Register with myGate
Opens January 13, 2026
Orientation
Racer Nation Orientation
The college experience at Murray State begins with Racer Nation Orientation, our summer orientation program. It’s filled with fun and important activities, programs and opportunities to prepare you for a fantastic experience at Murray State!
Get ready for college
Your college journey begins with Racer Nation Orientation. This program has been designed to help you transition to the collegiate environment at Murray State and enhance your success while you're here. Plus, completing orientation will be your earliest chance to register for fall classes. Remember, orientation is mandatory for all incoming new freshmen and new transfer students, you must attend one of the sessions.
2026 Orientation Sessions
Registration Opens Jan. 13, 2026 at 9 a.m. CST
- April 21 - Honors Orientation*
- April 25
- June 4
- June 6
- June 16
- June 18
- July 8
- August 4
* You must apply and be admitted into the Honors College to attend this session. Learn more about the Honors College.
Register with Google
Opens January 13, 2026
NOTE: If you are age 23 or older, or an Active Duty Service Member or Veteran, please contact Alison Marshall at amarshall@murraystate.edu for more information.
Racer Nation Orientation Fee
$150.00 nonrefundable fee to attend Racer Nation Orientation. This fee must be paid before attending your RNO session. This fee covers all costs for the student and any parent(s) or guest(s).
Make your payment online via credit card, debit card, or electronic check. NOTE: You will need your myGate username and password to log-in.
Need help?
If you have a scheduling conflict you can change the date of your orientation session. Please note that you can only change your date to one that is still available.
For other questions contact the Office of Recruitment at 270.809.2896 or msu.newstudentprograms@murraystate.edu.
Why register for Racer Nation Orientation?
- Schedule classes — get a head start on lining up your first semester of classes with the help of academic advisers.
- Order your Racer Book Bundle (opens Jan. 2026) — sign up to have your textbooks ready for you when you arrive for the fall semester.
- Learn more about Murray State — Learn more about the Racer community, student organizations, and different ways to get involved on campus.
- Meet new people — Orientation is a great chance to meet future classmates and make connections that last through college and beyond!
Orientation schedule
Student schedule
7:00 a.m.
Placement Testing (*if needed)
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Check-In and Browsing Session
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Opening Session
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Orientation Leader Session
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Student Breakout Session
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Academic Scheduling
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
We Are Racer Ready
4:00 p.m.
Reconnect with Guests
4:15 p.m.
Optional Campus Tours
Family and Guest schedule
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Check-In and Browsing Session
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Opening Session
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Campus Resources
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Murray State Student and Alumni Panel
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions I
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Breakout Sessions II
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Racer Bingo and Meet and Greet
4:00 p.m.
Reconnect with Students
4:15 p.m.
Optional Campus Tours
Have questions? Contact us.
Beth Acreman
Associate Director of New Student Programs
Office of Recruitment