group of students in a lecture hall

Orientation Experience FAQs

How can I register for Orientation?

An email with instructions from the Orientation Team will be sent to your Montclair State University email address. You will be required to log into your NEST Account to access your Orientation Registration account.

After successfully logging into your Orientation Experience Portal account, a task list will appear with instructions to verify your personal information before selecting your mandatory Orientation sessions.

How do I know which Orientation I need to attend?

You Will Need to Select an Orientation Session for Each of the Mandatory Fall Orientation Programs

  • Orientation Plus Webinars: June – July
  • Welcome Week – Your Orientation Day: August 17 – 25

You Will Be Shown Available Dates Based On

  • Your Major
    • A limited number of Orientation sessions are available per college and major.
    • Planning on changing your major? Contact Undergraduate Admissions at msuadm@montclair.edu before registering for Fall Orientation.
  • Your Move-In Day (residential students only)
    • If you are planning to live on campus for the Fall 2023 semester, a housing deposit must be paid before registering for Fall Orientation.
    • If you plan to commute to campus, please proceed with your registration.

If you run into trouble with the Orientation Experience Portal, please contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.

I am having trouble registering for Orientation

If you are receiving error messages please first try restarting your browser or opening a new window. If you continue to experience issues please email orientation@montclair.edu with the following information:

  1. Student Name
  2. Student Campus-Wide ID
  3. The device you are using to sign in (phone, laptop, etc.)
  4. Which browser you are using to sign in
  5. The system error message you are receiving (screenshots help!)

Our team will begin to troubleshoot the issue and get back to you shortly to help you get registered for your orientation sessions.

When is Orientation?

Orientation Plus Webinars

Orientation Plus webinars will be held June through July. You may sign up for your Orientation Plus webinars through the Orientation Experience Portal.

Welcome Week – Your Orientation Day

Welcome Week will be held August 17 – August 25.

The Mandatory Orientation Sessions will include:

  • Your Orientation Day at Welcome Week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All Orientation Session Dates Are Based on Availability

  • Residents: You will move into your assigned residence hall prior to the date of your Orientation Day!
  • Commuters: Check-in, pick up your University ID and join us for your Orientation Day! All commuting students are welcome to attend any social program during Welcome week, whether it be day or night!
Is Orientation Mandatory?

Yes. The Orientation Experience is a mandatory with three specific requirements:

  1. New to the NEST: An online orientation course in Canvas
  2. Orientation Plus Webinars: Summer orientation sessions held via Zoom Webinar
  3. Your Orientation Day: A one-day, on-campus Orientation Experience during Welcome Week!
What Should I Do if the Major Listed on My Orientation Reservation Does Not Match My Intended Major for Fall 2023?

If you are planning on changing majors prior to attending your Orientation session, fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Major Change Request Form.

  • Once you have completed the Major Change Request Form, please allow up to 72 hours for these changes to reflect in your Orientation Experience Portal.

Non-degree-seeking students must also contact Undergraduate Admissions if they wish to become degree-seeking students.

Contact Undergraduate Admissions by email msuadm@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4444.

In order to see the correct dates available for your specific major, contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.

What Should I Do if I Plan to Live On-Campus for Fall 2023, but I Am Listed as a Commuting Student on My Orientation Reservation?

Students are listed as a “Commuter” unless they have completed a Housing Application and paid their Housing Application Fee.

Pay the $300.00 Housing Application Fee online through NEST or in person at the Office of Student Accounts. Learn More About Payment Information.

Contact Residence Life by email at reslife@montclair.edu or call 973-655-5188.

In order to see the correct dates available for residential students, contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.

Are Residents Required to Remain on Campus Until Classes Start?

Residents are expected to remain on-campus from their Move-In Day up until Red Hawk Day on Tuesday, August 29. The fall 2023 semester begins Monday, August 28.

We have a week filled with performances, fun activities and social events that will support your transition to the University!

If I Am a Commuter, Can I Attend the Late Night and Weekend Events at Welcome Week?

Yes! Commuters are expected to attend any and all events they wish to attend during Welcome Week. This includes our late night events (performances, game nights and more) and our weekend activities.

There will also be events specifically for commuting students – so be on the lookout for more fun!

Can My Family Members Attend Orientation?

Your family members are a welcome addition to the Red Hawk community! While Your Orientation Day is designed for students only, family members are encouraged to participate in the following Family Orientation activities.

  • Family Orientation Summer Webinars:  June – July
  • Family Orientation: A one-day, on-campus Orientation Experience designed for families and supporters of our newest Red Hawks! Family Orientation will be held the same day and time as Your Orientation Day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week of August 17 – August 25. 
Learn More About Family Orientation
How Do I Register a Family Member for Family Orientation?

Log in to NEST and access your Orientation Registration Portal.

Enter your family member information into the Guest Information field. Before completing your registration, you may add one family member or supporter to attend Family Orientation.

The Family Orientation fee is $35.00 per guest. Students are eligible to register one supporter for Family Orientation. Space is limited.

Questions? Contact the Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.