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- First-Year Student Orientation
Orientation for First-Year Students (Freshmen) is designed to assist incoming students as they acclimate to college life at Southern, learn about academic advising and course registration, become familiar with the number of resources that support student success, and meet their peers.
View the 2024 Orientation Schedule
The summer orientation program is informative, helpful, and full of Southern spirit! Orientation begins with summer orientation sessions and New Owl Welcome (the days leading up to the first day of class) and continues throughout the first year with extended orientation experiences, varying programs, experiences, and through partnerships with theFirst-Year Experience Program.
Program Goals
- Begin to make social connections with their peers.
- Participate in a group academic advising presentation with an Academic Advisor.
- Meet with an Academic Advisor for individual advisem*nt.
- Register for first semester courses.
- Learn how to prepare for the first semester.
- Meet Orientation Ambassadors.
- Learn about valuable resources necessary for academic, personal, and career success.
- Begin to understand Southern technology which will be important throughout a college career.
Orientation Sessions
- Tuesday, August 6, 2024
- Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Orientation Schedule
To view the full orientation schedule, visit our link tree and navigate to the "Orientation Schedule" section.
How to Schedule an Orientation Session
- Visit theNew Student Orientation 2024 Registration system.
- Select your Orientation Session.
- Use your Admissions Portal credentials to log in and complete the registration form.
- Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email to your personal and Southern email address.
How to Prepare for Orientation
- Continue to visit theNext Steps page
- Establish your Academic Placement as soon as possible.
- Learn how to check SCSU email
- Upload your picture for your student ID
- Follow orientation on social media
- Know what to bring
Academic Placement
- All first-year students (full-time and part-time)must establish a placement level in English and Mathematics beforethey can register for Fall semester courses..
- Students should visitAcademic Placement for New First-Year Students as soon as possible to learn more and to begin the process of establishing their academic placement.
Check SCSU Email
Students will continue to receive information to their personal email address until they attend orientation. However, it is extremely important that they are checking their Southern email regularly as well for important information. Visit Next Stepsand click on “Set-up your SCSU Email Account” for more information.
Upload Your Picture to the Student ID System
Students will receive an email for the SCSU Card Office with a unique link to upload their picture to the system. In order to guarantee receiving a Student ID (Hoot Loot) at orientation, students must upload your picture no later than 48 hours prior to the session.
Digital Orientation (Asynchronous Platform)
All new students are enrolled in Digital Orientation which can be accessed via Blackboard (MySCSU > Blackboard > Organizations > Digital Orientation). This asynchronous platform is specifically designed to complement virtual and in-person programs. Through Digital Orientation, students can learn more about the resources and opportunities available to students. New students will be enrolled in segments once they have been registered for courses.
Follow New Student Orientation on Social Media
What to Bring
- SCSU email address, email password, Student ID number, and MySCSU password. These are important for different portions of New Student Orientation.
- An electronic device (laptop, tablet if possible). We will have a limited number to loan students for the day.
- Comfortable dress and walking shoes. Portions of the day will be spent outside so please prepare for the weather.
- All meals and snacks will be provided at no cost. We recommend bringing extra beverages and a water bottle.
- Overnight bedding: twin XL sheets, pillow and blanket.
Completing your Emergency Contact Form
Before attending orientation complete your emergency contact form in the residence life portal. To completeyour form, follow the steps below:
- Log on to yourMySCSU
- Click on "BannerWeb"
- Select "Student Services"
- Click on "Housing"
- Then choose "Click here to proceed to MyHousing Portal"
- Next to theResidenceLifelogo on the top left, click on the three lines
- Select "Applications"
- Click on "New Student Orientation Check in Forms" "
Information regarding parking, meeting locations, the day’s schedule, etc., will be provided in a confirmation email and posted on this website. VisitFrequently Asked Questions for Orientationfor details on how to prepare. For more information about Orientation, please contact .
Southern is your home. Make the most of every moment you have here.
