Next Steps for Accepted Freshman Students

Welcome to the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences Undergraduate Advising Center at Kennesaw State University. We are so excited you have chosen Kennesaw State University and the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences to complete your degree! Now, what next?

If you are attending an orientation session, please be sure to schedule an appointment with your advisor prior to your orientation. 

• Activate your Net ID and Password to log in to campus programs (OwlExpress, KSU Email, etc.)
  This will give you access to Owl Express, course registration and other campus resources. This is your online “one-stop shop” where several of your next steps can be completed.To get started, visit: uits.kennesaw.edu/support/netid.php and select First-Time Users then follow the prompts.
• Set up Duo, KSU's two factor authentication, to log in to campus programs.
  Two-factor authentication is required and actively used by the University System of Georgia and member institutions, so all KSU students are required to set up Duo to access OwlExpress, your student email, and other services. You can find more information at this link, as well as step-by-step guides on how to set it up under the "Documentation" tab.
• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor before attending Orientation.
  This is one of the most important steps, so take action now!

  Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in your major before attending a an orientation or registering for classes. You can schedule an appointment online through our website at chss.kennesaw.edu/uac. 

  If you are/were dual enrolled, please have unofficial copies of your transcripts. Inform your advisor if you anticipate earning any AP/IB credit. Write down your questions and bring them to your advising session.

  You will discuss the following with your advisor:

  • How to register for classes
  • How to use Owl Express, Schedule Builder, and DegreeWorks
  • Which courses to take your first semester
  • The best course load to stay on track and meet your goals
  • Your major curriculum (required classes)
  • The importance of your GPA
  • The value of your major and possible career options
  • How to graduate in 4 years
  • Explanation of free electives and “related studies”
  • Benefits of adding a minor and how to fit it into your program of study
  • Important prerequisite courses
  • Placement tests, if applicable

  Other information such as:

  • What to expect from New Student Orientation. 
  • Student success strategies
  • Student organizations and how to get involved on campus
  • Study abroad opportunities
  • Internship opportunities or requirements
  • How to contact financial aid
  • Answers to any other questions you may have!
• Sign up for Orientation

  You can sign up for orientation through your OwlExpress account. You can visit the Orientation website for more information on fees, check-in and parking, scheduling and a checklist of what to bring to your orientation. 

  Your time ticket will open during your orientation session, so it is important you sign up as soon as possible. 

• If you are an international student, check with Admissions about paperwork and insurance.
  For information on what forms are needed after your acceptance to KSU, please click this link.

  We also encourage you to get in touch with our International Student and Scholar Services department to learn what resources they offer and to ask them any questions you may have about transitioning to KSU.

• Check for holds on your OwlExpress account.
  Unresolved holds will halt your ability to add/drop classes and register for future semesters.Turn in your immunization form to the Office of the Registrar and satisfy your lawful presence verification at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or through this link: admissions.kennesaw.edu/checkstatus.php

  For a list of other holds, you can consult the list of holds on the Registrar's website here. 

• Find out about your financial aid options.
  The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid provides assistance for students to help them meet the costs of obtaining an education from KSU. Meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss your options and receive assistance with completing your FAFSA application at fafsa.gov.

  Visit financialaid.kennesaw.edu for helpful tips and videos you can reference when completing your FAFSA. You must apply for the HOPE Scholarship by either completing the FAFSA or the application on GAfutures.org.

  CONTACT

  Telephone Number: 770-423-6074
  Email Address: finaid@kennesaw.edu  

  
  CAMPUS LOCATIONS

  Kennesaw Campus offices are located in Kennesaw Hall.
  Marietta Campus offices are located in the Administration Building B. 
  www.kennesaw.edu/maps/ 

  Counselors are assigned by the first letter of your last name. Please note, there are times when your assigned counselor may change to manage office needs. To schedule an appointment with your assigned financial aid counselor, visit financialaid.kennesaw.edu/contact-counselor.php. When emailing your counselor, please email using your KSU email address and include your KSU ID number.

