New Student Orientation

Originally founded in 1837 as Marshall Academy, some facts to know about your school:

• Founded: As Marshall Academy in 1837
• Named For: John Marshall, Fourth Chief Justice of the United States
• Undergraduate student/faculty ratio: 18 to 1
• Average Class Size: 20
• 230 recognized student organizations
• Housing and Residence Life: 3 freshman halls, 6 upper-class halls and 1 residential apartment
• Cars: All students are permitted to have cars and may purchase a university parking permit
• Over 80 Baccalaureate Degree Programs
• Students from: 49 states and 56 countries
• NCAA Division I, Sun Belt Conference

Welcome to the Marshall Family!  

While academic performance is important, student success means exploring opportunities, finding passion, and achieving goals – in and out of the classroom. Success for many means working toward a career that ensures a comfortable salary. For others, success means spending their life making the world a better place. Those two goals are not exclusive. College students have opportunities to explore career options, build communication and interpersonal skills, participate in community service, build relationships that will last a lifetime, and so much more.

Let us know how we can help you cultivate your opportunities, find your passions, and work toward your goals. There are staff and faculty across campus who are devoted to your success! Always remember that you can reach out to your academic advisor, your course instructor, your resident advisor, staff in Student Affairs or many other service and support offices you will learn more about in this program.

Things students have found important in their college experience:

Cultivating Grit: Sometimes, things don’t always come easy for students. College is a time to develop a stick-to-it attitude.

Striking a Balance: Most students need to find activities outside of the classroom to balance their academic work.

Nurturing Curiosity:  Find opportunities to expand your learning outside of the classroom.

Earning the Respect of Others: Show others that you can complete a project, show up, and be dependable.  No one wants to do group projects with the classmate who doesn’t pull their weight.

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment:  We don’t always earn rewards for a good job.  Sometimes, our satisfaction comes from knowing we did a good job.

Sense of Belonging: Students want and need to feel like they are important, that they matter, and that they are connected to others.

Source: EAB

With paths to any level to match your aspirations – associate, bachelor, master’s, doctoral or certificate/microcredential – you’ll soon be on the path to a fulfilling career.

Marshall is composed of various academic units that include the Colleges of Arts and Media, Business, Education and Professional Development, Engineering and Computer Sciences, Liberal Arts, Health Professions, and Science as well as the Honors College, University College, Division of Aviation, Regents Bachelor of Arts Program, the Graduate College, and several professional schools.

Academic Advising

Your Academic Advisor is here to help guide you on your academic journey, from course selection to access to a range of resources and support services.

Your class schedule for the upcoming semester will be prepared collaboratively with your academic advisor. You can schedule a virtual or in-person meeting with your advisor to discuss your schedule by emailing or calling them. They’ll provide you with an academic map to guide your course selection for each semester. Throughout the year, your advisor will remind you to schedule appointments to discuss your progress and future course options.

• Find your academic advisor – you will need your Marshall username and password
• Watch our Academic Advising video.

Academics

What to expect during your academic career at Marshall University.

All Marshall University students must complete the university’s Core Curriculum, also known as general education requirements, regardless of what major or degree the student is pursuing. The Core Curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills and introduce students to the basic domains of thinking that transcend the disciplines.

After completion of the Core Curriculum, students will also need to complete the college and major requirements for their degree.  Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate (a few majors may require more hours).  It is recommended that students take and complete 15 credit hours per semester to graduate on time and stay on track. Curious about your desired degree program? Check out our academic map resources.

Technology tools that can assist you:

DegreeWorks – tracks your individual progress toward a degree. Review currently completed requirements and plan ahead for courses that you still need to take. To access DegreeWorks, log in to your myMU account and scroll down to “Student Quick Links” and select “DegreeWorks.” You can also ‘star’ or ‘favorite’ this link so it appears at the top of your page.
Take a look at our Academic Overview video for more information.

Your success is our number one priority – and so we want to make sure that you have a successful experience to enable you to accomplish your educational and individual goals.

