Orientation for Transfer Students
In an effort to prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, MSU has decided to cancel our in-person summer sessions and transition to an online Orientation/Class registration program this year. At this time, students are still encouraged to sign up for the Orientation/Class Registration session that works best for them to register for their fall semester courses and secure their spot at MSU. From there, we will follow up with them with any and all information pertaining to next steps towards enrolling in fall semester courses. To stay up-to-date on our virtual campus visit programs, and how our office is responding, please visit our virtual visit information page.
Welcome to the Bobcat Family!
Orientation registration for new students attending MSU in the fall of 2020 is now open. Please read the information below for more information on the program, including how to register.
We are very excited for you to join us for the continuation of your college career! Orientation is your introduction to academic and non-academic life at Montana State University. Transfer students are required to complete Orientation to register for fall courses. Through Orientation, students will have the opportunity to:
- Engage with MSU course planning and class registration systems
- Learn how to use University services and resources
- Connect with your Academic Advisor
- Register for fall semester classes
Learn more:
Orientation Registration Information
All new students are required to attend an Orientation. Please see below for more information.
To register for Orientation, click the Register Now button. This will take you to a page which provides instructions on how to access your MyInfo student portal and register for Orientation.
General Information
Summer 2020
Transfer students that are only taking classes at MSU for the singular summer term do not need to complete a formal Orientation session. These students can contact the Academic Advising Center at (406) 994-3532 to discuss their summer course schedule and register for classes.
Transfer students that start school during a summer session and intend to continue in the fall will need to complete a formal online Orientation before registering for fall courses. To register for summer courses, please contact the Academic Advising Center at (406) 994-3532. Then, register for a formal Transfer Orientation session through your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist on MyInfo and follow the instructions that are sent to you to complete your Orientation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Orientation Office at (406) 994-2827, toll-free at (888) MSU-CATS or via email at orientation@montana.edu.
Fall 2020
Transfer students complete the Orientation process by remotely connecting with your Academic Advisor and completing the Transfer Student Checklist (available through your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist after registering for Orientation) on your own. This option requires you to meet with an advisor between Wednesday, April 15, 2020, and Friday, July 17, 2020.
First, register for Transfer Orientation online through the Undergraduate Admissions Checklist. Then, complete each step on the checklist in the order listed. Please contact your Academic Advisor directly to discuss remote advising. You must register for Orientation before contacting your advisor because your transcripts will not be officially evaluated until after you have registered for Orientation. In order for your Orientation to be considered complete, you are responsible for each item on the checklist.
Please schedule your remote appointment with your Academic Advisor at least one week prior to your desired appointment time. Academic Advisors are NOT available without a prior appointment. If you do not already have personal copies of your transcripts from all previous colleges you have attended, please be sure to obtain copies of them to discuss during your remote advising appointment. If you are currently enrolled in classes at the time of your advising appointment, have a copy of your current transcript, including in-progress work, available to discuss during your meeting. Once you have completed your courses, have your final official transcript(s) from all previous colleges or universities sent to us at MSU Admissions Office, P.O. Box 172190, Bozeman, MT 59717 or by secure electronic delivery service such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or Credential Solutions to msuadmissionstranscript@sympa.montana.edu.
If you do not complete your Transfer Orientation and meet with your Academic Advisor before Friday, July 17th, you will be automatically moved to the last session of online Freshman Orientation taking place between July 22nd - August 7th. You will then be required to complete the full online Freshman Orientation program before registering for fall courses.
Specialized Orientations
Veteran Orientation
Register for a specialized Veteran Orientation on your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist and contact the Veteran Support Center at (406) 994-3661 or vets@montana.edu for information.
College of Nursing Students
College of Nursing Students who are attending classes on another campus must register for Transfer Orientation on their Undergraduate Admissions Checklist, but should not come to the Bozeman campus to complete this Orientation option. Please contact the College of Nursing at (406) 994-3783 if you have questions about your requirements.
Additional Information
Immunizations
Students cannot register for classes until all MSU immunization requirements are met. For more information on these requirements, please contact University Health Partners Medical Services or visit the FAQ guide.
Tel: (406) 994-2311 • Fax: (406) 994-2504 • Email: immune@montana.edu
Placement Process
At Montana State University, we use ACT/SAT and/or college-level credit to place students into appropriate Math and Writing courses. Be sure that you have submitted any and all placement materials (ACT, SAT, AP, IB, Dual Enrollment transcripts, etc.) to the Office of Admissions prior to your advising meeting to make sure that the courses you are placed into reflect your abilities and will keep you on the right track toward graduation.
Math Requirements
Mathematics prerequisites are strictly enforced in math, statistics and science courses.
- If you have passed a math course at another university that fulfills the prerequisite for the course you would like to register for, it will be reflected on our Transfer Equivalences webpage.
- To determine your math level, go to the Mathematics Prerequisite Flowchart. You will be allowed to register for the appropriate math course based on your ACT or SAT scores, if submitted to MSU, or transfer credits from another institution. You will need to take the appropriate math course based on this placement.
- If you have any questions regarding mathematics or statistics prerequisites, contact the Department of Mathematical Sciences at math@montana.edu.
Housing
Fill out a housing application through your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist on MyInfo. If you plan on living off campus, you must fill out a Housing Exemption Request Form. Submitting a Request for Exemption from the First Year Live-In Requirement is not a guaranteed approval to be exempt from this university requirement. If you have any questions, please contact Residence Life at housing@montana.edu.
Attendance Confirmation/Fee Payment
Your fall semester bill will be created on or after July 15th, once you have completed Orientation/Class Registration. You can access your semester bill in your MyInfo account. If you have any questions regarding attendance confirmation/fee payment, please contact Student Accounts at studentsaccounts@montana.edu.
Payments can be made in the following ways:
- Online through MyInfo: "Log into MyInfo" by entering your NetID and password, then click on "Electronic Billing and Payment."
- By mail: Mail a check and/or money order with a copy of your online bill to MSU Student Accounts, P.O. Box 172640, Bozeman, MT 59717.
If you have a zero balance due to your costs being paid from other sources such as financial aid, you still need to confirm your attendance. You can do so by contacting the Student Accounts Office or through MyInfo by clicking on the "confirm" button at the bottom of your online bill.
Parking
Visit the Parking Services webpage for information on university parking. For questions regarding parking accommodations, please contact Parking Services at parkingservices@montana.edu.
Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services strives to provide access to all college programs, services, activities and facilities for students with disabilities. This includes encouraging self-advocacy for students and connecting them with resources and support services across campus to help them achieve their personal best. If you would like further information on the Office of Disability Services and the resources and services they provide, please visit the Office of Disability Services website.
Questions? We're here to help.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our
staff at orientation@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.