See the latest updates and information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including a list of University contact information at semo.edu/covid19.
We understand your transition to college is changing. We're all learning new processes, and in true Southeast Missouri State fashion, at least we're learning them together.
The format for 2021 orientation and enrollment events are listed below in the slide out for each semester. Please carefully review the options prior to registering for a session. More detailed information will be shared in the confirmation.
During this time, we're more committed than ever to helping you navigate college and stay on track to join us in the fall. We have a robust orientation process- and that won't change- because we want to promote your educational, career, professional and social deveopment while helping you understand your options and resources.
Select your first semester of enrollment below.
If you need to reschedule or update your information, please call 573-651-5166.
Are you looking for Transfer Orientation? Click here!
Please note: Students cannot complete FirstSTEP Orientation and auditions or tryouts for an academic department, scholarship, or team on the same day.
Orientation Fee
All students will be charged a $150 nonrefundable orientation fee, which covers all Southeast orientation events and processes for the student and their family members at First STEP, materials, and staffing as well as meals, materials, and staffing for Opening Week and new student activities. This fee will be charged to your student account after you complete or attend First STEP orientation, and a bill will be mailed.
Students who plan to complete a tryout, interview, or audition for an academic department, scholarship, or team on the same day as orientation should make New Student Programs aware as soon as possible so that we can appropriately schedule your advising appointment time.
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 full semester bill to Southeast. There is no separate charge for orientation.
Students, you will:
Family members and guests, you will:
As entering Southeast students, information about all the university resources can
become overwhelming. To help you along, we have created an Orientation Handbook which
lists information on classes, advising and enrollment, campus living, financial aid,
and other institutional resources. All students (and their parents or guests!) will
receive their handbook when they check in at First STEP Orientation or as a link in
their virtual orientation course. It can also be accessed here.
(The Orientation Hanbook for Summer and Fall 2021 Enrollment will be available in
early February.)
Southeast is a test-optional institution for admission and scholarship consideration. However, if you have standardized test scores, we encourage you to submit them for placement purposes in English and Mathematics. Lack of test scores or prior college credit may require you to take a placement exam.
Prior to arrival at First STEP or accessing the online course, some students will be required to take the Writing Placement Exam. The exam is taken online, and instructions on how to take the exam will be provided in your confirmation materials. All students must take the Writing Placement Exam unless they meet one of the below conditions:
Virtual First STEP will connect you with a highly trained professional advisor to advise and assist in constructing and finalizing your first semester schedule. After completing your online advising module and worksheet, you recieve a link to schedule a 1:1 phone or Zoom meeting with your assigned advisor, based on your indicated area of study or admission status. Parents are welcome to participate in this conversation!
The First STEP programs are held in the University Center on the corner of Henderson Street and Normal Street. Please park in the lot on Broadway next to Imo's Pizza, the lot across from Vandiver Hall on Henderson or the visitor lot across from the University Center. A parking permit, along with a schedule of the day's events, will be mailed to you approximately two weeks before your reserved First STEP date. If using a GPS device for directions, the following address will set your destination to our visitor parking lot: 373 N. Henderson, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
First STEP will provide highly trained faculty and staff to advise and assist in constructing your first semester schedule. You and a small group of students with similar majors will work with an advisor in your anticipated field of study. If you are undecided (which we refer to as "Exploratory"), you will be advised by a professional advisor who is skilled in assisting students who have not yet determined their major.
If you are looking for a place to stay while you are here for First STEP Orientation, look no farther than the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau or the Jackson Chamber of Commerce for a listing of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging options.
www.visitcape.com (Select "Stay")
www.jacksonmochamber.org (Select "Directory" and "Hotels")
Please note that the Drury Suites – Cape & Jackson, Drury Lodge, or Pear Tree Inn all offer a Southeast family discount. Please provide the following promotional code if you will be staying with one of these hotels: 317573
Make sure your most current and highest test scores are on file with Admissions. You may wish to bring a copy of your most recent scores in case of any discrepancies.
Be sure to check the deadline for all tuition fees, residence hall room and meal plan charges, and general fees, to be paid in full or to be enrolled in the installment payment plan. If the University does not receive payment by the deadline, you risk having your class schedule, residence hall room assignment, and meal plan cancelled.
If you achieve at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) high school cumulative GPA and a composite ACT score of 27, you are eligible for Southeast's Jane Stephens Honors Program. Information will be provided prior to your orientation date.
Every student must return their Residence Life Agreement (with $150 deposit) or a request for release from the on-campus residency requirement to the Office of Residence Life.
Contact