Orientation FAQs

Orientation is required for all new degree-seeking and certificate students, including freshman, transfer,  nontraditional, and dual-enrollment students. All other students (Distance Learning, TAP, Transient, Post Baccalaureate, Returning Students, and Senior Citizens) will need to check the website for your student type in order to review your orientation requirements or contact us at (678) 466-4115.

In addition to learning more about your new campus, you are required to attend the program in order to successfully complete your first semester course registration (check your student type on the orientation website). You cannot successfully register for classes if you do not attend your required session. If you are more than 30 minutes late for your scheduled orientation, you will need to register for the next available orientation session.

Orientation fees are non-refundable. If students do not enroll for the term indicated, they may update their application for admission for no more than two subsequent terms by contacting Clayton State University’s Office of Recruitment and Admissions.

Completing a New Student Orientation is also valid for two subsequent terms. If a student pays an Orientation fee but does not complete their initial Orientation registered for, the fee may be transferred once to an Orientation within the two subsequent terms. After two subsequent terms, a new application for admission, application fee, and successful completion of Orientation with a new fee will be required.

For more information, please contact our New Student Orientation team at admissions@clayton.edu

New Student Orientation is a self-supported program; your registration fees cover the cost of program expenses including but not limited to staff, printed materials, and supplies.

We are unable to accept registration over the phone. You may register online with a credit or debit card. You may also utilize our computer kiosk if you prefer to pay online at our office location (Edgewater Hall, Room 150). All registration and fees must be paid by the deadline date for the designated session.

Freshman Premiere Orientation does not have an overnight requirement.

Part-time or Commuter Freshman Students: You must receive documented acceptance regarding on campus housing exemption status with Housing and Residence Life (678-466-HOME) if you do not plan to live on campus for your first year.

Fayette/Peachtree City traditional freshman students must complete a housing exemption form for approval if they are going to complete 100% of their courses at the satellite location during their first year at Clayton State. Please view the orientation website for orientation session and registration assistance regarding your required orientation attendance and location.

All one day sessions (Transfer/Nontraditional, Catch-All Sessions, and Freshman Premiere) require comfortable shoes, an official picture ID, writing utensils, student Laker ID number, student SWAN Portal login information and of course, enthusiasm. Also, please bring any remaining and outstanding documents that you need to turn in to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

For the Freshman Premiere Orientation students please check the Housing & Residential Life website for a checklist of items to bring for your move-in date: http://www.clayton.edu/housing. You will need to bring an official picture ID, writing utensils, notebook, your Laker ID number, SWAN portal log in information and of course, enthusiasm.

Students are allowed to bring up to two guests to their orientation session. See the chart above for the guest fee breakdown.

Yes. All students attending Orientation will meet with an advisor before registering for classes. If you wish to speak with an advisor prior to orientation, please contact the respective college/school to learn more about their pre-orientation processes and appointment process. Find your academic advisor or by calling (678) 466-4081.

Please visit the website for the Department of Housing and Residential Life for specific details regarding freshman on-campus housing requirements or contact them at (678) 466-4665 or housing@clayton.edu.

Please contact the Testing Center at (678) 466-4495 or testing@clayton.edu for information regarding the ACCUPLACER and other tests that may be required before attending your orientation session.

If you live out-of-state and require placement testing, please contact the Testing Office at (678) 466-4495 for additional testing option information prior to your scheduled orientation date(s).

Yes, due to limited laptops on campus the registration of classes process can move more quickly if you have own device. Laptop policy.