FAQ: Orientation

FAQ: Orientation

Questions

Do I have to make a deposit to secure my admission?

Mississippi State University does not require a deposit to secure admission. The way a student confirms their intent to attend MSU is by registering for orientation.

I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa, but that session is full. What should I do?

Phi Theta Kappa members can sign-up for any available transfer Orientation sessions.

If I attend a later session will I still get the classes I need?

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.

If I want to take summer classes, should I attend Summer School Orientation? Will I register for both summer and fall classes during that time? Will that session offer all the same information as the other sessions?

Yes! For students wanting to attend the first term summer school, they will need to sign-up for Summer School Orientation. During Summer School Orientation, students will register for summer courses and fall courses. If a student is planning to start in second term summer school, they can attend Summer School Orientation or any of the June sessions. Students only need to attend one Orientation session.

If students attend Scholars or PTK orientation, they do not have to attend another session?

The orientation sessions for Scholars and PTK are full orientation sessions designed for high-achieving students. Scholars Orientation is for students with a 30 ACT and 3.75 GPA or who have accepted their invitation to the Shackouls Honors College. PTK Orientation is for students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa.

What does the cost to attend payment for orientation events cover?

For the two-day sessions, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, meals including dinner and our famous 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.

What if a session becomes full and it is the only one that I can attend?

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. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, students can make a written appeal request to the Office of Orientation and Events at orientation@msstate.edu

What if I was admitted to the university after the last Orientation session?

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.

When do I make my student ID?

Once a student signs up for Orientation, they will receive email communication on uploading their student ID picture online. When students arrive at Orientation, they will receive their student ID in person. 

Who should attend Spring Orientation?

Students who have been admitted for the Spring term and will begin classes in January. 

How do I "confirm" that I will be attending MSU?

Signing up for Orientation is how you "confirm" you are attending MSU!

I have a disability. What accommodations can be made during Orientation?

When signing up for an Orientation, you will be able to note any special accommodations on the registration form. For specific questions regarding disabilities and special accommodations, contact the Office of Orientation & Events at 662-325-2334 . The Orientation and Events staff will partner with the Disability Resource Center to provide assistance during the event.

I have mobility issues. Can I still participate in Orientation?

Yes! We will work to provide alternate transportation for those with mobility issues to various locations during Orientation. To request special accommodations , please be sure to include your accommodation request on the Orientation registration form. You can also contact our office at 662-325-2334 for requests on alternate transportation or special assistance. 

If I attend an earlier session of Orientation, will I have a better chance of getting classes?

The earlier you attend orientation the more choices you will have available for class selection (preferred times, professors, etc.). All students, no matter which orientation session they attend, will leave orientation with a schedule that works for their major. The Registrar’s Office works very closely with all departments during orientation to ensure that students leave orientation with the best possible schedule. All students who are registered for an orientation session will be pre-scheduled in 12-15 hours of classes. When a student attends orientation and participates in course registration, they can look at the classes they have been pre-scheduled in, make any changes, ask questions, etc. We have many students who are not able to attend one of our May/June/July sessions, which means students will be registering for classes all the way up until classes begin in August!

Is Orientation required?

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.

What is the best way to contact the Office of Orientation & Events if I have additional questions about Orientation?

The best way to contact the Office of Orientation & Events with additional questions regarding Orientation is by email  at orientation@msstate.edu. You can also contact us via phone at 662-325-2334. 

I need to leave Orientation early, can I register for my classes before the scheduled time in the program?

Students are encouraged to attend a session in which they can fully participate. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until the designated academic advisement and registration time in the orientation schedule..

What if I want to change my major at Orientation?

It is recommended that you change your major before attending an Orientation session. You can do this by e-mailing the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admit@msstate.edu and providing your name, MSU ID number, and the major into which you would like to be placed. You can also change your major through your Admissions portal. Staff members will be available during Orientation to facilitate major changes.

I have not yet submitted the required immunization form. Can I still register for classes?

No, 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.

Should I bring money to Orientation?

Yes. It would be a great idea to bring money for meals, snacks, and beverages during the session. Some meals will be provided during Orientation so it's still a good idea to have extra money on hand in case you need it for additional food or refreshments during your time here on campus. Also, Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State will be open throughout the program, as well, for textbook pre-orders, MSU apparel and other items.

What should I bring to Orientation?

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 (June, July, August - it will be hot!). We also recommend that you bring a raincoat and/or umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Students and parents/guardians 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.

Will I receive one-on-one help with scheduling classes? What will the process be like and how long will it take?

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

What if I cannot attend any of the sessions offered during Orientation?

Since Orientation is required, we provide an Orientation session in August a few days before classes. This would be our recommendation for students who cannot attend the sessions throughout the summer. If you cannot attend any of the orientation sessions offered including August Orientation, contact the Office of Orientation and Events at orientation@msstate.edu or 662-325-2334 to provide further information regarding your situation. 

Are their breakout sessions for parents/guardians at Orientation?

Yes! Parents/guardians hear from university administrators and faculty, regarding their students' time here at MSU. Parents/guardians will also participate in information sessions regarding Housing and Residence Life, Money Matters, Greek Life, and a host of other student service opportunities.