New Student Orientation (NSO)
New Student Orientation (NSO) is a mandatory requirement for First Time in College students, Transfer students, and any students who have been out of college for more than one year. During NSO you will receive an advising and registration session where you will get to sit down with an advisor and register for courses. Completing NSO will help you learn about resources available to you, such as tutoring, advising, career exploration, financial literacy, getting involved, and much more! NSO will also make you aware of important policies and deadlines that can contribute to your academic success!
Before registering for NSO, you will need to complete all the required enrollment steps. For assistance completing all the necessary enrollment steps, please contact the Palo Alto College Welcome Center at (210) 486-3100 or visit us at our Virtual Welcome Center.
New Student Orientation will be held on the following days and times listed below.
Registration Sessions for Fall 2026
| NSO Dates & Times | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 9 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, May 7 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, May 21 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building Welcome Center |
| Thursday, May 28 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building Welcome Center |
| Thursday, June 4 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building Welcome Center |
| Thursday, June 11 | Evening 4 p.m -7 p.m | Ozuna Building Legacy Room |
| Wednesday, June 17 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, June 25 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Ozuna Building Legacy Room |
| Thursday, July 2 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, July 16 | Evening 4 p.m -7 p.m | Ozuna Building Legacy Room |
| Thursday, July 23 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Performing Arts Building |
| Thursday, July 30 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Performing Arts Building |
| Saturday, August 1 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | Rio Grande Building Welcome Center |
| Thursday, August 6 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, August 13 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Ozuna Building Legacy Room |
| Thursday, September 17 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, October 1 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, October 8 Online NSO |
Canvas Online Module & Individual ZOOM Advising Appointment | Virtual |
Contact Information
Welcome CenterLocation: Rio Grande, Room 105A Phone: 210-486-3100 |