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Orientation
Your Normandale Journey Begins Here

You’ve been accepted. Congratulations! Now you’re ready for the next stage. Enroll in courses and prepare for your first college semester with us.

COLLEGE ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES: Follow These Steps to Enroll

The steps to enroll in courses are easy. The ones you’ll take are unique to your program, educational path and goals. Be ready for your first year by completing these Normandale orientation steps as soon as you can.

Need help? Have Questions?

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COMPLETE THE NEW STUDENT ONLINE ORIENTATION

An important part of college orientation activities for new students is to complete the orientation in our online learning system, Desire to Learn (D2L). You’ll automatically get an enrollment email for the class and can access it anytime. 

After completing this online orientation, you can attend an on-campus registration session or a virtual one-on-one appointment with an academic advisor. Information on how to schedule your appointment with be shared after completing your online orientation. 

You can enroll in classes once you complete your Normandale orientation. Do this as soon as possible! 

Classes can fill up quickly, and you must finish all your college orientation activities before you can sign up for courses. 

Have questions? Contact Tim Lapanne.

Are You Ready for Online Classes?

Online learning has become a very popular choice for taking college courses. Many of Normandale's programs are only offered online.

Adjusting to online learning is easy when you plan. Knowing how the course is taught is the first step. You may have classes in-person, completely online or a combination of both.

It's easier to prepare for your classes if you know how the three kinds of online learning experiences will work. One format may be far better for you and your life than another.

How are Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Classes Different?

  • Asynchronous Online Classes
    • You’ll attend these classes completely online. Asynchronous classes are self-paced. They do not require you to log in at any specific time.
    • You are responsible for logging in and completing all course material by the due dates.
  • Synchronous Online Classes
    • You’ll log in to these classes online at scheduled times throughout the week. Students must attend lectures and online discussions.
  • Hybrid Classes
    • Also known as blended, hybrid classes meet in person and online. You might have Biology, Chemistry and Art classes in a blended environment. Labs for these classes are held on campus, while lectures and discussions are online.

Prepare for Your Online Classes

The best way to prepare? Ensure you have the right internet, tech and transportation before classes start. Know how faculty can help you be successful and when to contact them for help.

  • Browse Your Syllabus
    • You view your syllabus to understand course due dates, expectations, rules and schedules. It’s also where you’ll find your instructor’s contact information and office hours.

 

  • Check Your Internet and Tech
    • Your computer must be functional to attend online classes. Test viewing different courses on D2L Brightspace (learn more about software below). Check your email and try different software programs you will need to attend meetings and complete assignments.

Get tech support

 

Center for Experiential Education

Gain experience and develop skills through volunteer and internship positions.

Counseling Services

Life challenges become barriers to learning. Our counselors provide individual appointments, crisis intervention, referrals and mental health information.

Library

Research help from librarians and books, articles, and videos to support your coursework.

Office for Students with Disabilities

The OSD focuses on accessibility and inclusion. Learn more about accommodations, individualized educational support and academic and referral information.

Student Resource Center

The Student Resource Center helps students overcome things that get in the way of their learning. Find campus and community resources and services.

Veterans Resource Center

Feel at home on campus. Get support, network and socialize with fellow veterans and service members learning and working on campus.

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Coaching Students Towards Success

TRIO Student Support Services help you develop strong academic and personal skills. Build a strong foundation to stay in college, transfer and graduate.

Benefit from TRIO Today

Contact

Room C1180

Hours: Winter Break (12/23/24-01/03/25) Service Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Reduced Service Hours Tuesday, December 24: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Wednesday, December 25 and January 1 Regular Service Hours (Prior to 12/23/24 and After 01/03/25) Mondays-Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Chat M-TH 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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