Background Image Alternative Text: Incoming students having their picture taken at the photobooth during Orientation.

Overview

Ready to become a part of our Bulldog Family? Start by signing up for orientation today! Orientation is an on-campus personalized experience for you and your family members. Join us for a variety of events and information sessions as we share all the resources MSU has to offer. You will meet with your academic adviser and departmental representatives to register for classes and gain an overview of your program – so no need to stress! Throughout orientation, you will learn about student organizations, meal plans, residence halls, financial resources, and so much more! You will meet with current students here on campus and learn about their experiences as you prepare to transition into an exciting new phase of life. We can’t wait to welcome you into our Bulldog family. Hail State! 

Meet Your Orientation Leaders 

Freshman Orientation
Sessions

Sign Up NOW for Orientation 2024!

The full schedules for each Orientation can be found here.

For the two-day sessions, Day 1 will start at 11:30 a.m. and end around 4 p.m. on Day 2.

For one-day sessions, the start time is 8:00 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m. 

Please do not make travel or lodging plans until you have registered for an Orientation session.

Summer School Orientation

For entering freshmen or transfer students starting classes for summer terms. 

Register Now! for Summer School Orientation on 31 May More Information for Summer School Orientation on 31 May
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Scholars 1 Orientation

For entering freshman students with a 30 ACT AND 3.75 GPA OR have accepted their invitation to the Shackouls Honors College. 

Full! for Scholars 1 Orientation on 3 June
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Scholars 2 Orientation

For entering freshman students with a 30 ACT AND 3.75 GPA OR have accepted their invitation to the Shackouls Honors College. 

Register Now! for Scholars 2 Orientation on 6 June More Information for Scholars 2 Orientation on 6 June
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Freshman 1 Orientation

Full! for Freshman 1 Orientation on 10 June
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Freshman 2 Orientation

Full! for Freshman 2 Orientation on 13 June
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Freshman 3 Orientation

Full! for Freshman 3 Orientation on 17 June

Cost to Attend

2-Day Sessions

Students $140
Guests $85

1-Day Session

Students $100
Guests $60

Program
Highlights

Academic Advising and Class Registration

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

Dawg Talks

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

Dawgs After Dark

For our 2 Day sessions, students are encouraged to attend Dawgs After Dark, a night activity after Day 1. There will be silent disco, games, and fun!

Academic College Meetings

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

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. 

Background Image Alternative Text: Tulips on campus

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If I attend a later session, will I still get the classes they need? 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.

 

  • Is there housing available during the orientation sessions? Orientation Housing is available at Magnolia Hall. For more information on registration for Orientation Housing and check-in times, click here. NOTE: You must be registered for an Orientation session FIRST before registering for Orientation housing. 

 

  • What is the Maroon U course? Maroon U is an 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. 

 

  • When do I make my student ID? 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 after May 1st.

 

  • What does the cost to attend payment for orientation sessions cover? For the two-day events, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, meals including our infamous MSU ice cream, the orientation guide, night activity, student ID, and Orientation bag with a t-shirt, pen, name tag, and the student's Hail State flag. For the one-day events, the cost to attend covers the one-time registration fee, the orientation guide, student ID, a lunch meal voucher, infamous MSU ice cream, and Orientation bag with a t-shirt, pen, name tag, and the student's Hail State flag.

 

  • I have not yet submitted the required immunization form. How do I submit my immunization records and when is the deadline? 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.

 

  • Will there be a way to connect with other incoming students during Orientation so I can make friends before classes start? 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 in the fall, there will be a number of ways you can connect with other students, such as Dawg Days.  You can also participate in New Maroon Camp before fall classes begin. 

 

  • How will I register for classes? 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 at that time. 

 

  • Why should I sign-up for an Orientation Session? 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! 

 

  • What if a session becomes full and it is the only one that I can attend? In order to provide each student and parent/guardian the individual attention needed to successfully enter Mississippi State University, Orientation sessions are capped. Registration for each session has a first-come, first-served policy. Students can contact the Orientation office at (662) 325-2334 and be placed on a waitlist if space becomes available. It will be honored on a first-come-first-served basis. 

 

  • What should I bring to Orientation? 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 (it will be hot!). 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.

 

  • I have mobility issues. Can I still participate in Orientation? 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.

 

  • I have a disability. What accommodations can be made during Orientation? 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.

Contact Info: orientation@msstate.edu