Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation is Missouri State University’s orientation program for new students and their families. New Student Orientation is designed to help you feel:

• Comfortable with Missouri State resources and the campus environment
• Confident in your ability to succeed here
• Connected to others in the Missouri State community
• Curious about opportunities and experiences available to you

At New Student Orientation, you will:

• Bond with other new Missouri State Bears.
• Learn about opportunities and resources Missouri State offers you.
• Speak with faculty and academic advisors about your future plans.
• Register for classes.

Am I required to attend New Student Orientation?

Yes, if you have earned fewer than 24 transferable credit hours AFTER your high school graduation. (Credit hours earned while enrolled in high school do not count toward this 24 hour limit.)

Students with more than 24 hours earned AFTER high school graduation are considered transfer students. Transfer students must complete an online transfer orientation program.

Nontraditional students can take part in alternative orientation and registration opportunities offered by the office of adult student services. Nontraditional students:

• Are 22 years of age or older
• Are married and/or have children
• Have not been in school for an extended period of time
• Are primarily taking evening courses

Are parents or family members required to attend?

Family members are encouraged to attend, but not required. Family members should be registered in advance of your session in order to attend.

Do I need to attend all the activities at New Student Orientation? What if I cannot attend the whole program?

Yes, students are required to attend ALL scheduled orientation activities. Those who don't will be asked to return to a later session to register for classes.

Before selecting an orientation session, ensure you or your family members have no conflicting commitments. OTP does not allow students to attend closed sessions due to previously-made arrangements.

What happens if I cannot attend any New Student Orientation sessions?

All incoming students are required to attend an orientation session prior to enrolling in classes. You may request an exemption If extreme circumstances make it impossible for you to attend a New Student Orientation.

Contact Orientation & Transition Programs at newbears@missouristate.edu or at 417-836-7641 to request an exemption. Include your full name, BearPass number, and a detailed reason for your request.

When should I begin making travel and other arrangements?

Make arrangements AFTER you have registered for an orientation session and received a confirmation via email. OTP does not allow students to attend closed sessions due to arrangements made before confirming your orientation session.

How do I register for a New Student Orientation session?

View our registration page for instructions.

Can I attend a closed session? Do you have a waiting list?

No. we do not have a waiting list for any session. Capacity is determined by facility space and how many students we can reasonably serve each session. Contact Orientation & Transition Programs at 417-836-7641 or at newbears@missouristate.edu if you have questions about closed sessions.

Will I get any classes if I come to a later session?

Yes. Many academic departments open new seats in classes for each New Student Orientation session. These seats may appear closed on the class schedule prior to your New Student Orientation session, but they will be available during registration.

I did not receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

First, check your email account's spam or junk email folders, as confirmation emails are sometimes sent there. If the confirmation is not there, you may not have fully completed registration. Remember, your session is not confirmed until your enrollment deposit is submitted online. If you can't find the confirmation, contact the Orientation and Transition Program office at 417-836-7641 for assistance.

I'm unable to register for New Student Orientation using my personalized site. What should I do?

Check to see if:

• You have been admitted to the University for the summer 2027 semester or fall 2027 semester.
• You have accepted your offer of admission and paid the $150 enrollment deposit.
• You are using the email address and password you entered when you applied to Missouri State.
• Once you’ve completed these steps, reach out to NewBears@Missouristate.edu if you are still unable to register for a New Student Orientation session. In your email, please include your full name, date of birth, and state that you need help accessing New Student Orientation registration.

Is there a waiting list for closed New Student Orientation sessions?

We do not maintain waiting lists for New Student Orientation sessions; however, orientation sessions occasionally become available, so check the reservation system regularly to see if your desired session has opened.

Since registering, I have changed my major. What should I do?

Follow our instructions for changing your reservation information.

Update your major at least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled session. After this deadline, please contact newbears@missouristate.edu to discuss changing your major.

I've registered for a session date, but I'd like to change it. What should I do?

Follow our instructions for changing your New Student Orientation session date.

We caution you to ensure space is available in a desired New Student Orientation session BEFORE canceling your reservation. Staff will not be able to return you to a canceled New Student Orientation session date if no available seats remain.

How do I cancel my New Student Orientation accommodation reservation and/or a family member’s registration?

Our Fees and Refund Information page includes instructions for cancelling your SOAR reservation or aspects of it. Cancellation and refund requests must be made at least seven (7) business days prior to your session to be considered; requests made within one week of your session will not be granted.

After registering for New Student Orientation, I have decided not to attend Missouri State. What should I do? Can I get a refund?

Students who wish to withdraw their admission offer and cancel their New Student Orientation session should complete the Withdraw My Admission Offer form. More information is available under the "Request a refund" heading of the enrollment deposit page. After May 1st, no more refunds are available.

