Frosh Orientation

Sparta Camp is the mandatory orientation experience that all incoming frosh students are required to attend, which includes being in attendance for the entire duration of the program. 

Course registration will take place on Day 2 of your scheduled orientation (Sparta Camp). Our Advising team will be assisting you with enrolling in classes.

For any questions related to Sparta Camp (Frosh Orientation), please contact frosh-orientation@sjsu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What does my four-year plan look like?

  • You can find a sample four-year roadmap for your major. The roadmap is a general guide with room for flexibility, so do not be too concerned if your schedule does not match the roadmap exactly. Please keep in mind that your Written Communication I (Area A2) and Math (Area B4) should be completed by the end of your first year.

• What do the “GE Areas” mean?

  • Refer to SJSU’s Core General Education list, which displays the subject of each area, and all the classes associated with it.

• What if I am pre-enrolled into a course in which I have already earned test credit or community college credit?

  • Upon proof of test credit or community college credit during orientation, an advisor will give you the ability to remove the course from your schedule and replace it with a different class. If you are still waiting for test scores, please inform the advisor assisting you.

• What GE Areas do Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores cover?

  • Please refer to the AP Exam and IB Exam scores, and the areas which they cover.

• Can I meet with an Advisor prior to Sparta Camp?

  • We are unable to meet with incoming students until after Sparta Camp. However, please be assured we will be providing you with important information on course registration:

    1. In late June*, we emailed you with an invitation to a short Canvas course, "Fall 2024 Course Registration". Please accept the invitation & complete the online modules prior to Sparta Camp (this is separate from the Spartan Link  and RCW online orientation modules); then
    2. Approximately 5-7 days prior to your scheduled Sparta Camp, you will receive a course registration worksheet via your preferred email. Please refer to this worksheet and place courses in your shopping cart prior to course registration. Then an Advisor will assist you with completing your registration on Day 2 of Sparta Camp.

    * If you are attending virtual Sparta Camp on Aug 2, 5, or 6, our team will send you a separate Canvas course approximately 10 days prior to your orientation.

• What if I want to change my major?

  • You must attend course registration for your declared major, but you will have the opportunity to speak with an advisor about your intent to change your major and possible prep courses for that major that you may be able to take in your first semester at SJSU. Please note that change of majors do not take place during orientation. Also, changing your major is not guaranteed, as it is based on department impaction rates and the ability to meet change of major criteria.

    Process to Change Your Major:

    1. Visit the SJSU catalog to learn more about your intended major. 

    2. After the semester begins, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor at the Success Center of your intended major to discuss required courses & other criteria in order to change your major.

    3. After completing the necessary criteria, re-connect with the Advisor to declare your new major.