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Hybrid Orientation

Clayton State offers two formats for undergraduate New Student Orientation:
hybrid and fully online.

Quicklinks

During Hybrid Orientation

You will:

  • Attend an on-campus event to meet your peers and connect with representatives from student organizations.
  • Be welcomed into the university community.
  • Receive important info about academic policies, procedures, and deadlines.
  • Learn about resources, programs, and services to support your transition to campus life.
  • Take a Completion Quiz online.

The hybrid orientation has two components: online modules and a mandatory on-campus session.

Here's what you can expect:

During Online Orientation

You will explore self-paced modules and then submit a completion quiz. The entire process takes about 40 minutes, and you'll learn about:

  • Important apps and technology every student needs.
  • Academic success tips and strategies to thrive.
  • Key support services and campus offices.
  • Advising processes and resources to guide course registration.
  • On-campus housing, student organizations, and so much more!

online orientation

Get Started

After you've registered for orientation, you'll receive a confirmation email with the links to the orientation modules and completion quiz. Once you submit the quiz, your online orientation attendance will be officially recorded, and your advisor will be notified to begin building your class schedule.

When you attend your in-person orientation, you're not just checking a box. You're getting a taste of the Laker experience and getting the help you need from all our key offices all in one place!

You'll connect face-to-face with current students and get insider tips on campus life, meet campus reps from key departments like Financial Aid, Housing, and Student Life, and get all your questions answer in real time. Plus, you will also have the option to speak with an advisor and finalize your class schedule.

On campus orientation is your chance to feel the vibe, make connections, and start your journey as a Laker the right way. Bring your family and friends to help celebrate this exciting new chapter. Don't miss out! 

 


Preparing for Orientation

Make the best of your orientation experience with these helpful tips.

Here are a few things you can do as you complete Online Orientation:

 

Here are a few things you can do BEFORE coming to campus:

  • Plan ahead.
  • Verify the time, location, and parking details for your on-campus session.
  • Resolve any remaining holds on your student account.
  • Activate your student email and check it regularly.
  • Upload your photo for your Laker ID Card.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • Bring any questions you may have. This is a great time to ask about:
    • holds on your account
    • financial aid
    • your major or class schedule
    • student organizations and campus events
    • how/where to use your LakerCard
    • Elizabeth, Loch, and Nessie
    • how to sign up for a meal plan or navigate the cafeteria
  • For more tips, check out your New Student Checklist.


How to Complete Orientation

Registered? You're almost there!

Follow these steps to  complete hybrid orientation:

  1. Check your email for confirmation. Within 24 hours of registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with the subject line "Important details about your orientation". It will include:
    1. Links to the orientation modules and completion quiz.
    2. Event details, such as location, parking, and start time.
  2. Review the modules to learn about Clayton State and prepare for the quiz.
  3. Click "Start Quiz" link in your confirmation email to begin. 
  4. Sign in with your Laker ID then enter the verification code sent to your email address to access the quiz.
  5. Complete the quiz, which is brief, tests your knowledge from the modules, and records your class preferences so advisors can start building your schedule. 
  6. Submit your quiz and pay your $100 orientation fee online
    1. After submitting your quiz, click "Proceed to Payment."
    2. Enter your credit or debit card info and hit "Submit."
  1. Prepare for class registration. Use this page and the New Student Checklist to complete all the tasks needed for your first semester as a Laker.
  2. Attend your on-campus session.
    1. You'll receive an email one week before the event with any updates about the location, time, and parking details.
  3. Check-In on the day of your session. Arrive on-time to:
    1. Mark your attendance at the check-in table
    2. Register any additional guests (if needed)
    3. Grab your materials and agenda
    4. Get ready for the exciting day ahead! See the agenda below.

Check your inbox regularly for emails about:

  • Evaluating your orientation. Share your thoughts and feedback about your orientation experience.
  • Your class schedule. You'll receive instructions on how to check your class schedule, notifications when it's ready, and tips on how to request changes if needed.
  • Paying tuition and course deadlines. Look out for reminders to pay your tuition balance and access key resources from the Bursar’s Office or Financial Aid.

Need Additional Support?

Book an appointment with your advisor.

Please Note: Transfer students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss which credits count toward their major. This ensures your transfer credits are properly aligned with your academic goals.

 


Agenda - Spring 2025 Orientations

Time Sessions Location
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM   Open/ Check-In SAC Lobby/ 
SAC – Gymnasium 
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM   Welcome    SAC – Ball Room A&B 
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM   Funding Your Dreams!
(Financial Aid)
SAC – Ball Room A&B 
10:50 AM – 11:20 AM   Money Matters!
(Bursar/Auxiliary Services) 
SAC – Ball Room A&B 
11:20 AM – 11:50 AM   Life on the Lake!
(Student Affairs)
SAC – Ball Room A&B 
11:50 AM – 12:05 PM   Student Success at CSU SAC – Ball Room A&B 
12:05 PM – 12:30 PM   Meet Your LOL/Transition SAC – Ball Room Area
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM Lunch 
Resource Fair
UC- Lower Lobby 
UC- Main Street 
1:15 PM-1:30 PM   Transition
1:30 -2:30 PM  Get Loched In!
(Academic Advising & Registration)  

GROUP A: Student
Student Support from Home

GROUP B: Parent/Guest 
Lecture Hall 

Colleges 
COH- B 10  
COB-B11  
CIMS- B12  
Arts & Sciences- B13
UC- 272/265 

1:30 PM-2:15 PM  
Family Engagement Panel

2:15 PM-2:20 PM
Break 

2:20 PM- 2:30 PM
Optional Family Tour/ 
Family Engagement Activities
2:30- 3:00 PM
3:00- 3:30 PM
Optional Campus Tour #1
Optional Campus Tour #2
Leave from the UC 
2:30- 3:30 PM   Check-Out Evaluations, Laker Card, Parking Permit  SAC – Gymnasium