Orientation FAQs

New Student Orientation FAQ Overview

The New Student Orientation (NSO) experience will be consist of virtual content engagement and an opportunity for students to connect in-person prior to the beginning of the semester. Students will complete a series of five checkpoints as they make their way through the Orientation experience.

All important information, next steps, and deadlines for NSO will be shared through a series of bi-weekly e-newsletters, so be sure to check your email frequently. Because orientation sets the stage for student success, all students must participate in a NSO experience, unless you meet specific exemption criteria. Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions, which may help as you navigate the Orientation experience.

Note: If you do not complete NSO, MSU reserves the right to cancel or defer your admission.

Registering for a New Student Orientation Experience

If you have not yet submitted your Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), you must do so to be registered for a New Student Orientation (NSO) experience. Log into your account to check your status. Submission of your AED automatically registers you to participate in all Orientation activities.

Frequently Asked Registration Questions

What does New Student Orientation at MSU look like?

New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed to be an engaging experience that aims to welcome new students (and their families and supporters) to our community while supporting their transition to and success at MSU. NSO occurs as a series of five checkpoints that all students will complete leading up to the beginning of the semester. Students are required to successfully complete all checkpoints before the semester begins. After paying your Advanced Enrollment Deposit, we will begin to send you bi-weekly e-newsletters (starting in March for Fall 2024 new students) to help complete the series of checkpoints. Be sure to check your MSU email often to stay updated on general information, next steps, and deadlines.

I paid my Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED) now what?

First, CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME to the Spartan Family! The New Student Orientation experience will officially launch in May 2024 (for Fall new students) and will include various engagement opportunities leading up to classes beginning in August. New students are encouraged to begin their Orientation experience as soon as they receive communication from the NSO Office. Checkpoint 1 includes completing the Math Placement Assessment, the Access & Technology survey, and a few other surveys and assessments. Students can begin submitting these items at their leisure as they prepare for Checkpoints 2-5. Please note that students will start to receive information from various other departments (i.e. Housing, Financial Aid, and others), so we recommend that you check your MSU email often to adhere to important deadlines from the NSO Office and other departments.

Why is my Orientation comprised of both virtual and in-person components?

The virtual NSO experience – occurring throughout May, June and July for Fall new students – will provide students, families and supporters with important information as they prepare for life as an MSU Spartan. Not all students can travel more than once to campus, nor take the time off work/school, so we provide virtual Orientation experiences to highlight information equitably and in ways all students can access worldwide. The ‘Fall Welcome’ in-person orientation experience, which occurs between move-in day(s) and the first day of classes, is an event that all new students are expected to attend. This student-only experience is a great way to learn more about sense of belonging, community building, campus wayfinding, academics, health & wellness, and so much more. Participating in both virtual and in-person orientation experiences will help to prepare students as they transition to MSU.

How do I know when I have completed the January or Summer New Student Orientation virtual D2L course?

Once you complete all five modules within the online NSO D2L course and have confirmed your College/major selection at the end of the Part 5 Module, you will receive a confirmation email. The email will come directly from d2l@mail.d2l.msu.edu and include the subject line ‘NSO Experience D2L Course Completed!’

Why is there an Orientation hold on my account?

As you navigate your five checkpoints, you may notice that an NSO hold has been placed on your account. The hold will be removed by your advisor once you have scheduled AND attended your advising appointment. Please direct any and all questions about your NSO hold to your advisor or College once you have been connected.

Why did my friend get to meet with their Academic Advisor before me?

Meeting with an Academic Advisor and completing the course enrollment process is dependent on a few factors. All students must complete the NSO D2L experience course before they are refereed to an academic advisor to discuss advising and enrollment for the upcoming semester. Each College manages their advising appointments differently, so please be patient and make sure to check your MSU email often as your advisor will be connecting with you directly to schedule an appointment and discuss next steps. We encourage students to direct all questions about advising to their College/advisor.

NOTE: Students who are participating in an additional MSU program (i.e. Honors) may also have to complete additional steps prior to meeting with their College/Major Academic Advisor. Communication about these steps will be shared with students via their MSU email by those specific programs.

What happens if I do not complete my orientation experience?

All new students must complete their new student orientation experience, unless you meet very specific exemption criteria. Please note that if you do not participate and complete your NSO experience (i.e. the NSO D2L course), MSU reserves the right to revoke your admission. Please contact the NSO office if you have questions about this process.

What placement tests are required to complete prior to meeting with my academic advisor?

There are two placement assessments that are available to students: the Math Placement and the Foreign Language Placement. These two assessments provide important insights as you prepare for advising appointments. Students should complete the necessary assessments prior to their advising appointment as it will help to determine what courses you may need to take.

What is the in-person Orientation experience during Fall Welcome and why is it important that I participate?

Fall Welcome is comprised of a campus-wide series of events that provide all new students with an opportunity to learn and engage more with other new students and the rest of the MSU community through fun and exciting programming. Students will participate in a New Student Kick-Off and Fall Convocation event in the Breslin Center, interact with resources during our Campus Open House adventure, attend a MSU Carnival, engage with fellow new students during Sparticipation (MSU’s club and organization fair), connect with their academic programs during College Colloquium, and so much more.

Participating in Fall Welcome is important because it helps introduce students to MSU and focuses on community building, campus wayfinding and engages students in important conversations regarding sense of belonging, academic success, public safety, health & wellness, and so much more. Be sure to check out the Fall Welcome program events – both past and present – by visiting the Office of Spartan Experiences.

Spring new students will have a similar in-person experience, which will occur right before the semester begins.

What if I have never been to campus before? Am I able to visit over the summer even though NSO programming throughout May, June, and July will be virtual?

The Office of Admissions continues to offer campus tours to prospective students. If you would like to schedule a visit and receive an official tour of campus, please contact the Office of Admissions directly.

What if I have other questions that have not been answered?

Please check out another robust Frequently Asked Questions, which was assembled by the Office of Registration to help students navigate their transition to and time at MSU. Otherwise, please contact the NSO office at 517-884-8490 or email at nso@msu.edu for more assistance.