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First-Year Orientation

During First-Year State Orientation, held in-person on Indiana State's campus, students gain useful insights about their academic major, meet with an advisor to confirm their class schedule for fall semester, and learn about campus resources. This is also a great opportunity to meet other students and staff. All first-year students are required to attend State Orientation. 

First-Year Students

1. Activate your Sycamore Login via the MyISU Student Portal.
  • Your University ID Number can be found on your Letter of Admission.
  • Forgot your password? Use the Reset Password option on the MyISU Portal login page.
2. Confirm your enrollment and Register for State Orientation in your New Student Dashboard.

Registration for spring programs opens in October and registration for summer/fall programs opens in December.

  • Confirmation and reminder emails will be sent only to your university email account and to registered family member emails. If you don't see a confirmation email right away, check your spam folder for emails from orientation@indstate.edu.
  • We encourage you to log into your New Student Dashboard on a regular basis. This is where you can view complete and incomplete items in your checklist of items to do before State Orientation

  • All students will be charged a non-refundable New Student fee on their student bill. This fee will be assessed on your first tuition bill after you register for State Orientation. You do not need to pay it up front, but you are responsible for the fee once you make your NSO reservation. If you do not attend your registered program date and fail to cancel your reservation, prior to the start date, you will be responsible for paying the fee.

    New Student First Year Orientation fees:

    - New undergraduate first-year student: $125
    - New international undergraduate first-year student: $125

3. Set up your university email.
  • Your official form of communication with the University. Check it often!
  • You can login to view it through your MyISU Portal 

Step 1: Take Math Placement Test | University Testing | Indiana State University within 7 days of registering for State Orientation.
Please note: This is required for all new students and will not be offered during the program. Students who have not taken their Math Placement prior will be placed in the lowest math course.

Step 2: Confirm your Housing Intention in your MyISU Portal. This is required for ALL students.

  • Go to the ISU Housing Portal link in your MyISU portal to finish your process.

     

    • Pick your housing community and select your roommate.
    • If you are not planning to live on campus, you will still need to complete the intention and inform Residential Life of your plans to live off campus. To do this, complete the Housing Exemption process. Please email ResLife@indstate.edu with any questions.
    • You will choose your meal plan when completing your Housing Intention. All on-campus students are required to have a meal plan. Commuter students can choose a commuter meal plan if desired.

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA.

Step 4: Arrange Accommodations by contacting the Accessibility Resource Office for academic and housing support.

 

Types of Orientation

  • All students must attend orientation to register for their first semester of classes. Program date options are located in your New Student Dashboard.
  • Students will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes during State Orientation.
  • Check your University email for important information. All communication regarding State Orientation will only be sent to your Sycamore email. To help you stay connected, we have an email setup guide that can help you with putting your email on your phone, so you don't miss a thing.
  • Please make sure to register any family members or supporters to attend Family Orientation so they can also receive important information and updates regarding State Orientation.
About State Orientation
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your State Orientation program. You will walk a lot!  Please provide details in your NSO reservation if you or your guest need physical accommodations. Also, prepare for any inclement weather (bring an umbrella, raincoat, etc.). We also encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle to keep with you.
  • Bring comfy shoes, extra clothes, shower shoes, toiletries, towels.
  • Chargers, medication, snacks, sunglasses, and hat.
  • We do not provide overnight accommodations for our one-day State Orientation programs.
  • For our two-day State Orientation programs in June, students will be provided overnight accommodations in one of our residence halls.
  • Registered family members will also have the option to stay on campus in a separate residence hall at an additional cost or in a nearby hotel.  Additional accommodation details (PDF). Candlewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn are both within walking distance of campus.
  • Students are required to attend ALL sessions of their State Orientation program in order to register for courses. Please plan accordingly.
  • Your State Orientation confirmation emails will indicate the following:
     
    • Date, time, and location of check-in
    • Meals covered during programming
    • Where to park (free of charge)
  • Be on Time. Please note that Indiana State University is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Sample Orientation Schedule

During State Orientation, you’ll have a chance to learn about campus and connect with resources and staff who will make sure you have a successful transition. Here is a look at some of what you can expect:

One-Day Programs:  8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Program Check-In
  • Welcome and Program Overview
    Learn more about your schedule and expectations for the day.
  • Academic Expectations
    Hear from University College about academic expectations for students and resources available to you to be successful in the classroom.
  • Group Time with your Orientation Leader and other students
    Connect with other new students during this time.

