At Southeast, we want to help you make the transition to college life smooth! One of the best and easiest ways to properly introduce yourself to SEMO is First STEP.

First STEP Orientation sets you up with a personal support system in place to help you find success during your time on campus. We give you the time and place to meet your academic advisor in one of our groundbreaking academic areas that will help launch you into your career! We encourage students and their family members to ask lots of questions, actively participate in sessions, develop friendships, and learn everything you can about SEMO. There is a lot to do after you enroll - it starts with First STEP.

FirstSTEP Orientation Options

View dates and options based on your entry term

Full semester course enrollment deadlines for Spring 2024 have passed. If you are interested in the second 8-week option please contact us directly. At this time, you would complete a virtual orientation process to get enrolled in courses for that part of a term. 

Missed deadlines to enroll for Spring? Submit a new application for a future term at semo.edu/apply.  

Fully Virtual Orientation

  • Designed for students who will be taking classes at the Cape Girardeau campus, but cannot make a face-to-face event date. Students who are going to be completely online should contact Southeast Online to initiate their orientation process. 
  • Starts in mid-November for students registered by early November; rolling basis after that
  • Self-paced activity with approximately 1 week to complete required activities after gaining access to the course
  • Completed through the campus learning management system, Canvas
  • After completion of the pre-advising module and activities, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments scheduled with a professional advisor through SupportNET (required)
  • The remaining required modules are unlocked after completion of advising.
  • Additional details will be shared on the timeline, schedule, and instructions after you register. Keeping up with your SEMO email is essential if you choose this option!
  • NOTE: The event date that is displayed for this event is after the start of the semester. This reflects the last day to complete all activities, and does not reflect the start date or when you will gain access. 
Enrollment Fee

All New, First-Time Undergraduate Domestic Students (not exclusively at a regional campus or in a fully online degree program) will be charged a $150 enrollment fee on their first-semester bill to Southeast. There is no separate charge for orientation. 

There will be two methods to enroll for Summer and Fall 2024. 

Face-to-Face

Events for orientation will be a full day, on campus, on the date that you select. Each date will include presentations about campus programs and services, advising, and enrollment in your first semester of college coursework at SEMO. You will leave with your Summer and/or Fall 2024 schedule of classes in hand! Full-day attendance is required to enroll. 

Additional details and a sample will be shared on the timeline, schedule, and instructions after you register and no later than 2 weeks before your scheduled event. 

Remaining Dates for Summer and Fall 2024 Enrollment: 

  • Friday, March 22, 2024 (Filling up fast!) 
  • Saturday, April 20, 2024 (Filling up fast!)
  • Friday, May 17, 2024
    • The latest recommended date for enrolling in Summer courses
  • Friday, June 7, 2024
  • Friday, June 21, 2024
  • Friday, July 19, 2024

Please note: Students cannot complete a tryout, interview, or audition for an academic department, scholarship, or team on the same day as orientation. If you have a conflict, please contact New Student Programs as soon as possible so that we can reschedule your orientation date.

Fully Virtual Option

  • Not recommended for students who need to enroll for summer courses, as this process begins after the start of the summer semester.
  • Designed for students who will be taking classes at the Cape Girardeau campus, but cannot make a face-to-face event date. Students who are going to be completely online should contact Southeast Online to initiate their orientation process. 
  • Starts in mid-June for students registered by early June; rolling basis after that
  • Self-paced activity with approximately 1 week to complete required activities after gaining access to the course (less time may be given closer to the start of the semester.)
  • Completed through the campus learning management system, Canvas
  • After completion of the pre-advising module and activities, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments scheduled with a professional advisor through SupportNET (required)
  • The remaining required modules are unlocked after completion of advising.
  • Additional details will be shared on the timeline, schedule, and instructions after you register. Keeping up with your SEMO email is essential if you choose this option!
  • NOTE: The event date that is displayed for this event is after the start of the semester. This reflects the last day to complete all activities, and does not reflect the start date or when you will gain access. 
Enrollment Fee

All New, First-Time Undergraduate Domestic Students (not exclusively at a regional campus or in a fully online degree program) will be charged a $150 enrollment fee on their first-semester bill to Southeast. There is no separate charge for orientation. 

Take the First STEP toward your college education!

Registration

Enroll in First STEP Orientation today. Many dates are still available with both morning and afternoon options. We can’t wait to see what you do!

PURPOSE  

First STEP is open for students, family members, and guests in a day full of information and fun! 

Students will: 

  • Be guided on your transition to Southeast 
  • Be introduced to programs and services to enhance your success and experience at Southeast. 
  • Be able to identify the rights and responsibilities you have as a Redhawk for your engagement and academic success 
  • Meet and interact with other new students 
  • Learn how to access and use a variety of campus technology resources 
  • Understand the purpose and process of academic advising and course selection 
  • Complete the registration process 
  • Be introduced to campus tools like Degree Maps and Degree Works 
  • Identify major completion milestones in your major 
  • Meet with a faculty or staff member from your desired major 
  • Get information about your assigned academic advisor and how to contact them 
  • Learn about different majors and career exploration 
  • Be more confident and excited about your decision to attend Southeast! 

 Family members and guests will: 

  • Be introduced to strategies to help your student be successful 
  • Learn about policies related to Southeast Missouri State University and how these policies are enforced and addressed on campus for the student population 
  • Meet and interact with other families in transition 
  • Be more comfortable and confident in your student’s decision to attend Southeast! 

First STEP Information

Schedule and Information

At First STEP you will have many different opportunities to meet other new Redhawks and to prepare for your first semester at SEMO. Get to know your First STEP Schedule!

Location
Office
Academic Hall 100D
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 3550
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701