Transfer Student Express Orientation
Welcome, Transfer and Non-Traditional students! Here at SVSU, we are so excited to have you as a part of the Cardinal family. Whether you are returning from an extended break from school, transferring from a 2-year college and want the full college experience, or starting your collegiate journey a little later than most, the Office of Orientation Programs is here to be your guide to life at SVSU.
We have moved our Transfer and Non-Traditional Freshman Orientation to be a completely VIRTUAL experience. We call this "Express Orientation" While we do highly encourage you to take a tour of campus and get acclimated to the physical campus, we understand that you need the flexibility and convenience that a virtual appointment will provide.
Express Orientation consists of three easy steps: pay the Orientation fee and register for your Express Orientation Advising Appointment, complete your Express Orientation Canvas Course, and attend your Express Orientation Advising Appointment to register for your classes.
After those steps, you are an official SVSU Cardinal and you have completed your orientation process! See the steps below for a more detailed guide on how to register for your Express Orientation and feel free to contact our office with any questions!
How to Register for Express Orientation
2025 WINTER EXPRESS ORIENTATION REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH!
What you will need to begin:
- SVSU Username and Password (If you have not done so already, create your SVSU Profile)
- A credit/debit card for your $50 non-refundable Orientation Fee.
- Your current official transcript from the institution you are transferring from.
- All students should have the most up-to-date OFFICIAL transcripts sent to the university at least 2 weeks before their intended appointment to allow for proper evaluation of credits. Students who do not send official transcripts risk having their appointments canceled and will need to reschedule to a later date.
How to sign up for Orientation:
- Using your SVSU Username and Password, log into mySVSU at https://my.svsu.edu
- On the left navigation bar, scroll down to find "Tools" and select "Applications" (see Figure 1)
- Under the Application menu, select "Application Portal" (see Figure 1)
- From within the Application Portal select "Step 3: Pay your Orientation Fee and Register for Orientation" (see Figure 2)
- Pay your $50 non-refundable application fee (If applicable, see Figure 2)
- Return to your Application Portal.
- Select your Orientation date, complete the form and submit (see Figure 3)
- Complete your online Express Orientation Canvas modules before your scheduled appointment.
- Send your most recent official Transcript to SVSU prior to your Express Orientation. Please follow the steps outlined at your former institutions Registrar's office for details on how to send your official transcripts.
- Your appointment link and event will be sent via your SVSU and personal email we have on file about a week prior to your scheduled appointment.
*GMAIL USERS - It is highly suggested you utilize your SVSU email for these appointments. Google Calendar requests automatically adjust calendar events to the UTC time zone, and your appointment could look to be a different time than you scheduled.*
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an orientation for transfer and non-traditional students necessary?
At SVSU, we feel it is important for all students to become familiar with academic requirements, important deadlines, and the University calendar. We also want to offer opportunities for students to learn their way around campus and introduce them to academic support services and extracurricular opportunities. We felt this flexibility to meet individual student needs and interests would be best facilitated by a hybrid model featuring both online and in-person orientation components.
Through the online modules, students will be provided with a wide variety of important information and a foundation of understanding before scheduling courses. Then, at an individual registration appointment, students will complete mandatory placement testing requirements (if needed), review their transfer credit evaluation, receive academic advising, schedule classes, and have the opportunity to meet with financial aid advisors. Other opportunities, such as a campus tour or meeting with other campus offices will also be offered to those who are interested.
Is Express Orientation mandatory?
Yes, students must complete both the online module and an in-person registration appointment prior to enrolling at SVSU.
Do I need to send an official transcript to SVSU before my Orientation?
Yes, students must have a current, official transcript on file before attending their Express Orientation Advising Appointment. Courses in progress are acceptable for your current term. This is to ensure our advisors have the most accurate information possible and to avoid duplicated or unnecessary courses.
If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact the Orientation office directly at orientation@svsu.edu or by phone at 989-964-4070.
I haven't finished my classes for this semester at my old institution. Do I still need to send an official transcript?
Yes, students must have a current, official transcript on file before attending their Express Orientation Advising Appointment. Courses in progress are acceptable for your current term. This is to ensure our advisors have the most accurate information possible and to avoid duplicated or unnecessary courses.
Once your Courses In Progress are completed, you can send your final official transcript after your appointment is completed.
When will I receive information about Express Orientation?
After you have applied and been accepted to SVSU, you should receive more information about completing Express Orientation. This mailing will also include detailed instructions on how to complete your Express Orientation online and schedule an in-person registration appointment.
How do I set up a registration appointment?
After completing your online orientation module, you will fill out a poll with your preferred dates for a registration appointment. When we receive that information, we will contact you to schedule your appointment.
Please note: Appointments must be scheduled at least 10-14 days in advance to allow time for your official transcript to be evaluated and financial aid documents to be processed prior to your appointment. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule, but appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Should I bring my parents with me?
