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 will email 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 online orientation module); and 2) One week prior to your scheduled Sparta Camp, we will email you with additional guidance from us on how to prepare for registration.

• 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.

    The following are steps 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 the criteria to change your major.

    3. Complete the necessary criteria needed to change your major as discussed with an advisor.