Frequently Asked Questions

Go Leaders wear their JSU tees and flash a fear the beak sign on the lawn of the houston cole library

FAQs

Yes, all first-year students under the age of 25 are required to attend Gamecock Orientation. Gamecock Orientation will provide all students with the necessary tools to be successful at Jacksonville State University.

Gamecock Orientation (GO!) is an award-winning program designed for first-year students who have decided to attend Jacksonville State University. All first-year students under the age of 25 are required to attend orientation prior to their first semester at JSU. Students will receive information that will assist them to be successful and navigate the transition from high school to college. The Gamecock Orientation Staff consists of student leaders and faculty/staff from across campus. The GO! Leaders will be a resource for all first-year students throughout the school year.

GO! Leaders are students who volunteer their time to welcome and assist new students and their families. GO! Leaders have been trained to handle all of the needs of new students. They are customer service representatives of the University and are knowledgeable of all student services and programs on campus. Members of the Gamecock Orientation Program can be identified by their distinctive red polo shirts and welcoming smiles.

Have a question or problem? Seek out an Orientation staff member - they are here for you!

Orientation teaches all students the academic advisement process as well as introduces each student to all services available on campus. Students will meet with an academic advisor to help them map out their schedule and learn about their degree program opportunities.

All accepted students may make a reservation for Orientation through their MyJaxState account. Students' login information is provided on the acceptance letter. To retrieve your username and password, visit the Initial Credentials page. Once you have logged in and are on the 'Home' tab, look under the 'Featured Links' section for Gamecock Orientation. You can visit the Information Technology web page if you are having issues logging into your account.

Contact the orientation staff at 256-782-5042 or gamecockorientation@jsu.edu.

Contact the orientation staff at 256-782-5042 or gamecockorientation@jsu.edu.

Every new student pays a one-time non-refundable fee of $100.00. This fee covers continental breakfast, lunch, educational materials, and an orientation t-shirt. There is a non-refundable fee of $20.00 for all parents/guests. This fee covers continental breakfast, lunch, education materials, and all educational sessions. Currently, only two guests per student can attend a session. 

After you register and submit payment for Gamecock Orientation you will receive your Gamecock Orientation confirmation through your JSU Office 365 GEM email account. You can download the GEM app for easy access on any mobile device.

Parents and family members are important resources for our new students. We have designed a special parent session for guests that will take place in the morning on orientation days. This event is designed for new students' parents to gain valuable information concerning services offered to students on campus. Parents will also be able to talk with the Directors from the different offices on campus. Parents/guests will eat lunch with their students and will have the opportunity to interact with various administrators during the afternoon. There is a family and guest fee of $20 per person. This fee includes meals (continental breakfast & lunch), educational materials, and educational sessions. 

Walking is a central component of the GO! experience. Parents are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes due to warm temperatures and movement among buildings on campus. This is a full-day program. Please plan to spend the entire day on campus to receive the full benefit of this program.

  • Your GO! confirmation letter, which you receive when you pay and complete your GO! registration 
  • Your MyJaxState username and password, which you received in your acceptance letter 
  • Transcripts for all college work previously completed 
  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Light jacket (conference rooms can be chilly) 
  • Umbrella/raincoat 
  • Water bottle
  • Duo Mobile device (or fully charged cell phone)

Please plan to arrive on campus, park, and check-in at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the program. Specific details will be available in you confirmation e-mail on which building you will use for Orientation.

We are located in the Lobby of the Houston Cole Library. The Student Success Center is responsible for all orientation programming.

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Please refer to your GO! confirmation email for directions and follow the signs when entering campus. Jacksonville State University address for GPS: 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265.