What does New Student Orientation at MSU look like?
New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed to provide an engaging and supportive experience for new students, families, and supporters as they transition to life at MSU. NSO is organized into a series of five checkpoints, all of which students must complete prior to the start of the semester. After paying the Advanced Enrollment Deposit, students will start receiving bi-weekly e-newsletters to guide them through the checkpoints and ensure a smooth transition. It’s important students regularly check their MSU email for updates, next steps, and important deadlines to successfully complete each part of the orientation process.
Do I need to register for the New Student Orientation Experience
No, submission of your AED automatically registers you to participate in all Orientation activities. If you have not yet submitted your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), you must do so to start the New Student Orientation (NSO) experience. Log into your account to check your status.
I paid my Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED) now what?
First, CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME to the Spartan Family! The New Student Orientation (NSO) experience offers a variety of engagement opportunities leading up to the start of classes. New students will complete five NSO Checkpoints, which feature both virtual and in-person components. Students are encouraged to begin their Orientation journey as soon as they receive their first e-communication from the NSO office.
Checkpoint 1 involves completing the Math Placement Assessment, the Access & Technology Survey, and other key assessment and survey tools. These items can be submitted at your own pace as you prepare for the next checkpoints. Additionally, students will begin receiving important information from departments like Housing and Financial Aid. Be sure to regularly check your MSU email to stay on track with deadlines from NSO and other campus offices.
I paid my Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED) today and I don’t have access to the NSO Experience Desire2Learn (D2L) course. How do I get enrolled?
After paying the Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), it may take 1-2 business days for students to be enrolled in the NSO Experience D2L course and to gain access to MSU login credentials once the course becomes available to all new students. Please be patient and regularly check your D2L homepage for updated course listings. If enrollment hasn’t occurred after 2 business days, reach out to the NSO Office for assistance. NOTE: Students should check their e-newsletters to confirm the date the NSO D2L officially launches.
Why is my Orientation comprised of both virtual and in-person components?
The virtual NSO experience, held during the months leading up to the semester, provides essential information for new students, families, and supporters as they prepare for life at MSU. Since not all students can travel to campus or take time off from work or other responsibilities, the virtual Orientation ensures that everyone has equitable access to important resources, no matter their circumstances. The in-person NSO program will take place between move-in and the first day of classes, and all new students are expected to attend and participate. Orientation experiences offer an introduction to MSU, focusing on community building, academics, health & wellness, and more. Participating in both virtual and in-person Orientation experiences will set students up for a smooth transition to MSU.
Do I need to complete the NSO Checkpoints in order?
It’s recommended to complete the NSO Checkpoints in order, as the orientation experience is designed to build the necessary knowledge and skills for success at MSU. Checkpoint 1 covers important surveys and assessments, laying a strong foundation for the NSO D2L course in Checkpoint 2. This preparation is essential for advising and enrollment, which take place in Checkpoint 3. All of this happens before the in-person programming in Checkpoint 5.
The exception is Checkpoint 4, which includes virtual engagement opportunities like webinars, the Spartan Orientation Station podcast series, Date With State social events, and social media interactions. These can be accessed at any time throughout the NSO experience.
How do I know when I have completed the NSO D2L course?
Once you complete all modules within the NSO D2L course and have confirmed your College/major selection at the end of the course, you will receive a confirmation message via your MSU email. The email will come directly from d2l@mail.d2l.msu.edu and include the subject line ‘NSO Experience D2L Course Completed!’
Why is there an Orientation hold on my student account?
As you navigate your five checkpoints, you may notice that an NSO hold has been placed on your account. The hold will be removed by your advisor once you have scheduled AND attended your advising appointment during NSO Checkpoint 3. Please direct any and all questions about your NSO hold to your advisor or College once you have been connected after completion of the NSO D2L experience course.
When do I meet with my academic advisor to schedule classes? Why did my friend meet with an advisor before me?
Meeting with an academic advisor is part of NSO Checkpoint 3. All students must first complete the NSO D2L course before being referred to an advisor to discuss advising and enrollment. Each College handles advising appointments differently, so it’s important to be patient and regularly check your MSU email for updates. Your advisor will reach out directly to schedule an appointment and guide you through the next steps. Any questions about advising should be directed to your College or advisor.
Note: Students in specific programs, such as Honors, may have additional steps to complete before meeting with their advisor. These steps will be communicated via your MSU email from those specific program advisors.
What happens if I do not complete my orientation experience?
All new students must complete their new student orientation experience, unless you meet very specific exemption criteria. Please note that if you do not participate and complete your NSO experience (i.e. the NSO D2L course), MSU reserves the right to revoke your admission. Please contact the NSO office if you have questions about this process.
What placement tests are required to complete prior to meeting with my academic advisor?
There are two placement assessments that are available to students: the Math Placement and the Foreign Language Placement. These two assessments provide important insights as you prepare for advising appointments at MSU. Students should complete the necessary assessments prior to their advising appointment as it will help to determine what courses you may need to take.
Note: The first-year Writing Placement Assessment is not required of new Fall 2024 students to complete as the assessment is currently being updated. If you have general questions about what first-year English/Writing course to take and want further guidance as you begin advising and enrollment next steps, please visit the WRAC website.
My advisor/College is requiring me to complete another D2L experience course or take additional steps for advising and enrollment. Do I have to complete these even if I have already successfully completed the New Student Orientation (NSO) D2L modules?
Yes, some colleges require completing their orientation requirements as part of the Checkpoint 3 advising and enrollment process. Be sure to read the email from your academic advisor/College carefully to schedule your advising appointment, prepare for your advising meeting, and enroll in courses successfully.
What is the in-person Orientation experience and why is it important that I participate?
NSO programming at MSU is a series of campus-wide events designed to help all new students engage with their peers and the MSU community through exciting activities. Students are expected to attend the New Student Kick-Off event at the Breslin Center, explore resources during The Spartan Games, Quest, and Campus Open House activities, participate in the Sparty Gras Fall Fest, connect with student organizations at Sparticipation, engage with their academic programs during College Colloquium, among other events.
Attending New Student Orientation is crucial for building a strong sense of community and connection at MSU. It provides opportunities to navigate campus, learn about valuable resources, and engage in important discussions about belonging, academic success, public safety, and health and well-being. These experiences help new students feel more prepared and supported as they begin their journey at MSU.
I already completed New Student Orientation but decided to defer my admission. Do I need to complete NSO again?
Yes, if you completed the NSO experience for a previous semester but deferred your enrollment, you will need to complete NSO again. This is because important information, dates, and program experiences have been updated, and you will also need to schedule a new appointment with your academic advisor to select your courses.
What if I have never been to campus before? Am I able to visit over the summer even though NSO programming throughout May, June, and July will be virtual?
The Office of Admissions continues to offer campus tours to new students. If you would like to schedule a visit and receive an official tour of campus, please contact the Office of Admissions directly.
What if I have other questions that have not been answered?
Please check out another robust Frequently Asked Questions, which was assembled by the Office of the Registrar to help students navigate their transition to and time at MSU. Otherwise, please contact the New Student Orientation office at 517-884-8490 or email at nso@msu.edu for more assistance.