Additional sessions will cover the following topics:

  • Residential Life or Commuter Life
  • Dining
  • Getting involved and student life
  • Financial Aid
  • Technology
  • You’ll also meet with an academic advisor to schedule classes and get your student ID

June Two-Day Programs

Fall start students have options throughout the month of June to attend an in-person, two-day program.

There are very limited options for in-person programs in late July and in August. We strongly encourage all fall start students to attend a program in June for the best options of class availability.

Day One: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Sessions are structured covering academic information, financial aid, residential life or commuter life, Honors College, Project Success, involvement and student life, and more. Students will also have group times with their Orientation Leader and other students.
  • Lunch is provided for all students and up to two guests each. We will provide dinner to all students.
  • Family and supporters will attend sessions with their student on Day One.
  • Students will attend evening social activities to meet and relax with other new students. Families will have their own social event in the evening.

Day Two: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

  • Breakfast will be provided for students only.
  • Students will attend Taking Care of Business rotations, including meeting with an academic advisor to schedule classes, getting their student ID, meeting with a Financial Aid counselor, taking a campus tour, and learning about campus technology.
  • Families and supporters can attend a concurrent Family Orientation just for them. We will take families to meet with their student for their Financial Aid appointment.

  • All students must attend orientation to register for their first semester of classes. Program date options are located in your New Student Dashboard.
  • Students will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes during State Orientation.
  • Check your University email for important information. All communication regarding State Orientation will only be sent to your Sycamore email. To help you stay connected, we have an email setup guide that can help you with putting your email on your phone so you don't miss a thing.
  • Please make sure to register any family members or supporters to attend Family Orientation so they can also receive important information and updates regarding State Orientation.
About State Orientation
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your State Orientation program. You will walk a lot!  Please provide details in your NSO reservation if you or your guest need physical accommodations. Also, prepare for any inclement weather (bring an umbrella, raincoat, etc.). We also encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle to keep with you.
  • Bring comfy shoes, extra clothes, shower shoes, toiletries, towels.
  • Chargers, medication, snacks, sunglasses, and hat.
  • We do not provide overnight accommodations for our one-day State Orientation programs.
  • For our two-day State Orientation programs in June, students will be provided overnight accommodations in one of our residence halls.
  • Registered family members will also have the option to stay on campus in a separate residence hall at an additional cost or in a nearby hotel.  Additional accommodation details (PDF). Candlewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn are both within walking distance of campus.
  • Students are required to attend ALL sessions of their State Orientation program in order to register for courses. Please plan accordingly.
  • Your State Orientation confirmation emails will indicate the following:
     
    • Date, time, and location of check-in
    • Meals covered during programming
    • Where to park (free of charge)
  • Be on Time. Please note that Indiana State University is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Sample Orientation Schedule

During State Orientation, you’ll have a chance to learn about campus and connect with resources and staff who will make sure you have a successful transition. Here is a look at some of what you can expect.

One-Day Programs:   8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Program Check-In
  • Welcome and Program Overview
    Learn more about your schedule and expectations for the day.
  • Academic Expectations
    Hear from University College about academic expectations for students and resources available to you to be successful in the classroom.
  • Group Time with your Orientation Leader and other students
    Connect with other new students during this time.

Additional sessions will cover the following topics:

  • Residential Life or Commuter Life
  • Dining
  • Getting involved and student life
  • Financial Aid
  • Technology
  • You’ll also meet with an academic advisor to schedule classes and get your student ID

All students must attend orientation to register for their first semester of classes. Program date options are located in your New Student Dashboard. Students will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes during State Orientation.

