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 Spring 2026
| NSO Dates & Times | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 16-WEEK | ||
| Thursday, November 6 | Canvas Online Module * Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, November 13 | Canvas Online Module & Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, November 20 | Canvas Online Module & Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, November 20 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building Academic Advising Center |
| Thursday, December 4 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building - Welcome Center |
| Thursday, January 8 | Canvas Online Module & Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| 14-WEEK & FLEX II | ||
| Thursday, January 15 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building - Welcome Center |
| FLEX II | ||
| Thursday, January 29 | Session A - 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Session B - 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Rio Grande Building - Welcome Center |
| Thursday, February 5 | Canvas Online Module & Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, February 12 | Canvas Online Module & Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
| Thursday, March 5 | Canvas Online Module & Individual Zoom Advising Appointment | Virtual |
Contact Information
Welcome CenterLocation: Rio Grande, Room 105A Phone: 210-486-3100 |