Orientation Checkpoints

New undergraduate students must complete a few tasks to kick off the NSO experience. These include submitting the Access & Technology Survey, the Immunization Form, the Math Placement Assessment, and (if required by their major) the Language Placement Assessments.

It’s best for new students to complete these assessments and surveys before their academic advising and course enrollment. Incoming fall students should aim to start completing these in March and finish by June. Incoming spring students should finish by October/November in preparation for their respective advising and enrollment periods.

All new students are required to complete the virtual New Student Orientation course on Desire2Learn (D2L).

This interactive module helps students explore MSU and familiarize themselves with essential resources before their first semester.

Incoming fall students can access the NSO D2L course starting in May, while incoming spring students will gain access in November.

After completing the NSO D2L 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 mandatory before meeting with an advisor.

After finishing the course, it is essential that students monitor their MSU email (including junk folders) for important messages from their advisor/college regarding the advising and enrollment process. Incoming fall students will begin their advising and enrollment experiences in mid-June, whereas spring new students will start this process in January.

NSO offers podcasts and other virtual programming to assist students during the transition to MSU. This content will connect students, families, and supporters with various campus resources. Bi-weekly e-newsletters from NSO will share updates on our ‘Spartan Orientation Station’ podcast series, webinar topics, social media engagement, next steps, and important deadlines as the semester approaches.

All new students are expected to attend the in-person orientation program before the official semester begins. The Fall and Spring 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 the bi-weekly NSO e-newsletters. Incoming fall students can expect the first e-newsletter in March 2026.

Still have questions about the New Student Orientation process? Please check out our Student FAQs.