FAQ: Orientation

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

For the two-day events, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, meals, the orientation guide, student ID, a t-shirt, and the student's Hail State flag. For one-day events, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, the orientation guide, student ID, a t-shirt, and the student's Hail State flag.

In order to provide each student and parent/guardian the individual attention needed to successfully enter Mississippi State University and due to COVID restrictions, 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 to the Orientation Appeals Committee at orientation@msstate.edu . The Appeals Committee will review all requests and respond back within five business days.

Students get to make their student ID as part of the orientation process. This time will be built into your orientation schedule for the specific event you register for.

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

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

No. The main purpose of our August orientation session is to allow students to register for their fall courses if they have not already done so.

No. The main purpose of our Spring orientation session in January is to allow students to register for their spring courses if they have not already done so.

After our last orientation session during the summer is over, usually mid-July, the university begins the Open Enrollment period for new students. During Open Enrollment, newly admitted students may contact their academic departments and ask to speak to an advisor who can help them register for their fall semester courses. If an advisor is not available or the department does not participate in Open Enrollment, the student is encouraged to participate in August Orientation where they will be able to register for classes. Students who choose to participate in Open Enrollment versus August Orientation will be assessed a one-time $30 registration fee, which will be added to their student account.

Open Enrollment beginning in mid-November is for new incoming students beginning at MSU during the spring semester. During Open Enrollment, newly admitted students may contact their academic departments and ask to speak to an advisor who can help them register for their fall semester courses. If an advisor is not available or the department does not participate in Open Enrollment, the student is encouraged to participate in Spring Orientation, held at the beginning of January, where they will be able to register for classes. Students who choose to participate in Open Enrollment versus Spring Orientation will be assessed a one-time $30 registration fee, which will be added to their student account.

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 team will work with the Disability Resource Center to provide assistance during the event.

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 to let us know if you will need alternate transportation or special assistance.

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!

The best way to contact the Office of Orientation & Events with any additional questions regarding Orientation is by e-mailing our office directly at  orientation@msstate.edu. We will respond to your e-mail within five business days.

Registering for Orientation is the best way to confirm your intent to enroll at MSU. Orientation is an exciting event for incoming freshmen and transfer students (and their families) to gain information that will prepare you for your time at MSU. Students will learn about student life, hear from a variety of administrators, meet other incoming students and register for classes! 

Yes! On-campus housing will be available during summer orientation sessions. Rooms will include individual bathrooms (please bring towels) and two extra-long twin beds with basic linens. Students and parents can reserve Orientation Housing after signing up for an orientation session. To learn more about overnight accommodations on-campus, visit www.housing.msstate.edu/campus-guests/orientation/

You may also find off-campus accommodations at some of our local hotels by visiting www.starkville.org/visit/eat-shop-stay/where-to-stay/

Please DO NOT make any reservations until after you have successfully signed up for an orientation session. 
 

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..

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

No. All students must submit an MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) immunization form before they are allowed to register for classes. It is recommended that you return your completed form at least three business days before attending Orientation to allow time for the form to be reviewed and your information to be loaded into our system. Appropriate documents are immunization records from physicians and health departments. 

Beginning with Spring 2023 enrollment, MSU has partnered with Med+Proctor, a healthcare technology company that supplies student-immunization verification services. Please go to Medproctor.com, create an account using your MSU credentials, and upload your immunization document. You will receive a confirmation email once your document has been reviewed. If you have general questions concerning the status of your immunization records, please contact Med+Proctor at Help@MedProctor.com, or you may contact the Health Center via email (health@msstate.edu - preferred method) or by phone (662) 325-0706

Yes. It would be a great idea to bring money for meals, snacks, and beverages during the program. Even though vouchers will be provided for lunch and dinner during Orientation, 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. 

Students should bring a smart phone, 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.

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. 

Students unable to attend any of the Orientation sessions offered should contact their respective academic department when July Open Enrollment begins (after Orientation) to schedule an individual course registration session. Students must then meet with an academic advisor within their department of choice and schedule their classes for the fall semester. A one-time $30 registration fee will be assessed to the student’s account. In order to register for classes, students must have submitted the required immunization records and be fully admitted to the university.