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
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.
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 April
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 their on-campus, Undergraduate Orientation program, “Ready to Soar.”
- Ready to Soar for Fall 2025 transfer students will be held on July 29, 2025 and August 27, 2025.
Tab Group
New to the Nest Pre-Orientation Course | Available June
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 Canvas 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 pre-orientation Canvas course for new undergraduate students. It will open in June and must be completed prior to attending your on-campus, Undergraduate Orientation program, “Ready to Soar.”
Learn all there is to know about becoming a new Red Hawk! This pre-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 Pre-Orientation Fall 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.
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.
Your one-day, on-campus welcome and orientation to Montclair State University! At Ready to Soar, students will:
- Connect with peers and Orientation Leaders
- Learn from faculty and academic advisors
- Engage with the Montclair campus community
More information will be communicated to your Montclair email address.
- Ready to Soar for Fall 2025 transfer students will be held on Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, August 27.