Frequently Asked Questions

New Student Orientation is a required program for all entering undergraduates at MSU to assist in the transition process between admitted student to enrolled student at the university. See details by using the link under RELATED LINKS that corresponds with your entry term/year at MSU. 

Yes. Effective Fall 2015, the MSU Board of Regents authorized a mandatory, one-time $75.00 Student Orientation Fee for all new freshmen and transfer undergraduate students. The fee covers the orientation programming, staffing, technology and materials provided to the incoming student at either the on campus or online orientation. This fee is added to the student's MSU account and is not a fee that must be paid in advance.

You do not need a specific invitation to complete New Student Orientation, however, you must be accepted for admission to MSU prior to completing Orientation.

On-Campus: Up to 2 parents or guests are welcome to attend the on-campus Orientation with each student, however, it is NOT required. There is a $10 per parent/guest fee. During the New Student Orientation sessions hosted each summer for incoming fall students we host presentations specifically for attending parents/guests. 

Virtual: We have content prepared specifically for parents and family members at the "Parent & Family Orientation" tab under RELATED LINKS.  

Yes, New Student Orientation is a required program for all entering undergraduates at MSU. You can complete online orientation to take care of this requirement. 

First, complete university Online Orientation using the link that corresponds with your entry term (Spring, Fall, etc.).The Online Orientation will cover basic academic, financial and involvement information for new students. Second, attend the Mandatory International Student Meeting hosted by the Global Education Office. Additional details regarding the Mandatory International Student Meeting will be provided to you by the Global Education Office.

Students new to MSU for the Summer or Fall semesters can begin registration for courses in mid-April and students new to MSU for the Spring semester can begin registration for courses in mid-November! You will need to meet with an Academic Advisor first. Go to the Academic Advising at MSU page to make an appointment with your Academic Advisor. 

An Academic Advisor is a member of the faculty or staff who guides you in the selection of courses and progress toward degree completion via a degree plan. MSU’s Academic Advising model relies on Academic Advisors assigned to each college who report to college deans to coordinate student progress toward degree. Undecided students are advised through the Tutoring & Academic Support Programs (TASP) Office. Student-athletes work with an Academic Advisor (or faculty advisor) to create a course schedule; once they have done so, they must also meet with the Student-Athletes Academic Coordinator.

For a list of Advising contacts visit the website for Academic Advising

Spring 2023 classes will begin Tuesday, January 17, 2023. 

For more information on when other terms begin, please visit the respective Academic Calendar hosted by the Office of the Registrar. 

MSU uses registration holds on student accounts to make sure all required items are completed before an incoming student can register for or begin classes.

Common holds for incoming students include: Texas Success Initiative (TSI), Meningitis, Advising and/or Orientation.

These holds must all be cleared/removed before a student can begin the semester.

Organizationally, the New Student Orientation Team is within the Admissions Office.

Please send an email to orientation@msutexas.edu. Be sure to include your full name and Mustangs ID number when emailing so we can best assist you.

You can also reach us by phone at (940) 397-6284.