Orientation
Orientation
Welcome to the Michigan State University community! We’re excited for you to take part in New Student Orientation (NSO) as you begin your journey as a Spartan. NSO is an interactive experience designed to warmly welcome first-year and transfer students while providing the support needed for a smooth transition to MSU.
Our aim is to foster meaningful connections, build a strong sense of belonging, and empower students to take charge of their learning. Through opportunities for academic success, social engagement, and community building, you’ll be supported in navigating campus, exploring your passions, and enhancing your well-being. We prioritize health and wellness, as well as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), ensuring an inclusive and innovative space where all students can thrive. We are excited to join you on this journey as you transition into the MSU community!
The New Student Orientation (NSO) experience for all incoming Spartans is designed around five key checkpoints, offering a blend of virtual engagements and an in-person program just before the start of the semester. Rather than a single event, NSO is a journey that unfolds over time.
Throughout the NSO experience, new students will interact with the D2L (Desire2Learn) online learning platform, complete essential assessments and surveys, meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, tune into student-led podcasts, connect with fellow new Spartans, and more. Explore the NSO Checkpoints below for detailed information and next steps.
Checkpoints 1-4 of NSO are completed over a series of weeks/months leading up to the semester, while Checkpoint 5 is an in-person Orientation program that takes place between Move-In and the first day of classes. All new students are expected to participate.
The NSO journey begins with completing placement assessments (math and/or language), an immunization form, and the NSO Accessibility and Technology survey (Checkpoint 1). Following this, students gain access to the New Student Orientation D2L course, where they will engage with online modules that introduce important resources and departments at MSU (Checkpoint 2). After completing the D2L course, students will be connected with their academic advisor and College to schedule advising appointments and finalize their enrollment (Checkpoint 3). Additional virtual experiences, including the ‘Spartan Orientation Station’ podcast series, webinars, and other social events, will provide further insights into MSU resources for students, families, and supporters as they prepare for the semester (Checkpoint 4). These steps culminate in the in-person Orientation program, held between Move-In Day(s) and the first day of the semester (Checkpoint 5).
NSO Checkpoints – Detailed Overview
Orientation newsletters will be sent to students, families and supporters leading up to the beginning of the semester. These newsletters will contain information for all new students including important campus resources, next steps, and various deadlines. We look forward to communicating with you over the course of the next several months. Use the link below to access our newsletter communications:
NSO Communications and Newsletters
Check out the New Student Orientation Resource Guide and our welcome video below! The guide is full of important information and campus resources for new Spartans and their family and supporters.
Each new Spartan participates in New Student Orientation (NSO) prior to their first semester as an MSU student. By paying your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED) you are automatically registered to participate in NSO. Check out a general NSO Welcome video below for more information about the Orientation experience and checkpoints.