An email with instructions will be sent to your Montclair State University email account on behalf of Orientation Programs. You will be required to log into your NEST Account to access your Orientation Portal.
After successfully logging into the Orientation Portal, a task list will appear with action items that must be completed in order to see your assigned Orientation session.
You Will Be Assigned An Orientation Date Based On
- Whether you are a First-Time Freshman or a Transfer student.
- Whether you are a Resident or Commuter student.
If you run into trouble with the Orientation Portal, please contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.
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:
- Student Name
- Student Campus-Wide ID
- The device you are using to sign in (phone, laptop, etc.)
- Which browser you are using to sign in
- 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.
- Orientation takes place between August 21 – 30.
Orientation is mandatory if you meet the following criteria:
- You are an undergraduate student.*
- Graduate students do not have this requirement. If you are a graduate student, please refer to the Graduate School New Student Checklist.
- *Exceptions: Adult learner students (ages 25 and up), exchange program students and readmitted students are not required to complete Orientation.
- You are a student attending classes on-campus.
- Students in a Montclair Online program do not have this requirement.
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 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.
Students are listed as a “Commuter” if they have not paid a Housing Enrollment 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.
Your family members are a welcome addition to the Red Hawk community! While Ready to Soar is designed for students only, family members are encouraged to participate in the following Family Orientation activities.
- In-Person Family Orientation: A one-day, Orientation Program designed for families and supporters of our newest Red Hawks! In-Person Family Orientation will be held the same day and time as New Student Orientation Day. Space is limited.
- Please note: During the first half of the Orientation Program, families will be seated with their student for speakers and sessions. During the second half of the program, families will be brought to a separate auditorium for the Family Orientation, while students meet with their academic advisors. Students and family members will reunite at the information fair at the conclusion of the program.
Log in to NEST and access your Orientation Portal.
Complete the Family Information item on your Task List.
Starting July 7, 2025, you will be able to add the family member you listed to your Orientation reservation.
Please note: The Family Orientation fee is $35.00 per guest. Students are eligible to register one guest for Family Orientation. Space is limited.
Questions? Contact the Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.