The Division of Student Affairs is made up of Student Advocacy and Accountability, Student Conduct, Military and Veteran’s Affairs, Counseling, Accessibility & Accommodations, Student Involvement, Parent Resources, the Wellness Center, Women’s and Gender Center, Violence Prevention Program, and so much more.

Get Involved

Student Involvement and Leadership, located in the LEAD Center, is the point of contact for information on opportunities to get involved while at Marshall.

Visit HerdLink to learn about student organization profiles, exciting upcoming events, and additional involvement and leadership opportunities around campus.

Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion by reviewing the Marshall University Creed.

Campus ID Office

You’ll acquire your official student ID by visiting the Marshall ID Office. Student ID cards are now digital and can be loaded onto your smart phone, digital watch or other electronic device.

When you are able to visit campus make sure you find time to meet with the ID Office so they can walk you through the process and make sure your ID is active.

In addition to ID’s, the Campus ID Office provides assistance with Herd Points (campus debit spending program) and meal plans. Your Marshall University ID is your key to all campus privileges you are entitled to. Uses include building access, meal plans, access to The Rec, ride on the Huntington bus system, athletic and performance tickets, student health services, library checkout and much more!

Web Portal

myMU is the University’s community web portal providing access to resources, tools, and information.  myMU is a single sign-on portal that allows students to access a multitude of information spanning from grades and unofficial transcripts to financial aid, course registration, library databases, MUAlert, Marshall message boards and email.

Account Identity

Marshall University currently uses two account systems to identify you as a user on various computing systems.

MUNet Username – All students receive an MUNet username that allows access to the Marshall University network and computing infrastructure. Your username and password are used to access myMU, sign into various computers across campus, access your email, connect to WiFi, etc. Your MUNet username is often formatted with your last name, then a number. Example: Smith344

MU ID Number – All Marshall University students are assigned an MU ID number. This is what administrative services, such as Financial Aid, Registrar, Bursar, and your advisor, will use to identify you. It is used to help faculty and administrators verify who you are and how they can best help you. Each number is unique to the student and will stay the same throughout your time here at Marshall University. Your ID number will be used frequently and should be kept confidential.

Marshall E-mail Address

As a Marshall student, you have your own email account hosted by Microsoft 365. You will receive an email account automatically once you have been admitted to the university and set up your MUNet user account. The Information Technology Desk is your go-to resource for all technology issues while you’re a student at Marshall.

Microsoft Office 365

The software of choice for our campus is Microsoft Office 365. Office 365 is available free to all current Marshall students. Your Marshall account (MUNet ID) allows you to install the latest version of Office on up to 5 devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices. Download Office 365

Learn More About IT Services

To learn more about IT Services at Marshall, check out our IT Student Guide and watch our Information Technology Orientation video.

Thinking about living on campus?  You will feel right at home in one of Marshall University’s nine residence halls. Living on campus offers you a unique living and learning experience. All freshmen and sophomores under age 21 are required to live on campus their first two years. For students who live less than 50 miles from campus, you may apply for permission to commute; however, students who live closer to campus are also invited to enjoy the benefits of living on campus.

Still trying to decide? Explore our site to view the many room options available for you.

Reach out to the Housing and Residence Life Office at 304-696-6765 or housing@marshall.edu with any questions you may have about living on campus.

Commuter Students

While you may not live on campus, as a commuter student, you still have access to all aspects of our campus. Learn More about resources available to our commuter students.

Meal Plans

We offer an array of favorites such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Steak n Shake, and The Den by Denny’s, as well as original locations like the Huntington Market & 1837 Fresh Food Market. Students living in campus residence halls are required to purchase meal plans, with multiple options to choose from, that cover their meals for the whole semester. Meal plans are also available to commuter students and will help save on food costs, with each swipe averaging $9 or less. For a complete list of dining options and meal plan information, visit our website.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance determines your financial aid eligibility by subtracting your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your Cost of Attendance (COA). The information you report on your FAFSA is used in a formula established by the U.S. Congress, which determines your EFC. The COA that your financial aid package is based upon reflects standard and reasonable costs.

