Orientation

New Student Orientation Information

New Student Orientation (NSO) is a multi-day experience for all new Blazers that takes place Thursday, August 14 through Saturday, August 16. Led by a group of Peer Mentors, NSO is designed to engage you, connect you, and help you to make a smooth transition into Hood College.

Participation in New Student Orientation is REQUIRED for all incoming residential and commuter students.

• First-year and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits will attend Hood Ready on Thursday, July 10, 17, or 24 and start NSO on Thursday, August 14
• Transfer students with 15 or more credits will attend Hood Ready on Thursday, July 31 and attend NSO on Saturday, August 16
• Undergraduate classes begin on Monday, August 18

If you have any questions related to NSO, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Orientation via email at orientation@hood.edu or call us at 301-696-3575.

Orientation in Three Easy Steps

Step One - Register for and Attend Hood Ready

Visit campus for Hood Ready: a one-day, on-campus experience where you'll meet faculty and staff, get to know Peer Mentors, complete next steps for enrollment, get your campus ID, tour campus, and connect with resources across campus. Parent(s) and guest(s) will have a tailored Hood Ready schedule as well.

Step Two - Review and Complete Important Tasks for Deposited Students

This list is designed to help you to complete all of the necessary requirements to have a smooth transition to Hood College. The task list contains links to important forms, IT information, placement test information, housing information, and more.

Step Three - Register for and Attend New Student Orientation (NSO)

As a reminder, all residential and commuter students are required to attend NSO. Parent(s) and guest(s) are welcome to join you on the first day of NSO until we say farewell at the BBQ Send-off. Don’t worry – we’ve got you from there!

Please click here to complete a brief form to register for NSO.

New Student Orientation Schedule

The 2025 NSO schedule will be available soon, check this page for updates! 

In the meantime, you can get an understanding of what to expect at NSO by reviewing the 2024 schedule below. Please note that these activities are subject to change.