Orientation for Transfer and Non-Traditional Students

 

Visit the transfer student guide for more information on transferring to MSU.

 

Learn more:

 

 

General Information

Start Term of Spring 2024

Orientation Registration opens on November 1st

We hope to see you join us at Montana State University for the Spring 2024 semester! If you are ready to reserve your spot in our incoming class, make sure you register for Orientation/Class Registration! Orientation is required for all new students and is when you receive your Spring 2024 class schedule. Signing up for Orientation is viewed as a student's intent to enroll.

MSU’s Spring Freshman Orientation/Class Registration program will consist of an online Orientation component and a half-day in-person program. Both components are mandatory.

Online: The online portion of Orientation must be completed prior to attending the half-day in-person program. During online Orientation, students will progress through an online pathway in our CatsConnect platform. During online Orientation, students will learn about MSU resources and services, explore MSU technology, receive instruction on how to remotely connect with their Academic Advisor, and will register for Spring 2024 classes. Students are not eligible to register for classes until they have registered for Orientation, completed the online pathway, and met with an Academic Advisor.

• The online Orientation pathway for incoming transfer and/or Veteran students will open on Monday, November 27, 2023 (including advising and class registration) and must be completed by Friday, January 12.
• The online Orientation pathway for incoming freshmen, international, and/or non-traditional students will open on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 (including advising and class registration) and must be completed by Friday, January 12.

Students are not eligible to meet with an Academic Advisor and register for Spring 2024 classes until the dates outlined above

In-Person: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 8:00am – 12:00pm noon in the Strand Union Building (SUB). During in-person Orientation, students will progress through information sessions and meet other incoming Bobcats. Once you have registered for Orientation, you will receive further details regarding check-in, parking, etc.

Start Term of Fall 2024

Orientation Registration opens on February 15th

We hope to see you join us at Montana State University for the Fall 2024 semester! If you are ready to reserve your spot, make sure you register for Orientation/Class Registration! 

Orientation is required for all new students and is when you register for Fall 2024 classes. Signing up for Orientation is viewed as a student's intent to enroll.

Transfer and Non-Traditional Student Orientation/Class Registration will be conducted online and will kick off on May 1. The priority deadline to complete online Orientation (including advising and class registration) is June 28.  

• Orientation will be hosted online and will cover several items that students must take care of before meeting with their Academic Advisor. Orientation will include items such as math and writing placement, sending final transcripts, submitting immunization records, etc. Students can complete online Orientation starting May 1.
• Online Orientation is self-paced and does not require students to login at specific times. As you progress through online Orientation, you will schedule a remote appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss course registration. Students cannot register for classes until they complete online Orientation modules starting May 1. 

 

The full Orientation/Class Registration program requires a non-refundable Program Fee that directly covers programmatic costs such as student Orientation Leader pay, online pre-Orientation maintenance, mailings, etc.

Start Term of Summer 2024

Orientation Registration opens on February 15th

Transfer students starting in the summer and intending to continue in the fall will need to complete a formal Orientation/Class Registration session during the summer term before registering for their summer and fall course schedules. Please register for an available Orientation/Class Registration session that occurs before the start of the summer course you intend to take. 

Non-degree seeking transfer students that are only taking classes at MSU for the singular summer term do not need to complete a formal Orientation/Class Registration program to register for their summer courses. These students can contact the Academic Advising Center at (406) 994-3532 to discuss their summer course schedule and register for classes. Please note that if you decide to continue taking classes at MSU during the fall semester, you will be required to complete a formal Orientation/Class Registration program.

 

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 [email protected].

 

Please see our Orientation/Class Registration Frequently Asked Questions for additional questions.

 Back to Top