What is New Student Orientation and First Year Engagement?

New Student Orientation at Sacramento State is a comprehensive program designed to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students. It begins with the New Student Orientation, where you'll learn about academic requirements, support services, attend academic advising and register for your courses. Through our First Year Engagement program, our Student Ambassadors will keep you informed about exciting campus happenings you won't want to miss, including New Student and Family Convocation and Hornet Nest Fest events that kick off the fall semester.

Why do I have to attend Orientation?

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at New Student Orientation! This full-day program, running from 7:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is a mandatory for all incoming Transfer and First Year students to attend Sac State. and it’s packed with excitement!

During Orientation, you’ll dive into everything Sac State has to offer. Familiarize yourself with the campus, explore general education and major requirements, and make connections with fellow students who share your interests. You’ll even get to meet faculty from your major department—what a great way to kickstart your academic journey!

But that’s not all! You’ll receive personalized assistance in navigating your class schedule and registering for courses, ensuring you’re fully prepared for an incredible first semester.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get inspired! Join us for Orientation and set the stage for an amazing adventure at Sac State!

Can kids come to Orientation?

Can I come to Orientation too?

Yes! If you need someone to watch your little ones during Orientation, you can get free childcare for kids from 6 months to kindergarten at the ASI Children’s Center!

But you gotta remember, you have to ask for a spot seven days before! Just call the ASI Children’s Center at (916) 278-6216 to set it up.

Also, if you're 14 or younger, you need to have a grown-up with you all the time. And if you’re older than 14, there’s a guest fee of $77.

We want to make sure everyone has fun!

What can the orientation office assist me with?

Our office is here to confidently support New Transfer and First Year students every step of the way! We assist with registering for Orientation and are ready to address any questions or concerns you may have about the Orientation process or campus life in general.

If you have questions related to other departments, we’ll happily guide you to the right resources. You can count on us to help you get started on your exciting journey at Sac State!

Why do I have an Orientation hold?

An Orientation hold is placed on your account to ensure that you attend New Student Orientation, which is a crucial part of your transition to Sac State. This hold is designed to encourage you to participate in the Orientation program, where you’ll receive essential information about academic requirements, support services, and course registration.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, feel free to reach out to the Orientation office! We’re here to help you get everything sorted so you can focus on your exciting new journey at Sac State!

How do I change my major for orientation?

If you’ve decided to change your major since applying, follow these steps to ensure you attend the right Orientation session:

1. Make Your Reservation: When registering for Orientation, select the session that corresponds to your new major of interest.
2. Get Extra Help: Rest assured, there will be additional support available during your Orientation to assist with your transition to the new major.
3. Officially Change Your Major:
   • For First Year Students: Visit the HornetLaunch Program website for instructions on changing your major.
   • For Transfer Students: Access the Change Your Major E-Form to officially update your major.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out! We're here to help you every step of the way!

How do I make a reservation for New Student Orientation?

Making a reservation for New Student Orientation is easy! Just follow these steps:

1. Log into MySacState: Access your MySacState account.
2. Go to Student Center: Click on “Student Center.”
3. Switch to Full Site: Select “Switch to Full Site” to access all features.
4. Find the Orientation Tab: Scroll down to the bottom left of the page and click on the New Student Orientation tab.
5. Complete Your Reservation: Follow the prompts to finalize your reservation for Orientation.

If you encounter any issues while making your reservation, please reach out to us at orient.reservations@csus.edu or call (916) 278-7841 for assistance. We’re here to help!

Can I bring someone with me to Orientation?

Absolutely! You can bring someone with you to Orientation! We offer a Parent & Supporter program, allowing students to register up to two guests to join in on the fun.

There is a $77 fee for each participating guest, and the program includes a mix of sessions—some just for parents and supporters, and others where everyone can join in together. It’s a great way for your loved ones to get involved and learn more about your exciting journey ahead! If you have any questions about the program, feel free to ask!

Will I receive an email confirmation of my reservation?

