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.

Fall (August) 2024 New Student Orientation (NSO) experience are designed to welcome new transfer students who are beginning in August 2024. All transfer students will participate in an interactive and engaging orientation experience.

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FALL 2024 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

The New Student Orientation experience will take place in a series of five checkpoints. The orientation experience is for all new transfer students beginning their Spartan journey. Students will learn all 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. For additional questions, we will offer virtual podcasts to connect students with various campus resources, which will support their transition to MSU.

Students, families, and supporters will be receiving more information about the five checkpoints, including advising, enrollment, podcasts and more through a series of bi-weekly newsletters via email. These emails will launch many months before the beginning of your first semester. Students are highly encouraged to check their MSU email often as important information, next steps, and deadlines will be included.

THE NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION EXPERIENCE – WHAT TO EXPECT?

Your New Student Orientation experience will take place in a series of five checkpoints that will occur months leading up to your first semester at MSU. Orientation will consist of virtual engagement and an in-person experience at the beginning of the semester. One of your first components of your NSO experience will consist of completing a New Student Orientation course via our Desire2Learn, or D2L, online learning platform. This asynchronous course will help prepare you for the rest of your NSO experience and the beginning of your first semester at MSU.

In the NSO D2L, you will also review information about your College/major that will prepare you for your academic advising appointment. Once you fully complete the NSO D2L course, you will receive a confirmation email and be referred to your College and/or advisor, who will send you more information about your academic advising appointment and enrollment next steps.

NOTE: Your advisor will send you more information about your academic advising appointment and enrollment next steps 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 – complete the necessary assessment and other pre-Orientation survey tools.
  2. NSO D2L Experience – complete your D2L virtual engagement experience course to learn more about MSU and the resources available to all students.
  3. Advising & Enrollment – connect with an advisor to discuss academic advising and enrollment. NOTE: must finish NSO’ D2L course first.
  4. NSO Engagement Opportunities – engage with optional virtual podcasts and student-run help sessions.
  5. In-person MSU ‘Fall Welcome’ program – participate in an Orientation program, which will occur between move-in and the first day of the semester.