SDSU New Student Orientation: Your Comprehensive Guide

Choosing San Diego State University (SDSU) marks the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with opportunities. To ensure a smooth transition, SDSU provides a comprehensive New Student Orientation (NSO) program. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to navigate your orientation experience and prepare for your academic journey at SDSU.

Why is New Student Orientation Required?

NSO is designed to help new students transition to university life. College is a huge transition, and NSO is designed to help you make that transition to our university as seamless as possible. By attending NSO, you'll gain a strong foundation for success at SDSU.

Who Needs to Attend?

All new undergraduate students, including first-year, transfer, and readmit students, are expected to attend an in-person orientation session.

Consequences of Not Attending

Students who do not attend NSO will be required to complete mandatory SDSU training at a later date, which may cause course registration delays for the next semester. Although NSO is not required, it is highly encouraged.

What to Expect During Orientation

The in-person component of NSO is a one-day program designed to introduce you to various aspects of university life.

Read also: Find Your Perfect SDSU Sweatshirt

Course Registration

A major focus of NSO is course registration. You'll have the opportunity to speak with people who are best suited to assist you in putting your class schedule together. Classes are made available to incoming students based on what they need. Students must attend the entire one-day program in order to register for classes on their orientation date.

Connecting with Campus Resources

In addition to registration, you'll connect with other students and become familiar with campus services. New students receive introductory information and instruction on the university’s resources, advising, student life, policies and procedures and more!

Essential Tasks

You'll also be able to tie up some loose ends, such as picking your meal plan, getting your MyJacks ID mobile credentials, and learning about parking options.

Orientation Dates and Registration

SDSU offers multiple orientation sessions, including 11 first-time student sessions and three transfer/readmit student orientation sessions.

Dates for Transfer Students

Dates for transfer students are offered in August.

Read also: SDSU Student Body Profile

How to Register

To register for NSO, please visit the class page. Orientation registration is not on my.SDSU.

Availability

Not all colleges/majors are represented on each day. Some of the listed dates may be full at the time of making the NSO reservation. Once in the reservation system, the student will be able to choose from ONLY the dates still available for their admitted major/college.

EOP Transfer Bridge Program

Students participating in the EOP Transfer Bridge Program will have their NSO date on Friday, August 1. All colleges will be present on this date.

Special Assistance

You can request special assistance and/or accommodations through our office when registering for orientation by filling out the “special assistance” comment box. If you require a sign language interpreter please let us know well in advance so we can schedule interpreters for you. We do everything we can to take care of special assistance requests; not all requests can be accommodated. Please note, requests for student accommodations through the orientation reservation system do not register the student with SDSU's Student Disability Services (SDS).

Preparing for Orientation

To make the most of your orientation experience, there are several steps you should take in advance.

Activate Your SDSUid

An SDSUid account is required for accessing various university resources. Please visit the Student SDSUid Account Activation page for instructions.

Complete Pre-Orientation Modules

Once you make your NSO reservation, you will be ready to begin the online pre-orientation modules for SDSU. They were created to prepare you for NSO, and to provide you with an introduction and overview of your new home. You’ll learn about campus resources and build a strong foundation for your success at NSO and beyond. Mandatory training for all SDSU students is incorporated into the modules. Please log in and complete the modules with your SDSUid and password. Students should plan to complete the pre-orientation modules in one sitting.

SDSUCard

To receive your SDSU ID card on your Orientation date you will need to complete the steps below by Sunday, June 15.

Immunization Records

SDSU requires that students are current for immunizations as a condition of enrollment. You are required to submit your immunizations and documentation no later than July 15, 2023 through HealtheConnect to avoid a Spring 2023 registration hold.

What to Bring to Orientation

Be prepared for a full day of activities and information sessions.

Electronic Device

New students are expected to bring an electronic device such as a tablet, iPad or laptop (not including smart phones) with them on their NSO day.

Comfortable Attire

There is not a specific dress code for New Student Orientation. We encourage you to pack clothing and shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather on those days. Wear casual clothing (i.e.

Optional Items

Optional: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and money if you plan to shop at the SDSU Bookstore.

Getting to SDSU and Parking

Plan your transportation to campus in advance to avoid any delays.

