MSU AOP > January and May Orientation


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Program Information To Do Checklist Travel to MSU International Student Info FAQs Student/Parent Newsletter Contact Us After AOP	To Do Checklist January or May AOP Make sure you are prepared! Before coming to AOP, make sure that you have done items 1-9 (if necessary). Click on the links for more information. Send your official transcripts to MSU (IF NECESSARY) Set up your MSU Net ID and E-Mail account Pay your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED) Reserve Your Spot at Orientation and Housing Sign-Up Take Your Placement Tests Online Fill Out the Immunization Self-Report Form Check Out MSU’s Schedule Planning System Explore the MSU Computer Requirement Change Your Major (IF NECESSARY) Information for: Interested Music Majors Student Athletes Students with Disabilities Financial Aid Questions Commuter Students 1. Send your official transcripts to MSU Make sure you have the Registrar of the college(s) you previously attended send an official copy of your transcript to Michigan State. We must have all of your transcripts to complete your credit evaluation. MSU will prepare a transfer credit evaluation for all qualifying college courses. Your earned transfer credit information can be viewed at www.stuinfo.msu.edu prior to your AOP date. Students are encouraged to bring a course catalog (s) from each institution of higher education they attended prior to enrolling at Michigan State University. Academic advisers often have questions about the content of courses being transferred. The course catalog will help during the academic advising process. During the Credit Evaluation Question and Answer session, you will have the opportunity to sit down with a credit evaluation staff member and ask questions about your credit evaluation. NOTE: If you have taken courses elsewhere and we have not received an official copy of your transcript(s) sometime during your first semester, you will not be permitted to register for the next semester. 2. Set up your MSU Net ID and E-Mail account It is very important that you activate your MSU NetID and MSU e-mail account, even if you already have another e-mail account. Notices regarding your tuition bill will be sent to your MSU e-mail account. Many professors will communicate with you regarding class assignments, examinations, papers, and other course work via your MSU e-mail account. Your tuition bill will also be sent to your e-mail account. Get into the habit of checking your MSU e-mail account regularly. Here are some helpful resources regarding your MSU NetID and e-mail account: Information for new students on activating your MSU NetID and MSU e-mail account (http://help.msu.edu) Activating your MSU NetID and MSU E-mail Account (https://netid.msu.edu/) MSU Connect: MSU NetID and MSU E-mail Account Set Up and Resource Guide (www.msu.edu/future/msuconnect.pdf) Disability and assistive technology information (http://www.msu.edu/webaccess/) Networking your computer and dial-up options (http://help.msu.edu) 3. Pay your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED): The Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), which includes your orientation fee, must be paid using MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express, or electronic check. This fee secures your spot in the class. If you do not have access to one of these methods of payment, please print the AOP registration form from the web site and submit the AED in the form of a check or money order payable to Michigan State University. Students whose economic circumstances make the payment of the AED difficult should contact the Office of Admissions and Scholarships regarding possible waiver. Pay your AED 4. Reserve Your Spot at Orientation and Housing Sign-Up As a student, the following website allows you to sign up for (or change) an Academic Orientation Program (AOP) that best suits your schedule. Please note that the Academic Orientation Programs are filled on a first-come first-served basis and there is no waiting list. Please note that when making travel arrangements, all sessions are required and due to the nature of our program, arriving late or leaving early is not possible. Signing up for an AOP with this system is a three step process: Freshmen -- fill out your housing application online (housing information and assignments) Pay the Advanced Enrollment Deposit, which includes the orientation fee with American Express, Discover, Mastercard, VISA, or Electronic check. Select an AOP date. Signing up as a Transfer student for AOP with this systm is a three step process: Transfer students fill out the Undergraduate Residence Hall Application card enclosed in the admission envelope and send the card and housing application fee to the address noted on the card. (Interested in Living Off Campus? http://www.collegerentals.com) Pay the orientation fee with American Express, Discover, Mastercard, VISA, or Electronic check. Select an AOP date. Note: You will need to log-on with your MSUnet ID. (http://techbase.msu.edu/viewpathfinder.asp?id=339) To Sign Up or Change Your Date 5. Take Your Placement Tests Online Math Placement Test (http://www.math.msu.edu/mps/) All students entering MSU as freshmen are required to take the Mathematics Placement Service Exam (MPS exam) before attending their Academic Orientation Program with the following exceptions: Students with credit in at least one of the following: MTH 103, 116, 124, 132, 133, 234 or any math course above MTH 234 need not take the MPS exam. However, students who transfer one of the following: MTH 112, 110, 114, 201, STT 