Orientation Steps

New Student Orientation is designed for incoming first-year and transfer students beginning their experience at App State.

Orientation has three distinct components – an online pre-orientation course, an on-campus orientation and the Welcome to App program of events focused on helping you learn your way around campus and meeting fellow Mountaineers.

International students will complete both New Student Orientation and International Student Orientation.

Orientation Steps

1. Register for Orientation

Now that you’re a Mountaineer, you’ve been assigned an App State email account. Find your username in your MyMountaineer Portal as well as steps for how to set up your account. You will log in with your App State username and password to register for orientation. Once you log in, select an orientation date and register for that session. Make sure to have two or three date options available in case your first choice is full. The earlier you register, the more likely you will get your first choice date.

Parents and families are invited to attend a specialized one-day Parent & Family Orientation program that is tailored specifically for parents and families of new students. This program takes place at the same time as your student’s on-campus orientation. Registration for Parent & Family Orientation will be available after your student has registered New Student Orientation.

Incoming transfer students have the option to attend a Transfer Pre-Orientation Program (T-POP) session prior to New Student Orientation. Get a head start on advising and class registration and meet other new transfer students during this fun (and free!) program.

Orientation Fee

The charge for our New Student Orientation is estimated to be $225.* The cost covers all orientation expenses including your AppCard, Common Reading book, online Advising Planner, food and more. *Online students will have a modified orientation fee.

You will not be billed for New Student Orientation until after you attend. These charges will be billed directly to your student account as part of your first semester tuition and fees. These fees are non-refundable after you have attended orientation.

2. Submit Your AppCard Photo

Follow the instructions from the AppCard Office for submitting your AppCard photo. Make sure to use your App State email to submit your photo. The AppCard Office cannot accept photos sent from personal email accounts. Online and Hickory campus students, or any student that would like their AppCard mailed, can pay a small fee to have the card shipped. 

3. Complete Your Advising Steps

As a new student, we know you're ready to start planning your academic journey at App State! To prepare for class registration and your advising appointment, make sure to complete your Advising Steps.

4. Attend Orientation

During orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet other students, learn about campus resources, and begin planning out your academic experience at App State. You will also have time to learn more about your intended major or begin the process of exploring majors.

5. Attend Welcome to App and Start Classes!

Welcome to App is an extension of your New Student Orientation and gives you the opportunity to get more comfortable on campus, make new friends, have fun and start weaving yourself into the fabric of student life at App State. 



International Student Orientation


International students must complete both New Student Orientation and International Student Orientation.

International orientation is required for all international degree-seeking students (both students on an F1 or J1 visa status and those who have never attended a university in the United States).

International Student Orientation is offered through International Student and Scholar Services and Outreach (ISSSO)

New International Student Orientation will take place on the Boone campus Monday, August 14 - Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

This hybrid program also includes virtual components in the form of AsULearn modules and Zoom sessions.