First STEP Orientation
At SEMO, we want to help you make the transition to college life smooth! One of the best and easiest ways to properly introduce yourself to Southeast Missouri State University is First STEP Orientation.
First STEP Orientation sets you up with a personal support system in place to help you find success during your time on campus. First Step Orientation gives 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.
FirstSTEP Orientation Options
View dates and options based on your entry term
Interested in enrolling for the 2nd 8-week session? Contact New Student Programs for assistance with enrolling in your virtual orientation session & courses. All in-person events have concluded for Fall 2026.
About 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 in a completely online program should register for the SEMO Online "Getting Started" course instead- but you register in the same place! If your record is coded as fully online already, you will see those options automatically.
- 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).
- After completion of the course, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments are scheduled with a professional advisor through SupportNET (required)
- 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!
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 fall or spring semester bill to SEMO. There is no separate charge for orientation.
There will be two options for orientation to enroll for Spring 2027. Registration is open!
SE Key activation is required to access the orientation registration system.
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 2027 schedule of classes in hand! Full-day attendance is required to enroll.
- Friday, November 13, 2026
- Thursday, January 14, 2027
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.
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 in a completely online program should register for the SEMO Online "Getting Started" course instead- but you register in the same place! If your record is coded as fully online already, you will see those options automatically.
- 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 (less time may be given closer to the start of the semester).
- After completion of the course, 1:1 virtual or in-person advising appointments are scheduled with a professional advisor through SupportNET (required).
- 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 code that is displayed in some systems 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 fall or spring semester bill to SEMO. There is no separate charge for orientation.
There will be two options for orientation to enroll for Summer and Fall 2027.
Registration Opens in early October. SE Key activation is required to access the orientation registration system.
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 2027 schedule of classes in hand! Full-day attendance is required to enroll.
- Friday, March 5, 2027
- Friday, April 2, 2027
- Saturday, April 10, 2027
- Friday, May 21, 2027
- Friday, June 4, 2027
- Friday, June 25, 2027
- Friday, July 16, 2027
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.
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.
- Not recommended for students who need to enroll in summer courses, as this process begins after the start of the summer semester.
- Students who are going to be in a completely online program should register for the SEMO Online "Getting Started" course instead- but you register in the same place! If your record is coded as fully online already, you will see those options automatically.
- 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).
- After completion of the course, 1:1 virtual or phone advising appointments are scheduled with a professional advisor through SupportNET (required)
- 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 code that is displayed in some systems 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 fall or spring semester bill to SEMO. 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
This day is all about boldly supporting you and your family or supporters as you move forward into your college journey. Expect a full schedule packed with helpful info, exciting opportunities, and plenty of fun—all designed to set you up for success and confidence as a Redhawk.
What you will do at First STEP Orientation:
- Get the inside scoop on making your transition to SEMO smooth and stress-free.
- Discover programs and services designed to help you succeed and make the most of your college experience.
- Know your rights and responsibilities as a Redhawk so you can thrive academically and socially.
- Meet other new students and start building your SEMO crew.
- Learn how to use campus tech like Wi-Fi, email, and online tools that make life easier.
- Understand academic advising and how to pick the right classes for your goals.
- Get info about your academic advisor and how to reach them when you need help.
- Register for your courses and get set for your first semester.
- Explore tools like Degree Maps and Degree Works to stay on track toward graduation.
- Find out the big milestones for completing your major.
- Connect with faculty or staff in your area of interest.
- Check out different majors and career options if you’re still deciding.
- Leave feeling confident and excited about your decision to join SEMO!
What your parents and families will do at First Step Orientation:
- Learn strategies to support you through college life.
- Understand campus policies and how they’re applied to keep students safe and successful.
- Meet other families going through the same transition.
- Feel more comfortable and confident about your choice to attend SEMO!
First STEP Orientation Information
Schedule and Information
Additional Resources
Take Your First STEPs!
Contact Us
Location
Office
Mailing Address
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-4710