200 or 201 alone, with no other math course above the level of MTH 1825 MUST take the MPS exam (online prior to AOP). Students who have already received Advanced Placement Mathematics credit for Calculus PRIOR to attending AOP need not take the MPS exam. Students who have an ACT Math score of at least 28 or an SAT math score of at least 640 and will be taking a mathematics course at MSU. NOTE: Students who have taken the AP Statistics exam must take the MPS exam online prior to AOP. Testing on the Web and ACT/SAT scores provide for math placement at MSU. They do not provide for waiving MSU's math graduation requirements. If you wish to waive the university-wide undergraduate mathematics requirement, you must take the placement test either at one of the MSU Testing Centers or at AOP. MSU has a Mathematics Graduation Requirement for all students. - The only way to waive the MSU mathematics requirement is to take the MPS Exam in a proctored setting at AOP, or a MSU Testing Center. - If you take the test on the Web prior to AOP, you may still take the proctored MPS exam at AOP. - A list of proctored testing centers can be obtained by calling (800) 500-1554 or at http://mathdata.msu.edu/MPS_Sites/Default.html Additional Information (http://www.math.msu.edu/mps/) I am ready to take the MPS exam (http://mpsexam.msu.edu/documentation/) Foreign Language Test (https://ntweb11.ais.msu.edu/FLPlacement/about.html) The study of foreign language is increasingly important in today’s global society. Foreign language proficiency is required for some MSU students, including majors in Arts and Letters and James Madison. It will also prove to be very useful for students majoring in fields such as: Business Natural Science Journalism Education Social Science If you have studied a foreign language in high school that you are interested in continuing and you are not bringing in Advanced Placement credit, or you do not yet have your AP score, you must take the relevant language test. Even if you do not plan to enroll for a foreign language course immediately, take the test so that you have an idea of your proficiency level for future enrollment. The test results will show an appropriate starting level for college language study based on: Reading Comprehension Vocabulary Grammar Listening NOTE: If you have studied languages for which no placement test is offered, you should consult a representative of the appropriate language department during or after your AOP date regarding placement. Department of Linguistics and Languages I still have a few questions about the test (https://ntweb11.ais.msu.edu/FLPlacement/about.html) I am ready to take the Spanish, French, or German placement test (http://flplacement.cal.msu.edu) Freshman Composition Class Placement Effective written communication is essential to students’ academic progress and success at Michigan State. The Freshman Composition Course is the first step in a series of courses during college that will require substantial amounts of writing. Students are placed into a Writing, Rhetoric, and American Culture (WRA) course based on their ACT/SAT test scores. For more information (http://www.msu.edu/~wrac/t1/t1_courses.html) Students wishing to “write out” of their Preparation for College Writing (WRA1004/0102) course will have the opportunity to write an essay during one of the two Fall Welcome scheduled testing sessions. Check out the Fall Welcome Schedule (http://www.studentlife.msu.edu/) when you arrive in your residence hall for more information. 6. Fill Out the Immunization Self-Report Form Prompted by the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MSU’s policy asks that students provide to the University an immunization history on a specific form. If you have not reported your immunization record by the time you attend AOP, you can enroll for classes. Note, however, failure to complete the immunization reporting requirement will affect students’ ability to enroll for future semesters. Four vaccines are of particular importance for college students: Hepatitis B Tetanus/diphtheria Meningococcus Varicella (chickenpox) If you need assistance using the website to complete your Immunization Self-Report form, bring your immunization materials with you to AOP and a staff member will help you complete this form during open computer lab times. Copies of personal medical or immunization records are not acceptable substitutes for the required Immunization Self-Report form. All vaccines are available from Olin Health Center (http://olin.msu.edu/) for a fee, from the Ingham County Health Department, most other county health departments, or from your personal physician. Contact the University Physician’s Office at 517/353-9101 or e-mail: uphys@msu.edu More information regarding Immunization (http://www.immunize.msu.edu) Immunization Form (http://www.immunize.msu.edu) 7. Check Out MSU’s Schedule Planning System During your AOP, you will attend two sessions that will help you select your classes. What to Expect: Meet as a group with your academic adviser to review program and university course requirements. Meet individually with an academic adviser to plan your courses. Enroll for classes in a designated computer lab. Student assistants in the lab will help you through this process. How to Prepare for Academic Advising: Take the Math Placement (http://www.math.msu.edu/mps/) and Foreign Language placement tests (http://flplacement.cal.msu.edu) and on the web. Activate your MSU Net ID and e-mail account (https://netid.msu.edu/) Explore planning your schedule During your academic advising session, inform your academic adviser if you’ve taken an Advanced Placement (AP) exam, CLEP, International Baccalaureate (IB), International A-level exams or have been dually enrolled. More information on these exams. (http://admissions.msu.edu/AP-CLEP-IB-A_Levels-Dual_Enrollment.asp) Check out your college's web site Many students are excited to enroll for their classes. Use the resources below to prepare for your meeting with your academic adviser. These resources will also help you plan your class schedule. Academic Programs http://www.reg.msu.edu/ucc/AcademicPrograms.asp Academic Programs is a guide to all academic programs, policies and related information. Find out what courses and qualifications you will need in your major of study to graduate. Description of Courses http://www.reg.msu.edu/courses/search.asp Description of Courses gives you a chance to look at courses by subject, their credit amount, semester availability, restrictions, prerequisites, and a brief description of the course. Schedule of Courses http://ntweb8.ais.msu.edu/ScheduleBook/schedule.asp Place together a sample schedule for your fall and spring semester. The Schedule of Courses has times and locations available for all courses. Please note: The courses you have chosen in your sample schedule may not be available when you attend AOP. Note that we have staff available to help you enroll for your classes. Degree Navigator http://degnav.msu.edu Experience Degree Navigator, a flexible advising and degree audit tool that allows you and your adviser to work together and chart your degree progress. Features include “What if…” scenarios, i.e., changing your major to see how your courses will apply. Search for courses, departments and degree programs by keyword. View course descriptions, see how your courses apply to your degree program and view notes from your adviser. Degree Navigator also makes it possible to view reports concerning your degree requirements, and a list of your completed and currently enrolled courses. Degree Navigator can alsobe accessed through STUINFO (http://stuinfo.msu.edu). Enrollment System http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Enrollment.asp At orientation, you will attend a session on how to enroll for your classes. Once you meet with your academic adviser and have potential class selections, you will enter the Enrollment Lab where an AOP staff member will help you schedule your classes. This link to the Office of the Registrar gives you a glimpse of the enrollment system at MSU. Please note that students will not be able to enroll for classes until they complete their assigned AOP. Freshman Seminars http://www.msu.edu/unit/apueas/fresh_seminar.htm Freshman seminars are open to any first year student, regardless of major or area of interest. These seminars provide an exceptional introduction to the intellectual life of the University. Seminars focus on high-interest topics, selected and taught by MSU faculty members. Freshman Seminars Abroad Freshman Seminars Abroad are offered to first year students who want to get an initial taste of the study abroad experience. Michigan State University highly recommends that its students study abroad during their time in college. Study Abroad http://studyabroad.msu.edu Check out the courses available to MSU students on seven continents. 8. Explore the MSU Computer Requirement MSU requires all undergraduate students to have a computer to access the World Wide Web at Internet speeds. The computer can either be a desktop or laptop, running either Macintosh or Windows operating system. Laptops have the advantage of mobility, including access to the Web through MSU's wireless locations on campus. Desktops have the advantages of lower costs and larger displays. Your computer must also have virus protection and firewall software. The MSU Computer Stores provides both hardware and software at educational discounts to students. The store has helpful staff to assist and advise you with computing purchases. Visit the Computer Store in person in 110 Computer Center or online at http://cstore.msu.edu. ACNS Help Desk http://help.msu.edu/ or call 517/432-2600 Computer Training http://train.msu.edu Configuring My Computer: http://help.msu.edu/ Financial Aid for Computer Purchase http://www.finaid.msu.edu/computer.asp General Computing Information http://computing.msu.edu MSU Computer Requirement Frequently Asked Questions http://msuwired.msu.edu/compreq/ MSU Help and Support Center 517/355-2345 or 800/500-1554 (North America and Hawaii) Purchase a Computer http://cstore.msu.edu/ Web Accessibility http://www.msu.edu/webaccess/computing.html, click on "Access to Computer Labs for Persons with Disabilities" Wireless http://wireless.msu.edu/locations.php Quotes, comments, and ideas from MSU students on making the decision to get a desktop or a laptop. 9. Change Your Major (IN NECESSARY) Prior to orientation, you can change your major ten days before your assigned orientation date. Call our office at 517/355-8332 to make the change. You can also change your academic major at orientation after check-in or at scheduled times in the orientation office. After your orientation program, you will need to contact your academic department regarding changing your major. Contact your college department for advising locations after AOP. List of academic majors: http://www.reg.msu.edu/ucc/AcademicPrograms.asp Information for: Interested Music Majors The College of Music requires a successful audition on your major instrument or voice for all students. The audition determines acceptance as a music major by classifying you as a regular status student or a provisional status student. Regular status students will be allowed to study for credit as long