Apply Now

New Student Orientation

Home > New Student Orientation

About

The NSO Program seeks to accomplish the following:2023-spelbound-image-2

  • Facilitate the smooth transition of new students, including transfer, international, domestic exchange, and Pauline E. Drake scholars to the Spelman community.
  • Introduce all students to Spelman’s educational mission, history and unique opportunities.
  • Provide academic advisement and course registration.
  • Aid students in understanding their responsibilities as members of the Spelman College academic and social communities.
  • Provide all new students with opportunities for social and recreational activities that develop sisterhood and supportive networks and that foster a sense of school pride.
  • You are expected to attend all programs and activities. The programs will help you successfully navigate the Spelman College experience. All New Student Orientation information, including the schedule, will be posted on the mySpelman portal under the tab New Student Orientation.

NSO Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect at NSO?

New Student Orientation (NSO) facilitates the smooth transition of new students into the Spelman College community by introducing all students to Spelman’s educational mission, history, academic advisement, course registration, and other unique opportunities. NSO also provides an overview of social and recreational activities that develop sisterhood, supportive networks, and school pride. After completing NSO, students should understand their responsibilities as members of the Spelman academic and social communities.

What are the NSO dates?

Fall 2024 New Student Orientation takes place in August.

Where can I find student information?

New students can find Orientation information and updates throughout Orientation on their mySpelman portal. To access the portal, click the mySpelman link located here and beneath the search tab throughout this website. Log into MySpelman with your credentials provided by Admissions. Once you have logged in, look for the New Student Orientation tab across the top of the page. The Portal is operational and is updated frequently, so please check the NSO Portal often.

Where can I find parent and family information?

Parent and Family Orientation information can be found on the mySpelman portal. Information will also be posted on spelman.edu.

Parent Orientation will be held on: NEED A 2024 DATE

How do I access the NSO schedule?

A draft NSO schedule for students is posted on the New Student Orientation Portal page on mySpelman. Students must sign into their mySpelman portal.

When will I register for classes?

You will register for classes once you meet with your academic adviser, who is knowledgeable about the required courses. Your academic adviser will have access to your placement scores and any college credits you may have and will help you identify courses you should take.

What is the math placement exam?

The math placement exam is required of all first-year and transfer students who are not transferring math credits and will be administered before your arrival on campus. Exceptions include Summer Science students (WISTEM) with college math credit; Spelman’s Early College Program students with college math credit; students who score 4 or higher on the AP Calculus Examination; students who score 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Higher Level Examinations; and students earning a score of 50 on the math CLEP exam.

What is the computer literacy exam?

A computer literacy examination is an optional examination given each semester to determine student exemption from CIS 105. The examination consists of both written and hands-on components. The examination may be taken only once. Students seeking exemption must take the examination no later than the end of their second year at Spelman. Exemption from the course does not carry credit hours. Additional information about the Computer Literacy exam may be found on the NSO Portal Page.

What is the language placement examination?

All students with one or more years of foreign language study are required to take an online or onsite language placement examination in the language she has previously studied. A student who wishes to start a new language at Spelman should still take the placement exam in the language she has studied previously.

Students may complete the placement test for Spanish and French online. The link for these language placement exams can be found on the NSO Portal page. More information about the language placement exams can be found on the NSO Portal page. Students who complete the French placement exam must also complete a written portion. Information and registration credentials will be emailed after the placement test is completed.

Students may take the following placement exams on campus: Latin, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese. More information can be found on the NSO Portal page.

Students who receive an exceptional score online or onsite are required to take a virtual oral examination. Students will receive email notification if an oral examination is required.

Where do I find the cost of tuition and fees?

The Office of Student Accounts provides information on the cost of tuition and payment plans. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are posted at the link above.

Is the AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention Module Required?

Yes. Spelman College is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all community members. As part of our commitment, we require all incoming and transfer students to complete AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates. These interactive and engaging trainings are based on research on best practices and healthy communities. Access the portal here. Additional information can be found on the Awareness & Educational Initiatives page.