FAQs

Fall 2025 Orientation is split into two parts: (1) Advising & Registration and (2) Week of Welcome.

Advising & Registration is held in June for incoming Transfers and July for incoming Freshmen. Advising & Registration dates are based on a student's declared major. To see when your major is scheduled, check out the Fall Orientation webpage.

Week of Welcome is held in August for all incoming students and runs from August 14, 2025 (move-in day for on-campus housing) through August 17, 2025. Classes begin on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Both parts of Fall 2025 Orientation will be held in-person at Sonoma State University. Sessions will take place in various locations across our beautiful campus.

Yes. Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students — both incoming Freshmen and Transfer students. This is a time to introduce the transitional services and support programs critical to success not only during students' first semester but their entire journey at SSU. This is also the time to learn first-hand the information and expectations of the University. Please note: If you were previously enrolled at SSU and it has been more than two years, you'll need to attend Orientation again.

Incoming Freshmen who are part of EOP are not required to participate in Noma Nation Orientation, as they will instead participate in Summer Bridge. Incoming Transfer students who are part of EOP are required to participate in Noma Nation Orientation.

Yes, the Noma Nation Orientation fee is $105 and is non-refundable. The Orientation fee is included within the enrollment deposit (ERD) that students pay when they accept their admission to Sonoma State University. Both First-Time First-Year and Transfer Students have the option of registering guests.

Once you have accepted your admission offer and paid your ERD/Orientation fee ($155), you will have the opportunity to select your Orientation date by accessing your MySSU Student Center online. Throughout this transition to SSU, all orientation communications will be sent to the email address used in the student's application for Sonoma State University.

• Log into your SSU account.
• Click the "MySSU tile" (blue icon with Seawolf paw).
• On the drop-down menu, click from "MySSU Homepage" to "Student Self-Service."
• Select the "Applicant Self-Service" icon (two people shaking hands).
• Click on "Noma Nation Orientation" 

In-person Orientation is required for all new undergraduate students. If you would like to request an exception, please contact the Orientation office by calling (707) 664-4464 or emailing us at [email protected].

Complete the Orientation Accomodation Request Form to formalize your request and a staff member from our Disability Services for Students team will work with you to provide the best possible orientation experience.

We are ready to answer your questions! Call (707) 664-4464 or email us at [email protected].

Transfer students will meet with their academic advisor in June and incoming Freshmen will have the same opportunity in July. You will either meet with a Faculty Advisor from your academic department and/or a Professional Academic Advisor. The type of advisor you'll meet with depends on your declared major. To prepare for Orientation, please review the Student Toolkit in Canvas provided by the team in University Advising.

Students will register for classes during their designated Orientation within the month of June/July. After that, students can edit their class schedule during the Open Enrollment window which runs from July 26, 2025 through August 6, 2025. The final opportunity to register for classes will run from August 13, 2025 through September 2, 2025.

No. The University does not offer overnight housing during Orientation. See our Hotels & Transportation page for more information about local lodging.

It is extremely important to submit official transcripts, as they are necessary to ensure we have everything needed to make an accurate evaluation of the courses you have taken. Any delays in submitting official transcripts can affect your ability to register for classes. Official transcripts with your Spring 2025 grades are due by July 1, 2025.

The Orientation fee is non-refundable. Please contact Orientation at [email protected] and we will update your student account and remove you from the Fall 2025 class roster.