First-Time Student – NSO Day of Schedule

Guide for the Day

Here you will find details behind each session, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Because of space and flow during orientation, your printed schedule only shows session names and locations. This page explains what each session includes, what you should bring and how to make the most of your day.

Need Help During the Day?
  • Visit the information table on Main Street.
  • Call NSO staff at 605-688-6283
  • Look for staff wearing NSO name tags and black polos throughout the University Student Union.
Morning
8:15 a.m. – Arrival and Check-In
  • Location: Main Street, University Student Union
  • What to expect:
    • Check in with orientation and admissions staff.
    • Receive materials for your day and confirm your schedule block.
    • Light breakfast pastries will be available.
    • Opportunity to connect with other new students and families.
  • Why this matters:
    • This is your official start to orientation and ensures you are set up for advising, registration and your academic college sessions later in the day.
8:45 a.m. – Welcome Program
  • Location: Volstorff Ballroom, University Student Union
  • What to expect:
    • Welcome from SDSU leadership.
    • Overview of orientation day and expectations for success.
  • Why this matters:
    • This session sets the tone for your transition into SDSU and introduces the support systems available to you.
9:10 a.m. – Jackrabbit Basics
  • Location: Volstorff Ballroom, University Student Union
  • What to expect:
    • Summer information from Housing and Residence Life.
      • Move-in information.
      • Early arrival information.
    • Jacks Dining information.
      • Meal plans and other dining resources.
  • Why it matters:
    • This session helps you understand some requirements and resources related to housing and dining at SDSU.
10 a.m. – Introduction to Advising
  • Location: Assigned by college (see printed schedule)
  • What to expect:
    • How academic advising works at SDSU.
    • What it means to be a college student academically.
    • How to build your first semester schedule.
    • Overview of registration steps during orientation.
    • Tips for making strong academic decisions.
  • What to bring:
    • Questions about majors, classes or career interests.
    • A notebook or device for notes.
  • Why it matters:
    • This is the foundation for your academic journey and directly leads into course registration.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Placement Testing (if applicable)
  • Location: Testing Center
  • What to expect:
    • Required placement testing for select students.
    • Visit the Testing Center website to see if this may apply to you. If you are unsure, check with the Testing Center table or your adviser.
  • What to bring:
    • Photo ID.
    • Any required documents provided in advance.
10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. – Resource Fair of Campus Services
  • What you can do here:
    • Ask questions about majors and requirements.
    • Learn about campus services and involvement opportunities.
    • Get help with financial aid, billing and student accounts.
    • Visit bookstore and textbook support.
  • Why it matters:
    • This is your opportunity to connect directly with campus resources before registration.
11 a.m. – Lunch and Business Lunch
  • Lunch Option: Rotating buffet menu
  • Location: Union Market
  • Business Lunch (11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.)
    • Bring your lunch – all are welcome to learn about a special interest area.
    • Sessions provided:
      • Army and Air Force ROTC – Jackrabbit 103
      • Honors College – Campanile 169
      • Performing Arts – Volstorff Ballroom A
      • Veterans Affairs – Pedersen 128A
    • Purpose:
      • These sessions provide a chance to explore programs and communities you may want to join; no prerequisites required.
Afternoon

During the sessions below, please remain with the color schedule you were assigned at the start of the day to ensure all students receive the full attention and continuity they need during their advising session. At 2:15 p.m., the schedule will switch, and you will move to the opposite color group for the sessions listed below.

12:45 p.m. – Yellow Schedule Students
  • Advising and Registration
    • Location: Assigned by college (see printed schedule)
      • What to expect:
        • Meeting with academic advisors.
        • Building and finalizing your first semester schedule.
        • Registering for courses with advisor support.
      • What to bring:
        • Laptop (strongly recommended).
        • Questions about courses or degree plans.
12:45 p.m. – Yellow Schedule Parents/Guests
  • Supporting Your Student
    • Location: Volstorff Ballroom B, University Student Union
      • What to expect:
        • Overview of the college transition process.
        • Common challenges new students face.
        • Overview of SDSU support systems.
        • How families can support student success.
12:45 p.m. – Blue Schedule Students/Parents/Guests
  • Information Session Block
    • Location: Baily Rotunda D
    • What to expect:
      • Information from the areas below given in a rotational format.
      • Offices and departments represented:
        • Supporting new Jacks (Academic Support)
        • Jackrabbit Central (textbooks)
        • Student Engagement Center
        • Student Finances
        • Education Abroad
        • Career Development and Part-Time Jobs
        • Student Activities
    • Purpose:
      • These sessions help students explore resources that support academic and personal success.
2:15 p.m. – Blue Schedule Students
  • Advising and registration
    • Location: Assigned by college (see printed schedule)
      • What to expect:
        • Meeting with academic advisors.
        • Building and finalizing your first semester schedule.
        • Registering for courses with advisor support.
      • What to bring:
        • Laptop (strongly recommended).
        • Questions about courses or degree plans.
2:15 p.m. – Blue Schedule Parents/Guests
  • Supporting Your Student
    • Location: Volstorff Ballroom B, University Student Union
      • What to expect:
        • Overview of the college transition process.
        • Common challenges new students face.
        • Overview of SDSU support systems.
        • How families can support student success.
2:15 p.m. – Yellow Schedule Students/Parents/Guests
  • Information Session Block
    • Location: Baily Rotunda D
    • What to expect:
      • Information from the areas below given in a rotational format.
      • Offices and departments represented:
        • Supporting new Jacks (Academic Support)
        • Jackrabbit Central (textbooks)
        • Student Engagement Center
        • Student Finances
        • Education Abroad
        • Career Development and Part-Time Jobs
        • Student Activities
    • Purpose:
      • These sessions help students explore resources that support academic and personal success.
Contact Us
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New Student Orientation
1421 Student Union Ln.
Brookings, SD 57007
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