Orientation FAQ's
- What should I bring?
- I am attending Orientation 2008 with a friend from high school. Can we be placed in small groups together at Orientation?
- Should I bring money to Orientation 2008?
- If I attend an earlier session of Orientation 2008, will I have a better chance of getting classes?
- Is there a program for parents?
- I have not yet submitted the required immunization form. Can I still register for classes?
- I have mobility issues. Can I still participate in Orientation 2008?
- I have a disability. What accommodations can be made during Orientation 2008?
- What if I want to change my major at Orientation 2008?
- Are there housing accommodations available during Orientation 2008?
- What if a session becomes full and it is the only one that I can attend?
- What if I cannot attend any of the sessions of Orientation 2008?
- I need to register early at my Orientation session because I have a prior engagement. Is that possible?
- Will meals be provided?
1. What should I bring?
It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes for walking 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 parents should bring money for meals on the second day (freshman), 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.
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2. I am attending Orientation 2008 with a friend from high school. Can we be placed in Dawg Talk groups together at Orientation?
Students are randomly placed in Dawg Talk groups in order to facilitate early relationship-building and group interaction. For this reason, we do not take
requests for specific Dawg Talk assignments.
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3. Should I bring money to Orientation 2008?
Yes. It would be a great idea to bring money for meals, snacks and beverages during the program. Even though breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on
the first day of freshman sessions and breakfast and lunch will be provided during transfer sessions, you'll need money for any additional meals 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.
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4. If I attend an earlier session of Orientation 2008, will I have a better chance of getting classes?
No. Class availability is divided evenly among the five freshman sessions and the two transfer sessions to allow all students an equal opportunity to register for preferred classes.
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5. Is there a program for parents?
Yes! We have a two-day program for freshman parents and a one-day program for honors and transfer parents. Parents hear from university administrators and
faculty, regarding their students' time here at MSU. Parents will also participate in information sessions regarding Housing and Residence Life, Money Matters,
Greek Life, the Honors College, and a host of other student service opportunities. Orientation 2008 schedules can be found at
at admissions.msstate.edu/orientation/ .
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6. I have not yet submitted the required immunization form. Can I still register for classes?
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 before attending Orientation 2008. The Longest Student Health Center accepts immunization records from physicians and health departments. An MSU Immunization form can be downloaded at http://www.health.msstate.edu/dept/health/forms/mmrform.pdf . Once completed, forms can be faxed to the Student Health Center at 662-325-8888. You will receive an e-mail confirming the receipt of your immunization record. Staff from the Health Center will also be on hand to administer immunization shots at Orientation check-in. If you have general questions concerning the status of your immunization records, please contact the Health Center via e-mail: health@msstate.edu (preferred method) or by phone 662-325-0706.
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7. I have mobility issues. Can I still participate in Orientation 2008?
Yes! Shuttle service will be provided during all Orientation 2008 sessions. Several golf carts will also be available to transport those with mobility issues
to various locations. When you arrive, please notify a staff member so that accommodations can be made.
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8. I have a disability. What accommodations can be made during Orientation 2008?
Please notify the Office of Admissions and Scholarships at 662-325-2224 if you have a disability and require special accommodations. The Orientation 2008
staff team will work with the Office of Disability Support Services to provide assistance during the event.
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9. What if I want to change my major at Orientation 2008?
It is recommended that you do so before attending an Orientation 2008 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.
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10. Are there housing accommodations available during Orientation 2008?
Yes! On-campus housing will be available during summer Orientation sessions in Griffis Hall. Rooms will include individual bathrooms, basic linens, blankets, towels, and washcloths. Shuttle service will be available for transportation throughout campus. Housing accommodations are $50 per room, per night. Students and parents can reserve Orientation Housing when registering for an individual session at admissions.msstate.edu/orientation. Orientation housing, both on and off campus, fills quickly, so please make your reservations as soon as possible. There will be no available on-campus housing during Honors Orientation or Summer School Orientation, as the residence halls are in use by current students.
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11. What if a session becomes full and it is the only one that I can attend?
In order to provide each student and parent the individual attention needed to successfully enter Mississippi State University, Orientation 2008 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.
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12. What if I cannot attend any of the sessions of Orientation 2008?
Students unable to attend Orientation 2008 should contact their respective academic department in July (after Orientation 2008) to schedule an individual registration
session. Students must then meet with an academic advisor within their department of choice and submit a $35 registration fee to the Office of Admissions and
Scholarships in 200 Montgomery Hall. In order to register for classes, students must have submitted a required immunization form and be fully admitted to the university.
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13. 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 schedule.
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14. Will meals be provided?
Yes! Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on the first day of freshman sessions, along with soft drinks and bottled water throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during transfer sessions.
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