Public Transportation

We encourage use of the MTS trolley or bus to reach SDSU. SDSU is conveniently located on the MTS Green Line trolley and many MTS stations offer free parking. Google Maps and the Transit App provide directions to SDSU Station via transit. The Green Line Guide is designed to help you navigate public transportation to and from SDSU with ease.

Driving and Parking

If you choose to drive, a paid valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. A valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. Regulations are enforced at all times. Do not park outside the designated parking structure or in any reserved, faculty-staff, or other specially marked space. To pay for additional parking, visitors are encouraged to use the PayByPhone app or a pay station.

Luggage Storage

Luggage can be held at the information booth in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union (first floor, near the bridge).

Parent and Family Orientation

Parent involvement plays a key role in the success of students. SDSU recognizes the importance of family support and offers a concurrent Parent and Family Orientation (PFO) program.

Encouragement for Attendance

While parent/guardian attendance isn't required, we encourage those who can come to do so. College is often a family decision, and we want everyone in the family to feel comfortable with SDSU and its offerings.

What Parents and Families Will Learn

Parent and Family Orientation (PFO) runs concurrently with New Student Orientation and helps establish the partnership with parents and family supporters through sessions and panels that focus on student success resources and tools, college and major requirements, university policies and financial aid.

Aztec Parents Association

The Aztec Parents Association (APA) is an organization dedicated to keeping parents and family supporters involved in their student’s education. Membership makes it easy to stay involved with what’s going on at the university and provides direct invitations to all parent and family supporter events.

Registration for Parents and Guests

As long as there is space available on your orientation date, we should be able to add guests to your reservation. Please note that guests will attend the parent and family orientation which runs concurrently with New Student Orientation. Note: All parents/guests are required to register to attend the Parent and Family Orientation program. We encourage no more than two parents/family members per student to register for summer 2023.

Post-Orientation Requirements

The learning and preparation doesn't end with the one-day in-person session.

Canvas Modules

After your orientation date, you will be expected to complete post-orientation requirements that will be available via Canvas. Modules that you must complete will include Canvas 101, Aztec Culture Education, and Opioid Training and Education.

Additional Information and Resources

Here are some additional points to keep in mind as you prepare for orientation.

Can I Attend with a Friend?

Absolutely.

Can I Rely on a Sibling's Experience?

While we totally recommend that you turn to your sibling as a resource for advice and information on his/her experience at New Student Orientation and SDSU in general, you still need the benefit of going through this process yourself.

Social Media

New Student Orientation is here and there are so many ways to make connections using social media!

Walk-Ins

We will NOT take walk-ins. All participants must be registered to attend.

Children

We do not recommend bringing children under 15 to New Student Orientation. The program is structured with information sessions throughout the day.

Animals

Animals are not allowed in classrooms unless they are certified service animals.

Fees

The First Year Experience (FYE) fee is non-refundable/non-cancellable, and cannot be waived. The no-refund/no cancellation policy applies to the FYE fee and parent/guest fees for orientation. When registering for orientation you are agreeing to the fees and even if you or a parent or family member needs to cancel or is not able to attend, you are held responsible for the fee. The Parent & Family Programs fee is due upon completion of your registration. MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted.

Key Things to Know When Registering

Know your major. Your reservation will be associated with the major in which you were admitted to the university.
Have your guest(s) contact information ready.
Credit Card: As part of the online reservation process, payment may be made by credit card.

Beyond Orientation: Getting Involved

SDSU offers numerous opportunities to get involved and enhance your college experience.

Yellow, Blue & You

Yellow, Blue & You is all about helping you kickstart college right! This is a key time to build good habits, make friends, and feel at home on campus.

Greek Life

Interested in joining AXiD or ChiO register for recruitment and find your home away from home!

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Sept.
Thursday, Sept.
Saturday, Sept.
Monday, Sept.
Monday, Sept.
Wednesday, Sept.
Thursday, Sept.
Thursday, Sept.
Monday, Sept.
Monday, Sept. 15-Wednesday, Sept.
Friday, Sept.
Saturday, Sept.
Sunday, Sept.
Tuesday, Sept.
Thursday, Sept.
Friday, Sept. - Miller Wellness Center: The Welly Sunset Social.
Saturday, Sept.
Thursday, Oct. - University Student Union: Hobo Gear Prep Night and Hobo Week themed activities.
Thursday, Oct.
Saturday, Oct.

tags: #SDSU #student #orientation #guide