Murray State University has transitioned its 2020 Summer Orientation to an online, virtual-based format as a proactive and precautionary measure amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Online Summer Orientation sessions will offer the opportunity for new Racers to schedule classes, participate in virtual campus tours, meet current students, faculty and staff, learn key information and take part in other special activities and programs.
Additionally, parents and families can participate in specially-designed virtual orientation programs that will be offered alongside their student’s experience and cover topics ranging from campus life to financial aid.
New Racers are invited to mandatory orientation events to conclude their session at the start of the fall semester. Students will connect with their Summer O counselors, participate in activities designed to acquaint new students with Murray State, meet fellow students and start the year with prizes and giveaways at a special August welcome event on campus.
Fall 2020 incoming freshman and transfer students who are already registered for orientation will receive an email two weeks prior to their session with a web link to begin the online orientation modules. Upon completing the modules, students will attend an advising session and complete their class schedule for the upcoming fall semester while participating in a virtual session with their orientation counselor.
Students who have not yet registered for Summer Orientation can do so at murraystate.edu/summero.
“We cannot wait to get started with our new students,” said Beth Acreman, associate director of new student programs and events. “Although this will be a slightly different format than previous years, the multi-step experience will cover all of the important information that students and families need to know. Our campus partners and Summer Orientation counselors have been working hard getting ready to meet the needs of all of our new students and provide them a big virtual Racer welcome.”
Individuals with questions may email msu.newstudentprograms@
Students interested in joining the Racer Family for the fall 2020 semester can learn more, schedule a virtual campus visit and apply for admission today at admissions.murraystate.edu. Individuals and their families can meet one-on-one with a Murray State staff member virtually through Zoom or by phone.
The University recently implemented new test-optional guidelines for undergraduate admission beginning with new students who apply for admission to be part of this fall’s freshman class, as well as new transfer students who apply to the University with fewer than 24 college credit hours earned.
Additionally, Murray State has maintained its undergraduate admission requirements of a 2.0 high school GPA or higher, provided the student has achieved an 18 or higher ACT composite score. Students with a 3.0 or higher high school GPA are admitted without ACT or SAT test scores. Students who do not meet these benchmarks may have other admission options, and are encouraged to call 270-809-3350 or email msu.admissions@murraystate.edu
Murray State also remains committed to being a nationally-recognized best value, student-centered institution. On April 24, Murray State University’s Board of Regents approved maintaining the institution’s current tuition rate as opposed to a tuition increase, per a recommendation from the administration, inclusive of both undergraduate and graduate students for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year.
“We want our students to know that we are here for them every step of the way as they begin their Racer journey here at Murray State University,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Don Robertson. “Our recruitment team has done an excellent job converting our traditional Summer Orientation program into an effective online/virtual resource with an exciting August component prior to the start of fall classes. We encourage incoming students to keep in touch and reach out with any questions as they complete their program. We look forward to seeing all our students on campus this fall.”