Parents are welcome to attend with their students. However, parents and guests will not be permitted into testing at any time, and students will have to complete a written and verbal FERPA waiver in order to allow others to accompany them into the advising and registration sessions. Please be sure to email your advisor prior to your appointment to let them know you will have a guest and notify them of their name. We do this to ensure your private information is not shared with anyone you do not wish.
What accommodations are made for those with special needs?
If you will need services to fully participate in an orientation such as large print, interpreting services, braille, extended time for placement testing, assistance filling out forms or assistance reading forms, please call the Office of Orientation Programs at 989-964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu. SVSU is committed to providing equal access to all university services, programs, and activities. See information on policies, procedures, resources, and forms available to current students.
Who can I contact for further information?
If you have any questions, please call the Office of Orientation Programs at 989-964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu.
Reading, Writing & Math Course Placement
Each student must satisfy basic skills course requirements for mathematics, reading and writing. Placement into or exemption from the required courses in mathematics, reading and writing will be determined by results of the ACT, Transfer Evaluation Report (TER), and/or course placement tests.
Reading
Transfer students will be placed in basic skills reading courses based on the following placement methods:
- Students with a transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher, who have completed 25 or more transfer credits will be granted a reading waiver.
- If students have completed fewer than 25 transfer credits, the freshmen reading placement scale will be utilized for initial placement:
Freshmen Reading Placement
2.99 or lower High School GPA with Reading ACT subscore of 21 or Lower = ENGL 103
2.99 or lower High School GPA with Reading ACT subscore of 22-23 = ENGL 104
Reading ACT subscore of 24 or Higher (regardless of High School GPA) = Waiver
3.0 or higher High School GPA (regardless of Reading ACT subscore) = Waiver
- Transfer students who do not qualify for a waiver by one of the above criteria will complete the ACCUPLACER Reading Test through SVSU's Testing Center. For further information regarding testing for incoming transfer students, please contact us at 989-964-4070 or orientation@svsu.edu.
Writing
Students will be placed into Writing courses by equivalent transfer credit or utilizing the Freshmen Placement Scale using HS GPA, if available. All students, including transfer students who do not already have transferable credit or a HS GPA on file, have the option to choose a different Writing course. These students may do so by taking the English Guided Self Placement Survey with an Academic Advisor during their Express Orientation Advising Appointment or during a separate Advising Appointment after their orientation.
|
Freshmen Placement |
|
|
HS GPA: |
Course Placement: |
|
Lower than 2.75 |
ENGL 080 |
|
2.75 or Higher |
ENGL 111 |
Math
Students will be placed in math courses by equivalent transfer credit or utilizing the SAT/ACT scale below if scores are available.
|
Math Placement |
||
|
ACT Math: |
SAT Math |
Course Placement: |
|
16 or Lower |
440 or lower |
MATH 081 |
|
17-20 |
450-510 |
MATH 082 |
|
21-22 |
520-530 |
MATH 082 Waived |
|
23-25 |
540-600 |
MATH 103 Waived |
|
26-27 |
610-650 |
MATH 140 |
|
28 or Higher |
660 or Higher |
MATH 161 |
**Please consult with your Academic Advisor before selecting a Math course, as course requirements vary by major.
Students may try to improve their initial placement by taking a mathematics placement test through the SVSU Testing Center. Students may take this placement test no more than 2 times and may schedule an appointment by contacting testing@svsu.edu.
Accessibility and Special Needs
If you believe you will need services to fully participate in orientation, please contact the Orientation Office by calling (989) 964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu.
- Large print
- Interpreting services
- Braille
- Extended time for placement testing
- Assistance filling out forms
- Assistance reading forms
For more information on accessibility services offered to students, please see Accessibility Resources and Accommodations.
Transfer Student Welcome Event - Fall 2024!
We are SO EXCITED to announce our inaugural Transfer Student Welcome event this Fall!
Join us on Monday, August 26th from 6-8 pm in the Curtiss Hall Seminar Rooms for a Dessert Reception, Student Resource Fair, and make connections with current and fellow incoming transfer students!
More information on this event will arrive via your SVSU email and Coop the Chatbot as we get closer to the start of the semester.
We can't wait to see you on campus soon!
Important Financial Aid Information
All students are strongly encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ASAP for the upcoming academic year. SVSU has no deadline for applying for aid, but we encourage students to apply as early as possible. You can complete the FAFSA online here. The FAFSA must be completed every year to determine a student's eligibility for aid.
When completing your FAFSA, be sure to include SVSU's federal institutional code: 002314. In order to have your FAFSA information sent to Saginaw Valley you will need to list our code in the first line of Step 6 on the FAFSA form.
For more information regarding the financial aid process, scholarship opportunities, and cost of attendance information please visit our web site at www.svsu.edu/financialaid.
Students will have an opportunity to meet with financial aid advisors when you are on campus for your registration appointment, but we encourage students to plan ahead and make an appointment with a financial aid advisor by calling 989.964.4900.
CONTACT US.
Orientation
Wickes 117
orientation@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4070
International Programs
Wickes 230
intadmit@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4473
Academic Advisement Center
Wickes 117
aacsvsu@svsu.edu
989-964-7286