Quick Links:
Freshman Orientation Overview and Dates
Accuplacer Placement Testing
Parent and Family Orientation
FAQs
Freshman Orientation
June 6-7 June 20-21 July 11-12 August 1-2
Freshman Orientation is an introduction to college life at Montana State University
Billings. There are three components to our orientation program here at MSU Billings:
- First there is The Virtual Hive program, which is a 90 minute program you complete
online in Desire2Learn (D2L) prior to the overnight orientation (instructions on how to access this program are sent to between the time you sign up
for an orientation and before you arrive for the on-campus orientation program).
- The second component is the On-Campus Orientation program, which is the two-day, overnight
orientation here on campus. This is an engaging orientation experience where you
will meet with students, faculty, and staff. You will also register for your fall
courses while here for the on-campus orientation program.
- The third component is The Virtual Hive Post-Orientation program, which is a continuation
of the orientation program online in D2L. You will receive access to complete the
post-orientation online after you have attended the on-campus orientation program
and registered for your fall classes.
The Orientation program provides an important campus experience including both academics
and student life. In addition to academic advising, class registration, and workshops,
you will meet and connect with other freshmen. All students are required to stay overnight
in the residence halls during the On-Campus Orientation program. Meals are provided.
There is a $30 charge.
The deadline for orientation registration is one week prior to the scheduled session.
Orientation sessions have limited space. Reserve your orientation date now. Complete
the registration form online by selecting the date you wish to sign up for:
June 6th - 7th
June 20th- 21st
July 11th - 12th
August 1st - 2nd
Parent and Family Orientation
June 6-7 June 20-21 July 11-12 August 1-2
Many parents and yellowjacket supporters find it beneficial to attend orientation
with their students. During orientation, parents and supporters have the opportunity
to attend workshops about academic advising, services on campus and financial aid.
There is a $20 program fee per parent or guest, which includes meals. Guests may
stay on campus for an additional rate of $10 per night. If Orientation guests want
to stay on campus, they can make arrangements by calling the Office of Housing and
Residential Life at (406) 657-2333.
Accuplacer Placement Testing Details
All freshmen students must take the Accuplacer placement test at least two days prior
to attending orientation. Results of this test are used to advise students into the
most appropriate writing, mathematics, and reading courses. This test is self-paced.
To take a sample test, visit www.accuplacerpractice.org and select Next-Generation Practice Tests.
Students who have scheduled their Accuplacer test will have priority when reserving
their orientation date. To sign up, visit:
www.msubillings.edu/fye/orientation and select your preferred testing and orientation dates.
**Please note if you have previously completed COMPASS or Accuplacer within the past
three years, you do not need to take Accuplacer. Please contact us to make sure we
have your scores on file.
Choose from the following testing sessions:
Friday, March 22nd at 3 pm
Friday, April 5th at 3 pm
Tuesday, May 21st at 3 pm
Friday, May 31st at 9 am
Tuesday, June 4th at 2 pm
Friday, June 14th at 9 am
Tuesday, June 18th at 2 pm
Tuesday, June 25th at 2 pm
Tuesday, July 2nd at 2 pm
Tuesday, July 9th at 2 pm
Friday, July 19th at 9 am
Tuesday, July 23rd at 2 pm
Friday, July 26th at 9 am
Tuesday, July 30th at 2 pm
Accuplacer testing is also available by individual appointment or remote testing.
For more information about these options, please contact City College Jacket Student
Central at (406) 247-3019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend Freshman Orientation?
- Yes, all new freshman are required to attend orientation.
Is there a charge for orientation?
- Yes, there is a $30 charge for accommodations and meals.
Can I bring a friend?
- Guests are permitted at orientation. There is a $20 program fee per parent or guest.
Guests may stay in the residence halls for an additional $10 per night.
Should parents come to orientation?
- It is strongly encouraged, but not required. We will be offering a variety of workshops
including information specifically for parents and families. You will have your fill
of great food, fun times, and important information as well as have face-to-face meetings
with key administrators, faculty, and staff who will be working for your student’s
success every day. Please join us during the two-day orientation program and become
a member of the Yellowjacket family! For more information about Parent and Family
Orientation, please contact Aaron Like at aaron.like@msubillings.edu or 406-657-2376.
Do I have to stay overnight?
- Yes, all orientation attendees must stay overnight in the residence halls. This is
a requirement of all students, including local students and students who are traveling
here for orientation. If you are not able to stay overnight due to extenuating circumstances, a written request needs to be submitted for review and approval prior to check-in
at orientation. Requests to be exempt from the overnight requirement can be sent
to Bryan Grove at bryan.grove@msubillings.edu.
I live out of state do I have to attend orientation?
- We hope to see all students at orientation. However, If you live in a state that does
not neighbor Montana, you are exempt from attending the summer Freshman Orientation.
What should I bring to orientation?
- There will be a lot of walking so you will want to bring comfortable shoes. Also bring
a photo ID, overnight bag (change of clothes, toiletries, etc.), and an alarm clock.
Items provided in every room:sink, sheets, towels, pillows.
Do I have to take a placement exam?
- All incoming freshman will need to take the Accuplacer placement test at least two
days prior to orientation. **Please note if you have previously completed COMPASS
or Accuplacer within the past three years, you do not need to take Accuplacer. Please
contact us to make sure we have your scores on file.
I’ve registered for orientation, now what?
- You will receive your confirmation via email. Make sure to look for updates in your
inbox throughout the summer, and be sure to check your spam of junk folder in your
email. You will also receive information on how to login to The Virtual Hive which
is the online orientation program that you need to complete prior to checking in for
the on-campus orientation program.
Do I need to stay for the whole orientation program?
- Yes, the overnight orientation programming in its entirety is required. If you are
not able to attend all portions of the overnight orientation, we would encourage you
select an orientation date that would work best with your schedule, allowing you to
attend the whole program. You will receive a detailed agenda upon arrival. Overall
the overnight orientation program begins with check-in at 8 am on the City College
Campus the Thursday of orientation and concludes around 1 pm on the Friday of orientation.
Are there on campus housing accommodations for guests?
- Yes. To reserve a room, contact the Housing Office at 406-657-2333.
When do I pay the orientation fees?
- Payment for orientation fees will be arranged at check-in. Please do not send money
before.
Do I have to pay for parking while attending the overnight orientation?
- Parking permits are required to park on campus. You will be able to park in west
student lot at City College, the north student lot on the university campus, and/or
the parking garage without a permit on Thursday-Friday only during your orientation
program. You will be required to have a visitor or student parking permit for other
days that you will be parking on campus. For more information on parking permits,
you may go to http://www.msubillings.edu/police/parkinginfo.htm
I have some college credit earned. Where should I send my college transcript?
- If you took classes at…
City College and MSU Billings: We have your records on file. You do not need to send a college transcript
Another institution: Please send your transcript(s) to
City College
Attn: Admissions & Records
3803 Central Avenue
Billings, MT 59102
Please send a copy of your transcript before orientation so an advisor can evaluate
your credits before you register for classes. If your grades have not posted yet,
an unofficial transcript can be used in the meantime.