Destination Page

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation

NSO

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Your Coppin journey starts here. Orientation is where you meet your community, build your schedule, and step into college with confidence.

Deposited Students

Summer Orientation will take place July 13–17, 2026. These academic-specific sessions are strongly encouraged and designed to help you start your Coppin journey with confidence. Students who attend orientation are more likely to stay on track, connect with support services, and succeed in their first year.

Register for your session:

Before Orientation, How to Prepare

To make the most of your Orientation experience, complete the following steps in advance:

  • Attend a next steps webinar and Admitted Student Day
  • Complete placement testing, if required
  • Participate in your virtual advising session
  • Set up your EagleLinks account to access financial aid and your student bill

After Orientation, Need Additional Support?

If you are unable to attend your scheduled Orientation session or need in-person assistance, Coppin will offer additional support opportunities:

These sessions ensure you receive the guidance and support you need to begin the semester successfully.

Summer Orientation will take place July 13–17, 2026. These academic-specific sessions are strongly encouraged and designed to help you transition smoothly, connect with campus resources, and get ready to start strong.

Register for your session:

Before Orientation, How to Prepare

To make the most of your Orientation experience, complete the following steps in advance:

  • Submit any Final or Official College Transcripts 
  • Review your transfer credit evaluation
  • Set up and check your EagleLINKS account and review your posted credits, financial aid, and student bill.
  • Schedule your advising appointment. This step is necessary to register for classes.

After Orientation, Need Additional Support?

If you are unable to attend Orientation or need additional in-person assistance, Coppin will offer New Student Check-In opportunities:

These sessions are designed to ensure you receive the advising, support, and resources needed to successfully begin your Coppin experience.

International students, on condition you have been granted admissions you must satisfy requirements for issuance of an I-20 with the Office of Admissions to prepare for entry to school. Questions? Contact AMonier@coppin.edu.

Once you obtain your F-1 Visa, upon U.S. arrival within the assigned window of your semester start date, you must contact our International Student Services Program (ISSP) before you may proceed to register for classes. The ISSP is here to help you transition to the Coppin family. Email CTyree@coppin.edu to confirm requirements, status and next steps.

Orientation Information

Before your Orientation session, take a few quick steps to stay on track:

  • Attend a Next Steps webinar and Admitted Student Day
  • Complete placement testing, if required
  • Join your virtual advising session to select your classes
  • Activate your EagleLINKS account to check your financial aid and student bill

If this applies to you:

  • Review your transfer credits once they’re posted
  • Check your financial aid award
  • Apply for housing
  • Submit your final transcript (high school or college) with your graduation date
  • Upload any required in-state residency documents

Getting these done early makes Orientation easier and helps you start the semester stress-free.

Plan to arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 AM for check-in at the PEC lobby, with programming beginning at 8:00 AM and continuing through the afternoon. Throughout the day, you’ll participate in welcome sessions, academic and student engagement activities, and have time to complete important clearance steps, connect with peers, and enjoy lunch on the lawn.

Register for your college-specific session:

If needed, attend New Student Check-In:

New Student Check-In which is a shorter, focused program designed to help you take care of any last-minute items before classes begin. During this time, you can get support with course selection, financial aid, billing or payment extensions, books, your ID card, and parking, so you can start the semester prepared and on track.

New students have access to optional online orientation modules that can be completed at any time as a helpful resource. To access the orientation platform, you must first activate your EagleLINKS account by setting your password. 

Complete the Online Orientation Modules

As a new student, you probably have a few questions. We’re here to help!

New Student Orientation sessions are not required, but they are strongly encouraged. These sessions give you the chance to connect with your academic department, meet faculty and advisors, and better understand expectations within your major.

We understand that some students, especially those traveling from out of state, may not be able to attend. If you are unable to join, you will still have opportunities to receive support through advising and New Student Check-In before the semester begins.

No, you do not stay on campus during your NSO Orientation date. The schedule is 8:00 AM to 12:00PM, with lunch on the lawn from 12:00 PM until. 

We ask that no more than two family members or guests attend with each student. We know that starting college is often a family event. Orientation is a space for family to share in the student experience, ask questions, and build a lasting connection to Coppin State University. The Parent Association and family weekend are great ways to keep the connections going!

We discourage small children from attending. Orientation is for college students and their adult loved ones.

