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Transfer June/July Orientation
To Do Checklist

Make sure you are prepared! Before coming to AOP, make sure that you have done items 1-9 (and 10-11 if necessary). Click on the links for more information.

  1. Send your official transcripts to MSU
  2. Set up your MSU Net ID and E-Mail account
  3. Pay your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED)
  4. Reserve your spot at Orientation
  5. Take your placement tests online
  6. Fill out the Immunization Self-Report form
  7. On-campus and off-campus housing
  8. Check out MSU’s Schedule Planning System
  9. Explore the MSU Computer Requirement
  10. Change your major (IF NECESSARY)
  11. Change your AOP date (IF NECESSARY)

Information for:

to do checklist

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 fall semester, you will not be permitted to register for spring 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)

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3. Pay your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED)

The nonrefundable $250 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.

If you plan to live on campus, you must submit the Housing Reservation card and a check or money order directly to University Housing.

The deposit is refundable upon your written request until May 1.

Pay your AED

4. Reserve Your Spot at Orientation

If you are a student, the 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:

  1. Transfer students must 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.
  2. Pay the Advanced Enrollment Deposit (this includes your orientation fee) with American Express, Discover, Mastercard, VISA, or Electronic check.
  3. 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

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5. Take Your Placement Tests Online

Math Placement Test
http://www.math.msu.edu/mps/

Transfer students will need to take the Math Placement Test, 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

I am ready to take the MPS exam:
http://mpsexam.msu.edu/documentation/

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 (link: 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://uphys.msu.edu/immunize/index.html

Immunization Form: http://www.immunize.msu.edu

7. On-campus and Off-campus Housing

On Campus

Transfer students must 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.

Roommate requests are due to the Housing Office by May 1. The request must include both student’s names and NetIDs. After May 1, requests are not guaranteed but every attempt will be made to pair you with the student of your choice.

Residence Hall requests on your Housing Reservation Card are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check out our residence halls at:
http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/campus_zones.html

Virtual Tours of Residence Halls:
http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/roomtours.html

Michigan State Housing Website: http://www.uh.msu.edu

Off Campus
http://www.collegerentals.com

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8. 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 Fall and Spring semester 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:

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 also be 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.

Study Abroad
http://studyabroad.msu.edu

MSU’s Study Abroad Program options are among the most diverse, with more than 200 programs in 60 countries on all seven continents. Our programs range in length from two to six weeks to a semester or an academic year, and they are offered during each session, including winter and spring break.

9. 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.

 

10. Change Your Major (if 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.

Depending on the number of credits you are transferring to MSU, certain majors do not accept students without a college specific application or particular course credit. Talk with your adviser during orientation if you have questions.

Note that no major changes are possible after you attend AOP until classes begin in August.

List of Academic Majors:
http://www.reg.msu.edu/UCC/AcademicPrograms.asp

11. Change Your Orientation Date (If Necessary)

Need to change your AOP date? (https://ntweb11.ais.msu.edu/aopsignup/AppLogin.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

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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.

If you require personal assistance for carrying items, or moving around, please discuss this with RCPD.

Information about: Financial Aid

During orientation you will have the opportunity to attend a presentation from the Financial Aid office, “How Will We Pay For College.”

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 Building

Telephone: 517/353-5940

More financial aid information: http://www.finaid.msu.edu

Information about: Credit Evaluation

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 fall semester, you will not be permitted to register for spring semester.

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Information for: Commuter Students

Some Tips

Your Commute

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