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Ambient video of scenes of life at Northwest Missouri State University: a group of Natural Sciences students getting a tour of the Student Union; group of students in a circle passing around a beach ball; a student and parent meeting with a faculty advisor; a student speaking with a faculty member; two students speaking with a staff member; two students taking their picture in front of the letter H-O-M-E with a Bearcat paw.

 

Northwest Orientation

Congratulations on your acceptance to Northwest Missouri State University.

We cannot wait for you to register for orientation! Find your student path below to find the right orientation for your student type.

Which orientation is right for me?



First Year students starting in the summer or fall term

If you plan to start your Bearcat journey in May, June, July, or August, you should attend:

  • SOAR
  • Advantage

Learn more about SOAR and Advantage

First Year students starting in the spring term

If you plan to start your Bearcat journey in January, you should attend:

  • Orientation
  • Winter Welcome

Learn more about Orientation and Winter Welcome

Transfer or returning starting in the summer or fall Term

If you plan to start your Bearcat journey in May, June, July, or August, you should attend:

  • Orientation
  • Advantage

Transfer/Returning Student orientation and Advantage

Transfer or returning student starting in the spring term

If you plan to start your Bearcat journey in January, you should attend:

  • Orientation
  • Winter Welcome

Transfer/Returning Student orientation and winter Welcome

Online Students

Hi, Bearcat. Congratulations on your acceptance to Northwest. Orientation is not a requirement for Online Professional (OP) Undergraduate Students.

For additional information please reference the Online Professional webpage.

International Undergraduate Students

Hi Bearcat, we are looking forward to seeing you on campus in the fall. Thank you for your interest in SOAR.

  • International undergraduate students must have an approved F-1 Visa (Academic Student) on file with the international office before they are registered for SOAR.
  • Once the F-1 Visa is reported to the orientation office, the orientation office will assign the international undergraduate student to online orientation. Once the international undergraduate student is assigned to online orientation, they will receive an email notification to complete online orientation.
  • When an international student arrives on campus, the International Involvement Center will conduct an in-person orientation.
  • For additional information please contact the International Involvement Center or visit the Accepted International Student Services webpage.

Graduate Students

Hi, Bearcat! Congratulations on your acceptance to Graduate School. Orientation is not a requirement for Graduate Students. If you need further assistance, please contact the Graduate Office.

Visiting Students

Hi, Bearcat! Congratulations on your acceptance as a visiting student. Orientation is not a requirement for visiting students. If you need further assistance, please contact the Student Success Center.

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Points of Interest

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A student and a parent enter Hughes Fieldhouse to check in for SOAR.New Bearcats are checking in at Hughes Fieldhouse. Students take a picture with the Northwest Home sign at the Hughes Fieldhouse, where the student services fair is held before the first SOAR session begins.A family engages with a staff member at the student services fair to discover resources available at Northwest.A student consults with residential life to learn what items they need to bring to college in August.Take a picture with your family and Bobby Bearcat. Show off the new swag!Students walk through the archway to attend the main presentation in the Union Ballroom.Two students chat before the new student session.Students walk with their SOAR leader on the third floor of the student union.A student and a parent meet with their advisor to discuss class schedules.Students gather with SOAR leaders to learn the Bearcat chant and have their questions answered.Students take a selfie with their SOAR leader.Students and their families take a break for lunch in the Bearcat Commons.Students gather in a circle and participate in an icebreaker activity to get to know each other within their major groups.
Ready to be a Bearcat?
Bobby Bearcat