Transfer Orientation

Transfer
Orientation

Starkville campus students, explore the available Orientation sessions outlined below. Engaging in Orientation is a crucial step for students to officially confirm their enrollment at Mississippi State University. It provides essential information and resources to help students transition smoothly into their academic journey at MSU. When you sign up, you will need the username and password you used when applying to MSU.

Registration for Spring Orientation for new students entering Spring 2026 will go live on November 18, 2025 at 9 a.m. CT.

Registration for new students entering Fall 2026 will go live on February 2, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT.

Find more information Orientation dates, highlights, Orientation fees, and frequently asked questions below!

Orientation is an exciting event where you and your family members will experience campus and learn about all the resources MSU has to offer. You will meet with your academic advisors to register for classes and gain an overview of your program. Orientation is required for all new students.

Throughout orientation, you will learn about student involvement, meal plans, financial resources, and so much more! You will also have the opportunity to learn from your Orientation Leader about student life and tips to be successful at MSU. We want your transition into MSU to be as smooth as possible and the first step starts with signing up for orientation. We can’t wait to welcome you into our Bulldog family. Hail State!

Sessions

Registration for Spring Orientation for new students entering Spring 2026 will go live on November 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. CT.

Cost to Attend

Spring Orientation Session

Student Fee $85
Guest Fee $50

Program Highlights

Student Involvement

Students will hear from university representatives on how to get involved on campus and learn about different academic and social opportunities for transfer students!

Academic Advising and Class Registration

Students are advised and register for their classes in a group setting with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Registrar's Session

The University Registrar will provide an overview of the course registration procedures at MSU, while demonstrating the university's web registration system.

University Billing Cycle

Student accounts are to be paid in full or enrolled in a payment plan, by August 1st for the Fall semesters, or January 1st for the Spring semesters. Payment plans give students the option to disperse the bill over four months. During Orientation, you can learn more about enrolling in a payment plan and how to access your account to do so.

Dawg Talks

Students will be able to meet their Orientation Leader and other incoming transfer students. During the Dawg Talk, your OL will provide insight on how to make the most of your MSU experience!

Academic College Meetings

Meet with representatives from our academic colleges to learn more about opportunities and services within your academic college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact: orientation@msstate.edu or 662-325-2334

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.

For Spring Orientation, there are no on-campus housing options available. For hotel reservations, we encourage you to book with one of the University partner hotels located adjacent to our campus at msu-hotels.com. For additional information on hotels, restaurants, and shopping within the Starkville area, please visit the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at https://starkville.org.

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.

Maroon U is a required online course through CANVAS with pre-orientation and post-orientation modules to help incoming students become familiar with the University before the start of their academic journey. Students will receive an email with instructions on Maroon U.

Students will need to submit a photo for their student identification card PRIOR to attending their Orientation session. Directions and instructions will be provided in the Maroon U course.

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.

During your scheduled Orientation session, we will offer a variety of sessions where you will have the opportunity to interact with other incoming students. The ZeeMee app is also a great way to connect with incoming students. When classes begin, there will be a number of ways you can connect with other students. You can also join the Transfer Student Association and follow them on Instagram!

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

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. We also recommend that you bring a raincoat and/or umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Students and guests 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.

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 at 662-325-2334 to let us know if you will need alternate transportation or special assistance.

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

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.

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