Important Note:  In addition to regular mail, our standard method of communicating with students is via their Marshall University email account. If you have not activated your Marshall email account, you need to do so as soon as possible and you need to make a habit of checking it regularly.  For instructions to activate, please contact our IT Service Desk at 304-696-3200 or https://www.marshall.edu/it/departments/it-service-desk/.

New freshmen and transfer students (admitted for Summer 2024 or Fall 2024) can register by clicking on the registration link available at www.marshall.edu/orientation.
All new students must participate in Orientation. Failure to participate in the Orientation program will result in the cancellation of your fall course schedule.
While there are no required items for students to bring to Orientation, we have some recommendations to make your day go as smoothly as possible!

  • A reusable water bottle – many activities will take place outdoors so having a water bottle to stay hydrated is important!
  • Comfortable clothing, socks, and shoes – there will be walking outside to and from different buildings on campus so plan to dress comfortably!
  • A light jacket/sweater – some of our buildings are cooler than others, so we recommend a light jacket or sweater in case you get cool.

You can easily reschedule your date by clicking the registration link and then selecting a new date. If you have any trouble, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation to reschedule You can reach the office by calling 304-696-3646 or emailing orientation@marshall.edu.
In advance of your Orientation date, your advisor will have prepared a course schedule for you.  Your schedule will include a variety of general education courses and perhaps a course or two specifically related to your academic major.  When you meet with your advisor, you will have the opportunity to discuss those courses and make any changes that might be necessary.
Your academic advisor will prepare a course schedule before your Orientation date.  This ensures you get the best course seats available. You will have the opportunity to discuss any potential schedule adjustments when you meet with your academic advisor at Orientation.
You will get your new student ID when you come to Orientation.
Before you attend your advising appointment, it would be helpful if you reviewed our general education Core Curriculum available at www.marshall.edu/gened and also review the Academic Map for your chosen program of study. Academic Maps are available at https://www.marshall.edu/advising/curricular-resources/.
The process for changing your academic major depends upon your stage in the Orientation process.

  • Before May 15, you can contact the Office of Admissions to change your selected academic major. You can email admissions@marshall.edu or call 304-696-3160.
  • After May 15, you can discuss a change of major when you meet with your academic advisor or, if you change your mind later, you can contact your academic advisor to assist you in transitioning to another major.
Some of our academic colleges have full-time staff advisors, other colleges utilize faculty advisors and some colleges utilize a combination of staff and faculty advisors. So, depending on your academic major, you might have a staff advisor or a faculty advisor.
Parents are discouraged from participating in advising appointments. Student and advisor must begin to develop a relationship where the student learns how to establish a pathway to meet their educational goals.
All incoming freshmen and new transfer students have a New Student Hold. This hold will remain on your record all summer and will be automatically lifted the week before the first day of the Fall 2024 semester. This hold ensures that all schedules are created by an academic advisor. If schedule adjustments are needed after you attend Orientation, you will work with your academic advisor to make those changes.
Yes. Orientation must be completed by every new student for the summer and fall term.  When you have your meeting with your advisor, be sure to mention that you plan to attend one of our regional campuses (be sure to mention which campus), and your schedule will be created for the specific campus you wish to attend. If you are unable to attend Orientation in person, you must complete Online Orientation at this link: www.marshall.edu/online-orientation.