New Student Orientation

What is new student orientation?
New Student Orientation helps set you up for success at San Jac. During orientation, you’ll learn essential information about academics, campus resources, college policies, and how to pay for college. It also helps you understand what to expect as a college student and how to navigate important systems like registration and student services.

Completing orientation also removes the orientation hold on your account. Most importantly, orientation helps you feel more confident, prepared, and connected as you begin your journey at San Jac.

Can I still take it if I am not required?
Yes; however, you must contact the Orientation and New Student Programs office at orientation@sjcd.edu.

How much does orientation cost?
It’s free!

How do I sign up for orientation?
Once you log in into My San Jac select “onboarding items” and then select “new student orientation.” This will take you to SOS where you will see a pop up with prompts to follow so you can sign up online or in-person.

What are the dates for new student orientation?
You may complete orientation online at any time at your convenience. We also offer in-person orientation sessions, with available dates listed in SOS.

If I attend an in-person session, can someone accompany me?
Space is limited, so we ask you to please refrain from bringing guests, including parents and children. 

Is orientation mandatory and who is required to attend?
Yes, orientation is mandatory for all first-time college students. Transfer students with less than 12 completed credit hours must complete an online orientation. ESOL students must complete orientation once they complete their language program.

I just graduated from the dual credit program and want to continue taking classes at San Jac. Do I need to take new student orientation?
No need! Since you already completed orientation through the dual credit program, you’ve covered the key topics from new student orientation. You’re all set to move forward and focus on registering for your classes.

When should I complete a new student orientation?
As soon as you have been accepted to San Jac, you may complete your orientation. The sooner you complete it, the closer you’ll be to registering for classes

Can I register for classes before I attend orientation?
No, there will be a hold on your registration account until you have completed orientation.

How long is orientation?
Online orientation typically takes 45 minutes to one hour to complete. In-person orientation lasts approximately two hours. Students must be present for the entire in-person session in order to receive credit.

What if I need to reschedule or switch an orientation session I signed up for?
If you have signed up for an in-person session and would like to switch to the online orientation—or vice versa—you may reschedule by logging back into SOS and selecting “change orientation session.”

Can I start my online orientation and finish it later?
Yes! Online orientation is self-paced, so you can pause at any time and pick up right where you left off.

Can I sign up for classes and complete orientation after the semester starts?
No. Orientation must be completed before you can register for classes, so you’ll need to finish it ahead of time.

When will my hold be released so I can register for classes?
If you complete orientation online, the hold will be released within 30–45 minutes after completion. For in-person orientation, the hold will be released at the end of the session.

What if I have questions not found on this page?
You may contact the Orientation and New Student Programs office at orientation@sjcd.edu.

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What will we cover in orientation?
College policies, terminology, technology, resources, paying for college, success strategies and more! 

How do I check what in-person session I signed up for?
You will receive an email at the email address you used to complete your application. This email will include all the details about the orientation session you selected. Please be sure to check your junk/spam folder as well.

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I'm a dual credit student, do I need to complete an orientation?
Yes, you must complete an online orientation. Please log into your SOS account to sign up for your online session.

Do dual credit students need to retake another orientation after completing their Dual Credit Online Orientation?
No. If you completed orientation through the dual credit program, you do not need to repeat it.

I completed the Dual Credit Online Orientation, what’s next?
Please visit the following link to contact the Dual Credit office.

I'm transferring to San Jac, what do I need to do before orientation?
If you have earned more than 12 college credit hours, we will need to speak to the Office of Admissions and submit all transcripts from previous institutions attended. 

I'm a transfer student, do I have to complete orientation?
Yes, if you have less than 12 credit hours earned you must complete an online orientation.

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