New Student Orientation
 Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Student Orientation (NSO) mandatory for all new students?

Yes, all new incoming freshmen students are required to participate in the New Student Orientation with very few exceptions. Call the Office of New Student Orientation if you are not sure of your orientation requirement status. All segments of the two-day NSO are mandatory and attendance is taken at each segment of the program.

Do I have to pay an orientation fee?

No. There is no fee to attend NSO.

Why are the NSO programs mandatory?

The College of Staten Island strongly believes NSO and acclimation to our university are important to new student success. The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) has developed standards and guidelines for Student Orientation Programs (SOP) that are essential to student development. CSI is also required by the federal government and the City University of New York (CUNY) to provide new students with information regarding health, wellness, academic policies, and safety at CSI.

What happens at NSO?

You will be formally welcomed to the University, you will meet with other new students, and participate in team-oriented activities.  In addition, you will receive important information about your rights and responsibilities as a College of Staten Island (CSI) student, including academic policies and the University Code of Conduct. 

How do I register for NSO?

Once you have taken your placement exams (or have been waived through the process), you will be sent a postcard from the Office of New Student Orientation/CLUE with instructions to register for your two-day NSO session.   If you have any questions or concerns, call 718.982.2529 / 718.982.2596.

Do I have to take a Foreign Language Placement Exam?

The Foreign Language Placement Exam is required prior to registering for a foreign language that you studied in high school.  It is recommended that you arrange to take this placement exam before you come to NSO, so that you may register for a language course if desired in your first semester. For further information and a schedule of testing dates, visit the Modern Language Placement Exam website. You may register for courses in any other languages without taking the exam if you did not study the language in high school.  CSI offers the following languages: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish.

What are my required immunizations?

You are REQUIRED to hand in your immunization records in order to register for your classes. You must provide proof of 2 doses of measles, 1 dose of mumps, 1 dose of rubella and 1 dose of meningococcal vaccines. You may opt to sign the meningitis refusal form instead of receiving the meningitis vaccination. Please return the completed Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunization Certification and Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form to the Health & Wellness Center, Campus Center (1C), room 112. You may make an appointment to receive the MMR vaccine in the Health Center. Forms for MMR are available here. Please be advised that you will only be able to register for five credits until the Health & Wellness Center receives your immunization forms and has cleared you to continue with the registration process.

Students registering for a physical education class (PED) in their first semester must submit a Medical Certificate for Participation in PED 190 form. If you have questions, please contact Health & Wellness Services at 718.982.3045. Forms are available here.

What do I bring to orientation?

On both days of orientation, please bring a photo ID (high school ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.). Keep in mind the weather and dress accordingly. We will be walking outside between buildings.  Also, bring an umbrella if the weather requires one.

When do I register for my classes?

At orientation, you will take part in an Advisement & Registration session on the second day of the mandatory NSO.  The purpose of this session is to make you aware of the requirements of the degrees offered at CSI and to ensure you enroll in the appropriate courses in order to progress towards your degree in a timely fashion.

During the Advisement & Registration Session, you will:

• Learn the results of your CUNY Assessment examination
• Receive a New Student Advisement Worksheet that details the General Education, prerequisite, pre-major and/or major requirements of your intended degree.
• Register for your classes electronically through the CUNY Portal and eSIMS (Electronic Student Information Management System)
• At the conclusion of your registration, you will receive your program indicating the classes you are registered for.  You will find out your tuition balance, and the final bill due date on eSIMS.
• Have the opportunity to speak with financial aid representatives regarding scholarships, loans, and federal aid.

What classes do freshmen take?

The typical courses a first-term student attempts will differ depending upon that individual’s intended major and remedial status.

A typical schedule may include courses that will:

• Assist students in addressing their remedial needs for their CUNY Assessment exams.
• Fulfill the General Education requirements of your degree, such as ENG 111 and COR 100.
• Fulfill the requirements of any one of the college’s Associates and/or Bachelors Degree Programs

An academic advisor will review the various requirements of your degree and assist you with selecting eligible courses that will provide you with a solid foundation for success for your first semester at CSI.

