New Student Orientation (NSO)
What is New Student Orientation and why do I need to complete it? New Student Orientation (NSO) is mandatory for all First Time in College, Former/Returning students from any Alamo College who do not have an awarded certificate or degree in the last 10 years, Former Dual Credit and Transfer students (outside of Alamo Colleges with less than 30 credit hours) planning to enroll at St. Philip's College (SPC). NSO will be offered online via Canvas, which is accessible through your ACES account. Students also have the option of coming to campus to complete NSO in the Student Onboarding & Recruitment office located in the Welcome Center room 202. Contact your Certified Enrollment Coach to get registered for NSO.
NSO will help you learn about resources available to you and help you become more familiar with the college lingo, tutoring, college policies/procedures, learn about payment and financial aid options, and group advising. In order to be NSO ready, all enrollment holds must be cleared. Please contact your assigned Certified Enrollment Coach to get registered for NSO.
Hours of Operation – Welcome Center @ SPC MLK-Campus
Regular hours
(September–December and February–May)
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Fridays 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
First Saturday of the month: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Summer hours
(June and July)
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Extended hours
(January and August)
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
If you need assistance with completing the enrollment checklist, contact a Certified Enrollment Coach to verify your status. Transient students do not need to complete New Student Orientation (NSO); however, your Admissions application must reflect that you are a transient student with a regionally accredited college or university listed on your application. Transfer students (outside of Alamo Colleges with 30 + hours), must have an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university on file reflecting the hours.
If you (transfer student) have completed all of the necessary enrollment steps(see enrollment checklist below), please contact your Certified Enrollment Coach for Group Advising. All students who complete NSO will schedule Group Advising in the last module titled ‘What Happens Next.’