June/July
Orientation
June/July
Orientation
Student
Orientation
and May
Orientation
Orientation
Freshman Summer Orientation 2013
Program Information
We are so excited that you have chosen Michigan State University! The Academic Orientation Program (AOP) staff is carefully preparing for your Orientation Program. AOP has been designed to help you prepare to begin your course work at Michigan State University. During AOP we will:
- Introduce you to the academics at MSU
- Give you information about your major and how to be successful at MSU
- Help you enroll for your classes
- Introduce you to several campus services and resources
- Address academic and student life expectations and responsibilities
- Discuss living in a residence hall
On this page you will find:
Who Attends Orientation
Regulations for AOP
Arriving on Campus
Things to Bring
Tuition and Fees
One Book, One Community
Meals
Lodging
Strategies for AOP
Information You Can Expect Before AOP
Dates
Schedule
Checking Out
The Academic Orientation Program (AOP) has been carefully planned to ease your transition into college life at MSU. Attendance at an assigned AOP is required.
Since space is limited and filled by assignment only, you may not attend a different program without prior approval. All students must attend the entire one and one half day program.
All freshmen students, including those students who live in the local area and/or students who will commute to MSU in the fall, must spend the night at AOP.
Because of limited space and a tight schedule of activities, family members or friends cannot attend the program activities with you.
Students who live outside of the 500-mile radius of MSU are not required to attend a traditional summer Academic Orientation Program. Although this option is intended to help students avoid excess costs, we encourage these students to attend a summer session.
Students who live more than 500 miles from East Lansing and do not participate in a summer orientation session are required to attend the late AOP session.
If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending your assigned program, please notify us as soon as possible 517/353-5030. If we do not receive notice about a student’s absence from AOP, we assume the student has decided not to attend MSU. Please be advised that Michigan State University reserves the right to cancel a student's admission or defer their arrival on campus should they fail to attend their assigned Academic Orientation Program.
Regulations for the Academic Orientation Program
Michigan State University expects all participants in the Academic Orientation Program (AOP) to comply with University ordinances and policies. In particular, participants should be aware of the following University policies and ordinances:
• The possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited.
• The possession or use of firearms or weapons is prohibited.
Violation of either of these policies/ordinances while participating in AOP will result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include dismissal from AOP, postponement of enrollment, or revocation of admission to Michigan State University. Violations of these University ordinances are also violations of the law and could result in arrest and criminal penalties.
Students attending AOP are also expected to adhere to the following regulations:
• Attend the entire AOP, which includes the overnight stay and all Day 2 activities.
• Be on time for all activities
• Remain where orientation activities are taking place.
• Be present on assigned floor when the residence hall closes at 11:15 pm. Please be
considerate of those who are trying to sleep.Students who violate AOP regulations may have their courses dropped and be required to repeat AOP or may have their admission postponed until Spring Semster.
Students attending AOP are also expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
• Family members and friends are not permitted to stay with you overnight in your AOP residence hall room.
• Do not text during presentations and tours. Turn off cell phones and pagers during presentations, advising, course enrollment processes, and tours.
• Be considerate of all faculty, staff, and other students attending AOP.
Women will check in the North Case Lobby.
Men will check in the South Case Lobby.
Check-in time for students needing to take the placement exams is 8:00am
Check-in time for students who have already taken the placement exams is 9:15am
At check-in, you will be given materials needed to complete AOP activities (this includes a schedule of activities). Other necessary materials for selecting classes and enrolling for fall and spring semesters will also be provided.
The AOP staff has put together a list of things that you should bring when you pack for your AOP. Remember to dress casually and comfortably when you are getting ready to pack. You want to be comfortable during the sessions and evening activities. Only bring with you what you will need for one night (you aren’t going on a week vacation!). Do not bring any valuable possessions with you, because the Academic Orientation Program is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Confirmation of your AOP date - make sure you don’t come on the wrong date! It is in the literature sent from the Orientation Office.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes - you will thank us when you have to walk around campus!
- Pillow, washcloth and toiletries. We provide sheets and a towel.
- Alarm clock and watch -you must be on time to every session
- Backpack or bookbag - to carry everything we give you at check-in
- Umbrella - you don’t want to get caught in the rain
- Fan -the rooms are not air conditioned
- Personal spending money – a late night snack at Sparty’s Convenience Store is fun
- Sports Equipment – Bring a tennis racket if you would like to play on our outdoor court
Important ID Information: You are required to bring a government-issued picture ID to AOP, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport.
The Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), which secures your spot in the class, includes the fee for your AOP. It is not necessary to pay your tuition and fees at AOP.
Your tuition bill will be ready for viewing online in STUINFO (http://stuinfo.msu.edu) in August. You will receive an e-mail in your MSU account indicating that your tuition bill is ready for viewing. Pay close attention to the payment deadline so you are not charged a late fee.
All entering freshmen are expected to complete the freshman reading assignment by the first day of class and bring the book when they return to campus in the fall.
You will receive a copy of the book when you check in at AOP. The discounted cost of the book will be automatically charged to your fall semester bill (unless you return the book before leaving AOP).