May I attend New Student Orientation with my student?

Yes! Parents and family members are encouraged to attend a special orientation program designed specifically to help them learn how to best support their student. Family orientation runs concurrently with (but separately from) student orientation. No programming exists for children; however, they are allowed to attend with you if necessary.

Students can indicate family member attendance while registering for a New Student Orientation session. A nominal fee of $30 per family member up to two family members is assessed for family orientation programming.

Do family members need to be registered to attend? When is the deadline to register?

Yes. Any family members attending orientation with you should be registered 7 business days in advance of your session in order to attend New Student Orientation.

Is there a limit to how many family members can attend New Student Orientation with me?

Yes, only two (2) family members can attend New Student Orientation with their student. We encourage students and their family members to register as early as possible to ensure they can attend.

I already registered for New Student Orientation. How can I register my family?

Follow our instructions for changing your reservation information.

Will my student be with me during New Student Orientation?

During much of the session, students and family members will attend different sessions, each tailored to their own needs. However, there are a few sessions that both groups will attend together. View our session schedules to see programs students and families attend together.

Will I be with my student when they register for classes?

No. Our goals at New Student Orientation are to provide students the opportunity to build a relationship with their academic advisors and teach the skills necessary to register on their own in future semesters. These goals are best achieved without parents or family members present.

What options do family members have for overnight accommodations?

Limited on-campus accommodations are available to family members for a fee of $25 per person. You can reserve a room in your student's New Student Orientation registration site. We do work with hotels in the Springfield area that offer discounted rates for families of Missouri State students.

Are students required to stay on campus overnight during New Student Orientation?

Students attending a two-day session in June or July are required to stay in on-campus accommodations overnight. Staying on campus overnight allows you to become comfortable with campus life and residential living, it’s more convenient and less expensive than off-campus accommodations, and it makes meeting other students much easier.

Unfortunately, on-campus accommodations are not available for students attending one-day sessions for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. If you have signed a housing contract, you may have the option of moving into your residence hall room one or two days early for a small fee. (This option is not available to students attending a two-day session or returning from a previous semester.)

Arrangements must be made at least five days in advance of your arrival with Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services to ensure your room is ready. Contact Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services at 417-836-5536 or toll-free at 800-284-7535 for more information about this option and to make arrangements.

I live near Missouri State, or I will not be living on campus during my first semester. Am I still required to stay overnight on campus during two-day sessions?

Yes. Students are required to stay overnight on Day One regardless of their distance from campus or their first-semester residency.

What should I bring for my overnight stay on campus?

See our Prepare for New Student Orientation page for a list of suggested items to bring for your overnight stay.

I'm coming from a long distance. Can I stay in the halls the evening before my session?

To request early arrival housing the night before your session, email newbears@missouristate.edu with your request.

Are on-campus accommodations offered for family members?

Yes, family members do have the option of staying in overnight accommodations on campus. We have limited rooms available. We do work with hotels in the Springfield area that offer discounted rates for families of Missouri State students.

When should I begin making plans for travel? 

Make arrangements (such as travel, hotel, etc.) only AFTER you have received your session confirmation via email. You will not be allowed to attend closed sessions due to arrangements made prior to receiving confirmation.

I've made other plans and cannot attend any open New Student Orientation sessions. Can you make an exception for me or allow me to register for classes? 

Attendance of a scheduled New Student Orientation session is required by University policy before students are allowed to register. Students who cannot attend any sessions should contact the office of Orientation & Transition Programs at 417-836-7641 or at newbears@missouristate.edu for more information.

Where can I find directions to Missouri State and New Student Orientation parking?

View our Attend Your New Student Orientation Session page for details.

Do I need a parking pass for New Student Orientation? 

Yes. You will be emailed instructions for downloading and printing a New Student Orientation parking pass about two weeks prior to your scheduled session. Print and place this pass in your vehicle's dashboard.

Will I meet with an academic advisor at New Student Orientation?

Yes! Academic advisors will meet with you to evaluate your previous coursework, help you choose courses to meet your educational goals, and answer any questions you might have.

When will I register for classes during New Student Orientation?

Registration occurs near the end of the New Student Orientation program. Plan to attend the full New Student Orientation program, as students will not be allowed to register before the scheduled time.

Can I register for classes before I attend New Student Orientation? 

No, students must attend New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes. 

I have decided not to attend Missouri State. Can I get a refund of my registration?

Students who wish to withdraw their admission offer and cancel their New Student Orientation session should complete the Withdraw My Admission Offer form. More information is available under the "Request a refund" heading of the enrollment deposit page. May 1st is the last day to request a refund.