Clayton State University - Office of Orientation and New Student Programs

Office of Orientation and New Student Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Student Orientation?

Orientation offers new students and their families an introduction to the University. Orientation programs are required for all new degree-seeking and certificate students (including transfer students)*. Post-baccalaureate students pursuing another degree are also required to attend orientation. Depending on your specific needs, you may choose to attend one of the following program options.**

*Orientation is optional for post-baccalaureate students not pursuing another degree and returning students who have not attend Clayton State for more than five years.

** For spring and summer semesters, a modified Orientation session is offered for all students and all majors.

Freshman Session

All new freshman are required to attend this full-day session designed to provide information on achieving college success including campus services, college life and involvement opportunities, academic advisement and course registration. A concurrent parents/spouse program is offered during this session.

Nontraditional/Transfer Student Session

This mandatory session offers Orientation activities that are more brief in nature including academic advisement and course registration.

Please refer to Orientation Schedule for the orientation dates and times.

Who must attend Orientation?

°Freshman Student °Joint-Enrolled Student

°Transfer Student °Post-baccalaureate student seeking another degree

°Non-traditional Student °Returning student who has not attended Clayton State

over five years

Optional: Post-baccalaureates not seeking another degree and returning students who have attended Clayton State within five years.

Why should I attend Orientation?

You may already have questions about your major, general education requirements, campus activities and services.

The required program helps you answer these and other questions about the University and enables you to begin classes fully informed and confident.

Attending Orientation gives you an opportunity to:

Obtain academic direction through GENERAL faculty advisement
Be among the first new students to have course registration access
Become familiar with the campus, its facilities, services, and available resources
Meet other new students, current students, faculty and staff

Will I have to take tests before attending Orientation?

Depending on your admissions classification, your testing requirement will vary. Most nontraditional students, prior to being accepted, are required to take the COMPASS test. In this case, nontraditional students typically will not need to complete additional placement testing. All traditional freshman and joint-enrolled students must take a math placement exam, called the Accuplacer, before registering for classes. Transfer students who do not have transfer credit for MATH 1101 or higher must take the math placement exam before registering for a math course. Please refer to your acceptance letter for specific information on your testing requirements. If you are required to test, you MUST schedule and take your exam through the Testing Center BEFORE attending any Orientation program.

Parents and Guests

We recognize that families are in transition as students begin their college journey. Parents and guests are invited to attend the orientation sessions. Activities include a campus tour and information sessions on academics, financial aid and other campus services. Most of the activities in the fall freshman session only are separate from the student program.

How much does Orientation cost?

The fee covers administrative costs and all program materials. Refreshments will be available during all sessions.

Half Day Session	Transfer/Nontraditional Students	$40/student	$25/guest
Half Day Session	All Students Status Combined Session	$40/student	$25/guest
Full Day Session	Freshman Students	$50/student	$35/guest

Refunds and Session Changes

All orientation fees are nonrefundable. If you have paid your program fee and are unable to attend your scheduled session, you may reschedule to another session prior to the reservation deadline date of the new session. You must notify the Office of Orientation, in writing, to request a change to your session date.

What should I bring?

Most of the materials you will need for Orientation will be provided. You may want to be prepared to:

pay tuition and fees
buy any required textbooks and supplies
have your campus ID made by bringing an official form of photo identifications

Transfer students should bring a copy of their Transfer Equivalency Worksheet (mailed from CSU Registrar's Office).

Dress: The Orientation program is informal. We suggest you dress casually and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Meals will be provided during New Student Orientation

What if I cannot attend Orientation?

Orientation is required for all new students. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Orientation & New Student Programs at (678) 466-5443.

Important Reminders (Financial Aid & Disability Resource Center)

Participation in Orientation is required for all new students and enhances your opportunity to select a suitable class schedule and to be better prepared when classes begin. If you have questions or need additional assistance regarding your attendance, please contact the Office of Orientation & New Student Programs at (678) 466-5429.

Call the Testing Center at (678) 466-4495 to schedule any required placement testing PRIOR to the date you wish to attend orientation.
Complete the enclosed New Student Orientation Reservation Form and make payment by check, money order or credit card (CASH IS ONLY accepted for walk-in clients).
Check or Money Order: Send form and payment to: Clayton State University, Office of Orientation & New Student Programs, 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow, GA 30260-9913
Credit Card Payment: FAX or Mail completed reservation form and credit card information. Fax: (678) 466-5469
Upon receipt of your reservation and proper payment, you will be sent a confirmation letter for your scheduled session which will provide additional details for your arrival.
Take your scheduled placement test BEFORE attending a New Student Orientation Session.
Remember to establish your e-mail account (instructions included in this packet) PRIOR to attending orientation. Do NOT change your university assigned password information UNTIL you have completed an orientation session.
Transfer Students – Remember to bring your Transfer Worksheet Information (sent from CSU’s Registrar Office prior to your session) and/or copies of your previous college(s) transcripts for your advisement during your orientation session.
Review and complete steps on the enclosed “Checklist—Things to do BEFORE attending Orientation”

Financial Aid Applicants:

If you expect to receive financial assistance, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (678) 466-4185 to check your application/award status BEFORE attending orientation.

Disability Resource Center:

Special accommodations will be provided upon request for anyone with disabilities. To request assistance with special needs, or to obtain this information in an alternative format, please call: (678) 466-5445.