First-Year Student Orientation at Southern helps incoming students transition to college life by providing academic advising, course registration, access to student success resources, and opportunities to connect with peers.
The summer orientation program is informative, helpful, and full of Southern spirit! Orientation begins with summer orientation sessions and New Owl Welcome (the days leading up to the first day of class) and continues throughout the first year with extended orientation experiences, varying programs, experiences, and partnerships with the First-Year Experience Program.
Program Goals
- Begin to make social connections with their peers.
- Meet with an Academic Advisor for individual advisement.
- Register for first-semester courses.
- Learn how to prepare for the first semester.
- Connect with Orientation Ambassadors.
- Learn about valuable resources necessary for academic, personal, and career success.
- Begin to understand Southern technology which will be important throughout a college career.
Summer 2026 Orientation
At this time, our Summer Orientation Sessions have concluded. Students intending to attend in the Fall 2026 should email Orientation, Transition, & Family Engagement as soon as possible for further direction.
All students should prepare to attend New Owl Welcome on August 23rd and August 24th.! This is the next required step in the journey to the first semester. For more information, visit New Owl Welcome.
2026 Orientation Blue Book : Student and Family Orientation Schedule
Orientation Ambassadors
Each year, the Office of Orientation, Transition, and Family Engagement selects a group of dedicated undergraduate leaders to assist with implementing university orientation programs throughout the year.
Learn more about the Orientation Ambassadors and how to apply to become one.
Lo-Fi Orientation Experience
Lo-Fi is essentially a lower-sensory, more relaxed experience designed to reduce overstimulation. The Lo-Fi Orientation Experience runs concurrently throughout the two-day orientation session and is not a separate program. The concept is inspired by lo-fi music, known for its calming, retro sound and steady, downtempo rhythm. The Lo-Fi Orientation Experience creates a calm, inclusive environment through smaller groups, softer visuals and sounds, and a more focused pace. Students receive the same information and overall experience that meets different needs and expectations.
Other Information
- All first-year students (full-time and part-time) must establish a placement level in English and Mathematics before they can register for Fall semester courses..
- Students should visit Academic Placement for New First-Year Students as soon as possible to learn more and to begin the process of establishing their academic placement.
Students will continue to receive information to their personal email address until they attend orientation. However, it is extremely important that they are checking their Southern email regularly as well for important information. Visit Next Steps and click on “Set-up your SCSU Email Account” for more information.
Students will receive an email for the SCSU Card Office with a unique link to upload their picture to the system. In order to guarantee receiving a Student ID (Hoot Loot) at orientation, students must upload your picture no later than 48 hours prior to the session.
- SCSU email address, email password, Student ID number, and MySCSU password. These are important for different portions of New Student Orientation.
- An electronic device (laptop, tablet if possible). We will have a limited number to loan students for the day.
- Comfortable dress and walking shoes. Portions of the day will be spent outside so please prepare for the weather.
- All meals and snacks will be provided at no cost. We recommend bringing extra beverages and a water bottle.
- Overnight bedding: twin XL sheets, pillow and blanket.
Information regarding parking, meeting locations, the day’s schedule, etc., will be provided in a confirmation email and posted on this website. Visit Frequently Asked Questions for Orientation for details on how to prepare. For more information about Orientation, please contact Orientation, Transition & Family Engagement.
Southern is your home. Make the most of every moment you have here.