Express Orientation for Transfer and Non-Traditional Students

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:

1. Students with a transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher, who have completed 25 or more transfer credits will be granted a reading waiver.
2. 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

3. 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 ACT score, if available.

Students without transferable credit or ACT scores must complete a writing sample through the SVSU Testing Center.

Math

Students will be placed in math courses by equivalent transfer credit or utilizing the ACT Placement scale below if scores are available.

**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.

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. 

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: 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.

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 FERPA waiver in order to allow others to accompany them into the advising and registration session. 

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.

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.