Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequently asked questions about orientation and family programs. Please take a moment to review before calling or emailing us, as most questions are answered below!
New Student Orientation FAQs
Do I need to participate in New Student Orientation?
Yes, participating in all activities during your orientation session is required. If you do not attend or leave during any portion, you will be blocked from class registration and will not be able to attend SJSU for your admitted semester.How do I sign up for New Student Orientation?
You will sign up for Orientation in Step 2 of the "Intent to Enroll" process at nextsteps.sjsu.edu. You will need your Student ID Number (9 digits) and one.SJSU account password to access the site.Next, follow these steps:
1. Select your preferred Orientation Session date (if it's not displayed, then it is no longer available).
2. Click Submit (make sure to do this!).
3. Follow the link to the online Marketplace to pay your enrollment deposit.
4. If applicable, register your family members through the Parent & Family Portal.
When will I receive a confirmation of my New Student Orientation date?
A confirmation of payment email will be generated immediately after payment from bursar@sjsu.edu. If you do not see this, please check your junk or spam folder. It will also always be available on your Next Steps (nextsteps.sjsu.edu) account.When will I receive my New Student Orientation Confirmation email?
A Confirmation email will be sent to your MySJSU messages one-week PRIOR to your registered orientation session date.How do I change my orientation session date?
Students can change their New Student Orientation session through their nextsteps.sjsu.edu account PRIOR to Thursday, May 1, 2026 (Fall admits) and . Unfortunately, if sessions are no longer visible on Next Steps, then they are no longer available as have a reached capacity.When can I access Spartan Link?
Spartan Link is available in mid-May for Fall admits while Spring admits have access in late November.If Spartan Link is not available to you before the date of your orientation, you can still attend the session as scheduled. Please continue to check Spartan Link once daily, and once it is available, you will be able to complete it.
What happens at New Student Orientation?
• Opportunities to connect with your classmates and buld community
• Assistance with selecting and registering for classes
What do I need to have during my New Student Orientation session?
You should bring with you to orientation the follwing items:• SJSU ID number and SJSUOne (MySJSU) password to register for classes on your MySJSU Student Portal
• SJSU admission documents including admission letters, grade reports, copies of transcripts from other colleges, placement test scores, financial aid forms, and everything else related to your enrollment.
• A copy of your New Student Orientation reservation letter with barcode
• A photo identification (ID), such as a driver's license, passport, state ID or high school ID.
• Bedding, toiletries, and a change of clothes for one night in the residence hall. This is for the new student only.
• Comfortable and appropriate clothing/shoes.
• A refillable water bottle.
What if I can't attend my scheduled New Student Orientation session?
Attendance is mandatory. If you do not attend, you will not be able to register for courses for the semester in which you are admitted and will NOT be able to attend SJSU in Fall 2026. We encourage you to register early and make travel plans around this date.Does financial aid cover the Summer Orientation fee?
No. Financial Aid does not cover the cost of your orientation fee. If you are expecting Financial Aid, it will be applied to your current tuition charges first, then housing etc., (pending how much you are awarded). Financial aid does not get automatically applied to the orientation fee.What does the Orientation fee pay cover?
The Orientaion Fee pays for:• Spartan Link - Online Pre-Orientation Module
• Operations costs
• Light breakfast and lunch. Dinner is included for Sparta Camp Only.
No portion of this fee is optional as students are required to participate in all aspects of the program. This fee is non-refundable. No amount will apply to tuition and fees.
Do I need to take a placement tests?
Many new first-year (frosh) undergraduates in the College of Science, Engineering and Business may need to take a calculus placement exam prior to registration. For details, exemptions, and other criteria, visit the Precalculus Proficiency Assessment page.To learn if you need to take a department placement exam, contact the department that oversees your degree program (major). View a listing of degree programs and their departments in our University Catalog.Do I need to take the Reflection on College Writing (RCW)?
