Is Orientation mandatory?

New Student Orientation (NSO) is mandatory for all new undergraduate students and confirms your enrollment at Lamar University.

When you attend Orientation, you’ll get acclimated to the university by taking tours of campus, learning about important programs and resources, participating in informational workshops, interacting with faculty and staff, and getting to know other new students. Most importantly, you’ll get a head start when you receive academic advising and register for your fall classes. The program is designed to answer nearly all your questions with one visit to campus!

What does the Orientation fee cover?

The Orientation fee includes a meal, NSO materials and publications, LU swag, programming and administrative costs.

How do I register?

Choose from Freshman Orientation or Transfer Student Orientation. Registration closes one week before the session start date or when the session has reached capacity, whichever comes first.

What is TSI and am I exempt?

Students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in mathematics, reading, and writing unless the student qualifies for an exemption.

How can I change my major?

New students who want to change their major before attending their orientation/advising session should email majors@lamar.edu with your LU Identification Number and new major.
Transfer students should email registration@lamar.edu with your L Number and new major.

What if I cannot pay for Orientation?

If you cannot pay for Orientation, please email our office at nslp@lamar.edu.

What if I cannot attend Orientation?

All incoming students to Lamar University for the Summer and Fall 2023 semester are required to attend an Orientation session. However, if a student meets one of the criteria below, they will be exempt from completing Orientation:

• Student has paid and attended a New Student Orientation within the last 12 months.
• Student will be non-degree seeking AND is not planning to transition to a degree seeking student
• Student has been admitted as a post-baccalaureate student or returning student
• Student is completely a 100% online degree program
• Student has graduated from the TALH program in 2023

Students who meet any of the above criteria can complete an Orientation Exemption Request. Staff will verify the exemption and students will be notified within one week of submitting.

How can I meet with my advisor before Orientation?

If you're a Freshman Student, you can schedule an appointment with your academic advisor before Orientation by selecting an appointment time here.

If you're a Transfer Student, you should contact the Transfer Liaison to connect to your advisor and register for classes. Email transferadvocate@lamar.edu or call (409) 880-7216.  

How do I change my Orientation session?

When choosing your Orientation date, please select carefully! There is a service fee for multiple requests to change or reschedule your originally selected date. Please note, you will only be permitted to change your date once. To change your orientation session, complete the Orientation Reschedule Request.

How do I cancel my Orientation reservation?

To cancel your Freshman or Transfer Student Orientation session, you must submit the Orientation Cancellation Form at least TWO weeks before the Orientation session that you are scheduled to attend.

All Orientation fees for both student and family/guest members are non-refundable.