SWCD NSO

New Student Orientation

About NSO

The New Student Orientation Program (NSO) is an opportunity for new students to become acquainted with SWCD, Howard College, and the Big Spring Community.  Students will have a chance to participate in activities which may lead to a more successful adjustment to life in a secondary educational setting.

NSO is a required program for all students enrolling in college for the first time.  This includes new students, transfer students, and international students.  If transfer students currently have 9 credits or more of college-level classes with a 2.00 GPA, they are exempt from NSO.  The Director of Enrollment Services will inform all those who are exempt. 

New students who do not attend NSO will generally not be permitted to register for the semester. (Exceptions to this rule will be considered on an individual basis.)

Activities

  1. Orientation:  Students will be provided with basic information about the program requirements, grading system, schedules, extracurricular activities, student responsibilities, and other information.
  2. Placement Testing:  Students will take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) and/or the Tests of Basic Adult Education (TABE) to determine placement in English and Math courses.
  3. Academic Advising:  Students will meet with their assigned academic advisors to review the results of placement tests and to determine the degree plan and class schedule.
New Student FAQ

NSO Requirements

Upon completion of the program, a student will receive a Certificate of Participation.  The student must meet the following requirements.

1Be accepted for admission to the Southwest College for the Deaf (SWCD).  (Conditional acceptance into the program may apply.)
2Pay the registration fee on or before the established deadline.
3Attend the entire New Student Orientation (NSO) program.
4Reside in the residence hall throughout the entire program.
5Students MUST remain on campus for the entire weekend.

Who to Contact
For more information regarding new student orientation (NSO), general admission, registration, or tuition contact:

For travel planning contact:

  • Maydee Vande Hey
    VP/Voice 432-897-2249

Registration Fee:  $325.00

Payments can be sent to:  
Enrollment Services, SWCD
3200 Avenue C
Big Spring, TX 79720

The fee includes but is not limited to room, meals, activities, trips, tests, and materials/supplies.  

If a student receives TWC/VR support, service authorizations or purchase orders must submitted in one of the following methods.
Email: to studentbill@howardcollege.edu
Mail: to the Howard College Business Office, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, TX 79720
Fax: to (432) 264-5133.

Students not covered by TWC/VR must pay the full NSO fee on or before registration day.  

**Please note that Pell Grant and scholarships cannot be used as payment for NSO.