Students should review their bill in EagleLINKS starting in July and make a payment or secure a payment extension before the semester begins. This may include paying in full, setting up a payment plan, or confirming financial aid is ready to disburse after the first week of classes.

Taking care of your bill early helps you avoid holds, delays, and schedule issues so you can start the semester without interruption.

There is no charge to attend New Student Orientation.  

Yes, you will meet with your advisor and other faculty and staff from your academic College. 

Please plan to arrive between 7:30AM and 8:00AM.

There are no parking fees during New Student Orientation. Look for parking signs for best parking once you arrive on campus.

Yes, you will meet other members of the incoming class. Look forward to connecting with at least 2-3 of your classmates.

Our menu for New Student Orientation will include several options. Please note any special dietary need on your registration form. 

If you’re unable to attend, you can still get support by attending Commuter or Residential New Student Check-In, where staff will help with course registration, financial aid, and other key steps. A confirmed housing assignment is required for residential check-in.

Be sure to also join webinars, Admitted Student Day, and your virtual advising session to select your classes and stay on track.

Treble Clef on sheet music

Coppin State University Alma Mater - Hail to Thee Coppin

                                                     Back when the yard was a vibe…and still is ✨

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From 2006 to 2026. From the Class of 2010 to 2030. The Coppin legacy continues 💙 💛 📣 #Coppin126
 

Guaranteed Admission and Reverse Transfer

Guaranteed Admission and Reverse Transfer

Mon-Thu: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Miles Connor Bldg. 1st Floor
(410) 523-7351

Coppin State University (CSU) is a model urban, residential liberal arts university located in the northwest section of the City of Baltimore. Coppin, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), has a culturally rich history as an institution providing quality educational programs and community outreach services. Coppin is committed to providing a quality yet affordable education for students seeking higher education


Save money and time to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through Coppin State University’s guaranteed admission and reverse transfer process. Coppin has guaranteed admission agreements with some Maryland community colleges that allow students to earn an associate’s degree at an approved community college and then complete a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University with only 2 additional years of study. Take advantage of our growing list of reverse transfer agreements with local schools, including:

  • Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
  • Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
  • College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
  • Garrett College (GC)
  • Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

What is guaranteed admission?

Commonly called a 2+2 agreement, a guaranteed admission agreement is an arrangement between Coppin and a 2-year institution that provides a clear transfer path for successful students. Student who qualify for Coppin admission through a guaranteed admission agreement will be “guaranteed” admission as a junior year student.

What is an articulation agreement?

It’s a CSU-approved agreement with another school that allows a student to apply credits to a specific program at the other school. Applied credits may be used to enter, transfer, or advance standing in a program at the agreeing institution.

You may be eligible for guaranteed admission or reverse transfer, if you meet the criteria. Consider continuing your education at Coppin if you:

  • are in good academic standing at your community college
  • have finished 15 or more credits at an approved community college
  • have finished 60 or more total credits at CSU and an approved community college
  • do not yet have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
  • have a minimum grade point average (GPA) at CSU and an approved community college

Please note, some agreements may require more students meet additional criteria.

Still have questions after reviewing the eligibility requirements? Reach out to our Transfer Coordinator.

Articulation Agreements

 

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

 

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)

 

Carroll Community College

 

College of Southern Maryland

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

The California Community Colleges 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

Garrett College

 

Harford Community College

 

Montgomery College

Guaranteed Admission and Reverse Transfer

Guaranteed Admission and Reverse Transfer

Mon-Thu: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Miles Connor Bldg. 1st Floor
(410) 523-7351

Coppin State University (CSU) is a model urban, residential liberal arts university located in the northwest section of the City of Baltimore. Coppin, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), has a culturally rich history as an institution providing quality educational programs and community outreach services. Coppin is committed to providing a quality yet affordable education for students seeking higher education


Save money and time to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through Coppin State University’s guaranteed admission and reverse transfer process. Coppin has guaranteed admission agreements with some Maryland community colleges that allow students to earn an associate’s degree at an approved community college and then complete a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University with only 2 additional years of study. Take advantage of our growing list of reverse transfer agreements with local schools, including:

  • Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
  • Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
  • College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
  • Garrett College (GC)
  • Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

What is guaranteed admission?