All entering first-time/first-year students (frosh) complete the Reflection on College Writing, an online course in Canvas, the SJSU learning management system.How Do I Complete This Work?- Work within the deadlines to complete all five modules in Canvas.
- You can complete the Reflection on College Writing at your own pace. While the modules can be done in 3 hours, we recommend you work at a comfortable pace. You want to use these sample college assignments to gauge the amount of study time you will need to be comfortable and confident in your work.
- Check back after you have submitted the work to make sure your grade report shows the “10/10” points you need to complete the requirement.
- If you have submitted the work but your grade report does not say “10/10,” go back into Canvas and look for comments on your work from the facilitator. Once you correct your submission, check back again until you see the “10/10” total points.
- Complete Canvas Reflection by the dates indicated in the Table of Reflection Deadlines [docx].
When Do I Need to Have This Work Completed?
Complete Canvas Reflection by the dates indicated in the Table of Reflection Deadlines [docx]. You will not be able to enroll in your writing course until the Reflection on College Writing is finished.If you have questions, please contact directedselfplacement@sjsu.edu.
When can I register for classes?
All incoming transfer students will register for classes while at New Student Orientation via your MySJSU student account. During your New Student Orientation session, Academic Advisors will be available for upper-division advising.
All incoming first-time/first-year (frosh) students will regsiter for classes during New Student Orientation. You will have the opportunity to meet with an academic advisor from your designated College Success Center for an overview of General Education, major, and university requirements. They will also assist you with selecting and registering for classes.
Is staying for the entire program required?
All incoming students are required to remain present for the entirety of the orientation program. If a student leaves at any point of the program, they will be considered absent to orientation and will be ineligible to enroll in classes.
May I bring a family member, friend or guest?
We offer Parent & Family Orientation for supporters of newly admitted students. Sessions
include conversations about student academic success, public safety, health and wellness,
and financial aid, and run concurrently with Orientation. More information regarding
Parent & Family Orientation can be found on our Parent & Family Orientation website.
If you have any questions, please direct them to mystudentis@sjsu.edu.
Parent & Family Orientation FAQ
When do the Parent and Family Orientation programs take place?
Summer Parent/Family Orientation is a one-day program that takes place during your student's registered orientation session. The list of session dates can be found on the Parent/Family Orientation webpage.
For more information email us at mystudentis@sjsu.edu.
How do I register for Parent and Family Orientation?
Registration for Parent and Family Orientation can be found on the Parent and Family Portal. After logging into the Parent and Family Portal, parents/family can view the event by clicking on "Calendar of Events" in the calendar on the right side, and register using the "Register" button in the event description.
You will receive a confirmation letter via email one week prior to your session.
For registration support, email us at mystudentis@sjsu.edu.
Is there a fee to attend Parent/Family Orientation?
Yes, there is a fee to attend. The fees are listed on each event registration.
What are the topics that will be covered at the virtual Parent/Family Orientation?
• SJSU history
• Academic requirements
• Career resources
• Health & wellness
• Campus safety
• SJSU policies & procedures
• Tools to best support your students transition to SJSU
Orientation Accessibility Accommodations
Accommodations for Students
If you would like to speak with an orientation professional staff member prior to your orientation session regarding your accommodation needs, please email us at transfer-orientation@sjsu.
Documentation
Information about what constitutes appropriate disability documentation within the postsecondary setting is available on AEC’s website under Guidelines for Disability Documentation. Once you have determined your documentation needs, print the appropriate verification form (i.e Learning Disability, Medical Disability, Ophthalmological, and Psychological Disability) to be completed by your treating professional.Documentation can be presented to the AEC through one of the following methods:
• Confidential Fax: 408-924-5999
• In person: The AEC is located in the Administration Building, room 110.
• Mail: Accessible Education Center, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0168.
Students are responsible for making an appointment with an AEC counselor to discuss EPT and/or ELM accommodations. AEC recommends submitting documentation prior to your scheduled appointment as this will allow the counselor time to review the information and prepare.
