Orientation Checklist:

• Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.
• Display your parking permit clearly when you park on-campus.
• Check-in between 7:45 and 8:15 am for students taking the Writing Placement Exam.
• Check-in between 8:15 and 8:45 am for students NOT taking the Writing Placement Exam.
• Be sure to have a transcript of any AP or dual enrollment credit you have earned.
• Arriving late will delay or postpone your enrollment.

Is First STEP orientation required for all incoming students?
First STEP is required for all incoming students. It is an enjoyable day packed with information about classes, housing, college life, and a multitude of other topics regarding your time at Southeast. First STEP orientation is designed for students with fewer than 24 completed credit hours. If a student has 24 credit hours of more, he or she has the option of signing up for one of our Transfer Orientations.

How do I sign up for First STEP?
It is very easy to sign up for First STEP. Within a student's Admission Packet, there are two important orientation components. The first is a card students fill out listing contact information, desired First STEP date, intended major (undecided majors are fine), and the number of guests present. The second is a brochure labeled "Important Orientation Information." The brochure lists information about testing, the purpose of First STEP, check-in times, directions to Southeast, a campus map, and activities for students and guests during the day.

How much does First STEP cost?
The university charges a $50 fee to attend First STEP. The fee goes toward paying for food, personnel, and other resources used during the day. You will not have to pay the fee during the day, but rather a charge will be assessed to the student's account at a later date. If you have any questions about the orientation fee, please contact our office at (573) 651-5166 or e-mail newstudentprogs@semo.edu.

What do I wear to First STEP?
During First STEP, you are welcome to wear comfortable clothes. Most of the day is spent in the University Center. There are campus tours available to families wishing to a more personalized glimpse of the campus. Depending on the weather conditions, you may want to dress accordingly (e.g. an umbrella is always a good idea on those rainy days). We want your experience at First STEP to be both enjoyable and comfortable.

Where do I park?
There is a parking lot across the street from the new residence hall, just as you enter the university. For more specific directions, you can refer to the campus map in your Important Orientation Information brochure. In the brochure, you will find a parking permit for the day. We will also be sending a schedule of the day along with another parking permit about two weeks before your scheduled First STEP date. If for some reason you receive a parking ticket during the day of First STEP, simply notify one of the Orientation Leaders or a member of the Orientation Staff. We will be more than happy to take it!

How long does First STEP last?
First STEP starts at about 8 a.m. and lasts until approximately 5 p.m. Times will vary depending on advising times. Optional tours are available at the end of the day for students and guests who are interested in seeing the campus. Those tours do include a stop at the residence halls!

Are there any meals or snacks provided during First STEP?
Absolutely! We have refreshments throughout the day. When you arrive in the morning, you will find donuts and beverages available while you are waiting for the sessions to begin. At lunch, you have the choice of tuna, turkey, or ham sandwiches with chips, pasta salad, and fresh-baked cookies. Sodas and water will be provided. Through the remainder of the day, additional snacks and beverages will also be provided.

Will I have to take the math challenge exam during First STEP?
The math challenge exam is completely optional. The purpose of the Math Challenge Exam is to challenge a student's math placement. When you receive your orientation packet during the day of First STEP, there is information in the upper left-hand corner of your packet. If the packet has either "MA090" - Developmental Algebra or "MA095" - Intermediate Algebra, it may be beneficial for the student to challenge the course placement. If the packet lists "Log Sys", which stands for Logical Systems, the student has already placed into the highest math class. To learn more, visit the Math Placement Exam page.

Will I have a class schedule by the end of the day?
By the end of the day, students will have a class schedule in your hands! During our Pre-Advising Session during the day, students learn about the University Studies system, class requirements, and other useful information about a student's first-semester schedule! During that session, students will have a listing of all the classes offered during the fall semester as well as a lesson on how to read the listings. After absorbing the information and browsing some of the information, students will have an opportunity to meet with their advisor, to tailor the student's schedule to his or her specific needs.

Will I have a good schedule of classes if I come to one of the later First STEP sessions?
It is difficult to predict which classes will be available during your First STEP visit, but there are a variety of courses from which a student may can choose. Departments will open new class sections if they see an overwhelming demand for certain classes. While there may be a greater range of class options at earlier sessions, students will still be allotted the chance to develop a schedule, which meets the student's needs.

If I already have college credit from high school or another institution, will the advisors take that into consideration when I select my classes?
The advisors will consider any earned college credit form high school or any other institution when the student is creating his or her schedule. To ensure the advisors have the information they need, it is important the student bring a copy of his or her transcript to First STEP. Doing so will ensure that the advisors can help place students in the appropriate classes. First and foremost, students should have earned credit transferred to Southeast as soon as possible. If you have a question about what a course may transfer to at Southeast, you can go to the Transfer Course Conversion page.

Will I still get classes if I enroll during the summer months?
You will still get classes even if you enroll during the summer months. Although, you may not have as many options in terms of classes, times, and sections. We encourage you to sign up for a First STEP at your earliest convenience!

Where might family members get information on how to deal with their child leaving home?
There are several different resources available to you. Of course, you can always speak with the staff in the Office of New Student Programs!

• When Kids Go to College: A Parent's guide to Changing Relationships by Newman
• Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Today's College Experience by Coburn and Treeger
• Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years by Johnson and Schelhas-Miller
• How to Survive in an Empty Nest: Reclaiming Your Life when Your Children Have Grown by Lauer
• Almost Grown: Launching Your Child from High School to College by Pasick
• Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Van Steenhouse and Parker

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