North Dakota State University

Welcome to NDSU!  Our priority is to support and prepare you for a successful transition to the university.  Two essential steps are registering for classes and attending Orientation.   

Please note that these orientations are designed for new undergraduate students with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.  If you are an international student, there is a unique orientation for you that is provided by the International Student and Study Abroad office.

New Student Orientation & Class Registration

New Student Orientation is on Friday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  It is for students who have not yet registered for classes and/or completed Orientation modules earlier in the summer.  Orientation includes:

• Meeting other new students
• A returning student panel
• Lunch in a dining center
• Presentation on a number of topics:  Finances, academics, student safety and responsibilities, financial aid and scholarships, residence life and dining, course materials and supplies, information technology services, and student health service.
• Class registration for students who have not yet registered (please see pre-registration steps below)
• A campus tour

Family members are invited to participate.  Please note there is no programming for children.

Make a reservation

In addition to Orientation on August 20, students have access to Orientation modules that contain important information about academics, finances, campus resources, and health and safety at NDSU.  Access the Orientation modules by logging into Blackboard with your North Dakota System Account.  Click on Courses and then Online Orientation. 

Pre-Registration Steps

To prepare for class registration, students should complete pre-registration steps at least 48 hours prior to Orientation.

1. Complete the Get To Know You Student SurveyProvide information that will help an Academic Advisor prepare an individualized class schedule for you. Time needed is approximately 10 minutes.  To access the survey, students must have their N.D. University System username and seven-digit EMPLID. 
    
2. Take the NDSU Math Placement TestAll new students are required to complete this test even if you plan to transfer math credit to NDSU.  The placement scores and any credits that appear on your official transcripts will be considered to determine placement.  NDSU will always accept your highest placement from either source.  Maximum time allowed is 75 minutes. Students will utilize their N.D. University System account to access the math placement test.
    
3. Complete the NDSU English Placement SurveyAll new students should complete this survey to provide a full picture of your preparation for college-level writing, reading, and research.  There are no "wrong" answers.  Time needed is 10-20 minutes.  Students will utlize their NDSU electronic ID to access the English placement survey.

Upon completion of step #1 above, you will receive an email from the Office of Admission confirming your intent to attend NDSU if you have not already committed.

New Student Checklist

A comprehensive list of things to do to prepare for your first semester is available here.