Mascots Roxy and Rocky standing outside with by the Orientation flag

Undergraduate Orientation

Register for Orientation

All registration and required tasks are completed inside the Orientation Portal, located in NEST.

  • Check your Montclair email regularly for instructions
  • Complete all items on your personalized Task List
  • Registration is required to secure your Orientation date
Log into NEST to Access Your Portal
close up of lanyards that say You Belong

Congrats New Students: Start Here!

Before you can register for Orientation, you must:

  • Know your CWID: Your CWID can be found at the top of your Accepted Student Portal. Your NetID cannot be activated until after you submit your new student deposit.
  • Claim your NetID: This is your login for many web-based University systems. 
  • Enroll and set up Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access to University systems. 
  • Set up your Montclair email: To access your Montclair Google account, sign into Google.com with your NetID@montclair.edu Gmail and password.

After claiming your NetID, allow 24–48 hours for access to NEST and the Orientation Portal. Instructions will be sent to your Montclair email.

Student with megaphone

Fall 2026 Program Dates

Montclair Campus

  • First-Time Freshmen: August 19-21 & 24-25, 2026
  • Transfer Students: Thursday, July 16 & Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Bloomfield Campus

  • Ready to Roar - Student Orientation: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Each student is assigned an Orientation date in the Orientation Portal based on housing and incoming student statuses.

Student works from his laptop

Enrolled in a Fully Online Program?

Online students will participate in an online Orientation course through Canvas. About two weeks before your term begins, you'll gain access to the Montclair Online: New Student Orientation in Canvas. This self-paced course will introduce you to the technology, resources and support network available to help you feel confident and prepared for your first day of class. 

Be sure to check your Montclair email for access instructions and important updates.

Rocky and Orientation Leaders on stage

What to Expect at Orientation

Your one-day, on-campus Orientation experience includes:

  • Meeting Orientation Leaders and new classmates
  • Connecting with faculty and academic advisors
  • Learning how to navigate campus life
  • Preparing for your first semester

Additional details will be sent to your Montclair email after registration!

tote bag that says ready to soar

Family Orientation

First-Year Families of students attending Montclair are invited to attend a specialized on-campus Family Orientation session in July. The following dates are available:

  • Montclair campus: Tuesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 23, 2026
  • Bloomfield campus: Wednesday, July 29
  • Orientación Familiar: Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Important Details:

  • Your student must register you in their Orientation Portal but do not need to attend these sessions
  • Family Orientation $35.00 fee paid online

Families are encouraged to join the Red Hawk Family Portal, CampusESP, to stay connected.

Required Steps Before Orientation

  1. Attend the Orientation+ Webinar – Financing Your Education

    Available June 2026

    Registration will be available in the Orientation Portal soon!

    Topics include:

    • Financial aid
    • Billing and student accounts
    • Payment responsibilities

  2. Review New to the Nest (Mandatory Pre-Orientation Course)

    Complete this online Canvas course before attending Orientation.

    You’ll learn about:

    • Academic expectations
    • Campus resources
    • Community standards
    • Student support services

    If the course does not appear:

    • Wait 24–48 hours after claiming your NetID
    • If still missing, contact Orientation Programs

    Students in fully online undergraduate programs are exempt from this course.

    Access Canvas

  3. Complete Your Student Checklist

    Depending on your student type, you may need to:

    Be sure all checklist items are completed in your Orientation Portal!

students riding a carnival ride

Save the Date for Welcome Week!

After Orientation is complete, stick around for a great line up of activities to be held on both campuses beginning Monday, August 24! 

Program highlights include:

  • Trips to local attractions
  • Movie nights and crafts
  • Campus carnival

We Are Here To Help

Student Belonging Office

The Office of Student Belonging is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed. Through programs, advocacy and partnerships, the office fosters connection, student success and a strong sense of belonging across the Montclair community.

Montclair Campus Students: Ready to Soar!

Bloomfield Campus Students: Ready to Roar!