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New Student Orientation

The information below will help ensure you and your family’s smooth transition into becoming a part of the Hornet family! If you have any further questions or concerns pertaining to New Student Orientation, contact the Office of Admissions at 302.857.6351.

If you plan to attend Delaware State University, you must attend New Student Orientation in order to register for classes. All New Student Orientation fees are nonrefundable.

What is New Student Orientation (NSO)?

New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed for all new students, including transfers. It introduces you to the campus, where you will learn about Delaware State University’s academic programs, meet faculty members and administrators, register for classes with your advisor, learn about all of our support services and make new friends with other incoming students. All new students must attend New Student Orientation.

What should I do prior to attending New Student Orientation?

Prior to attending New Student Orientation (NSO), it is mandatory for every new student to complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment. The placement assessment is open for admitted students, allowing for you to complete at least one retake prior to your scheduled NSO. Failure to take the ALEKS math assessment prior to your selected NSO date may alter your NSO schedule of activities.

You will need to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) before you can complete the test. Visit myDESU and select “Create/Reset PIN”.

Read more about ALEKS and visit Banner Self Service to take the ALEKS math assessment.

* NOTE: You will not need to take the ALEKS Assessment if you have taken and passed a college-level math (submission of official transcript(s) from previous institution(s) required for evaluation).  High school Advanced Placement scores can be considered upon submission of official scores. 

How do I book my New Student Orientation date?

You can click on the red button on this page that says Register for New Student Orientation; it will direct you to the registration form. 

The Make a Payment button will direct you to the QuikPAY payment portal to submit your fee(s). Please make your payment in advance (at least 7 days prior to your selected NSO date) to avoid a delayed check-in process. 

Please note, in your acceptance package you will receive an Admissions Acceptance Agreement. This document informs the Office of Admissions that you plan to attend the University. Please return the form to the Office of Admissions along with registering for New Student Orientation online. The agreement form can be emailed to admissionsdocs [at] desu.edu, mailed or faxed (302.857.6352).

The mailing address is:

Delaware State University
Office of Admissions
1200 N. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901

How much is New Student Orientation?

The nonrefundable New Student Orientation fees are listed below:

Spring

$100 for freshmen and transfer students in the spring

Fall

$150 for freshmen in the fall

$100 for transfer students in the fall

$100 for freshmen attending Early New Student Orientations (if you attend an Early New Student Orientation you will not have to attend one of our traditional freshman orientations during the summer)

How do I make my New Student Orientation Payment?

Preferred method of payment is online via QuikPAY.

Types of payments accepted via QuikPAY: personal check, major credit card or debit card.

How to make a payment via QuikPAY:

In the “Login as Guest” box

  • Enter: Student ID
  • Click: Login
  • Click: “Yes, connect to NelNet QuikPAY”
  • Click: “Pay” beside Tuition & Other University Fees (Note: There is not an option for New Student Orientation.)
  • Select: New Student Orientation (NSO) Term
  • Enter Payment Amount
  • Select Payment Method
  • Click “Continue” to enter personal information

You can also mail in a personal check or money order (no cash) to:

Delaware State University
Office of Admissions
1200 N. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901

What does my orientation fee cover?

The fee covers the processing of your registration and materials given during the orientation.

How do I make my housing deposit?

  • Go to QuikPAY
  • In the “Login as Guest Box”
  • Enter: Student ID
  • Click: Login
  • Click: “Yes, connect to NelNet QuikPAY”
  • Click: “Pay” Traditional Housing Deposit
  • Select: Term from the drop-down box
  • Enter: Payment Amount
  • Select: Payment Method from the drop-down box
  • Click: Continue
  • Provide Information:  Complete your credit card, bank information or both (must use the option you choose above)
  • Click: Confirm to submit your payment
  • You will receive an email confirmation for your payment

How do I submit my University ID photo online?

After answering a few questions, you will be asked to provide two pictures:

  • A photo of a valid government-issued ID.
  • A photo to be used as your Delaware State University ID photo (please see requirements below).

Photo Requirements 

  • Your photograph must have a plain passport-type white background (we suggest you take a current picture in front of a white wall or plain white door). If you need to modify your background to all white, please use the following link: https://www.remove.bg/t/change-background.
  • Your face must be clearly visible and facing forward, same as a driver license or a state picture – no profile/social media shots, filters, headphones, sunglasses or hats.
  • Photo must be in color.
  • You must be the only person in the picture.
  • Photo CANNOT be taken in a car or crowded room or have background objects – no trees, door frames or window blinds, etc.
  • No graduation caps, gowns, uniforms or costumes are allowed.
  • Nothing can be touching the face – no hands, trees, graphics, etc.

**If you do not have a government ID or a state ID, please upload your school ID with all your information.**

What are some key things to remember for my orientation session?

Documents needed for New Student Orientation

(All can be turned in/completed prior to orientation)

All documents may be submitted via email at admissionsdocs [at] desu.edu.

What happens after New Student Orientation (Next Steps)?

After New Student Orientation it is your responsibility to make sure first that all of your documents have been turned in a timely fashion. While taking part in New Student Orientation, you will have an opportunity to register for your classes; this will generate your semester bill. Once your bill has been generated, it is the responsibility of the student to make sure that the bill can be paid in full by scholarships, grants, financial aid, personal monies or a payment plan through Student Accounts. One or all of the options can be used to satisfy your bill.