New Student Orientation

We want to make the transition into our Laker family a smooth one. That’s why new student orientation is our way of saying welcome!

We’ve got tons of activities to get acquainted with Clayton State, from New Student Convocation to Party For Good, our signature community service day.

Take a tour of our lovely campus, register for classes, and pick up your student ID. From financial aid to housing to meeting new people, we’re here to help make it easy for you to navigate the first few days of the semester.

At New Student Orientation, you will:

Receive information regarding academic policies, procedures, and deadlines
Get advising assistance
Learn about multiple academic and campus life resources, programs, and services to aid your transition to Clayton State University
Access the SWAN Portal to complete course registration
View the campus in a group tour format
Feel welcomed into the university community

Orientation Fee

New Student Orientation is mandatory for all newly-enrolled students, including freshman, transfer, online, and non-degree. Returning students also must participate in orientation.

The fees for New Student Orientation vary for each student, and can be found within your SWAN account when registering for your orientation session. A list of orientation fees are as follows:

Orientation Type	Student Cost	Guest 1	Guest 2
Freshman Premiere (Fall entry term only)	$100.00	35.00	25.00
Transfer and Non-Traditional	45.00	10.00	10.00
Returning Transfer*	22.50	10.00	10.00
Online Students	45.00	Not applicable	Not applicable
Non-Degree (Transient and Post-Baccalaureate)	Not required	Not applicable	Not applicable

*Returning Transfer: Please call us at (678) 466-4115 for registration assistance due to the discounted fee schedule.

Orientation Dates

Check back soon!

How to Register

Orientation registration and payments can be made online via credit/debit card. You can also stop by our office (Edgewater Hall, Room 150) and use our kiosk to pay online.

All registration and fees must be paid by the deadline date for the designated session.

Reserving your seat for orientation takes just a few steps:

Login into the SWAN from www.clayton.edu
In the top right hand corner you will click on "Students"
Then click on the SWAN icon; login with username & password
Click on the “ORIENTATION” icon within the SWAN portal
Click on the “Register for Orientation” orange button
Sign into the OrWeb-Orientation Website using your username & password

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend Orientation?

Orientation is required for all new degree-seeking and certificate students, including freshman, transfer, nontraditional, and dual-enrollment students. All other students (Distance Learning, TAP, Transient, Post Baccalaureate, Returning Students, and Senior Citizens) will need to check the website for your student type in order to review your orientation requirements or contact us at (678) 466-4115.

What if I cannot attend any of the sessions?

In addition to learning more about your new campus, you are required to attend the program in order to successfully complete your first semester course registration (check your student type on the orientation website). You cannot successfully register for classes if you do not attend your required session. If you are more than 30 minutes late for your scheduled orientation, you will need to register for the next available orientation session. Orientation fees are non-refundable and can be transferred to another session only once. Fees are good up to one academic year. If you need additional assistance or information, please do not hesitate to contact us at (678) 466-4115 or orientation@clayton.edu.

Why do I need to pay for Orientation?

New Student Orientation is a self-supported program; your registration fees cover the cost of program expenses including meals, staff, printed materials, and supplies.

Can I pay for registration over the phone?

We are unable to accept registration over the phone. You may register online with a credit or debit card. You may also utilize our computer kiosk if you prefer to pay online at our office location (Edgewater Hall, Room 150). All registration and fees must be paid by the deadline date for the designated session.

Do I have to stay overnight during the Freshman Orientation?

Freshman Premiere Orientation does not have an overnight requirement.

Part-time or Commuter Freshman Students: You must receive documented acceptance regarding on campus housing exemption status with Housing and Residence Life (678-466-HOME) if you do not plan to live on campus for your first year.

Fayette/Peachtree City traditional freshman students must complete a housing exemption form for approval if they are going to complete 100% of their courses at the satellite location during their first year at Clayton State. Please view the orientation website for orientation session and registration assistance regarding your required orientation attendance and location.

Can I come to orientation as a walk-in if I pay that day?

We are unable to accept student walk-in registrations on the day of the orientation session. Parents/guests walk-in registrations are only permitted pending seat availability (please call us at least 48 hours prior to the session if you think you would like to add a guest participant). We require advance registration for orientation session so that we can ensure that we have the proper accommodations for all of our attendees.

What should I bring to Orientation?

All one day sessions (Transfer/Nontraditional, Catch-All Sessions, and Freshman Premiere) require comfortable shoes, an official picture ID, writing utensils, student Laker ID number, student SWAN Portal login information and of course, enthusiasm. Also, please bring any remaining and outstanding documents that you need to turn in to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

For the Freshman Premiere Orientation students please check the Housing & Residential Life website for a checklist of items to bring for your move-in date: http://www.clayton.edu/housing. You will need to bring an official picture ID, writing utensils, notebook, your Laker ID number, SWAN portal log in information and of course, enthusiasm.

Can I bring my child to Orientation?

Please be advised that the programs are not conducive for children or pets. Registered guest participants must be 18 years or older in order to attend the program.

Will I be able to talk to an advisor during Orientation?

Yes. All students attending Orientation will meet with an advisor before registering for classes. If you wish to speak with an advisor prior to orientation, please contact the respective college/school to learn more about their pre-orientation processes and appointment process.

Do I have to live on campus during my first year as a freshman student?

Please visit the website for the Department of Housing and Residential Life for specific details regarding freshman on-campus housing requirements or contact them at (678) 466-4665.

Do I need to take ACCUPLACER and when do I need to take this test?

Please contact the Testing Center at (678) 466-4495 for information regarding the ACCUPLACER and other tests that may be required before attending your orientation session.

If you live out-of-state and require placement testing, please contact the Testing Office at (678) 466-4495 for additional testing option information prior to your scheduled orientation date(s).

Can I use my cell phone, iPad, or laptop from home at Orientation to register for classes?

Yes, due to limited laptops on campus the registration of classes process can move more quickly if you have own device.
Laptop policy