SVSU has recently modified our orientation program for transfer students and non-traditional freshmen. Instead of a half-day, traditional on-campus event, students complete an online orientation module through Canvas, snd then schedule an individual advising and registration appointment on campus. We are hopeful that this change will provide more flexibility and convenience to our new Cardinal transfer students, as you will no longer be limited to only a few orientation dates and will have more options for registration.
Special Note: We understand that these are unique and unprecedented times, and empathize with any concern and uncertainty you may be feeling around plans in the upcoming weeks and months. At this time, we are continuing to hold transfer registration appointments events as scheduled, but we have shifted these to online appointments via Microsoft Teams. (You will be emailed an appointment with a link to join this meeting.) We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we continue to monitor the situation and consider your safety above all else. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, you can also contact us anytime at orientation@svsu.edu.
Step 1: Login and Complete your Online Express Orientation Module
Please contact us at 989-964-4070 or orientation@svsu.edu with questions or if you need assistance. See you on campus soon!
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.
Transfer students will be placed in basic skills reading courses based on the following placement methods:
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 |
Students will be placed into Writing courses by equivalent transfer credit or utilizing the Freshmen Placement Scale using ACT score, if available.
Freshmen Placement |
|
ACT English Subscore: |
Course Placement: |
15 or Lower |
ENGL 080 |
16-31 |
ENGL 111 |
32 or Higher |
ENGL 111 Waived |
Students without transferable credit or ACT scores must complete a writing sample through the SVSU Testing Center.
Students will be placed in math courses by equivalent transfer credit or utilizing the ACT Placement scale below if scores are available.
Math Placement |
|
ACT Math Subscore: |
Course Placement: |
16 or Lower |
MATH 081 |
17-20 |
MATH 082 |
21-22 |
MATH 082 Waived |
23-25 |
MATH 103 Waived |
26-27 |
MATH 140 |
28 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.
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.
Yes, students must complete both the online module and an in-person registration appointment prior to enrolling at SVSU.
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.
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: Individual registration appointments will be offered beginning on September 30th and must be scheduled at least 10-14 days in advance to allow time for transfer credits and financial aid to be processed prior to your arrival on campus. Appointments will be available from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday-Friday. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule, but appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 FERPA waiver in order to allow others to accompany them into the advising and registration session.
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.
If you have any questions, please call the Office of Orientation Programs at 989-964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu.
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.
For more information on accessibility services offered to students, please see Accessibility Resources and Accommodations.
All students are strongly encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ASAP for the 2020-21 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 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA must be completed every year to determine a student's eligibility for aid.
Apply for U.S. Department of Education personal identification number (PIN) by visiting www.pin.ed.gov. Both you and your parents can apply for a PIN and use it to electronically sign your FAFSA form, thus making the application process simpler and faster. These PIN numbers can be used every year and your parents only need one PIN for all their children.
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.
Orientation
Wickes 117
orientation@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4070
International Programs
Wickes 230
intadmit@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4473