Preparing for New Student Orientation
Need to sign up for New Student Orientation? First-year students and transfer students with less than 24 credit hours ONLY need to confirm their enrollment by paying the $190 enrollment fee before registering for New Student Orientation. This fee is non-refundable.
International Students do not need to sign up for New Student Orientation. You will receive more information from International Student and Scholar Services.
Pre-Orientation Checklist
Step 1: Activate your SIUE e-ID
Follow the steps on the ITS e-ID page.
Step 2: Check your SIUE email!
Step 3: Register for Orientation
Step 3: Complete Your Pre-Orientation Program. Once you have confirmed your enrollment at SIUE, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for Orientation. Visit the "REGISTER" section on this webpage to find out when registration will open, the orientation schedule and learn how to register.
Summer- and fall-start students will receive registration emails in early March.
Spring-start students will receive registration emails in September.
Step 4: Complete Your Pre-Orientation Program
Submit your Pre-Orientation Form. This will help you get the most out of your academic advising session at Orientation.
We've also assembled a quick, online Pre-Orientation Program to ensure that you are prepared to have a productive New Student Orientation. Feel free to go through the modules at your own pace. If you need to take a break, you can log back in and simply pick up where you left off.
Step 5: Take Your Placement Tests
Students entering the University arrive with varying levels of competence in math, reading, writing, chemistry and physics. It is important that all students entering the University begin taking courses at a level that is appropriate for their continued success.
Students needing to complete a placement test will receive an email from SIUE Testing Services with more information and instructions to complete the placement tests online.
Placement tests are free of charge and should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than one week prior to attending Orientation.
Free language proficiency exams are available for French, German and Spanish. Tests take approximately 40 minutes and are administered in the Foreign Language Training Center in Peck Hall, Room 2310. Based on exam scores, students are placed in the appropriate language course and may earn up to 16 credit hours. Please contact the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at 618-650-3510 for additional information.
Step 6: Complete all financial responsibilities
File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) SIUE's school code-001759
Some students wish to provide authorization for a family member/supporter to talk to key campus offices like the Bursar's Office and Financial Aid about their individual financial information at Orientation and throughout their time at SIUE. You can complete this step in CougarNet by navigating to your Student Account information and filling out the information requested in the Authorization to Release Information section.
Students can also set up access for a parent or other third party to view/pay their SIUE student account. You will need to grant your parent or other third-party access to this information.
Step 7: Send Your Documents
Submit your final official high school transcript with senior year grades and graduation date and official documents for transfer credit review if applicable. This includes college transcripts, advanced placement (AP) and/or international baccalaureate (IB) scores.
Submit electronically (must come directly from the institution) to etranscripts@siue.edu.
Mail to:
SIUE Office of Admissions
Campus Box 1047
Edwardsville, IL
62026-1047
Step 8: Submit a photo for your Cougar Card Student ID
You'll need to submit a photo for your Cougar Card (student ID). You'll receive directions to your email with instructions on uploading a photo to be used on your ID card.
New students will be issued their Cougar Card at their Orientation session. Please bring a driver's license, state ID card or passport to Orientation to verify your identity.
Step 9: Download the SIUE app
Step 10: Apply for Housing
Submit your housing application as early as possible to increase the likelihood of receiving your preferred room type or living community.
Step 11: Immunizations and Insurance
The State of Illinois Department of Public Health mandates that all new students must provide proof of protection against the diseases of Rubeola, Rubella, Mumps, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis and Meningitis ACWY.
SIUE requires full-time students with at least one on-ground class to have health insurance. To meet this mandate, all students taking on-campus courses will be billed the student health insurance fee.
Students who already have comparable health insurance coverage may waive the fee by completing the waiver process prior to the posted deadlines. Students approved for a waiver during the fall term will not need to submit a waiver for spring or summer terms in the same academic year.
Step 12: See you at NSO!
We can't wait to see you at New Student Orientation. Below are a few final tips to prepare you for your NSO session.
Students will need to present a valid form of photo ID:
- State-issued driver's license with photo
- State-issued photo ID card
- Passport with photo
- Military ID Card
It is recommended that individuals bring a smartphone or tablet with them to NSO.
Please make certain you have the SIUE app downloaded on your smartphone or tablet prior to NSO.
Have your student ID number, e-ID number and password memorized or accessible. You will need to log into university systems throughout the day.
It can be warm outside but chilly in our campus buildings. We recommend students and guests bring a sweater or sweatshirt with them.
The NSO program will introduce you to a variety of campus locations. Wear comfortable shoes for that campus or residence hall tour.