Undergraduate Advising Center A Gateway to Graduation

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Freshman Orientation


Reasons for participating Orientation

SFSU New Student Orientation is required for all first-time college students attending SFSU. We want to welcome you, share our University, and give  you an opportunity to learn the information needed to get you off to a good academic start. We urge you to make every effort to attend this important event at San Francisco State. First-time students who participate in an Orientation Program are better prepared, encounter fewer problems, and generally have a very positive feeling about their experiences at San Francisco State. Plan to join us!


Advising and Class Registration help at Orientation

You will be helped planning your Fall 2008 course schedule. Orientation includes a in-depth workshop on graduation requirements and we assist you in planning and registering for classes. Peer advisors will be on hand to help you understand how to best succeed course selection and facilitate your registration at Orientation. An advisor will check your schedule before you leave.


The two ways new students can best prepare for Orientation are:

  • Bring test transcripts for ELM and EPT (if taken).
  • Prepare for orientation by reading our Orientation Preview Website.

Orientation dates for Fall 2008

The Fall 2008 ON CAMPUS orientations for freshmen will occur on the following dates. You will choose one. Plan to stay the entire time. You will register for classes during the afternoon. Family members are invited to attend for all dates (max 2).

See our Conference Services information below for options for staying on campus during Orientation.


  • Tuesday, June 3rd, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, June 4th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday, June 6th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday, June 7th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday, June 9th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday, June 17th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, June 18th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday, June 20th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday, June 21th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday, June 24th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, June 25th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday, June 26th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday, June 28th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday, June 30th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, July 2nd, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Registration for one of these dates begins on April 1st, 2008!


Southern California Orientations

For those that cannont make it to an on-campus Orientation session, we offer a convenient, Southern California session at the Holiday Inn - Buena Park, CA (website) This session is comparable to our on-campus program since we bring dozens of staff, equipment and materials to provide a complete program! (The only thing missing is a campus tour, obviously!)

  • Thursday, June 12th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday, June 13th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday, June 14th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Registration for one of these dates begins on April 1st, 2008!


International Student Orientation

If you are an international student currently OUT of the USA, there will be a program, jointly offered with Office of International Programs on August 20th, 2008. Please read the following - these are things you should do BEFORE coming to Orientation!

  • Register for Orientation - doing so EARLY gives us time to prepare for your attendance
  • PAY your $15 fee - space is limited, but you CAN pay in-person upon arrival
  • Sign up for the ELM & EPT tests - Also ESLPT if your primary language is NOT English

Click HERE to register for the International Orientation on August 20th!


Register classes for Fall 2008

Freshmen register for classes on their Orientation date. We will show you how. Remember, in order to register for classes, you MUST have your ELM and/or EPT scored on file, if the test(s) is required. Do you need to test? Here's the link to see your test score report.


Placement Scores for ELM or EPT at Orientation

Placement tests are mandatory to attend Orientation and/or registering for classes. If you have taken the tests BEFORE June, SFSU should have your scores on file. To be safe, also bring a copy of your scores to Orientation. (You can request your scores from College Board) If you have not yet taken ELM and EPT you must register and take the March, April (SFSU only) or May tests. Go to SFSU Testing website to register for our tests at SFSU. You may take the test at any California State University.

If you took the ELM or EPT tests, scores are on the web. View your test results here.

If you take ELM/EPT at another campus, be sure to indicate SFSU as a destination of your test scores. Please put your student ID number on your test.


Fees for Orientation

Orientation fees will be $35 per student and $25 per guest, or $75 for each attendee for our So. Cal sessions. The fees include your Orientation materials, Class Schedule booklet and a meal. See more information regarding Orientation fees and University fees (Tuition).
NOTE: An $8 meal charge will be apply if you do not cancel 3 days in advance.


Register for Orientation

Note: You must file your Intent to Register before you can sign up for Orientation. Starting April 2nd, you may do both. After Intent, you may view your orientation confirmation at http://www.sfsu.edu/online/orient.htm


On-Campus Accommodations During Orientation

As a prospective student and guest(s) participating in the SF State New Student Orientation, we welcome you to stay overnight in our housing community.

Rates and dates available are as follows:

Science Technology Theme Community (STTC):
$84.00 per room, per night (maximum of 2 people per unit)

This room is double occupancy with a private bathroom. Each room is fully furnished with a bed, chair, closet space, and desk for each resident. Broadband Ethernet connections for guests are available. Room sizes vary, but a typical room is approximately 250 square feet.


This facility is available from Monday, June 2 – Tuesday, July 21, 2008.


Breakfast is available in our City Eats Dining Center from 7:00am – 9:00am for and additional cost of $7.25.


As there are a limited number of rooms available reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis.


ROOM RESERVATIONS ONLY (not for Orientation registration)
please call: (415) 405–4459 or go to:
www.sfsu.edu/~meetings/reservationorientation.htm
and fill out a reservation request form.


Once submitted, a reservation will be confirmed within 48 hours.

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