Fall 2026 New Student & Family Orientation**
Welcome to Clark Atlanta University! Our 2026 New Student & Family Orientation is your official introduction to Panther Nation. These sessions are designed to help incoming freshmen, transfer students, and their families begin their CAU journey with confidence, clarity, and community.
During your mandatory, Orientation Experience, you’ll gain essential information and support in areas that will set you up for success, including:
What You’ll Learn
- Financial Aid (loans, scholarships, award acceptance)
- Academic Advisement and connecting with your academic support team
- Course Registration for your first semester
- Academic Policies & Expectations
- Community Standards & Campus Safety Resources
- Student Life & Campus Involvement Opportunities
- Housing Assignments & Meal Plan Information
- Note: Your confirmation deposit must be submitted to secure housing.
- Student Support Services including wellness, accessibility, and success programs
- Financial Enrollment & Clearance
Why Orientation Matters
Orientation is more than just information—it’s your chance to build connections and start shaping your CAU experience. You’ll meet University leaders, engage with campus offices, and interact with our amazing Orientation Guides (OGs) and Student Leaders who will be your go-to support throughout the experience.
Virtual NSO touchpoints will also be available to complement your on-campus sessions.
We Can’t Wait to Welcome You!
We are excited to have you join the CAU family for Fall 2026 New Student Orientation. This summer, you’ll begin an unforgettable journey—and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Registration
Registration information will be communicated to all Confirmed Students via Email.
3 Phases of New Student Orientation
Step 1 – Pre-Register for the Orientation Experience
Confirmed students will receive an email to both your CAU and personal email accounts with instructions on how to pre-register for the NSO Experience. Important information will be provided to you, so please be sure to check your inbox regularly.
Step 2 – Select/Confirm your NSO date
48 hours after pre-registration – confirmed & pre-registered students will receive instructions on how to register to select and confirm your NSO date. Spaces for each NSO session will be limited, so make sure to check your email to register in a timely fashion.
Step 3 –Attend the NSO Experience at Clark Atlanta university
As part of the new student experience, we will be hosting an in-person NSO event to help you complete your enrollment process, learn about student resources, campus involvement opportunities and other experiences at CAU.
Orientation Dates
Orientation dates are forthcoming and will be updated soon.
Orientation Schedules (Student and Parent)
Schedules will be communicated to all Orientation registrants via email
Meet the CAU Orientation Guides
Orientation Guides are students who assist with New Student Orientation and transitional programs throughout the academic semester, servicing new and transfer students. They also assist family members by introducing them to University resources and areas of support for their student.
Hotels
Below you will find a list of hotels in the Atlanta area. CAU does not claim responsibility for any of the hotels listed. We encourage family members to research hotels that best meet their needs.
FAQs
What is NSO?
New Student Orientation (NSO) is an event designed to provide important information related to Financial Enrollment, Academic Resources and Expectations, as well as Student Services and Resources. The major outcome of orientation is for all students to complete the enrollment process, which is inclusive of financial aid packaging, creating a fall schedule, and finalizing payment arrangements.
Is Orientation mandatory?
Although New Student Orientation is highly recommended, it is not mandatory. However, we ask that you complete all of your financial requirements and become financially enrolled before the official move-in date.
Is there a cost for attending New Student Orientation?
The cost to attend NSO is covered with the payment of your non-refundable confirmation fee.
Is it mandatory for my parents and/or guests to attend?
NSO is not mandatory for Parents; however, it is highly encouraged. Parents will finalize enrollment during the Orientation Experience, and there will be sessions specifically designed for Parents and Families. Please note: There is a two-person maximum per student, that may attend, and lodging is not provided for parents and/or guests.
When and how can I register for Orientation?
Once the confirmation fee is paid, confirmed students will receive email communication detailing the process to register for NSO.
