Think of the New Student Checklist as your to-do list to become an AU Eagle. The checklist hosts a series of dates and deadlines for you to complete—things like submitting immunization information, registering for NSO, and more. Many of the modules on the checklist have individual deadlines by which that module must be completed. If a module does not have a deadline, it is expected that you complete it prior to arriving to campus for NSO.

To access the New Student Checklist, visit american.edu/new-students

The course registration process will look different depending on if you’re joining the AU community as a first-year student or as a transfer student.

First-Year Students
You will have the chance to schedule your first-semester courses in mid-June. Prior to that, you'll be asked to complete the New Eagle Questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask you about your academic goals and will help your academic advisor in narrowing down suggested courses for your first semester.

Leading up to course registration, our Orientation Chairs (OCs) will host virtual Eagle Service Drop-in Hours for you to ask questions about the registration process. OCs are current students who have been on the Orientation Team at least once before and have gone through the course registration process themselves, so they are the experts when it comes to course registration.

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Transfer Students
Once you officially deposit to American University, you will begin receiving information from your AU academic school or college with information regarding course registration. If you do not receive information, please contact the advising office of the school or college that houses your intended major. We recommend responding to your advisor as timely as possible so that you can effectively create your course schedule.

Given the number and complexity of requirements in many majors, it is important to create an academic plan with your advisor. They will help you develop your interests and goals, review the transfer credits you have been awarded, and register you for your first-semester courses.

Note that you won't register for courses during NSO. Your advisor will review your proposed course selection for your fall classes and—if appropriate—clear you to register. You'll then sign up for your courses using the online AU registration system.

For more questions regarding your status as an incoming transfer student, visit our Transfer Student Resources and FAQs page.

All new undergraduate students must fully participate in New Student Orientation (NSO). This year, NSO will take place on Tuesday, August 25-Friday, August 28, 2026.
 

NSO Registration will open in July 2026. Please keep an eye on your weekly New Eagle Newsletters for more information.

By the end of your NSO experience, we want you to feel confident in your decision to attend American University and to be set up with a strong foundation and network to help you succeed here as a student. To accomplish that goal, partipating in NSO will allow you to meet new and returning students, faculty, and staff; become familiar with campus resources and expectations; and explore campus and the surrounding DC area through our off-campus excursions of your choice.

Focus on Community
During NSO registration, you will be assigned to an Eagle Group. While the entire incoming class will be together for parts of NSO, much of the time will be spent with your assigned Orientation Leader (OL) and among other new students in your Eagle Group. Each day, you’ll have dedicated time to forge connections with your OL and others in both small and large group settings.

You’ll also attend a session hosted by your academic school or college where you’ll continue to learn about resources and make connections with the people who are here to help you succeed.

Set Expectations
NSO isn’t just about meeting new people—it’s also about understanding our expectations of you as a new student. You’ll be introduced to new responsibilities, how you can get involved on campus, and ways to stay healthy and safe during your time at AU.

Navigate Campus and the DC Area
Over the course of these four days, we'll take you to a number of buildings all around campus. We do this intentionally so you can start to learn the lay of the land as soon as you get here. While your major classes may be concentrated in one academic building, your pursuits, involvement, and experiences with the AU Core Curriculum will take you all over campus.

Even more so, AU is only a small part of the greater DC area. An entire afternoon of your NSO experience is dedicated to taking you off-campus and exploring parts of the city. Led by two OLs, each excursion will take you on the Metro so you can start understanding just how easy it is to get around the city and explore all it has to offer all of us.