• Apply for scholarships.
  At KSU, only one application is required to be considered for all available scholarships and the application opens each fall. To apply, the application can be accessed through Owl Express, located under the Financial Aid tab or visit scholarships.kennesaw.edu to apply!
• Learn about your housing options.
  Make the most of your college experience by living on campus! At Kennesaw State University, you will have an opportunity to build relationships with other students that can last a lifetime. Plus, on-campus residents are more likely to earn better grades, retain financial aid and graduate within four years. Housing and Residence Life provides residential housing communities near everything our campuses have to offer, including numerous restaurants on campus, student recreation centers, student health clinics, classrooms and more!

  Visit: ksuhousing.kennesaw.edu to view KSU’s housing options, application dates and deadlines plus more.

  Please note that first-year students majoring in Marietta Campus-based programs must live on the Marietta Campus as part of the first-year, live-on requirement.

• Challenge yourself with academically gifted programs.
  KSU offers a few programs specifically for first-year students that can set you on the right path as you begin your college career!

  • First-Year Global Fellows Program offers a unique and customized First-Year education abroad experience to Italy that is available to a select group of students through a competitive application. Learn more at dga.kennesaw.edu/ksuintuscany/index.php.

  • The KSU Journey Honors College offers a community within a university to academically talented, highly motivated students who enjoy lively discussion, creative expression, and intellectual challenge. KSU offers small honors sections of core courses and interdisciplinary honors seminars, where students focus on deep understanding within an innovative curriculum. The Honors College also provides opportunities for undergraduate research, domestic and international travel experiences, and community service activities. The Honors College houses the University Honors Program, including the President’s Emerging Global Scholars program and the Great Books cohort, available to entering first-year students. Visit honors.kennesaw.edu for more information about these opportunities.

  • College of Science and Mathematics Advanced Majors Program (AMP) offers academically talented students the opportunity for intellectual adventure beyond the average college experience. First-year students are guaranteed a spot in math and science courses, helping you stay on track for your graduation requirements. Learn more at csm.kennesaw.edu/amp/index.php.

  • The Thrive Scholars Program creates a community of engaged students who are able to transition easily into their college experience, while maintaining the HOPE scholarship and staying on track to graduate. Find out more at https://diversity.kennesaw.edu/thrive/.
• Prepare for Orientation. 

   Registration Instructions:

  How to Use Class Schedule Builder:

  On Orientation day, your academic advisor will be available to answer any questions and help with registration issues. 

• View the academic calendar to make note of important dates.
  Visit the Registrar’s website and view the academic calendar for important dates such as the start of the semester, last day to withdraw, school breaks, registration dates for next semester, and final exams. Make sure you create a calendar or use a planner to stay on top of these dates.
• Prior to the first day of class, print off or screenshot your class schedule.
  The days prior to the start of classes, print off your class schedule, to confirm the following:
  

  • Registered courses
  • Meeting days/times/location for each class
  • Course format (i.e. face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online)
  • Review the campus map or do a practice walk-thru so you know how to get to your classes on the first day(s)
• If you have any questions, ask your advisor!
  If you are a student in the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities & Social Sciences, you can find your advisor at this link.
  
  If your major is outside our College, you can find your advisor at this link.

Additional Campus Resources:

For a more comprehensive list of campus resources, please click here. 

Financial Aid website:
https://financialaid.kennesaw.edu/index.php 

Housing website:
https://ksuhousing.kennesaw.edu/index.php  

Disability Services website:
https://sds.kennesaw.edu/index.php  

Immunizations website:
https://immunizations.kennesaw.edu/index.php  

Military & Veteran's Services:
https://mvs.kennesaw.edu/  

Student Life website:
https://studentactivities.kennesaw.edu/studentorganizations/index.php  

KSU Catalog website (rules, regulations, curriculum information):
http://catalog.kennesaw.edu/  

Dining & Meal Plans:
https://dining.kennesaw.edu/  

Scholarships:
https://scholarships.kennesaw.edu/