First STEP
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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.
FirstSTEP Orientation Options
View dates and options based on your entry term
Full semester course enrollment deadlines for Fall 2023 have passed. If you are interested in second 8-week options, please contact us directly.
For Fall 2023 enrollment, at this time, your option to enroll is through our Fully Virtual FirstSTEP Orientation.
Fully Virtual Option
- Started in mid-June for students registered by early June; rolling after mid-June
- Self-paced activity with two weeks to complete
- As of August 1, the timeline is shorter to ensure you can start on time! Keep a close eye on your SEMO email and contact New Student Programs as soon as you register for the most efficient process.
- Completed through campus learning management system, Canvas
- After completion of pre-advising module and activities, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments scheduled with professional advisor through SupportNET
- Remaining required modules unlock after completion of advising, and should be completed as soon as possible.
- Additional details will be shared on 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 displays 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 Spring 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 Spring 2024 schedule of classes in hand!
Additional details and a sample will be shared on timeline, schedule, and instructions after you register and no later than 2 weeks prior to your scheduled event.
Dates for Spring 2024 Enrollment:
- Friday, November 10, 2023
- Thursday, January 11, 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
- 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 orientaiton proces.
- 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 campus learning management system, Canvas
- After completion of pre-advising module and activities, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments scheduled with professional advisor through SupportNET (required)
- Remaining required modules unlock after completion of advising.
- Additional details will be shared on 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 displays 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!
Additional details and a sample will be shared on timeline, schedule, and instructions after you register and no later than 2 weeks prior to your scheduled event.
Dates for Summer and Fall 2024 Enrollment:
- Saturday, February 24, 2024
- Saturday, March 2, 2024
- Friday, March 22, 2024
- Saturday, April 20, 2024
- Friday, May 17, 2024
- Latest recommended date if 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 campus learning management system, Canvas
- After completion of pre-advising module and activities, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments scheduled with professional advisor through SupportNET (required)
- Remaining required modules unlock after completion of advising.
- Additional details will be shared on 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 displays 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!
First STEP
Additional Resources
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701