WELCOME TO TEXAS STATE!
What to Expect
While you're at NSO, we'll connect you to some of the great people, places, and resources on campus. NSO is the first of several special programs at Texas State to help you familiarize yourself with the university and become a Bobcat, ensuring you'll have the support you need to be successful both in and out of the classroom.
Contents
- Prepare for NSO
- Orientation FAQs
- Family and Guests
- Accomodations
- Testing Information
- Helpful Contacts
PREPARE FOR NSO
You can prepare by bringing and doing the following:
Things to Bring
- State or federally issued photo ID
- Final academic transcripts
- Light jacket or sweater
- Phone charger
Things to Do
IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BOBCAT!
Orientation FAQs
Do I have to complete NSO?
Everyone who is admitted to Texas State, or readmitted after a time away from Texas State, is required to complete New Student Orientation (NSO).
WHY IS NSO REQUIRED?
Research indicates students who complete orientation have higher rates of success in college than those who do not. NSO provides vital information you need to start off right at Texas State. You'll learn about campus resources and traditions, meet new and current students, and have fun, too!
WILL I REGISTER FOR COURSES DURING NSO?
Students will not participate in a traditional advising and registration experience at NSO. Students will complete their New Bobcat Enrollment Profile in advance of NSO to provide information about their academic background, earned credits, placement information, and academic goals. Academic Advisors will use this information to build a personalized course recommendation plan and enroll students in first-semester courses before they attend NSO. Seven days before their NSO session, students will receive information about their course plan, schedule, and next steps. During NSO, students will learn more about academic expectations, academic advising resources, and how to make appropriate schedule adjustments if needed.
ARE FAMILY AND GUESTS REQUIRED TO ATTEND?
NSO is not a requirement for family and guests. However, we highly encourage them to attend. We have programming that is specific to family and guests.
WHERE DO I PARK?
Parking is available on campus for all students and their guests while attending NSO, but all vehicles on campus must be registered with Parking Services for a parking permit. Instructions for registering your vehicle for a temporary parking permit are included in a confirmation email sent to you at the email address provided on your application for admission shortly before your session.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
We're happy to answer them! Visit our Help Page to find the best ways to contact us. Our office hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central).
Family and Guests
We offer optional programming for families and guests as a part of NSO. Additional family and guest members may attend NSO by signing up on site that morning and paying the Family and Guest Orientation fee with a credit/debit card
TESTING INFORMATION
TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) PROGRAM
The state-legislated Texas Success Initiative Program seeks to improve student success in college-level course work by assessing incoming students' math, reading, and writing proficiency. The program provides guidance for developmental course work to those needing to strengthen basic academic skills.
Some students may be exempt from assessment testing based on SAT, ACT, or STAAR scores. Students who are not exempt will need to complete one or more sections of the TSI Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). The TSIA2 is offered at testing centers located on community college and university campuses across the state. Registration will be limited for students that have not submitted the necessary TSI scores or exemptions. Refer to our website for more information about course exemptions, taking the TSIA exam, and guidance on submitting test scores.
Prior to taking the TSIA2, you will take a pre-assessment activity (PAA). Instructions to complete the PAA will be provided by the testing center. This online activity is designed to help students understand the importance and purpose of the assessment, developmental course options, and institutional resources.
Students whose TSIA2 scores do not meet the minimum requirements for exemption may:
- Retake the TSIA2 and attempt to meet the minimum required score(s).
- Register for and successfully pass the appropriate developmental courses. Developmental courses are designed to prepare students academically for college-level course work and do not count toward a degree plan.
STUDENTS AND GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please complete the Request Accommodations Form at least 72 hours in advance of your NSO date.
