New Student Orientation is a program that is required for all new, entering undergraduates at MSU Texas. Whether you are a first year student or transferring, getting started at MSU Texas is a big step. For Spring 2026, all new students will complete NSO online.
- About the Orientation Hold on your student account. An active Orientation Hold will prevent you from registering for classes until you have completed your orientation requirement. Beginning 6 December 2025, students must complete Online NSO PRIOR to enrollment.
- What happens after you complete your Online NSO? Once you have successfully completed all required modules, the New Student Orientation staff will lift your Orientation Hold from your MSU student account and send you a confirmation email of the requirement being satisfied.
- Processing and confirmation usually take around 1-2 business days following completion of the required Online Orientation modules.
- TIP: Ready to start your Online NSO? Make sure to have your Mustangs ID handy when you create your account. Progress and completions are tracked using your Mustangs ID. [*MXXXXXXXX, no "!"]
If you're having problem registering please contact orientation@msutexas.edu.
TSI Requirement
THIS STEP MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO ADVISING AND REGISTERING FOR CLASSES!
What's the TSI? The Texas Success Initiative Assessment is essentially a placement exam, used to determine the right level of math and English courses for each incoming new student. For more information on the testing requirement, interpretation of scores and exemptions to testing, visit the Registrar's TSI webpage.
Need to take the TSI? Follow the registration instructions on the Testing Services page. If you're not sure if you need to take the TSI or if you have other questions, contact your Admissions Counselor.
Academic Advising & Registration
Academic Advisor contact information is listed on our Academic Advising at MSU page. Contact your Advisor to schedule an advising appointment. This is required before registering for classes!
Orientation Fee
A mandatory, one-time $75.00 Student Orientation Fee is charged to all new first-year and transfer undergraduate students. This fee is added to the student's MSU Texas account and is not a fee that must be paid in advance or before completing the orientation. The fee covers the orientation programming, staffing, technology and materials provided to the incoming student at either an on campus or online orientation.
Questions?
Please contact the MSU New Student Orientation Staff at orientation@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4500.