General Questions

  • At Orientation, you will learn about how to be a student at KSU. This includes learning about available campus resources, meeting current student leaders, and meeting with an academic advisor to map out your academic journey. 

  • New Student Orientations are typically held the semester before you are enrolling. This would mean:

    • If you are starting spring, these sessions are typically offered December through January.
    • If you are starting summer, these sessions are typically offered during April.
    • If you are starting fall, these sessions are typically offered during May through July.
  • New freshmen will register for classes at New Student Orientation. All other student types, including new transfer students, can see their registration information on the Registration tab of Owl Express (select "Prepare for Registration").
  • New Student Orientation is required for all new freshman undergraduate students.
  • To maximize your date options, we recommend registering for a session as soon as possible! 

  • For both virtual and in-person orientation sessions, the student fee is $75.00 NOTE: Student orientation fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

    *Starting Summer 2025, student orientation fees will be $80.

    Additionally, to bring a supporter is $20 for in-person orientation and free for virtual orientation.

  • Students who signed up and attended an orientation within two semesters (e.g. changed term to Spring 2025 but attended orientation for Summer 2024) of their new admissions term may be exempt from having to re-attend a New Student Orientation session. To apply for an exemption, please email ksuorientation@kennesaw.edu.
  • The fee covers a meal at one of our dining halls, your Talon Card, giveaways, important materials, staffing, and space for us to host the Orientation session both virtually and in-person.
  • All student orientation sessions are not confirmed until a payment is made and accepted. Check out the sign-up page on this site for more information about paying for your session.
  • The Orientation fee for students, parents, and guests is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • If you are having trouble seeing session dates or registering for a session, please contact us at ksuorientation@kennesaw.edu. Include the issue you’re experiencing, your first and last name, and your KSU ID number when contacting us for a faster resolution time. 
  • After you register for your New Student Orientation experience, you will be emailed a preOrientation checklist that outlines things that you should do before your orientation session. 
  • Yes, we highly recommend that you meet with your advisor before your orientation experience to feel comfortable with what courses to take. 

 

In-Person Orientation

  • You will receive an email outlining where to park for your session.
  • We highly recommend you bring a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or passport), comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear.
  • We will have staff and signs directing you to check-in for your session.
  • Yes, you will walk across campus, so wear comfortable shoes. Please indicate any mobility concerns and accommodation requests when you sign-up for your session.
  • We highly recommend you arrive at least 5 minutes before your check-in time so you are able to attend all required sessions.
  • Late check-in will be held at the check-in location until 11 a.m. If you are going to be later than 11 a.m, please go back to the sign-up system and choose a new date.
  • Students and supporters can expect to participate in required programming from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Optional programming will be held until 4 p.m.
  • Individuals who seek additional assistance should reach out to the Disability Resource Center prior to their Orientation, as well as fill out the appropriate sections of their Orientation sign-up portal. Our office will be in contact with you before your Orientation session.

Virtual Orientation

  • Students can choose to attend a virtual session to meet the orientation attendance requirement. Virtual sessions are facilitated live on Zoom. These sessions offer similar information for new students which includes meeting with your academic advisor, learning about campus services such as housing, dining, and parking, and meeting with your Orientation Leader. 
  • All New Student Orientation sessions will consist of a live Zoom meeting with New Student Programs staff, student leaders, faculty members, and other staff members in the KSU community. During these sessions, you will learn more about the resources available to you, get to know other students, and meet with faculty and staff to discuss academic advising and course registration. 
  • The live portion of the Virtual New Student Orientation experience is roughly 2 hours. This is to allow you to get as much information as possible to prepare you to join the KSU community. Following the live portion, you will register for classes and review post-orientation modules on your own.
  • You will receive an email with the link to your orientation session at least 24 hours before the date of your Orientation session.
  • Individuals who seek additional assistance should reach out to the Disability Resource Center prior to their Orientation, as well as fill out the appropriate sections of their Orientation sign-up portal. Our office will be in contact with you before your Orientation session.

Supporter Orientation

  • Supporters are not required to attend the orientation. 
  • While supporters are with their students for the majority of the day, students will break-out with Orientation Leaders to meet with their Academic Advising teams and register for classes. A detailed schedule will be sent within 48 hours of the session.
  • $20.00 [NOTE: Orientation fees are non-refundable]
  • Due to space limitations, students are only able to sign-up one guest for orientation. The $20.00 Supporter Orientation fee must be submitted to attend orientation programming.