Yes, you absolutely will! In fact, you’ll receive two confirmations. Right after you make your reservation, you’ll get an email confirming your day and time. Then, a week before your Orientation session, you’ll receive another email packed with important details, including information on parking, where to check in, and the day’s schedule.

Be sure to check your Inbox as well as your Junk/Spam folders to ensure you don’t miss any important information. We can’t wait to see you at Orientation!

I reserved and paid my Orientation fees, why do I still have a hold?

All New transfers and First Year students have a hold on their account until they attend Orientation.

Do I need to bring anything to Orientation?

You don’t have to, but if you’d like to, it’s a good idea to bring an unofficial copy of your transcripts and any AP/IB test scores you have for advising purposes. If you’re able to, bringing a laptop can also be helpful during the sessions.

And don’t worry about meals—a light breakfast and full lunch will be provided! So, feel free to come ready to learn and enjoy the day! We can’t wait to see you there!

What is the fee for Orientation and how do I pay?

Thanks for asking! To secure your spot for Orientation, you’ll need to submit your orientation fees. These fees cover important things like dedicated staff support, delicious catered food, and convenient parking on Orientation Day—making sure you have a smooth and memorable experience!

But there’s more! The New Student Orientation Fee also unlocks special events throughout your first year, like the New Student and Family Convocation and Hornet Nest Fest. So, lock in your spot today and get ready for an amazing start to your journey! Welcome to the Hive!

Paying Your Orientation Fee

Pay Online:
You can easily pay online by logging into your MySacState Student Center. Just go to the Account Inquiry tab and click on "Other Financial" to complete your payment. Just a heads up, there will be a small service charge for this option.

Sending a Check or Money Order:
If you prefer the old-school way, you can send a check or money order made out to Sacramento State to:

Sacramento State
New Student Orientation
6000 J Street

Lassen 1102
Sacramento, CA 95819

Make sure to include your name and Student ID in the memo section!

Refunds

If you need to cancel, just remember that refunds are only processed if we get a written cancellation request at least two business days before your Orientation. Once processed, your refund will go back to the card you used for payment. If you sent a check, you’ll get your refund by check. Please allow 10 to 15 business days for processing. If you haven’t seen your refund after that time, feel free to reach out to the Bursar’s office at (916) 278-1000, option 3.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Does my financial aid cover my Orientation fees?

We apologize for any inconvenience, but financial aid does not cover the fees for Orientation. However, we do offer a fee reduction form! If your application is approved, your fee will be lowered from $200 to $165. Please keep in mind that this reduction does not apply to guest fees.

You can find the form and detailed instructions on the Register and Pay for Orientation Page. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!

What do I do if I need to change my reservation?

If you need to make any changes to your reservation, you must call or email our office at (916) 278-7841 or orient.reservations@csus.edu and our staff will assist you.

What is New Student and Family Convocation?

We are beyond excited to welcome you to the New Student and Family Convocation! This is the official kickoff for all newly admitted first-year, transfer, and graduate students, along with their guests, into the amazing Hornet Family!

This event isn’t just a formality—it’s a celebration of your incredible journey ahead! Convocation marks your induction into Sacramento State and is a huge milestone in your academic adventure. It’s your chance to connect with fellow students and your support system while learning all about the values that make Sac State so special.

Think of it as the grand opening ceremony of your collegiate experience—commencement will be the exciting finale! You won’t want to miss this unforgettable moment as you step into your new life as a Hornet!

So, make sure to reserve your spot! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and kick off this amazing journey together!

What is Hornet Nest Fest?

Get ready for Hornet Nest Fest, the ultimate kickoff celebration for the fall semester! Join your fellow Hornets in the Housing Quad for an unforgettable welcome party filled with delicious food, exciting games, awesome music, and incredible entertainment!

All students enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester are invited to snag a ticket for themselves and up to three guests! This is your chance to connect with new friends, soak in the vibrant campus spirit, and dive headfirst into the fun!

You absolutely don’t want to miss this amazing party, so keep an eye out for your invitation to claim your tickets! Let’s make this semester unforgettable together!