Transfer Orientation
Welcome to Sonoma State University!
As a new transfer student, you have the opportunity to continue your education in an environment rich with opportunity. Since every college is different, your first step as a Seawolf is to attend Transfer Orientation!
What Happens at Orientation
Transfer Orientation is designed to get transfer students acclimated to SSU. During this one-day orientation students will learn about campus services, receive advising, and meet SSU faculty, staff and students. Transfer Orientation is required for all incoming transfer students. By attending Orientation, students will receive a registration appointment and have their Orientation Hold removed from their MySSU account.
Orientation Schedule For Fall 2013
We are currently offering one Transfer Orientation session on May 3rd for students coming into the Fall 2013 semester. The session on April 19th is now full. If you have an orientation hold on your account, it will be removed once you sign-up AND attend orientation.
How to sign up for Orientation
Sign up for Orientation online through your personal MySSU portal. After you have paid your ERD deposit and orientation fees, you can view the session dates by logging into your MySSU account.
On the top left corner, you'll see a link that says "Main Menu." Once you click that button, the option "Self Service" will be listed, once you click on that link, there should be an "Admissions" option. Click on the "Admissions" button and finally the option "Orientation Self Service."
Here are the steps in a simpler form: Main Menu to Self Service to Admissions to Orientation Self-Service.
Once you follow these steps, the page "Welcome to the Orientation Reservation System" appears with your admissions information listed. At the bottom on the page, you should press "Next." This leads you to the "Select a Workshop" page. There you can view the dates of the sessions and select the one that is best for you. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at (707) 664-4464 or email us at orientation@sonoma.edu
Orientation Program Fees
Students: $35 (This fee is combined with the Enrollment Reservation Deposit which totals $235)
There is no guest or parent program at Transfer Orientation. Due to space capacity, please do not bring parents/guests to Transfer Orientation.
Paying Orientation Fees
Fees for Orientation cover the cost of staffing, parking, refreshments and program materials. This $35 fee is combined with the Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and must be paid prior to signing up for Orientation.
Refund Policy: If you change your mind about attending Sonoma State University, you must notify the University in writing in order to receive a refund. The Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and Orientation Payment are 50% refundable if requested by May 1, 2013; non-refundable thereafter. E-mail your refund request to seawolf.servicecenter@sonoma.edu. You are not eligible to receive a refund after attending Orientation, despite any change in your admission status.
Orientation Hold
All transfer students will have a hold on their MySSU account until they check-in and participate in Orientation. Once our office recognizes that you have attended Orientation, your hold will be removed and you will be able to register for classes.
Services to Students with Disabilities
Please contact the Orientation Office at 707-664-4464 or orientation@sonoma.edu to request services from the Disabilities Services for Students (DSS) office for your time at Transfer Orientation. We will be sure to get in touch with the DSS Office to make your accommodations happen.
Scholarship/Recruited Athletes
All scholarship recruited athletes are required to participate in the mandatory orientation programs at Sonoma State University.
Veteran Students and Dependents of Veterans
Veteran students and dependents of veterans are required to attend the mandatory orientation programs at Sonoma State University. The Veterans Affairs Office staff will be available at Orientation to answer questions and provide advice on completing forms, joining the Veterans Club, and much more!
Submit Mandatory Immunization Records (April 1st - July 15th)
Send official proof that your student has received mandatory immunizations to the SSU Office of Admissions and Records. This is mandatory and must be completed prior to the start of the semester. Read more about the immunization requirements here. Make sure your student has received and has record of these mandatory immunizations now. Download and complete the immunization form, attach the proper records to it and mail to SSU Office of Admissions and Records (address is on the form). Records should be sent at least four to six weeks before the start of your first semester at SSU to allow time for processing before classes begin.
Transfer FAQs
Q: Why are transfer students required to attend Orientation?
A: Advising is critical to student success and timeliness to graduation. To ensure that all new students understand academic policies, General Education and major requirements for graduation, all new students (transfer, returning students and freshmen) are required to attend Orientation. Parents, spouses, or siblings cannot attend Orientation in place of their student. It is important for each student to learn first-hand the information and expectations of Sonoma State University.
Q: What happens if I don't attend Transfer Orientation?
A: Students who do not attend Transfer Orientation will have their Orientation Hold stay on their account until Orientation is completed. This means that students will not be able to register for classes until Orientation is completed. If you have an Orientation Hold issue, please contact the Orientation Office at 707-664-4464 or orientation@sonoma.edu.
Q: What are my orientation fees paying for?
A: You orientation fees are paying for all program materials, meals, parking, and staffing.
Q: Can I bring a guest with me?
A: There is no guest or parent program at Transfer Orientation. Due to space capacity, please do not bring parents/guests to Transfer Orientation.
Q: What should I bring to Orientation?
A: Please refer to the What to Bring to Orientation (link to page) page for details.
Q: Who can I call with questions?
A: The friendly and knowledgeable Orientation staff is ready to answer your questions. Call 707-664-4464 Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm or e-mail us at orientation@sonoma.edu. During our peak times (February - July) we receive many phone calls and voicemails. We recommend e-mail before phone calls and if you do decide to call please leave a voicemail as we try to get back to you within 48 hours.