KSU Freshman Orientation: Your Guide to Launching Your College Journey

Embarking on your college journey is an exciting chapter, and Kennesaw State University (KSU) is ready to welcome you into Owl Nation. Orientation programs are designed to help you transition smoothly into university life. This guide provides vital information for incoming freshmen to navigate the orientation process and prepare for a successful start at KSU.

Why Attend Orientation?

Orientation is required for all new undergraduate first-year students and serves as an introduction to KSU's campus, resources, and community. Orientation allows you to connect with peers, complete class advising and course registration, and learn about resources. It is designed for you to discover all the opportunities K-State has to offer you as a new Wildcat. This experience includes meeting new K-State students, connecting with your academic college, getting your student ID card, and learning important information to make your first year a success. Students will engage in morning and afternoon activities.

Orientation Formats: In-Person and Virtual Options

KSU offers both in-person and virtual orientation programs to accommodate different needs and preferences. In-Person orientation dates are preferred but virtual programs are also offered.

In-Person Orientation

Campus Immersion: Experience the KSU campus firsthand.
Networking: Connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff.
Resources: On-site access to campus resources and services.
If you are traveling to Manhattan for in-person Orientation this summer please see travel and accommodations options below.

Virtual Orientation

Flexibility: Complete orientation modules at your own pace.
Accessibility: Access information from anywhere with an internet connection.
Comprehensive Information: Learn about essential KSU resources and services online.
If you have been out of the swing of things for some time, the KSU Orientation Modules could be helpful for you to revisit prior to course registration.

Key Steps Before Orientation

To make the most of your orientation experience, complete the following steps beforehand:

1. Submit Transcripts and Test Scores

Official Transcripts: Work with all previous higher education institutions you attended to send us your official* final transcript(s) documenting all coursework taken during your high school career or college career. Admission is pending until your final official transcripts are received.
AP/IB Scores: KSU cannot award credit for your AP/IB coursework until official scores are submitted by the respective testing organization. If you have pending test scores, be sure to talk with your academic advisor and submit the scores as soon as they are available.

2. Meet with Your Academic Advisor

Schedule an Appointment: Approximately two weeks prior to your orientation date, schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor to go over any dual enrollment, AP, or IB credit that you have received or review coursework for your first semester at KSU.
Advising Preparation: To make the most of your advising experience, you’ll want to make sure that your transcript has been evaluated, and those credits appear in DegreeWorks prior to scheduling an advising appointment.
Express Advising: Students with transcripts posted DegreeWorks are encouraged to use Express Advising.
We encourage students to schedule a Pre-Orientation Advising Appointment to discuss courses and prepare for registering during orientation.
If you have enough time with your advisor, please schedule a 30-minute appointment.

3. Financial Aid and Scholarships

FAFSA Submission: Submit the FAFSA any time after it opens on October 1. You are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to allow ample time to plan for your college expenses. The FAFSA is typically available starting on October 1 each year.
Scholarship Universe: KSU’s one-stop shop for available scholarships, Scholarship Universe, pairs you with potential scholarships that match the academic achievements and information outlined in your profile. Scholarship Universe opens annually on November 1.
Financial Aid Package: You can view your financial aid package in Owl Express under the Financial Aid tab. It shows your awarded federal financial aid, scholarships, loans, grants, and how they apply to your bill.
Financial Aid Assistance: Be sure to monitor communications from KSU's Financial Aid Office for the latest information. Once financial aid awards are posted, you can contact your assigned financial aid counselor for additional guidance and assistance. Financial aid counselors are assigned based on the first letter of a student’s last name.

4. Housing Application

Application Timing: New students can apply for housing after they’re accepted into KSU. Applications for on-campus housing open on December 1, and you are encouraged to apply early.
First-Come, First-Served Basis: On-campus housing is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Room Selection: Students are issued time tickets for Room Selection in April based on the date their application fee is paid. The earlier you apply for housing and pay your application fee, the better chance you’ll have of getting your preferred housing location and floor plan.
Special Interest Housing: Some Special Interest Housing, like KSU Journey Honors Housing, fill even earlier than others. See Housing and Residence Life for First Year and Transfer Students.

5. Health Requirements

Health Care Provider: by their health care provider.

6. Verification of Lawful Presence

Board of Regents Requirement: The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires KSU to obtain verification of lawful presence in the United States for all students who are admitted as a Resident (in-state) student or who will receive an out-of-state tuition waiver.

7. International Student Requirements

Health Insurance: All international students in the F-1 visa category are required to always maintain adequate health insurance during their studies at KSU.

8. Check for Holds

Unresolved Holds: Unresolved holds will prevent your registration for classes.

What to Expect During Orientation

Orientation is designed to provide you with the information and resources you need to succeed at KSU. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Academic Advising and Course Registration

Course Review: Meet with your academic advisor to review coursework for your upcoming semester at KSU.
Registration Assistance: Get help with registering for classes.
Orientation allows you to connect with peers, complete class advising and course registration, and learn about resources.

2. Campus Resources and Services

Information Sessions: Learn about various campus resources and services.
Bursar's Office: The Bursar's Office is where you can find information on tuition and payment options. You are encouraged to explore your options well in advance of the first day of classes. You can view the balance owed on Owl Express.
Financial Aid: financial aid and collections is secure, and meeting with career services.
Career Services: meeting with career services.

3. Connecting with the KSU Community

Peer Interaction: Meet and connect with other new students.
Social Platform: A social platform for prospective and current college students, ZeeMee helps to connect you with peers, find a roommate, and learn about campus life! ZeeMee helps to connect you with peers, find a roommate, and learn about campus life!
Building a Network: arrive and begin building a social support network.

4. Placement Testing

Placement Testing: on ones, and complete placement testing if needed.

5. Additional Information

Family Involvement: will be permitted to accompany you throughout the day.
Transition Support: transition from home to college.
Student Support: to help them succeed in and out of the classroom.

Additional Opportunities at KSU

1. Academic Success Coaches

Personalized Support: Academic Success Coaches provide personalized one-on-one support to help you navigate your college journey.

2. Honors College

Journey Honors College: Incoming freshmen indicate an interest in KSU's Journey Honors College by filling out the related sections of KSU's CommonApp.
Deadlines: than in previous years: Feb. 1, 2025. Also, the priority deadline for Honors scholarships is Feb. 1, 2025.

3. Parking Sign-Up

Parking Registration: You can complete your parking sign-up 24 hours after you register for classes.
Early Sign-Up: for an early orientation date so you can selection your parking area earlier.

4. Coles College of Business

Coles Academic Advisors: Coles Academic Advisors are here to help you navigate the transition to KSU!

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