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

 

Register here

 


Contact Information

Welcome Center

Location: Rio Grande, Room 105A

Phone: 210-486-3100