Transfer Student Checklist

Wondering what you need to do during New Student Orientation (NSO) and your transition to MSU? Below is a breakdown of five checkpoints, you’ll need to complete:

• Checkpoint 1: Getting started – All new undergraduate transfer students must complete the following tasks to start their NSO experience. These include submitting the Access & Technology survey, an Immunization Form, the Math Placement Assessment, and the Language Placement Assessments (if required by your major). It’s important that all new transfer students entering the Fall semester complete these assessments and survey tools before their academic advising appointments and course enrollment in June and July. New transfer students entering the spring semester should aim to complete these tasks in October and November before their advising and enrollment in January.
• Checkpoint 2: Complete NSO D2L Experience Course – All new students are required to complete the virtual New Student Orientation Desire2Learn (D2L) experience course. This interactive online module course will help students learn more about MSU while identifying key resources prior to the beginning of the semester. Fall new students can access the NSO D2L course starting in May, while  Spring 2025 transfer students will gain access to the online NSO D2L experience course in November.
• Checkpoint 3: Advising & Enrollment – After fully completing the NSO D2L experience course, students will be connected with an advisor to schedule an academic advising appointment and discuss course enrollment. Completion of the NSO D2L course is required before meeting with an advisor. After finishing the NSO D2L course, it is essential to monitor your MSU email (including junk folders) for important messages from your advisor regarding the advising and enrollment process. Fall new transfer students will begin their advising and enrollment experiences in June, whereas Spring 2025 transfer students will have access to advising and enrollment in January before the semester begins.
• Checkpoint 4: NSO Engagement Opportunities – NSO offers podcasts and other virtual programming to assist students during their transition to MSU. This content will connect students, families, and supporters with various campus resources. Bi-weekly e-newsletters, from NSO will provide updates about our ‘Spartan Orientation Station’ podcast series, webinar topics, next steps, and important deadlines as the semester approaches.
• Checkpoint 5: In-Person MSU NSO Welcome Program – All new transfer students are expected to attend the in-person Orientation program before the official semester begins. The Fall and Spring Welcome programs are specifically designed to help students transition into the MSU community, incorporating various activities and introductions to campus partners. Ongoing e-communication will provide details about MSU billing, residential engagement, and other important resources. NSO Welcome activities will take place between Move-In Day(s) and the start of the semester. Specific dates and times for in-person programming will be shared through bi-weekly NSO newsletters.

NOTE: Transitioning to MSU can involve various departments, so an interactive checklist has been created to help students track progress through NSO. It is important to review the items listed to support to your growth during this Orientation experience!