How do I access my TCNJ Email?

TCNJ uses Google for its email service. New students are sent an email with instructions on how to set-up their TCNJ account after they are matriculated. This takes place in early May (for students starting in the fall) and early January (for students starting mid-year in the spring). This email with the instructions often goes to the spam folder, so if other new students received theirs and you did not check that folder first before contacting Admissions. You can access your account by visiting TCNJ Today; the Google Apps link can be found along the top row of icons in the yellow banner.

How do I access Online Orientation (NSO55)?

NSO55 is hosted in Canvas, which you can access through the link provided or by visiting TCNJ Today. The Canvas link can be found along the top row of icons in the yellow banner.

Online Orientation contains all of the links you will need to prepare for attending TCNJ, including placement testing, housing application, health forms, and photo upload for your ID card. NSO55 will open on Monday, May 5 for students starting at TCNJ in the Fall 2025 semester.

What is PAWS? How do I access PAWS?

PAWS is the electronic records system that allows our students to enroll in classes, view grades and academic requirements, update personal information, pay their bill, ultimately apply for graduation, and complete other important tasks.

You can access your account by visiting TCNJ Today; the PAWS link can be found along the top row of icons in the yellow banner. After you matriculate in early-mid May or January, you may review the PAWS Tutorials for Undergraduate Students webpage for helpful videos and instructions on how to complete many of the tasks.

What type of computer should I use?

TCNJ Information Technology has compiled resources and information to help students determine what type of computer they should bring. Visit the Computer Recommendations for Students webpage for more details.

How do I apply for housing?

The link (and instructions on how to apply) for housing is located in your Online Orientation (NSO55), which opens on Monday, May 5. Details about our residence halls, including virtual tours, can be found on the Residential Facilities webpage.

How do I find my roommate?

TCNJ does not host or monitor any platforms or online groups for students to find roommates. Furthermore, we don’t usually recommend requesting one during the application process. Visit the Roommate Request webpage for more information.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

All accommodations, whether academic or housing, are first approved by the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). Visit the ARC website for instructions and to begin the process.

How do I change my major?

Students interested in changing their major should contact the Office of Admissions to determine whether or not it is a possibility. Email tcnjinfo@tcnj.edu to receive more information.

When do I pick my classes?

Your academic department will register you for your first semester classes. To assist, incoming first-year students are asked to complete the First Semester Worksheet and transfer students are asked to review the steps in the Transfer E-Book. Links and instructions for both are found in your Online Orientation (NSO55).

Who is my advisor?

Academic advisors are rarely assigned before the first week of the semester. Over the transition period, department chairs or other faculty and staff support incoming new students with their questions or concerns. Visit your Online Orientation (NSO55) to determine who to contact.

Where is the academic calendar?

The Office of Records & Registration maintains the official TCNJ Academic Calendars. Calendars are usually finalized 1-2 years in advance.

Is there a summer reading assignment?

For first-year students starting in the fall semester, there is a required assignment to complete prior to Welcome Week. The book is typically announced in the spring, and details about the assignment can be found in your Online Orientation (NSO55).

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

All accommodations, whether academic or housing, are first approved by the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). Visit the ARC website for instructions and to begin the process.

Can I bring my car to campus?

Commuter students (first-years and transfers) and upper-class residential students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) are allowed to have a car on campus. Instructions on how to apply for a decal are sent to the entire campus community in early-mid August and mid-January. Ticketing is usually suspended for the first week of classes to allow new students to pick up their decals.

First-year residential students are not allowed to have a vehicle on campus.

When do I get my TCNJ ID Card?

The upload link to submit a photo for your TCNJ ID Card is located in your Online Orientation (NSO55). Students attending orientation will pick theirs up when they are on-campus; students who do not attend can visit the Office of Student Accounts (Green Hall Room 119) after orientation to pick it up. Student Accounts is open Monday-Friday from 8:30a-4:30p during the academic year, and closed on Fridays over the summer months.

Where are next year’s tuition rates? When is tuition due?

Tuition rates for the academic year are voted upon at the summer Board of Trustees meeting, which takes place in late June or early July. Current rates can be found on the Tuition & Fees webpage, and you can access the Billing Calendar webpage for current and previous cycles.

Where do I submit my health forms?

Health forms are submitted through TCNJ’s Online Wellness Link (OWL). You need your TCNJ login credentials (email and password) to access the system, so this cannot be done before you are matriculated. That said, you can familiarize yourself with the requirements ahead of time by visiting the Pre-Entrance Requirements for Undergraduate Students webpage.

Scholarships

Questions about TCNJ Scholarships and Awards should be emailed to the Office of Admissions at tcnjinfo@tcnj.edu or by calling 609-771-2132.

When is my orientation date?

Click on either the First-Year Students tab or Transfer Students tab on this website to determine your orientation date. If you need to confirm your date you may email studenttransitions@tcnj.edu.

Is orientation required?

Attending on-campus orientation is not required but strongly encouraged. For students, the day will allow you to meet other new students in your major, receive context and answer any last questions about your first semester schedule, and introduce you to student support areas and resources. As there is no guest programming during Welcome Week, we highly recommend parents, guardians, or others who support you to also attend orientation for their own opportunity to connect with campus.

Is Welcome Week mandatory?

Welcome Week, ranking consistently as one of the top three memories for TCNJ students, is a rare opportunity to explore and engage campus without the returning student body present.

There are typically 3-4 mandatory sessions during Welcome Week that all students are expected to attend. Academic Welcome Day, which always occurs the Monday before classes begin, is required for all incoming new students.

The remaining activities (which total over 100) are considered optional. While it is impossible (and highly discouraged) to attend every event, we know that the students who choose to actively participate tend to transition better and struggle less than those who don’t.

If you have a potential conflict with Welcome Week or wish to speak to someone for more information, please email studenttransitions@tcnj.edu.

I never received a hard copy of the Roar Booklet. What do I do?

Email studenttransitions@tcnj.edu with your name and correct mailing address so we can verify our records and send you another copy. In the meantime, you can always access the PDF version on our website.

My parent is not receiving emails. How can they sign up?

Your parent or guardian can email admiss@tcnj.edu and ask to have their email address added to your online portal. If possible, include your six digit TCNJ PAWS ID when emailing.

How can I speak to someone in Student Transitions?

If you’d like to speak to a Student Transitions staff member, please email studenttransitions@tcnj.edu with your name, telephone number, and the information or questions you have. Someone will follow up with you as soon as possible!