Freshman Orientation

Orientation is required for all new freshman and transfer students on the main Starkville campus. Orientation is the way to confirm a student plans to enroll at MSU. Orientation is an exciting event for incoming freshmen and transfer students (and their families) to gain information that will prepare them for their time at MSU. Students will learn about student life, hear from a variety of administrators, meet other incoming students and register for classes! For online students, Meridian campus and Gulf Coast campus there is a separate orientation and onboarding process. For more information, visit here.

Orientation Housing is available at Magnolia Hall. For more information on registration for Orientation Housing and check-in times, click here.

Yes, you will get the classes you need, but there might be fewer options for class times. We also open up sections of courses throughout the summer.

For the two-day sessions, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, meals including dinner and our infamous MSU ice cream, the orientation welcome guide, night activity, student ID, and Orientation bag with a t-shirt, cup, pen, nametag, and the student's MSU flag. 

For one-day sessions, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, the orientation welcome guide, student ID, a lunch meal voucher, famous MSU ice cream, and Orientation bag with a t-shirt, cup, pen, nametag, and the student's MSU flag. 

Maroon U is a required online course through CANVAS with pre-orientation and post-orientation modules to help incoming students become familiar with the University before the start of their academic journey. Students will receive an email with instructions on Maroon U. 

Students will need to submit a photo for their student identification card PRIOR to attending their Orientation session. Directions and instructions will be provided in the Maroon U course after May 1st.

Immunization records must be submitted in order to register for classes. The Health Center accepts immunization records from physicians and health departments. MSU has partnered with Med+Proctor to provide immunization-verification services.  To upload your immunization records, first go here and sign in using your MSU credentials, then provide Med+Proctor with the basic information being requested.  You will use your MSU email address for subsequent logins.

If you have general questions concerning the status of your immunization records, please contact the Health Center via email: health@msstate.edu (preferred method) or by phone (662) 325-0706.

The orientation session for Scholars is a full orientation session designed for high-achieving students. The student will not have to attend any other sessions if they attend the Scholars Session. Scholars Orientation is for students with a 30 ACT and 3.75 GPA or who have accepted their invitation to the Shackouls Honors College.

During your scheduled Orientation session, we will offer a variety of sessions where you will have the opportunity to interact with other incoming students. The ZeeMee app is also a great way to connect with incoming students. When classes begin in the fall, there will be a number of ways you can connect with other students, such as Dawg Days. You can also participate in New Maroon Camp before fall classes begin.

Students will be contacted by an advisor prior to their orientation session about course scheduling but students will still confirm their schedule at orientation and can make changes that that time. 

In order to provide each student and parent/guardian the individual attention needed to successfully enter Mississippi State University, Orientation sessions are capped. Registration for each session has a first-come, first-served policy. Students can contact the Office of Orientation and Events at 622-325-2334 and be placed on a waitlist if space becomes available. It will be honored on a first-come-first-served basis.

Students should bring a laptop or tablet in order to register for classes at Orientation. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes (it will be hot!). We also recommend that you bring a raincoat and/or umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Students and guests should bring money for meals, coffee, and soft drinks. Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State will be open throughout the program, as well, for textbook pre-orders, MSU apparel, and other items.

Yes! We will work to provide alternate transportation for those with mobility issues to various locations during Orientation. In order for accommodations to be made, please be sure to include that information when you register for Orientation online; or feel free to contact our office at 662-325-2334 to let us know if you will need alternate transportation or special assistance.

When signing up for an Orientation, there is a place to let us know if you need any special accommodations. You are also more than welcome to contact the Office of Orientation & Events at 662-325-2334 if you have a disability and require special accommodations. The Orientation staff will work with the Disability Resource Center to provide assistance during the event.

Students who apply and are admitted after Orientation can still register for classes by contacting our office at 662-325-2334. Our staff will connect you with an advisor. Note: There will be a $30.00 registration fee for students to register for classes if they are admitted after the Orientation session.