Parents and Guests Orientation
Your Student will Soon Attend Sac State: What Parents Should Know
Beginning when your son or daughter applied to Sacramento State, he or she has received a great deal of information via his or her My Sac State account. We know you want to help your student prepare for college, and the list below will help ensure you are aware of important information and timelines so you can help your student be aware as well.
Tasks to accomplish BEFORE attending New Student Orientation:
Create a Saclink Account
All Sacramento State students need to create a Sacramento State email account to receive important University communications, and to access My Sac State—Sac State’s online information center. Your student will access financial account information, grades and more through My Sac State, so it is critical that he or she has access. If your student has not created their account, they should create it as soon as possible. Click here to create or verify a Saclink account (or copy and send this link to your student).
Check Admissions Status
Beginning March 1, 2013 students will receive an email, via their Saclink account, regarding admission status.
If he or she has not received such an email, your student should check his or her My Sac State account for messages. Your student may need to submit additional documentation to complete his or her application before an admissions decision is made.
Check Financial Aid Status
Applying for financial aid begins each year on January 1st. The priority filing deadline is March 2nd. After submitting application, students should be checking their My Sac State account under Student Center for the "TO DO" list-which will include document requests from Financial Aid. All requested documents should be on file with the Sac State Financial Aid office no later than June 1st.
Visit Campus
If you and your student have not had the opportunity to visit our beautiful campus, we encourage you to arrange for a campus tour by clicking here.
When Admitted, Complete “Intent to Enroll”
It is important that your student notify Sacramento State that they wish to attend this Fall 2013. The deadline to accept admissions is May 1, 2013. Complete Intent to Enroll (ITE) by May 1st by clicking here. If your student doesn't do this, they will not be eligible to attend Sacramento State this fall.
Research Housing Options
If your student is interested in living on campus or looking for local apartments and roommates, he or she can contact Housing and Residential Life at (916) 278-6655. If you would like your student to live on campus, we encourage you to contact Housing as soon as possible since space is limited.
Take Placement Tests (if Required)
Prior to registering for classes, your student may be required to take the Elementary Level Math (ELM) and/or the English Placement Test (EPT). Your student could be exempt from taking these exams as a result of SAT/ACT/AP test scores or successful completion of college level English and Math courses with a C- or higher grade. For details on the exams and exemptions, visit ELM/EPT. The last testing date on which a student may take placement tests to be eligible to attend Sacramento State the following fall semester is May 4, 2013.
If students need to take the ELM or EPT exam, they will be notified via their My Sac State account. All test results and exemptions must be on file with Admissions before your student can register for classes.
If your student has completed (or is planning on taking) an AP exam, make sure they request that the scores are submitted to Sacramento State. If your student does not list Sacramento State on the AP exam form, the University will not receive the test results (and students won't receive the college credit for passing.)
Participate in the Early Start Program (if Required)
Early Start is a new enrollment requirement for some First-time Freshmen (FTF) beginning in Fall 2012. The CSU wants to help first-time freshmen applicants get an “Early Start” toward their preparation for college level work beginning in Fall 2013, new freshmen who need extra preparation to be ready for college-level English and/or math must start that process no later than the summer before their first term. EPT/ELM test scores determine whether a student is required to participate in Early Start (see above).
Visit the Early Start website for more information.
Attend Orientation
All new students are required to attend Orientation. The deadline to submit Orientation reservations for transfer students is June 1, 2013 and first year students is June 29, 2013.
Students need to submit their final transcripts no later than June 30, 2013. Upon completing high school or their final semester at their previous college, your student should request an official transcript be sent to Sacramento State. Mail transcripts to Enrollment Services, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6048.
Tasks Your Student Should Complete AFTER attending New Student Orientation:
Pay Registration Fees
The day after your student registers for classes, a bill for their registration fees will be available on his or her My Sac State account in the Student Center. Students MUST pay their registration fees during the period indicated. Failure to do so will result in all classes being dropped from their schedule. If students applied for financial aid (loans, grants, work-study, etc.), they should contact Financial Aid. Your student must submit a FAFSA form to be considered for aid. They can check the status of their awards via their My Sac State account.
Visit the Financial Aid webpage for more information.
Purchase Textbooks
Although course registration takes place in June & July, textbooks are not usually available for purchase until August. Students can purchase and rent textbooks online through the Hornet Bookstore. Students can also purchase computers and software at special academic prices through the Hornet Bookstore computer department.
Present Proof of Immunization
All students born after January 1, 1957 are required to show proof of immunity to measles and rubella. Students 18 years and younger are required to show proof of immunization against Hepatitis B. Your student should be prepared to present copies of his or her immunization records to the Sacramento State Health Center. Verifications of immunity will be requested during their first semester. Failure to comply with this requirement will prevent them from registering in future semesters. For details contact the Student Health Center (916) 278-6461.
