new student orientation
New student programs
Your Mastodon life starts now.
New Student Orientation is how you learn about the Mastodon life. We’ll prepare you for the academic and social aspects of college by giving you all the tools you need to be successful, and hopefully help ease some of your nerves.
The Running with the Herd New Student Orientation (NSO) experience is officially open for students admitted to Purdue Fort Wayne for the summer or fall 2026 semester!
Once you’ve accepted your admission offer, you’ll receive a detailed email about your orientation experience. Orientation is your official launch into life as a Mastodon.
lets get started
Running with the Herd New Student Orientation
Running with the Herd is a four-step orientation experience designed to help students build confidence, connections, and readiness for college.
STEP 1: MASTODON ORIENTATION 101
Students who have accepted their offer of admission will receive access by email to a self-guided virtual orientation. Fully completing Mastodon Orientation 101 opens access to scheduling academic advising appointments.
STEP 2: MASTODON ADVISING
Once a student has completed their self-guided online orientation their next step is to meet with their academic advisor to register for courses. Academic advising and registration appointments can be completed virtually or in-person.
STEP 3: MASTODON ORIENTATION 102
This on-campus experience helps students get acclimated to campus and connect with peers. New Mastodons will get to learn more about their major and connect with campus resources. Registration for this step opens on May 1, on this date students will receive an email inviting them to select a date.
STEP 4: MASTODON STAMPEDE WELCOME WEEKEND
The last step in the orientation experience is the Mastodon Stampede, our university's welcome weekend program for all new undergraduate students. This is a jam packed weekend of events to get you excited for your new life as a Mastodon. Save the date for August 20 to 23. More information to come!
How do I get started?
How do I get started?
Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you will receive your next-steps email to both your personal and PFW email with further instructions.