Sonoma State University
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Orientation & Family Programs

Division of Student Affairs

Transfer FAQs

When is Fall 2023 Orientation?

Transfer Orientation is comprised of three parts:

  • An introduction to Advising & Registration - this session will be held virtually (Zoom) on:
    • Friday, April 07 for students whose deposit (ERD) is due by March 30 or
    • Friday, May 05 for students whose deposit (ERD) is due by May 01
  • Ask Me Anything Series - virtually leading up to Week of Welcome
  • Week of Welcome - this series will be held in-person at Sonoma State University Wednesday, August 16 - Saturday, August 19.

Is Transfer Orientation Required?

YES. Transfer Orientation is required for all incoming transfer students. All three components of Transfer Orientation are vital for students to gain the information needed to register and prepare for becoming an SSU student.

The Introduction to Advising and Registration session will provide you with the necessary information to successfully register for courses.

The Ask Me Anything Series will provide key information about departments such as Financial Aid and how to pay for classes.

The Week of Welcome will introduce the transitional services and support of our friends and programs that are critical to success in your first year.

Is there a fee?

Yes, and if you have accepted your admission to Sonoma State, you have already paid your ERD and Orientation fee. As a reminder, these fees are non-refundable.

**In addition to the ERD and Orientation fee, there is a one time rent only charge assessed from REACH, (only) if you are living in On-campus housing.

Is there a disadvantage to not completing both parts to NOMA Nation Orientation?

YES. Students who do not complete their orientation requirements will not be allowed to register for classes the following semester. If you are unable to complete your orientation requirements due to a hardship, family emergency, or unique circumstance please contact the Orientation Office at (707)-664-4464 or orientation@sonoma.edu. 

How do I register for it?

Once you have accepted your offer of admission and paid your ERD and Orientation fee, you are automatically registered for Transfer Orientation. Additional information about each of these sessions will be emailed to students' Sonoma State email addresses. We encourage you to check your SSU email regularly for these updates.

When can I register for my fall 2023 classes?

All incoming transfer students whose ERD is due by March 30 will attend the April 07 " Introduction to Advising and Registration" virtual session. After successfully completing the "Introduction to Advising & Registration" virtual session, students will have access to register for fall 2023 courses beginning on April 17, 2023.

All incoming transfer students whose ERD after the May 01 deadline will attend the May 05 "Introduction to Advising & Registration" virtual session. After successfully completing the "Introduction to Advising & Registration" virtual session, students will have access to register for fall 2023 courses during the May 15, 2023 - May 26, 2023 period.  

**FTT Students will register along with other junior-standing students beginning on 04/19. Registration begins on 04/17 for priority registration students only.

Will I be able to meet with my faculty advisor?

During the "Introduction to Advising & Registration" virtual session, on April 07, students will have the opportunity to receive academic advising from the faculty advisor(s) in their department. Whether faculty advisor(s) will be offering one-on-one advising will depend on the specific department. 

How do I submit my official transcripts and when are they due?

Official transcripts are necessary to make sure the university has everything needed to make an accurate evaluation of the college courses students have taken and to make sure students get the proper transfer credit and are able to register for classes without any issues. 

Students should submit transcripts as soon as possible with terms completed up to spring 2023. Transcripts with spring 2023 grades for courses that are in progress are due by July 01, 2023.

For more information on how to submit official transcripts, please visit the Admissions homepage and select "How To Submit Transcripts" on the left-hand navigation. 

I cannot attend Transfer Orientation, what do I do?

If students cannot attend the virtual "Introduction to Advising & Registration" and/or "Week of Welcome" sessions, contact the Orientation team via email at orientation@sonoma.edu or by phone at (707) 664-4464.

How can I request accommodation services?

Students needing disability-related accommodations for Transfer Orientation and/or during the academic year should contact Disability Services for Students (DSS).

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Phone number: (707) 664-2677 (dial 711 for Relay)

Email: disability.services@sonoma.edu  

Who can I contact the if I have more questions about Transfer Orientation?

Students should contact the Orientation team via email at orientation@sonoma.edu or by phone at (707) 664-4464. 

The Orientation team is available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is recommended to email first! If you decide to call, please leave one voicemail. The Orientation team tries to return calls within 48 hours and multiple messages may cause delays.