Q: Why is orientation important?
Students will feel more comfortable about attending NDSU after meeting faculty, other students and getting to know our campus and its services. Research tells us that students who attend orientation tend to have a more positive first year experience than students who do not attend orientation.
Q: What is the orientation fee for?
The fee covers the processing of the reservation, staff time, mailings, printing, packet information, and meals.
Q: I can't come to any of the summer orientation sessions. What should I do?
Freshman students are encouraged to attend an orientation session in order to register for classes. If you can't come to a summer orientation please check the fall orientation dates and plan to come to one of those sessions.
Q: I did not receive an orientation invitation.
Orientation invitations are sent to all admitted students. If you have been admitted and have not received a brochure, please call our office @ (701) 231-8379 or (800) 488-6378 extension #2 to verify your address.
Q: I sent my reservation card in a few days/weeks ago. I haven't received my confirmation.
Please call the Office of Orientation and Student Success @ (800) 488-6378 extension #2. After receiving your information, we'll mail out a confirmation card.
Q: Are parents/families required to come to orientation?
Parents are not required to attend the orientation. About 3/4 of the participants do bring family members. Orientation will help family members understand what their student will experience at NDSU. It will also help them understand the changes that may occur in their own lives and will give them familiarity with NDSU's campus and services.
Q: What is Campus Connection?
Campus Connection is the system used to register or change your registration schedule, access your study (class) list, the course catalog and schedule of classes, account information, financial aid information, holds, unofficial transcripts, contact information, and more.
Q: What is my Campus Connection UserID and Password?
How do I find this information?
A UserID and Password are required to access Campus Connection. Your Campus Connection UserID will be your new Student ID number preceded with a capital 'W' (ie: W1234567). Your Campus Connection UserID and Password may be obtained by one of the following methods:
1. Your UserID was included in your acceptance letter to the University. For security purposes, your password and instructions on how to access the system were previously sent to you under separate cover from the ND University System Help Desk. (Note: This information is common to all ND colleges and universities and may have been sent to you by another institution.)
2. Use the 'What is my User ID' link and/or 'Forgot My Password' link at Campus Connection. This information will be emailed to you.
3. Contact the NDUS Help Desk at (866) 457-6387 or help.desk@nodak.edu.
Q: Will I have any other UserID and Password at NDSU?
Yes, you will have one additional set, your Electronic ID. This second set will grant you access to systems like Blackboard, the computer clusters on campus, and your NDSU email account. Each of these will use the same Electronic ID and Password.
Instructions are available for setting up your Electronic ID and Password. This Electronic ID will usually take on the FirstName.LastName format.
Q: What if I can't get my classes?
You do have flexibility in the order of your curriculum. Most often it is the time of day that is unavailable rather than the entire course. In the instances where the course is unavailable, advisers and staff members will assist you in selecting another appropriate course or place you on a waiting list. Most students leave orientation with a full schedule, especially if they are flexible and willing to take courses at a variety of times throughout the day. Advisers and staff members will help you with the process of class selection.
Q: Do I have to take the math placement test?
All students are required to take the Math Placement Test prior to enrolling in a Math course at NDSU unless they have successfully completed and received college credit for a college-level mathematics course. College credit may be earned through Advanced Placement Test scores, dual credit, or Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO). In these cases, students may still choose to take the placement test in an effort to increase their placement. The Math Placement Test should be taken prior to your orientation session. For further questions, please call Bison Connection at (866) 924-8969.
Q: What if I have a documented disability and need accommodations for the test?
Students with disabilities should contact NDSU Disability Services (701) 231-7671 to discuss criteria and procedures for opening a file. Students will need to provide disability documentation from a qualifying professional that includes functional limitations.
Q: What if I have Post Secondary Education Opportunity/Dual
Credit?
Students with less than 24 College credits are expected to attend an orientation session to register for fall classes.
Students with 24 or more Post Secondary credits will be allowed to register online with their current classification. You can expect to receive a Bison Brochure with registration information from the Office of Registration and Records.
Regular transfer students (not PSEO credit) will register with their classification regardless of credit load.
Q: I am a Student Older Than Average (SOTA). What session should I attend?
Students who are 25 years or older are encouraged to attend our Transfer Drop-In Orientation session.
Q: I am a new freshman beginning in the summer session. When do I register?
Information will be mailed to you regarding sign up for an orientation session to get registered for your summer courses. Sessions are generally held during the Spring semester.