Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of Attending New Student Orientation, and Parent and Family Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO) provides students with a strong foundation for success at SDSU. NSO is for all new first-year, transfer and graduate students. All new students are expected to attend orientation. In addition to registering and/or finalizing their fall or spring course schedule, new students receive introductory information and instruction on the university’s resources, advising, student life, policies and procedures and more! Attendees also participate in activities aimed at facilitating a sense of community, belonging, equity and inclusion. Below are the benefits listed in the about section.
- Register for classes and/or finalize your course schedule
- Complete mandatory SDSU trainings the day-of your orientation
- Learn about your general education (GE), major and graduation requirements
- Engage in essential academic planning
- Learn to use SDSU’s registration system and other my.SDSU services
- Meet with staff, advisors, and trained SDSU student Ambassadors
- Learn what it means to be a responsible member of the SDSU community
- Embrace SDSU’s values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Start making SDSU your new home by meeting new friends
Parents and family supporters contribute to student success. Parent and Family Orientation (PFO) runs concurrently with New Student Orientation and helps establish the partnership with parents and family supporters through sessions and panels that focus on student success resources and tools, college and major requirements, university policies and financial aid. By attending PFO, parent and family supporters learn more about their role as coaches in their student’s transition and success at SDSU. Below are the benefits listed on the about page.
- Become a member of the Aztec Parents Association, a seamless process to begin getting information from SDSU
- Receive the pre-orientation modules full of valuable information to help you support your student at SDSU
- Learn how to contribute to the personal development and academic success of your student
- Be introduced to programs, resources and student support services
- Learn about your student’s academic program and campus policies and procedures
- Connect with faculty, staff, and student leaders who will impact your student’s experience
Fees
The one-time First Year Experience (FYE) fee* is for all new students (first-year, transfer, and graduate) and covers placement in a Student Success Pathway, Coordinated Care Advising for first-year students, course selection assistance for all new students, Pre-Orientation modules, New Student Orientation, Student Handbooks, Post-Orientation modules and SDSU swag. The FYE fee also covers other activities, including: New Student and Family Convocation, Welcome Week, Aztec Nights and more.
- Parent and Family Orientation
- The day includes a parent handbook, resources and information provided by faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders. Sessions and panels that focus on college and major requirements, university policies, and financial aid. Parking on campus, campus tours, an information fair, and lunch are also included.
- Aztec Parents Association
- Parent involvement plays a key role in the success of students. The Aztec Parents Association (APA) is an organization dedicated to keeping parents and family supporters involved in their student’s education. Membership makes it easy to stay involved with what’s going on at the university and provides direct invitations to all parent and family supporter events. Members have access to a knowledgeable, personal contact in the Office of New Student and Parent Programs.
- Advantages of APA
- Invitations to engage in special events like New Student and Family Convocation, and Family Weekend.
- Monthly newsletters specifically for parents and family supporters.
- Membership into the Official SDSU Parents and Family Facebook group.
- Biannual News for Aztec Parents magazine mailed directly to you.
- A direct connection to the university when you have a question or need assistance through the Parent Liaison.
- Campus discounts during various university events.
- Discounts at Bartell Hotels in San Diego.
The First Year Experience (FYE) fee is non-refundable/non-cancellable, and cannot be waived. There are no refunds/bill cancellations for any reason, including but not limited to no shows or students whose admission has been rescinded by the University, as stated on the website and the reservation system. The no-refund/no cancellation policy applies to the FYE fee and parent/guest fees for orientation. When registering for orientation you are agreeing to the fees and even if you or a parent or family member needs to cancel or is not able to attend, you are held responsible for the fee. This fee is similar to the $400 non-refundable Intent to Enroll fee.
New Student Orientation Reservations
First, review ALL NSO information on our website. Then, register for NSO at the bottom of your class page, whether you’re a first-year, transfer, or graduate student. Orientation registration is not on my.SDSU. Do not make travel arrangements until after you have reserved a date for NSO.
Please visit the Student SDSUid Account Activation page for instructions. You will need to know your SDSUid and password at orientation to log in and register for classes.
Please direct any questions regarding the GET application to [email protected] using your SDSU Gmail address.
As long as there is space available on your orientation date, and there is a concurrent Parent and Family Orientation program, we should be able to add guests to your reservation. You will need to call the Office of New Student and Parent Programs at 619-594-1509 or email [email protected] to check availability and update your reservation.
You can request special assistance and/or accommodations through our office when registering for orientation by filling out the “special assistance” comment box. If you require a sign language interpreter please let us know well in advance so we can schedule interpreters for you. We do everything we can to take care of special assistance requests; not all requests can be accommodated. Please contact New Student and Parent Programs (619-594-1509) or email [email protected] if you would like more information or if you need to add an accommodation to your reservation after it has been completed.
Please note, requests for student accommodations through the orientation reservation system do not register the student with SDSU's Student Disability Services (SDS). To register with Student Disability Services, please visit their website.
Registering for Classes
In order to register for courses on your NSO date, you must complete the pre-orientation modules the day before your NSO date at 7:59 p.m. PT., submit your final transcripts, and attend the entire in-person NSO program.
Classes are made available to incoming students based on what they need. Classes required for first-year and transfer students are closely monitored and new class sections are added weekly.
Your enrollment appointment will change when you attend the full day in-person NSO program.
Parent and Family Program Specific Information
We do not recommend bringing children under 17 to New Student Orientation. The program is structured with information sessions throughout the day. Animals are not allowed in classrooms unless they are certified service animals. Here is more information regarding SDSU's animal policy.
Parents should sign up for the Aztec Parents Association online to stay connected and informed.
Parents and families are highly encouraged to attend New Student and Family Convocation. Welcome Week and Aztec Nights events are for SDSU students only.
Preparing for Your Orientation Date
New students are expected to bring an electronic device such as a tablet, iPad or laptop (not including smart phones) with them on their NSO day.
- Bring valid picture identification, like a United States Driver’s License/Real ID, United States ID card, Passport or Military ID.
- Wear casual clothing like a light jacket, hat/sunglasses and comfortable shoes for walking around campus.
- Bring an electronic device like an iPad, tablet, or laptop. Mobile devices are not recommended as they do not support the full experience.
- Optional: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and money for shopping at the SDSU Bookstore.
Please visit the Testing Services Office website or call 619-594-5216 for answers to all of your testing questions.
Out-of-State Students, Parents and Families
Luggage can be held at the information booth in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union (first floor, near the bridge). Please ask any of our staff or student Ambassadors for directions to the booth when you arrive on the morning of your orientation.
EOP Students, Parents and Families
No, EOP First Contact is a different program than New Student Orientation. Students in EOP would go to both EOP First Contact and New Student Orientation on Saturday, July 13.
- For first-year students, your orientation date is Saturday, July 13. This date includes the Spanish speaking Parent Program.
- For transfer students in EOP Transfer Bridge, your orientation date is Friday, August 2.
- EOP students not in EOP Transfer Bridge may choose any orientation date available when you register.
International Students, Parents and Families
Yes, you are expected to attend New Student Orientation.
