Frequently Asked Questions - Summer 2024

The Bear Necessities New Student Orientation provides an in-person experience for incoming freshmen that will make the transition to college less overwhelming. The program aims to provide information on MSU colleges and schools, financial aid information (including FAFSA), placement testing, academic advice, career development, and student experience! 

Additionally, students will participate in activities and workshops outlining college transition, school spirit, study skills, and time management strategies. Participation in this program provides activities and interactions with faculty, professional staff, and classmates. Our goal is to provide an early opportunity for incoming freshmen to become familiar with their university resources, making them fully prepared for their college journey. 

The Bear Necessities NSO is a three-day, two-night, in-person experience. The Bear Necessities NSO costs $300.00. Bear Necessities NSO Program participants must register online before June 1, 2024; Late fees may be applied after June 1st. 

The $300 fee is non-refundable; students who do not attend their orientation program will not be eligible for a refund. Please try your best to keep the original program session date you are registered for. There will be a $75 Date Change Fee applied to any participants who need to change from their original registration dates after the June 1st deadline. 

Yes, all first-time freshmen are required to participate in the Bear Necessities NSO. The Bear Necessities NSO is mandatory for all new freshmen (except CASA Academy and transfer students). Immediately following the deadline for registration on May 17th, registered Bear Necessities NSO students will receive an introductory email with a written checklist outlining the program details and format. 

All incoming Morgan freshmen are required to take a mathematics placement exam prior to attending the Bear Necessities NSO. To do so, all incoming freshmen must participate in the ALEKS online math prep course. Once you register for the Bear Necessities NSO and pay the $300 registration fee, you will receive an online access code for the ALEKS PPL online placement exam prep course. Students must log in to ALEKS and complete their math placement exam(s) before they attend their in-person orientation session during the summer. 

The cost for the ALEKS online math placement exam and prep course is included in the Bear Necessities NSO registration. The ALEKS PPL online prep course includes up to four math placement exams with online remediation modules. There will be no reading placement testing for Summer 2024 first-time freshmen. Instead, the Office of Institutional Research (IR) will provide guidance in determining which incoming freshmen will be required to take the ALCR 101 (Analytical and Critical Reading) course based on SAT or ACT scores, high school GPA, and/or grades in specific high school courses.

Freshman students are not permitted to bring vehicles to campus for Bear Necessities New Student Orientation. If you have questions or concerns, please email us at BearNSO@morgan.edu

No, students will not be able to select roommates for Bear Necessities New Student Orientation.

All students are encouraged to be fully vaccinated prior to attending the Bear Necessities NSO. Booster shots are strongly encouraged, but full vaccination is not required for participation. For more information regarding submitting your required Health Center documents, please visit our website at https://www.morgan.edu/healthcenter.

Yes, students must live on campus during the Bear Necessities NSO. On-campus housing and meals are provided during each in-person session (included in the $300 program fee). There will be an all-virtual, online orientation option for students who are not able to live on campus during the three-day, two-night orientation experience. Students who register for the all-virtual, online option will receive a series of emails from the Bear Necessities New Student Orientation Coordinator, each providing information on required activities and/or components of the orientation to be completed by specific deadlines. Our virtual program is ONLY for students who absolutely cannot attend in person. The cost is the same as in person, $300.

Parents are invited to attend the Opening Program & our Parent Workshop that takes place on the first day.

Students will receive their residence hall assignments in a confirmation email. During the first day of programming, students must check in to their assigned residence halls between 8:00 am and 10:00m am. The opening ceremony will start immediately after check-in at 10:00 a.m. Attendance to the Opening Program is required. 

All students will receive a detailed Orientation Program schedule at the opening ceremony of the Bear Necessities NSO. Each program session will operate for 3 days and 2 nights. 

Students should bring the following: Twin sheets, Pillows, Pillow Covers, Bedspread, Comforter, Toiletries, Washcloths, Towels, Notebook, Paper, Pens, and Clothing (including a "dress/professional” outfit for the Closing Ceremony). 

Students should NOT bring appliances such as microwaves, air fryers, mini refrigerators, etc. Please pack light as this is a quick “Business Trip”. 

Computer labs will be available for students (No need to bring a computer)