Upcoming New Student Orientation Experience

Michigan State University is dedicated to supporting you in reaching your goals. By preparing for and actively participating in your New Student Orientation (NSO), you’ll start to discover your campus community and the many resources available to help you succeed as a Spartan.

The New Student Orientation experiences for both Fall and Spring are designed to welcome you into the MSU community. All First-Year, Transfer, and International students will take part in this interactive and engaging orientation journey.

Studying outside

New Student Orientation Overview

The New Student Orientation (NSO) experience is structured around five key checkpoints, designed to guide all new students as they begin their Spartan journey. Throughout NSO, students will learn about MSU’s academic success strategies, discover valuable resources, understand specific College requirements, and start building a sense of community with fellow Spartans. Additionally, students will meet with an academic advisor to discuss course options and complete their enrollment. To further enhance the experience, virtual engagement opportunities will be available, connecting students to various campus resources to support their smooth transition to MSU.

Students, families, and supporters will receive detailed information about the five checkpoints—covering topics like advising, course enrollment, and podcasts—through bi-weekly newsletters delivered via email. These communications will begin well in advance of the first semester. Students are strongly encouraged to check their MSU email regularly, as important information, next steps, and deadlines will be shared.

What to Expect from Your New Student Orientation (NSO) Experience

Your New Student Orientation will unfold over a series of five checkpoints in the months leading up to your first semester at MSU. The orientation includes both virtual components and an in-person experience that takes place between Move-In Day(s) and the start of the semester, which all new students are expected to attend. One of your first tasks will be to complete the New Student Orientation course through our Desire2Learn online learning platform. This self-paced course is designed to prepare you for the rest of your NSO experience and set you up for success in your first semester at MSU.

In the D2L course, you’ll also explore important information related to your College and major, which will help you prepare for your academic advising appointment. After completing the course, you will receive a confirmation email and be referred to your College or advisor. They will then provide further details regarding your advising appointment and the next steps for enrollment.

Note: Your academic advisor will contact you with information about your advising appointment and enrollment only after you have completed the NSO D2L course.

Below is a general review of the five checkpoints that you can review as you transition into the MSU community:

  1. Getting Started: Begin by completing the required assessments and pre-Orientation survey tools.
  2. NSO D2L Experience: Complete the D2L virtual course to explore MSU and the resources available to support all students.
  3. Advising & Enrollment: Connect with an academic advisor to discuss your academic plan and enrollment.
  4. NSO Engagement Opportunities: Tune into the Spartan Orientation Station podcast series and access other virtual engagement experiences to learn about key MSU resources that will support your transition.
  5. In-Person NSO Program: Join the various Orientation experiences, which take place between Move-In Day(s) and the start of the semester.