How should I prepare for New Student Orientation?

You should dress comfortably and be ready to move between buildings on campus. Bring a photo ID (high school ID, driver’s license, passport, etc. , all are acceptable). We will provide you with an information folder packet and a pen. You are encouraged to browse the CSI website and the New Student Orientation pages to familiarize yourself with the college and prepare any questions you may have to be answered at the orientation.

Where is Orientation?

The NSO occurs in several buildings around campus. Students driving to orientation should park in Parking Lot 4.  Parking decals are not required to attend the two-day NSO and parking is free in Lot 4 during orientation days.   Public Safety Officers are stationed at both main entrances to the campus in case you need directions. Also, look for the Orientation Leaders stationed in the parking lot for assistance. There are also signs along the main campus loop road,which will inform you where to go. Click here for more information on reaching CSI by means of public transportation.

For a map of the campus, click here.

For information and schedules for the free Ferry Shuttle and Loop Bus service, click here.

Can I bring a guest or a friend or family members to orientation?

Guests are not allowed to participate in the two-day NSO program with the students due to space restrictions.  Only the student can attend the mandatory two-day orientation program. Family members who have questions or concerns are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of New Student Orientation/CLUE at 718.982.2529.

Who do I contact if I need special accommodations?

Students with documented disabilities, who may need accommodations for orientation, must contact the Center for Student Accessibility at least one week in advance of their orientation date. Students can reach the Center for Student Accessibility at 718.982.2510.

What if I do not attend New Student Orientation?

All-incoming freshmen are required to attend the two-day NSO. Students who do not attend the two-day NSO will not be able to enroll at the College of Staten Island for the upcoming semester All students will have an orientation STOP on their account. This STOP is normally removed at orientation once students meet with an academic advisor and register for classes.  Students who do not attend orientation will continue to have a STOP on their account.  The orientation STOP prevents a student from registering for classes.

What should I do after orientation to ensure a smooth transition into my first semester at CSI?

Once you have completed your two-day NSO and have registered for your classes, be sure to pay your bill by the due date found on your eSIMS account, or you will be deregistered.  You should also explore the resources you learned about at orientation to help support your academic success and attend CLUE events on campus to compliment your personal growth and co-curricular experience and to fulfill your CLUE requirement.  Lastly, be sure to visit the Office of New Student Orientation/CLUE to speak with student mentors if you have questions.  Know your schedule and the first day of you classes.  The Spring 2013 semester starts on Monday, January 28.

How do I pay my bill and are their services offered to help me pay my tuition?

You must pay your bill by the date indicated on your bill, which you can access through your eSIMS account. If you have not yet applied for financial aid, you should do so at www.fasa.ed.gov, and visit CSI’s webpage for financial aid for additional information. If you are eligible for financial aid, you should inquire with a counselor if you qualify for the federal work study program, which provides on-campus jobs to students.  If you require a loan after you register for your classes, download a Federal Direct Loan Application from the Student Financial Aid Office to make application. 

The college also offers an Academic Management Service (AMS) pre-payment plan that allows you to make semester payments over a five-month period (two months before the semester and three after the semester starts). We recommend you sign up for the plan by phone 800.635.0120 or on the AMS website.

There is a $16.75 fee to sign up with AMS. To avoid being deregistered from your classes, pay your bill by the due date.  You can pay online or pay in-person at the Office of the Bursar. Always confirm zero balance bills if you receive financial aid.

Do I need a parking decal?

The college policy requires all students (visiting, full-time, part-time, weekend, Continuing Education, etc.) and employees who park on campus to register their vehicle with the Office of Parking & DolphinCard Services, and display a valid CSI Parking Decal. Students have the option of purchasing a decal for the fall semester, the spring semester (which includes the summer sessions), or for the full academic year (fall, spring, and summer sessions). For up-to-date information regarding parking fees and policies, please visit the Parking & DolphinCard Services webpage.