  • Summer start first-year and transfer students must attend Virtual Summer Start Orientation in May.
  • Check your University email for important information. All communication regarding State Orientation will only be sent to your Sycamore email. To help you stay connected, we have an email setup guide that can help you with putting your email on your phone so you don't miss a thing.
About Virtual Summer Start Orientation
  • Find a quiet and comfortable space:   We have several sessions prepared for you, from finalizing your course schedule to meeting with other students. You'll want to sit at a desk or table in a comfortable seat and in a distraction-free environment where you can give your full attention to what's happening. Remember, this experience is just for you... your family is not invited to attend.
  • Login on a laptop/desktop compute:  You'll want to use a computer instead of a mobile device to participate in the sessions. You will be asked to share your screen when working with your academic advisor and utilize other features that are easier to accept from a computer. This computer should also have a working microphone and webcam.
  • Check your internet speed:   Go to Speedtest.net to ensure your speed is at least 1.5Mbps download and upload. If possible, connect via Ethernet cord to your home's router/modem. If you are concerned about your ability to access the internet, please email us at orientation@indstate.edu.
  • Download Zoom:  We will be using Zoom for a majority of our sessions together. Download it in advance and familiarize yourself with the options for a better experience.
  • Be on time:  Plan to be logged in and ready to go for the start of the program (check your email confirmation for date & time). Please note: Indiana State University is in the Eastern Time Zone.
  • Wear comfortable clothes: Dress comfortably, as you will be doing some moderate activity with your group, but also dress appropriately to meet with an academic advisor. This is a great time to show off your State Stuff!
  • Have water bottle and snacks on hand:  You definitely want to stay hydrated without having to dash out of the room.
  • Zoom background: Want to look like you're on campus? Check out these awesome State backgrounds you can use for your Zoom meetings! (Here's a tutorial about setting up a virtual background.) 
  • Students are required to attend ALL sessions of their State Orientation program in order to register for courses. Please plan accordingly.
  • Your State Orientation confirmation emails will include login information and Zoom links for your virtual program
  • Be on time. Please note: Indiana State University is in the Eastern Time Zone
Sample Virtual Summer Start Orientation Schedule

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

  • Virtual sessions are structured to cover academic information, financial aid, residential life or commuter life, Career Center, involvement and student life, and more.
  • Students will meet virtually with an academic advisor to schedule their classes.
  • Students who attend State Virtual Orientation will need to visit Parking Services when they come to campus to receive their Student ID card.

International State Orientation is specifically designed for all (transfer and first year) incoming international students. All International students are required to attend all components of State Orientation.

For step-by-step instructions, visit International Students.

Next Steps

Attend State Welcome

State Welcome is the second part of your required State Orientation experience. It is a time for you to participate in campus traditions; explore university resources; and engage with advisors, faculty, and fellow students to create plans for your next four years. State Welcome for spring students will be held on January 9. For students starting fall 2023, State Welcome will be held on August 20-21. You will receive more information regarding State Welcome in your Sycamore email before the start of the semester.

Before arriving on campus, all students must complete the following

Submit required documents.

Review your financial aid offer and accept package.

Order your textbooks.

You can order textbooks online through the Barnes & Noble ISU Bookstore. Choose the "Textbooks" link at the top of the page and use your class schedule to enter your department (ex. ENG), course number (ex. 101), and section number (ex. 001).

Complete these additional items.

  • Attend State Welcome
  • State Welcome is the second part of your required State Orientation experience. It is a time for you to participate in campus traditions; explore university resources; and engage with advisors, faculty, and fellow students to create plans for your next four years. State Welcome for spring students will be held on January 9. For students starting fall 2023, State Welcome will be held on August 20-21. You will receive more information regarding State Welcome in your Sycamore email before the start of the semester.
  • Before arriving on campus, all students must complete the following
  • Submit required documents.
  • Submit your immunization records.
  • Submit your final high school/college transcripts.
  • Review your financial aid offer and accept package.
  • If chosen for financial aid verification, make sure to submit all documentation.
  • Contact Office of Student Financial Aid | Indiana State University about questions regarding your offer.
  • Contact the Bursar's Office for questions regarding how to Pay Your Bill | Indiana State University or setting up a payment plan.
  • Order your textbooks.
  • You can order textbooks online through the Barnes & Noble ISU Bookstore. Choose the "Textbooks" link at the top of the page and use your class schedule to enter your department (ex. ENG), course number (ex. 101), and section number (ex. 001).
  • Complete these additional items.
  • Purchase a Parking Permit online and save $15!
  • Make sure you have a laptop.
  • Make sure you have a laptop.