Commonly called a 2+2 agreement, a guaranteed admission agreement is an arrangement between Coppin and a 2-year institution that provides a clear transfer path for successful students. Student who qualify for Coppin admission through a guaranteed admission agreement will be “guaranteed” admission as a junior year student.

What is an articulation agreement?

It’s a CSU-approved agreement with another school that allows a student to apply credits to a specific program at the other school. Applied credits may be used to enter, transfer, or advance standing in a program at the agreeing institution.

You may be eligible for guaranteed admission or reverse transfer, if you meet the criteria. Consider continuing your education at Coppin if you:

  • are in good academic standing at your community college
  • have finished 15 or more credits at an approved community college
  • have finished 60 or more total credits at CSU and an approved community college
  • do not yet have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
  • have a minimum grade point average (GPA) at CSU and an approved community college

Please note, some agreements may require more students meet additional criteria.

Still have questions after reviewing the eligibility requirements? Reach out to our Transfer Coordinator.

Articulation Agreements

 

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

 

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)

 

Carroll Community College

 

College of Southern Maryland

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

The California Community Colleges 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

Garrett College

 

Harford Community College

 

Montgomery College

How Residency Decides Tuition

How Residency Decides Your Tuition

Know How Residency Affects Your Tuition

Residency is a policy established by the University System of Maryland (USM) to make sure there is a fair and equitable process to determine a student’s classification and tuition rates across all Maryland state schools. Coppin State University uses residency information to determine if a student is considered a Maryland resident and is therefore eligible for in-state tuition status. The USM site also has available Frequently Asked Questions information regarding residency to assist you as you complete the residency form.

In-State Residency Eligibility

To qualify for in-state status, a student must submit the Residency Form within the Application for Admission and demonstrate all of the following requirements for the 12-month period immediately before the semester or term a student is seeking in-state tuition. The USM Residency Policy states a student must:

  • Have continuously kept their primary residence in Maryland
  • Have kept all personal property in Maryland, including but not limited to furniture, personal belongings, and pets
  • Have paid Maryland income tax on all taxable income and filed a Maryland Resident Tax Return
  • Have registered all owned or leased vehicles in Maryland for at least 12 consecutive months. Check the official Residency Policy for other accepted conditions for motor vehicles
  • Have kept a valid Maryland driver’s license for at least 12 consecutive months. Check the official Residency Policy for other conditions that satisfy this requirement
  • Be currently registered to vote in Maryland
  • Receive no public assistance from any state, city, county, or municipality outside the State of Maryland
  • Have a legal federal and state right to live in Maryland, permanently and without interruption

Initial Residency Determination

The initial Residency determination is made in accordance with the residency policy. All students must complete the Residency Form as a part of the Application for Admissions. The deadline to submit the Residency Application is the first day of classes for the semester you choose to enroll.

Out-of-State Residency Classification

You must be a resident of Maryland and meet all the USM criteria to qualify for in-state tuition. You qualify for out-of-state tuition if you are: 

  • Attending school or living outside Maryland when you apply or are admitted to Coppin (or another USM school)
  • Financially dependent on a person who is not a Maryland resident

How to Change Residency Status

You may petition to change your residency status by submitting a completed Residency Petition Form and any supporting documentation to the Office of Records and Registration. We cannot accept faxed or emailed Residency Petition forms. The form includes information on where to send a hard copy when complete.

  • Attending school or living outside Maryland when you apply or are admitted to Coppin (or another USM school)
  • Financially dependent on a person who is not a Maryland resident

DACA & Maryland Dream Act

DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs protects youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA students can temporarily qualify for in-state tuition if they submit the approval notification of their Deferred Action status (I-797, notice of action) AND the Maryland Residency Form to the Office of Admissions by the first day of classes of their intended entry term. Deferred Action status must be held for 12 consecutive months prior to the start of the term to be eligible for in-state tuition rates. For more information, please email admissions@coppin.edu.

The Maryland Dream Act: University System of Maryland Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates

The Dream Act qualifies any student, other than a non-immigrant alien, within the meaning of 8 U.S.C.- 1101(A)(15), who meets all of the requirements listed on the form, for in-state tuition at all public colleges and universities in Maryland. To be eligible, the student must submit the USM Tuition Exemption Request form and provide the required supporting documentation. The required supporting documents are listed on the form.

 

NOTE: Applicants who hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status should not complete the University System of Maryland Tuition Exemption Request form.