Check out http://www.onebookeastlansing.com/ for more information.
Check out our great residence hall food in the Dining Hall while you are at AOP. All of the following meals are included in the price of AOP.
Day One: Lunch will be served between 12:15pm and 1:30pm.
Dinner will be served from 5:15pm until 6:50pm
Day Two: Breakfast will be served between 7:00am and 7:50am
Remember to bring a snack if you know that you will be hungry!
Bedding and a towel are provided for your use during your stay. Remember to pack a pillow, washcloth, and toiletries.
All students, including those students who live in the local area and/or students who will commute to MSU in the fall, must spend the night at AOP. Staying the night at AOP is a program requirement. The overnight stay has been carefully planned so students who will live on campus room with students who will live in their residence hall in the fall. Students who commute to campus room with other commuter students. This gives you a chance to meet new people who you will see again in the fall, right down the hall! There are many activities you can do at night to stay busy and have fun! Karaoke, playing cards or board games, or participating/watching volleyball, tennis, or basketball will give you some time to clear your head after a busy day.
Parents or other family members should make lodging accommodations in the local area. Please check out hotels in the area (http://ctlr.msu.edu/COTravel/Hotels_MSULocal.aspx).
Strategies for a Successful AOP
- Attend all of the presentations/activities
- Ask questions; ask for help if you need it
- Talk to the Resident Assistants and Office Staff
- Be prepared to meet with your academic adviser; learn about university resources
Information you can expect before AOP
- Mailings from academic colleges
- Immunization information (https://ntweb1.ais.msu.edu/immunize/) - You must complete this online.
- Financial Aid information (http://www.finaid.msu.edu) -Students can expect to receive their first award letter from MSU by mid-April, if they have filed FAFSA (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) correctly.
- Housing Information (http://liveon.msu.edu/) - You should receive your residence hall assignment by the end of May. You will receive your roommate assignment in August.
- Early Course Reservation – If you took the Math Placement test before May 1, 2013, you will receive information regarding any pre-scheduled courses.
The following dates are for the summer Academic Orientation Program (AOP). Please note that some dates fill quickly, and availability is based on the program and residence hall capacity. Dates are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no waiting list for dates.
Please check your schedule before choosing an AOP date. Choose an orientation date when you can attend the entire Orientation Program. In order to meet with an adviser and enroll for classes, you must attend every orientation presentation. It is not possible to enroll for classes early. All students receive a personalized schedule for meeting their adviser and enrolling for classes. We are unable to alter scheduled times. Please keep this in mind when you are making your travel arrangements.
June 10-11, 2013 July 1-2 June 11-12 July 2-3 June 12-13 July 9-10 June 13-14 July 10-11 June 17-18 July 11-12 June 18-19 July 15-16 June 19-20 July 16-17 June 20-21 July 17-18 June 25-26 July 18-19 June 26-27 August 25 June 27-28
AOP Schedule--Freshmen (Tentative)
Below you will find a tentative schedule of AOP. There is a lot to learn in a little amount of time, so be ready to listen and get involved! Remember that each session is mandatory, and if you skip a session your classes will be dropped. Attendance will be taken at various sessions.
In order to meet with an adviser and enroll for classes on Day One of orientation, you must attend every orientation presentation and spend the night at AOP. All students receive a schedule on Day One prior to meeting their adviser and enrolling for classes. We are unable to alter scheduled times. Please keep this in mind when you are making your travel arrangements.
DAY ONE
8:00am Check-in for those needing to take placement exams 8:30am Math Placement Testing: For students who did not take the Math Placement Test prior to AOP or for students who would like to take a proctored test in order to waive the university math requirement for graduation. 8:30am Foreign Language Testing: For students who did not and still need to take the Spanish, French, or German test on the web. 8:30am Check-in for students not taking placement exams 8:30-10:15am ID Picture Taking, Major Change 10:15-10:45am Welcome and Overview : Setting Expectations for the Academic Orientation Program 11:00-12:15am College Session 12:15pm-1:30pm Lunch (Major Change opportunity) 1:30-5:30pm Personal Schedules:
Placement Testing (special session)
CAAP Presentation (special session)
Honors College Presentation (special session)
Academic Scholars Presentation (special session)Advising
Enrollment Presentation
Enrollment Lab
Resource Fair
5:15-6:50pm Dinner 7:00-7:20pm Spartan Geocache Introduction 7:20-9:30pm Discover What It Means To Be A Spartan- Geocache 9:30-11:00pm Evening Activities:
Computer Lab Open
Social Activity (music, games)
Time to Relax11:15pm Hall Closes DAY TWO
7:00-7:50am Breakfast 8:00-8:55am Assessment 9:00-9:30am The College Experience: An MSU Professor Speaks 9:30-11:30am Explore the Neighborhoods/Small Group 11:30am-12:00pm Check-out
Students must complete the overnight stay and Day Two of the program, otherwise their courses will be dropped.
Checking Out and Meeting Your Parents
Once you have checked out with our AOP staff members at the designated location, you are free to leave.
Parents can meet their students in the Wonders Hall North Lounge, unless you have designated a prior meeting location.