Your COA also includes allowances for books and supplies. Books and supplies costs vary based upon your particular program of study. Transportation and Miscellaneous expenses are also variable costs and can consume a large part of your educational expenses if you don’t budget carefully.The Office of Student Financial Assistance estimates certain values for these variable cost components to determine your full COA. You may view your financial aid COA by accessing your Cost of Attendance via the Financial Aid portal within myMU, but you must review your student account to see your actual Marshall University charges.

Tuition & Fees

A complete schedule of our 2025-2026 tuition and housing and residence life fees can be found at University Tuition and Fees – Office of the Bursar.

*Base tuition does not include college and program fees
*Electronic courses have an additional $40 per credit hour delivery fee
*Housing and Resident Life plans may vary

The Bursar’s is located on the first floor of Old Main, suite 101. The office is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call 304-696-6620 or email bursar@marshall.edu for assistance.

Note: Please include your student ID# in all correspondences

Financial Aid

As committed as we are to providing you with the best educational experience possible, we are also dedicated to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to your education. Marshall University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, with automatic consideration at the time of admission. Marshall also has a number of endowed and annual scholarships that have been established through the Marshall University Foundation by individuals who care deeply about Marshall and our students.

Student loans are another option for students. Take a look at this video to learn more about student loans.

Staff within the Office of Advocacy and Support are committed to helping you navigate Marshall University. We care, we advocate, and we can refer you to campus and community partners. We want to help you succeed in class and life. We encourage you to maximize your educational experience, and we prepare you for involvement in the larger community and life beyond college. Additionally, we aim to empower you to overcome obstacles and to assist in resolving issues.

Located in room 2W31 of the Memorial Student Center, the Office of Advocacy and Support is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-in visits are welcome, or you may contact Kat Smith, Student Advocate at file1@marshall.edu.

Center for Student Success

Located in East Hall, the Center for Student Success embodies Marshall’s commitment to student success, providing opportunities and assistance for students in their academic life.

Friend at Marshall (FAM) Peer Mentoring Program – The minute you get to campus, you already have a Friend-At-Marshall (FAM) ready to help you face the challenges ahead. FAMs are caring and supportive upperclassmen who will check in with you throughout your freshman and sophomore years.

Office of Career Education

Our Office of Career Education exists to help you develop the skills that are needed to evaluate potential career paths by providing skills such as resume writing, mock interviews, career expos, job searches, job shadowing, internships, interview prep, and so much more. Need help planning your career path? Stop by or give the office a call, and let our experts help guide your future.

Military & Veteran Affairs

As a Military friendly institution, we pride ourselves in engaging all military-connected students through transitional support, educational benefits, and programs to promote learning, engagement, and success. We offer a Veterans Lounge with resources available to all military-connected students, including free printing, study space, computers, and more.

Other Helpful Resources:

Office of Accessibility & Accommodations – provides the educational and physical accessibility support necessary for students to achieve their academic goals and promotes as much independence as possible on the part of the students.

HELP Center – a fee-based comprehensive academic support program that is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence.

Autism Services – we are home to the West Virginia Autism Training Center (WV ATC) is a statewide technical assistance and direct service agency providing specialized training and support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, educators, and other professionals and community members throughout the state of West Virginia.

Student Health – Marshall Health is proud to be the exclusive provider of health services for Marshall University students. The clinic on the first floor of the Marshall University Medical Center in Family Medicine offers diagnosis and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, an onsite lab, x-ray and pharmacy services.  Transportation is available from the main campus to student health.

Counseling Center – provides free and confidential services to all undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled at the University. Services provided include screening and assessment, crisis intervention, individual short-term counseling, group counseling, referral and case management, and workshops.

Peer Tutoring – a commonly used student support service, peer tutors are Marshall University students who have demonstrated expertise in the subject area(s) they tutor and have obtained recommendations from appropriate faculty members. This process involves one student (the tutor) helping another student (the tutee) master something they have not yet learned in class.

Math Lab – offers in-person and virtual drop-in tutoring without making an appointment. You can connect over the internet or go to the Math Tutoring Lab. Drop-in tutoring covers all 100 and 200-level math and statistics. courses.

