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New First-Time

New Student Orientation serves as a valuable resource for new Bengals and their family members during the transition to college. 

The orientation process includes multiple steps to provide you with information, resources, and opportunities that support both
your academic and social transitions to college. Orientation for first-year students includes both in-person and online options.

Orientation for all new students include the following components:

  • Complete the Pre-Orientation Modules
  • Complete the Safe Colleges Training
  • RSVP for an NSO Session
  • Attend Orientation
  • Register for Classes

Before You RSVP

ACT/SAT and Transcripts

  • Send in your ACT/SAT scores and any transcripts from other institutions including Dual Enrollment and university credits.

The Write Class

The ALEKS Test

    • For first-time ALEKS test takers who are ISU students or who have applied to ISU, the ALEKS Math Placement test is offered free of charge.  You can take the exam up to 5 times at no cost.  Non-ISU affiliated students and those seeking to take the exam after exhausting their free exams will be charged $20 for the ALEKS test (access to the ALEKS website for up to 5 attempts on the ALEKS test), as well as a $15 cash/check fee per proctored test.

      For students located in Pocatello-please call 208-282-4907 for an in-person testing appointment.

      For students located in Idaho Falls-please call 208-282-7962 for an in-person testing appointment.

      For students located in the Meridian area- please visit the Meridian Testing Center Website (this link opens in a new tab)

      If you are not located in Pocatello, Idaho Falls or Meridian you will need to contact a proctor at a college or university near you who will agree to proctor your test. Once you have a proctor in place you will need to email Jamie at howejami@isu.edu so that testing instructions can be sent to the proctor.

      The ALEKS test is designed to have students practice topics in a Learning Mode between each test.  For more information visit the ALEKS website (this link opens in a new tab).

      *For questions about ALEKS or to schedule please call 208-282-4907.

Announcements and Resources

Registration Steps

Please Complete the Pre-orientation modules before you register for an NSO date. You will use your ISU credentials to log in.

Pre-Orientation Module

If you have questions about the ISU Module, please call 208-282-2973 or email us at nso@isu.edu.

Completion of the Safe Colleges module is required before class registration and will help encourage you to consider your role in making ISU a safe place to live, work, and study.

Once you have logged into Safe Colleges, please complete the “Alcohol and Other Drugs” and “Clarifying Consent” courses.

Safe College

Orientation Dates

Spring 2024

RSVP December 6 Virtual Webinar on Zoom

RSVP December 15

RSVP January 3

Fall 2024                                                                                                                                                                                                        

RSVP May 8

RSVP May 22

RSVP June 4

RSVP June 18

RSVP June 27

RSVP July 12

RSVP July 17 Virtual Webinar on Zoom

RSVP August 7 Virtual Webinar on Zoom

RSVP August 15

Idaho Falls 2024

RSVP June 25   

Meridian 2024

There will be no in-person session at this campus. Please register for a Pocatello in-person or virtual session.

Twin Falls 2024

There will be no in-person session at this campus. Please register for a Pocatello in-person or virtual session.

To ensure a strong start into your new journey, it is important that you attend orientation. Attending orientation will also allow you to register for classes with the help of an Academic Advisor.

  • In-Person attendees will register for classes the same day as Orientation.
  • Virtual attendees will have a virtual advising session to register for classes.

 

NSO Details

Please bring these items to your NSO session.

    • One form of photo ID (license, Star card, passport).
    • A laptop or tablet (if possible). Computer Labs will be available for those who need it.

    • Comfortable shoes.

    • If you are attending orientation in-person, bring copies of your transcripts to your advising session.

  • Follow our social media accounts ( @orientationisu, @isustudents, @idahostateu, @isusab,  @isu_asisu, your college and/or program).

  • Get your student supplies: Bengal ID, parking pass, books, and Bengal Gear.
  • If you were not able to get your Bengal ID in person, go to the Campus Connection website to order your Student Bengal ID. Students may request their Bengal ID online and submit a photo that meets University requirements.

  • Check out the ISU First Year Bengals website.

  • Explore ISU's traditions.

 

FAQ

Yes. New Student Orientation is required of all incoming first-year students. NSO is designed to support the academic and social transition of our newest Bengals into the ISU family.

In-person attendees will complete their registration with an advisor on the day of orientation. For those students attending a virtual NSO, you will be asked to schedule an appointment with your advisor.

You can request special accessibility services or meal requirements through our office at (208) 282-2973.

Please contact our office with any questions at (208) 282-2973.

Parents and guests are welcome to attend orientation. Parents and family play a very important role in helping you be successful in your college career. 

Plan to get your Bengal ID card at NSO. Virtual attendees can pick up their ID cards after the event. If you were not able to get your Bengal ID in person go to the Campus Connection website to order your Student Bengal ID, students may request their Bengal ID online and submit a photo that meets our requirements.

It is very important to keep this card for the entire time you attend ISU as it serves as your library card, activity card, and meal card. Replacement cards cost $20.00.

  • Pocatello
        Pond Student Union Building 215
        921 S 8th Ave Stop 8125
        Pocatello, ID  83209

 

  • Idaho Falls
        Sam Bennion Student Union Building
        1784 Science Center Drive
        Idaho Falls 83402

 

  • Meridian
        ISU Meridian Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
        1311 E. Central Drive
        Meridian, ID 83642

 

  • Idaho State University Twin Falls
        College of Southern Idaho, Hepworth Building
        315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, ID

Pocatello

Idaho Falls

Meridian

Twin Falls

Parking is free during the in-person New Student Orientation events.