Fall 2025 Freshman Orientation/Class Registration - Session #4
This Orientation confirmation page will cover everything you need to know about your
Orientation/Class Registration session for August 17 - August 19.
Please read the information below thoroughly.
Program Overview
MSU's Fall 2025 Freshman Orientation/Class Registration program consists of an online pre-Orientation program and an in-person Orientation program on the MSU campus. Both components are mandatory.
1. Know Your NetID and Student ID
Your NetID is a unique seven character identifier composed of a combination of letters and numbers. It follows the format x99z999.
- If you do not know your NetID, please follow the instructions on the Claim/Reclaim NetID webpage.
Your Student ID (sometimes called MSU ID or GID) is a unique eight-digit number preceded by a dash. It follows the format -02345678.
- If you do not know your Student ID, you can find it on your acceptance letter or in MyInfo. Once you log in, click on the "Personal Information" tab and then click on the "View IDs" link.
2. Fulfill All Immunization Requirements
Students cannot register for their fall semester courses until all immunization requirements are met.
Please submit all required documentation well in advance of the start of your Orientation/Class Registration session to allow time for the documents to be processed and any immunization holds to be lifted.
Visit the Student Health Services website for more information about these requirements and for helpful tips on how to find and submit your documents.
3. Review your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist
Review your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist in MyInfo and take care of any items you have not already completed.
Some items on your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist include:
- Application Requirements
- Financial Aid
- Housing
- Immunization Requirements
- Accept your Scholarship
- Health Insurance Declaration
4. Submit all Final, Official Transcripts to MSU
Please submit all final, official transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and AP/IB scores directly from the awarding institution/testing agency to the MSU Office of Admissions following graduation and exam completion. This information is critical for course selection and can impact course scheduling. We encourage students to send any materials by July 9; however, students should continue to submit resources past this date. We understand AP scores may be pending and we typically receive them in July.
We do not require a high school transcript to be on file prior to your Orientation but we do ask that you have an official copy sent following graduation.
Please login to view your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist in MyInfo to see what information has been received and reviewed. We encourage students to have unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores available during Orientation to discuss with an advisor.
Online Pre-Orientation
Overview
Online pre-Orientation must be completed by Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Students will continue to receive access to the online pre-Orientation after July 9th and should complete online pre-Orientation even if the deadline has been exceeded.
The online pre-Orientation program is hosted on MSU's virtual engagement platform called CatsConnect. Using your NetID and password, you will log in to CatsConnect to start your pre-Orientation "pathway." See the Before you Begin section above if you do not know your NetID.
The pre-Orientation pathway is a series of self paced modules that does not require you to login at specific times. You will want to allow yourself plenty of time to start and complete your pre-Orientation. Some steps require you to take action, and waiting until the last day does not allow enough time to work through all required items.
*Please note: the terms "online pre-Orientation program," "CatsConnect," and "pre-Orientation pathway" are used interchangeably.*
Click here to access your Online pre-Orientation
It takes between 24-48 hours to process your Orientation registration and add you to your CatsConnect pathway. If it has been more than 48 hours (2 business days) since you registered for Orientation, and you still cannot access your pathway, please contact [email protected] or call (406) 994-2827.
In-Person Orientation & Campus Information
Overview & Schedule
Students will check in between 8:00 - 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 17th and will be moving directly into their residence halls for the year.
You must submit an early arrival request form so that you can move in on Saturday, August 16. More information can be found on the Move-in webpage.
During the in-person Orientation/Class Registration program, you will have the opportunity to connect with other incoming students, learn about all aspects of life at MSU from a student Orientation Leader, and most importantly, meet with an Academic Advisor, and make necessary schedule changes.
You will receive a finalized schedule of events when you check in for Orientation. You may also view a sample schedule from a previous year; please note, however, that this schedule is subject to change.
Below is an overview schedule:
Sunday, August 17
Check-in: 8:00 - 11:00 AM Inspiration Hall NAH 201
Welcome to Orientation: 1:00 PM SUB Ballrooms ABCD
Information Sessions & Small Group Activities
Afternoon & Evening Activities
MSU Debut Welcome event - Food Truck Rodeo in Romney Oval
Monday, August 18
Meet Your College & Academic Advisor
Information Sessions & Small Group Activities
Confirm Your Schedule
Afternoon & Evening Activities
MSU Debut Welcome Events
Tuesday, August 19
Move-in
August Orientation students are eligible to move-in on Saturday, August 16.
