Upcoming New Student Orientation Programs

Michigan State University is committed to helping you achieve your goals. By preparing for and participating in your New Student Orientation experience, you will begin to learn more about your campus community and the resources to be a successful Spartan.

The New Student Orientation experience is designed to welcome our new transfer students into the MSU community. All transfer students will participate in an interactive and engaging orientation experience.

Studying outside

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION OVERVIEW

The New Student Orientation (NSO) experience is structured around five checkpoints designed to guide all new transfer students as they begin their Spartan journey. Throughout NSO, transfer students will learn about MSU academic success strategies, helpful resources, specific College requirements, and will begin to build community with other incoming Spartans. Students will also meet with an academic advisor to discuss and enroll in courses. To further enhance the experience, virtual engagement opportunities will be available, connecting students to various campus resources to support their transition to MSU.

Students, families, and supporters will be receive detailed information about the five checkpoints, covering advising, course enrollment, podcasts-through bi-weekly newsletters via email. These communications will begin well in advance of the  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 take place in a series of five checkpoints in the months leading up to your first semester at MSU. Orientation will consist of virtual components and an in-person experience that takes place prior to the start of the semester, which all new transfer students are expected to attend. One of your first tasks will be to complete the New Student Orientation course through our Desire2Learn, or D2L, online learning platform. This self-paced course will help 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 will also review information about your College/major that will prepare you for your academic advising appointment. Once you have fully complete the NSO D2L course, you will receive a confirmation email and be referred to your College or advisor. They will provide you more information about your advising appointment and next steps for enrollment.

NOTE: Your academic advisor will contact you with information about your advising appointment and enrollment only AFTER you have completed your 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 assessment and other pre-Orientation survey tools.
  2. NSO D2L Experience – Complete your D2L virtual  course to explore MSU and the resources available to support all students.
  3. Advising & Enrollment – Connect with an academic advisor to discuss 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 will take place prior to the start of the semester.