Transfer Orientation

On behalf of the Office of Student Belonging, we would like to congratulate and welcome you to Montclair State University!

Orientation Requirements for Incoming Transfer Students

1. Claim Your NetID

Before you are able to access your Orientation Portal you must claim your NetID and password.

When a student is accepted to Montclair State University and pays their New Student Deposit (if required), they will receive an email from University Admissions to their personal email address about how to claim their University NetID.

2. Access your Montclair Email and Orientation Portal

Access your Montclair Email and check it frequently

Check your Montclair email regularly as important University communications will be sent there. Learn how to setup your Montclair email on your mobile device.

Orientation Portal | Available late November.

Students who have claimed their NetID can access the Orientation Portal in NEST.

Students must complete all tasks on their personalized Task List in order to be assigned one of the Orientation dates below:

  • Spring 2025 Orientation dates coming soon. New Student Orientation for Spring 2025 students will be held in January 2025.
3. Complete Pre-Orientation Course

About the Course

New to the Nest Orientation Spring 2025 | Available December 2024

An online course designed to provide you with important information on academic life, policies, support services, how to get involved, campus community expectations, and more!

  • Log on to Canvas: Access your NEST account and search for the Canvas link to access. Join our Orientation community and complete!
  • The completion of this course is mandatory for all new students*
    • *Students who are matriculated in a fully online undergraduate program are exempt from this requirement.

What’s New to the NEST and Do I Have to Complete It?

New to the Nest is our Spring 2025 new student Canvas course. It will open in June and must be completed by prior to your Orientation.

Learn all there is to know about becoming a new Red Hawk! This Orientation Canvas course will introduce you to helpful offices like the Dean of Students and Red Hawk Central.

Log on to Canvas. The course is labeled: “New to the Nest Orientation Spring 2025.”

IMPORTANT: If you do not have a NetID yet, you will not be able to access the course. Please visit the Transfer Student Checklist page and follow the instructions for the “Activate your NetID” step.

New to Canvas?


Canvas is used to publish course materials, create assignments and quizzes, foster interaction, and more.

Log in to Canvas with your NetID and password to access the course. For help with accessing your NetID and password, visit the NetID Account Management Center. You can also check out the Canvas Student Information web page for more information about the Canvas platform.

IT recommends using Google Chrome or FireFox for Canvas for the best web performance. You can also access Canvas from your phone via the app for iPhone or Android.

4. Finish the Transfer Student Checklist

Revisit the Transfer Student Checklist page and make sure you have either reviewed or completed all the next steps needed to be a successful new Red Hawk!

This may include steps necessary to activating your NetID, obtaining your student ID card, and completing mandatory health requirements.

5. Attend New Student Orientation

Your one-day, on-campus welcome to Montclair State University! At Orientation, students will:

  • Connect with peers and Orientation Leaders
  • Learn from faculty and academic advisors
  • Engage with the Montclair community at a resource fair.

More information will be communicated to your Montclair email address.

  • Spring 2025 Orientation dates coming soon. New Student Orientation for Spring 2025 students will be held in January 2025.