will need for one night (you aren’t going on a week vacation!). Do not bring any valuable possessions with you, because the Academic Orientation Program is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

• Confirmation of your AOP date - make sure you don’t come on the wrong date! It is in the literature sent from the Orientation Office.
• Comfortable clothes and shoes - you will thank us when you have to walk around campus!
• Pillow, washcloth and toiletries. We provide sheets and a towel.
• Alarm clock and watch -you must be on time to every session
• Backpack or bookbag - to carry everything we give you at check-in
• Umbrella - you don’t want to get caught in the rain
• Fan -the rooms are not air conditioned
• Personal spending money – a late night snack at Sparty’s Convenience Store is fun
• Sports Equipment – Bring a tennis racket if you would like to play on our outdoor court

Important ID Information: You are required to bring a government-issued picture ID to AOP, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport.

Tuition and Fees

The Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), which secures your spot in the class, includes the fee for your AOP. It is not necessary to pay your tuition and fees at AOP.

Your tuition bill will be ready for viewing online in STUINFO (http://stuinfo.msu.edu) in August. You will receive an e-mail in your MSU account indicating that your tuition bill is ready for viewing. Pay close attention to the payment deadline so you are not charged a late fee.

One Book, One Community

All entering freshmen are expected to complete the freshman reading assignment by September 2 and bring the book when they return to campus in the fall.

You will receive a copy of the book when you check in at AOP. The discounted cost of the book will be automatically charged to your fall semester bill (unless you return the book before leaving AOP).

Check out http://www.onebook.msu.edu for more information.

Meals

Check out our great residence hall food in the Case Dining Hall while you are at AOP. All of the following meals are included in the price of AOP.

Day One: Brunch will be served between 10:00am and 11:15am.

Dinner will be served from 5:30pm until 6:30pm

Day Two: Breakfast will be served between 7:00am and 7:45am

Remember to bring a snack if you know that you will be hungry!

Lodging

An overnight stay in Case Hall, the home of the Summer Orientation Program, is provided to students in the cost of AOP.

Bedding and a towel are provided for your use during your stay. Remember to pack a pillow, washcloth, and toiletries.

All students, including those students who live in the local area and/or students who will commute to MSU in the fall, must spend the night in Case Hall. Staying the night in Case Hall is a program requirement. The overnight stay has been carefully planned so students who will live on campus room with students who will live in their residence hall in the fall. Students who commute to campus room with other commuter students. This gives you a chance to meet new people who you will see again in the fall, right down the hall! There are many activities you can do at night to stay busy and have fun! Karaoke, watching movies, using our new state-of-the-art fitness center, playing cards or board games, or participating/watching volleyball, tennis, or basketball will give you some time to clear your head after a busy day.

Parents or other family members should make lodging accommodations in the local area. Please check out hotels in the area (http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/travel/msu_hotel.htm).

Strategies for a Successful AOP

1. Attend all of the presentations/activities
2. Ask questions; ask for help if you need it
3. Talk to the Resident Assistants and Office Staff
4. Be prepared to meet with your academic adviser; learn about university resources

Information you can expect before AOP

• Mailings from academic colleges
• Immunization information (https://ntweb1.ais.msu.edu/immunize/) - You must complete this online.
• Financial Aid information (http://www.finaid.msu.edu) -Students can expect to receive their first award letter from MSU by mid-April, if they have filed FAFSA (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) correctly.
• Housing Information (http://www.uh.msu.edu) - You should receive your residence hall assignment by the end of May. You will receive your roommate assignment in August.
• Early Course Reservation – If you took the Math Placement test before May 9, 2008, you will receive information regarding any pre-scheduled courses.

AOP Dates--Freshmen

The following dates are for the summer Academic Orientation Program (AOP). Please note that some dates fill quickly, and availability is based on the program and residence hall capacity. Dates are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no waiting list for dates.

Please check your schedule before choosing an AOP date. Choose an orientation date when you can attend the entire Orientation Program. In order to meet with an adviser and enroll for classes, you must attend every orientation presentation. It is not possible to enroll for classes early. All students receive a personalized schedule for meeting their adviser and enrolling for classes. We are unable to alter scheduled times. Please keep this in mind when you are making your travel arrangements.

Dates are Tentative

June 15-16, 2009	July 7-8
June 16-17	July 8-9
June 17-18	July 9-10
June 18-19	July 14-15
June 22-23	July 15-16
June 23-24	July 16-17
June 24-25	July 20-21
June 25-26	July 21-22
June 29-30	July 22-23
June 30- July1	August 31
July 1-2

Sign Up/Change Your AOP Date

AOP Schedule--Freshmen

Below you will find a tentative schedule of AOP. There is a lot to learn in a little amount of time, so be ready to listen and get involved! Remember that each session is mandatory, and if you skip a session you will not be able to enroll for your classes on Day Two of the program. Attendance will be taken at various sessions.

In order to meet with an adviser and enroll for classes on Day Two of orientation, you must attend every orientation presentation and spend the night in Case Hall. It is not possible to enroll for classes on Day One. All students receive a schedule on Day Two for meeting their adviser and enrolling for classes. We are unable to alter scheduled times. Please keep this in mind when you are making your travel arrangements.

DAY ONE - TENTATIVE

8:00am	Check-in for those needing to take placement exams
8:30am	Math Placement Testing: For students who did not take the Math Placement Test prior to AOP or for students who would like to take a proctored test in order to waive the university math requirement for graduation.
9:30am	Foreign Language Testing: For students who did not and still need to take the Spanish, French, or German test on the web.
9:30am	Check-in for students not taking placement exams
10:00-11:15am	Lunch ID Picture Taking Making Changes in Your Declared Major
11:30-12:00pm	What It Means to Be a Spartan
12:00-12:30pm	Welcome and Overview
12:45-2:00pm	Orientation to Your Major
2:10-3:10pm	Inside Scoop Presentation
2:10-3:00pm	Placement Testing (special session) CAAP Presentation (special session) Honors College Presentation (special session) Academic Scholars Presentation (special session)
3:20-3:55pm	Faculty Presentation…Academics 101
4:00-5:15pm	Residence Hall Tour
4:15-5:00pm	Commuter Student Session (special session)
5:15-6:00pm	Walking Tour
5:30-6:30pm	Dinner
6:45-7:05pm	Study Abroad
7:15-8:00pm	Health, Safety, Security and Transitions in a Student’s Life
8:30-11:00pm	Evening Activities: Help Room (Current students will be able to help you prepare your potential class schedule) Computer Lab Open Social Activity (music, games) Recreational Sports (tennis, basketball, volleyball, and frisbee) Time to Relax
11:15pm	Hall Closes

DAY TWO

7:00-7:45am	Breakfast
7:45am	Pick up Test Results and Personal Schedule
8:00am	Computer Enrollment Presentation Academic Advising Enroll for Classes Resource Fair On Day Two of the program, students receive a personalized schedule. The order of these events, therefore, vary.

Checking Out and Meeting Your Parents

Every student finishes their AOP at a different time. Once you have completed your personalized schedule and checked out with our AOP staff members at the designated location, you are free to leave. Some students may finish earlier than 1:00pm depending on how quickly they see their academic advisers and computer enroll.

Parents can meet their students in the Wilson Hall Center Court, unless you have designated a prior meeting location. Although the Resource Fair ends at 12:00pm, the room will continue to be available for students and parents to meet each other.