Last Updated: 3/27/2024

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?

New Student Orientation is mandatory for all incoming Transfer and First Year students. This is a full day program from 8am-4pm. During orientation students will become familiar with the campus, general education and major requirements. You will be able to connect with peers from the same major and meet faculty with your major department. In addition, you will receive assistants in looking at your class schedule and registering for classes.

Can children attend Orientation?

Yes, students who are in need of childcare (ages 6 mos.-kindergarten) during Orientation can arrange free child care from the ASI’s Children’s Center.

This is based on space availability and requests for care should be made at least seven working days in advance. For arrangements call the ASI Children’s Center at (916) 278-6216

If your child is 14 and younger, must be accompanied at all times.

If your child is over the age of 14, a guest fee of $75 dollars is required.

What can the orientation office assist me with?

Our office will assist New Transfer and First Year students with registering for orientation and any orientation related questions, concerns and general questions about the campus. Any questions regarding other departments, we can direct you to the appropriate department.

Why do I have an Orientation hold?

All students have the Orientation hold until they attend their Orientation session.

If I want to change my major, which orientation session do I attend?

If your major of interest has changed since you applied, make your reservation for the major you want to change to. There will be additional help during your orientation.

To officially change your major:

• First Year Students: Please visti the Hornet Launch Program website.
• Transfer Students: Please visit the Change Your Major E-Form.

How do I make a reservation for New Student Orientation?

You can make an Orientation reservation through your MySacState account. Log into your Student Center, click “Switch to Full Site,” then click the New Student Orientation tab on the bottom left of the page. If you are experiencing errors when trying to make your reservation, please email orient.reservations@csus.edu or contact us at (916) 278-7841

Can I bring someone with me to Orientation?

During Orientation, we offer a Parent & Supporter program. Students can register up to two guests to participate in that program. There is a $75 fee for each participating guest. There are some sessions that are just for parents and supporters and some sessions that are with the student.

Will I receive an email confirmation of my reservation?

Yes! In fact, you’ll get two confirmations. Immediately after you make a reservation, you’ll be sent a confirmation of your day and time. The week prior to your Orientation session, you will be sent another confirmation with details on parking, where to check-in and the schedule of the day. Please be sure to check your Inbox and Junk/Spam folders.

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?

For advising purposes, please bring an unofficial copy of your transcripts and/or AP/IB test scores, if applicable. If you are able to, please also bring a laptop with you. A light breakfast and full lunch will be provided.

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

The orientation fee is $180 for students. The fee covers New Student Orientation and First Year Engagement, staffing, parking, program materials and food, as well as special events throughout your first year including New Student and Family Convocation and Hornet Nest Fest.

Paying Your Orientation Fee

Pay online OR by sending a check or money order to: To confirm your orientation date, orientation fees are due within ten days of placing your reservation.

Pay online:

Pay online by signing into your MySacState Student Center and go to the Account Inquiry tab. Click on "Other Financial" to make your payment. There will be a service charge for this service.

Sending Check or Money Order:

Make checks payable to Sacramento State. Sacramento State, New Student Orientation, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819. In the memo section include the students name and students ID.

Refunds:

Refunds will not be processed until a cancellation is in writing at least two business days prior to your orientation. Once processed, your refund will go back to the original card that was used to make your orientation. If a check was sent, you will receive your refund by check. Please, allow 10 to 15 Business Days to process. If you have not received your refund within that time frame, contact Bursar’s office (916) 278-1000 option 3.

Does my financial aid cover my Orientation fees?

Financial aid does not apply to fees for Orientation. However, we do offer a fee reduction form. If approved, your fee will be reduced from $180 to $139. This reduction does not apply to guest fees. You can find the form and instructions on the Register and Pay for Orientation Page.

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?

The New Student and Family Convocation serves as the official welcome to all newly admitted first-year, transfer, and graduate students, and their guests, to the Hornet Family. Convocation serves as new students’ induction into the University, and a celebration of this momentous step in each student's academic journey. Convocation introduces new students and their support systems to Sacramento State's institutional values and serves as an official welcome to the Hornet Family. Convocation ceremonies serve to "bookend" each student's collegiate experience, with convocation as the opening ceremony and commencement as the final goal. Don’t forget to reserve your spot!

What is Hornet Nest Fest?

Hornet Nest Fest is our celebratory kick off the fall semester. Join your fellow Hornets in the Housing Quad for this welcome celebration featuring food, games, music, and entertainment. All students enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester will be invited to claim a ticket for themselves and up to three guests. You don’t want to miss the party, so watch for your invitation to claim your tickets.