SO Overview

Student Orientation (SO) marks the beginning of your membership in the campus community. The purpose of Student Orientation is to help you make a smooth transition from your life in high school to your life as a student at Rensselaer. SO is designed as a day-and-a-half series of highly structured programs that cover numerous topics of concern to new students.

During SO you will attend academic information sessions, meet with an academic adviser from your department, plan your academic program for the fall semester, and register for classes. You will also have the opportunity to meet new classmates, interact with faculty and student leaders, and become familiar with campus facilities. Your photo will be taken for your student ID card, and you will participate in workshops and discussion groups designed to respond to your concerns and interests as a new student.