Frosh Orientation

Sparta Camp is the mandatory orientation experience that all incoming frosh students are required to attend, which includes being in attendance for the entire duration of the program. Course registration will take place on Day 2 of your scheduled orientation (Sparta Camp). Our Advising team will be assisting you with enrolling in classes.

What should I expect prior to Sparta Camp?

1. In mid-June, we will email you with an invitation to a short Canvas course, "Fall 2025 Course Registration". Please accept the invitation & complete the all the modules no later than 48 hours prior to Sparta Camp. (Note: this Canvas course is separate from the Spartan Link  and RCW online orientation modules).

2. Then approximately 5-6 days prior to your scheduled Sparta Camp, you will receive another email with a link to your customized course registration worksheet.

• Refer to the worksheet and place course recommendations in your shopping cart prior to course registration. The courses will remain in your shopping cart until registration.
• Bookmark the link to your worksheet so it is easily accessible during registration.
• Your Advisor will assist you with completing your registration on Day 2 of Sparta Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What does my four-year plan look like?

  • You can find a sample four-year roadmap for your major. The roadmap is a general guide with room for flexibility, so do not be too concerned if your schedule does not match the roadmap exactly. Please keep in mind that your English Composition (Area 1A) and Math/Quantitative Reasoning (Area 2) should be completed by the end of your first year.

• What do the “GE Areas” mean?

  • Refer to SJSU’s Core General Education list, which displays the subject of each area, and all the classes associated with it.

• What if I am pre-enrolled into a course, or have been recommended to take a course for which I have already earned test credit or community college credit?

  • Upon proof of test credit or community college credit during orientation, an advisor will give you the ability to remove the course from your schedule and replace it with a different class. If you are still waiting for test scores, please inform the advisor assisting you.

• What GE Areas do Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores cover?

  • Please refer to the AP Exam and IB Exam scores, and the areas which they cover.

• Can I meet with an Advisor prior to Sparta Camp?

  • We are unable to meet with incoming students until after Sparta Camp. However, we will be working closely with you to answer your questions during course registration.

• How do I schedule an appointment with a GE Advisor after I attend Sparta Camp?

  • To schedule an appointment with a GE advisor after Sparta Camp, and before August 11th, email socsci-success@sjsu.edu with: 1) your name, 2) student ID, 3) the Sparta Camp session you attended, 4) your availability (provide a few days/times you are available), and 5) if you prefer a Zoom or in-person appointment.

    You will then receive a confirmation email once we schedule your appointment. 

    Starting August 11th, incoming frosh students can schedule an appointment with an Advisor through Spartan Connect, our appointment system. 

• What if I want to change my major?

  • You must attend course registration under your declared major, but you will have the opportunity to speak with an advisor about your intent to change your major and possible prep courses for that major that you may be able to take during your first semester at SJSU. Please note that change of majors do not take place during orientation. Also, changing your major is not guaranteed, as it is based on department impaction rates and the ability to meet change of major criteria.

For questions directly related to Sparta Camp (Frosh Orientation), please contact frosh-orientation@sjsu.edu.