If you have not already, you are required to submit an Early Arrival Request form. This can be found in the Housing Portal in the "Forms" section. There will be no additional cost to you to move in on August 16. Once you have submitted your Early Arrival Request, you do not need to sign up for a move-in time via the Move-In Time Scheduler. You will receive information on your move-in time once the request is approved.
More information can be found on our Move-In webpage, and any questions or concerns can be directed to the University Student Housing Office at 406-994-2661 or [email protected]. We encourage Orientation session 4 students to plan and allow for enough time to be completely moved in and checked into Orientation by 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 17.
Check-In
To check-in to your Orientation session, please proceed to Norm Asbjornson Inspiration Hall (NAH 201) between 8:00-11:00 AM on Sunday, August 17. Students will receive a QR code to their email prior to the event. You will be required to show this QR code at Orientation check-in.
Course Scheduling
Because our final session takes place in August and coincides with the start of school, MSU works closely with Session 4 students to ensure they are provided a class schedule prior to their in-person program.
During the online pre-Orientation, students are asked to complete an online survey that allows them to share critical information with Academic Advisors. The survey collects information such as schedule needs, incoming credit, academic strengths and interests, and more. Academic Advisors use this information to provide students with a course schedule that sets them up for success and fulfills major degree requirements.
Students will be notified of their fall semester schedule in mid-August. Students are required to attend the in-person Orientation session on August 17-19 to understand their course selection and confirm their schedule, connect with an Academic Advisor in-person, and discuss possible schedule changes.
Parking on campus always requires a parking permit. A temporary parking credential is provided to you during Orientation.
Here is a temporary parking credential that will allow you and your family to park in specific parking lots on campus for the duration of the Orientation program. Please print this credential and place it on your dashboard.
Here is a move-in temporary parking credential that allows you to park at the curb for 30 minutes to move your belongings into your residence hall. Please print this credential and place it on your dashboard when you are moving your belongings in.
These parking credentials are only valid from Saturday, August 16 - Tuesday, August 19 only. Please take care to follow all directions or you will receive a parking ticket.
All Orientation participants should bring:
- Backpack or book-bag
- Pen, pencil and notebook
- Casual clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Toiletries such as a towel, soap, shampoo, etc.
- Optional: Fan for your room (residence hall rooms are not air-conditioned)
Frequently Asked Questions
A more extensive list of questions can be found on our general Orientation FAQ page. If you have a question about Orientation/Class Registration that is not covered on this webpage, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
View our Countdown to Orientation webinar for additional information about Orientation!
Orientation/Class Registration accommodations for Session #4 students that are residing on-campus will start on Saturday, August 16. For students arriving earlier than the 16th, contact the University Student Housing Office to arrange for an early check-in.
montana.edu/housing • [email protected] • (406) 994-2661
Please send us an email at [email protected] and include your full name (the student's full name) so we can help you sign up.
Please contact the Orientation Office at [email protected]. Please also note that we can only make some accommodations based on need, not preference. The Orientation office can work with you regarding your program, but you are responsible for establishing accommodations for your semester. If you have not already been in contact with the Disability Services Office in preparation for your start on campus, we encourage you to contact [email protected] or 406-994-2824.
The first day of the Fall 2025 semester is Wednesday, August 20, 2025
That truly depends on the student and how much they have done in advance. Students can complete the pathway in a day if they are really sitting down and chugging along but we also encourage students to break up these items so that they are getting the most out of their experience. There are important items included in your online Orientation/pre-Orientation such as the writing assessment and math assessment. Students should be prepared to dedicate about an hour to each (in addition to the modules).
Please submit all final, official transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and AP/IB scores directly from the awarding institution/testing agency to the MSU Office of Admissions following graduation. This information is critical for course selection and can impact course scheduling. We encourage students to send any materials by July 9; however, student should continue to submit resources even if this date has passed.
We understand AP scores may be pending and we typically receive them in July. Please login to view your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist in MyInfo to see what information has been sent, received, and reviewed. We encourage students to have unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores available during Orientation to discuss with an advisor.
During our Orientation session in August, students will move into their assigned residence hall room for the year. These students will have the opportunity to move in on Saturday, August 16 in preparation for Orientation programming to start on Sunday, August 17.
Still Need Help?
If you need Usability Support for CatsConnect, need IT Help for Webex, or need NetID login, user account or password support, please call (406) 994-1777. IT Help is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountain Time.
If you have general Admissions or Orientation questions, please contact (406) 994-2452. Admissions and Orientation support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Time.
If your issue is not urgent, you can email a request for help.
- For Admissions questions - [email protected]
- For CatsConnect questions - [email protected]
- For IT Help for Webex and NetID/login issues - [email protected]