Office of Student Advocacy & Accountability – works to promote a safe, healthy, student-centered, and inclusive community where students can learn, grow, and develop as they pursue their academic endeavors at Marshall University.

Campus Rec Center – a state-of-the-art facility that offers a variety of options, such as: traditional exercise equipment, swimming, yoga, interval classes, rock climbing, basketball courts, racquetball courts and an indoor track.

Wellness Center -located in the Marshall Student Center, is committed to nurturing students’ physical and mental health, enabling a lifetime of success, personal development, and well-being.

Libraries

Marshall University Libraries support the teaching, research, and public service commitments of the University by acquiring, organizing, maintaining, and preserving materials in all appropriate formats and providing access and delivery of information, resources, and services to all students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.

Drinko Library melds a full range of traditional library services with state-of-the-art computer and advanced technological education facilities, multimedia training and presentation rooms, workstations, distance education and computer carrels. Features a 24-hour reading room/computer lab with computer consultation stations and assistive technology. The collection includes books, bound periodicals, and a wide variety of media and Internet-accessible electronic materials. In Drinko you’ll find study rooms, work stations and the Writing Center. Take a look at our Drinko Library Video Tour.

Morrow Library houses the Morrow Stacks on the 1st floor, and Special Collections on 2nd floor. In addition, the University’s Testing Center is located on the Ground floor. You will also find nearly two-thirds of the campus book collection and periodicals dated before 1996.

By virtue of West Virginia state law, Marshall University Police Officers have the same responsibilities and authority as that of any other law enforcement officers in the State. Uniformed officers provide 24-hour-a-day patrol protection to the campus, adjacent University-owned facilities, and parking lots. Dialing 304-696-4357 (HELP) or by using one of the emergency/service phones located throughout the campus will provide direct contact with the police dispatcher 24-hours a day. Students are encouraged to add this number to their contact list 304-696-HELP (4357).

The Marshall University Police Department offers a variety of services, safety tips, and courses for students. To view the complete listing of options, visit the MUPD site.

The Marshall University Parking Enforcement Services’ website describes the regulations necessary for parking on campus for the safety and convenience of the entire University community.

The parking office is located in the Public Safety building at 1801 Fifth Avenue. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Permit parking is enforced from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. All other violations are enforced 24 hours a day by the Marshall University Police Department. Parking regulations are enforced throughout the entire calendar year and are not directly associated with the class schedule.

Parking passes are paid through the Office of the Bursar: bursar@marshall.edu, 304-696-6620 or in Old Main Room 101.

Welcome to Huntington, a town built on rich history with so much within the tri-state area to discover! The downtown area is only four blocks from campus, and includes an unprecedented shopping experience, concert venue, eateries (visiting MU Hall of Fame Cafe is a must), and so much more.

Within a short drive to campus you can view a rose garden, shop til you drop, attend concerts, view some authentic period structures, visit an art gallery, and even see a pink elephant!  A unique, yet friendly town, with the most quaint, yet modern, surrounding cities bound to keep you busy on the weekends.

If you don’t have a car on campus, you don’t need one!  There are several options to getting around the city!  All Marshall students are connected to the Tri-State Transit Authority’s entire regional line (which provides bus service in the Huntington area), through Marshall’s partnership with TTA. The Green Machine is the student TTA bus with stops specifically relevant to the Marshall community. So whether you need to get downtown for an art class, go grocery shopping at Kroger or Walmart, or take a day trip to the mall, all it takes is a swipe of your MUID to ride. Download the RouteShout app for live bus tracking, or visit www.tta-wv.com for a full list of buses, schedules and stop times.

Visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau web page below where you can uncover so many interesting attractions, that you might just have to spend your entire summer here to see them all!

There are just a few more steps to complete to make sure you are prepared to start your college journey this fall. Click the appropriate link below to follow the next steps toward your path to success.

Freshman Students

Transfer Students

Still have a few questions? Give our Orientation Office at call 304-696-3646, and we will be happy to help you!