as satisfactory progress is demonstrated. Provisional status students will be allowed one or more terms of study to achieve regular status. The audition will be performed for representative members of the music performance faculty. Evaluations are based on technical and musical proficiency. While a personal audition is desirable, those who cannot visit the campus because they live a great distance from East Lansing may submit a tape recording. In order to help guide prospective applicants as they prepare for auditions, the College of Music has prepared a list of suggested audition materials. These are suggested as minimum entrance requirements; however, it is most important that you perform that which best demonstrates your musical and technical capabilities characteristic of your performing medium. More information, including a College of Music application, audition dates, and suggested audition repertoire (http://www.music.msu.edu/admissions) Information for: Student Athletes Notice to Prospective Varsity Athletes! If you intend to try out for one of the varsity athletic teams at MSU your freshman year, please read the following: Notify the respective MSU coach (c/o MSU Athletic Department) of your intentions. While still in high school you should, through your high school, send the appropriate forms to: NCAA Clearinghouse 2255 North Dubuque Road P.O. Box 4044 Iowa City, IA 52243-4044 In addition to the forms you are completing as a potential student athlete, your school must also enclose – if it has not already been forwarded to the Clearinghouse – the NCAA 48-H Academic Course form and a copy of your high school transcript. You need to make sure an official copy of your test results has been released to the Clearinghouse as well. Upon graduation, the Clearinghouse will require that you send them a final high school transcript, which must be stamped with your graduation date. NOTE: Failure to forward all necessary forms to the NCAA Clearinghouse will result in you not being permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletic events. Any questions regarding this student-athlete information should be referred to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships at: 250 Administration Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-0590 517/355-8332 Information for: Students with Disabilities Accommodations at AOP for students with disabilities may be requested at least two weeks prior to your AOP attendance date by contacting the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). Many accommodations require more advanced planning and coordination, thus earlier notification is essential. Confidential Disability Registration: http://myprofile.rcpd.msu.edu RCPD Phone: 517/353-9642 TTY: 517/355-1293 Website for Info: www.rcpd.msu.edu Students with disabilities must provide medical/psychological documentation to support a substantial limitation of a major life activity. Visit the RCPD web site for a more detailed explanation of required documentation. A campus walking tour is included in your AOP. If you need accommodations, please notify the AOP office in advance of your program date so alternate arrangements can be made. If you require personal assistance for dressing, eating, carrying items, or moving around, please discuss this with RCPD. Information for: Financial Aid While you are on campus for your orientation, feel free to stop by one of the two Financial Aid offices on our campus: 252 Student Services -or - 150 Administration Bldg Telephone: 517/353-5940 More financial aid information (http://www.finaid.msu.edu) Information for: Commuter Students Some Tips Relax in a residence hall lounge, study between classes, meet other MSU students. Get a meal plan if you know that you will be on campus during lunch or dinner. Buying a book of meal tickets could save you money! (http://www.eatatstate.msu.edu/) Set up a Spartan Cash account for snacks or drinks between classes (http://spartancash.com). Think about carpooling with other students living in your area. Use the rideboard in the basement of the Union Building to connect with other commuters. Get involved on campus. Find organizations or groups that interest you by attending the “Sparticipation",Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Auditorium (http://studentlife.msu.edu). Stay connected to campus – Pick up a *State News* while on campus or check it out online (http://statenews.com). Use campus resources to find a child care provider in the area (http://www.frc.msu.edu/financingchildcare.htm). Check with the Student Employment Office to find on and off-campus jobs (http://careernetwork.msu.edu/students/findingajob/). Find a good place to study on or off-campus where you can get your school work/studying done without distractions (http://www.fyi.msu.edu/academics_101/finding_good.html). Don’t forget to update your new address with the Office of the Registrar in Room 150 Administration Building (https://www.reg.msu.edu/StuForms/ChangeAddress/ ChangeAddress.asp). Look for a place to live that fits your needs (http://www.collegerentals.com/). Need a phone number for campus or have general questions? Call 517-355-1855 anytime for a campus operator. Your Commute Register your vehicle and attain the necessary parking permits with the Department of Police and Public Safety (http://www.dpps.msu.edu/mgtserve/permits.asp). Get a CATA bus pass for moving around once you are on campus (http://www.cata.org/msu/index.html). Keep close tabs on construction and weather delays around campus (http://www.aaa.com). Leave time to find a parking space on campus. Listen to books on tape or a lecture during your commute.