Participation in the New Student Testing & Orientation/Scheduling program is the next step toward a student's enrollment at Ohio State Mansfield. Our campus Testing and Orientation/Scheduling information for 2009 follows. Please read all the information thoroughly BEFORE you begin any of the required steps. PHONE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Please use the reminder card included in your orientation packet when calling to register. A registration confirmation letter will not be sent.

Step 1: Activate your OSU E-Mail Account

IMPORTANT NOTE: When creating your OSU e-mail account, we recommend that you DO NOT forward your OSU e-mail to another account (AOL, yahoo, hotmail, etc.)

As a new student at Ohio State, you are assigned an OSU e-mail address and account. The university e-mails information to students pertaining to registration/scheduling, financial aid, and other information, including grades each quarter. Many faculty also use OSU e-mail as a regular means of communication. It is very important that your e-mail account is activated and used. You must activate your OSU e-mail account before you will be able to take the online mathematics placement test. Please remember your username and password. You will need both to register for classes at your Orientation/Scheduling session.

To activate your e-mail go to:

* http://www.oit.ohio-state.edu
* Click on Account Management under Quick Links
* Click on OSU Internet Username tab
* Click on Activate Account tab
* Enter your information

 

Step 2: Placement Testing

Phone registration is REQUIRED. You MUST call 419-755-4203 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to register for placement testing, if needed. Placement tests in English, foreign languages, and mathematics help to determine the appropriate first course for you to take in Ohio State's course sequence in these academic areas. Your ACT/SAT score and your Advanced Placement (AP) credit or any college-level course work you have completed will determine your placement testing requirements. While you may bring a copy of your ACT/SAT score, AP test results, and transcripts of college-level course work with you to orientation, you MUST arrange to have the official scores and official transcripts sent to: The Ohio State University, Undergraduate Admissions, Enarson Hall, 154 W 12 th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210.

Student with disabilities should contact OSU-M Office of Disability Services at 419-755-4304 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to make alternate arrangements for taking the math skills assessment, English placement, and foreign language placement testing. This includes students with disabilities who may need extended time, as well as students who need a scribe, a reader, an interpreter, or other support services. Documentation must be provided to determine eligibility before authorization can be given for accommodations.

The Math Skills Assessment is an important placement tool. Because most undergraduate programs at Ohio State require some work in mathematics, all entering students are required to take the Mathematics Skills Assessment unless they are receiving college credit for a specific math course. No course credit will be given, nor will the assessment fulfill any math requirements for your chosen major. The assessment can be taken online and has a maximum time limit of 75 minutes. If you do not have Internet access, you may be able to take the assessment at a high school or public library in your vicinity. Please provide yourself with an environment that will give you uninterrupted time and an atmosphere conducive for working math problems. The Math Skills Assessment can also be taken at the on-campus testing session.

Before the assessment begins, you will be asked to specify the math courses you completed in high school and the semester grade you received for each. Please have your high school math courses and grades available before taking the assessment, so that you are able to provide accurate information. Since your score on the math assessment determines your beginning placement level in math and science courses, you are encouraged to review the appropriate topics prior to taking the test. Sample problems, exam topics, and additional information can be found at Mathematics Skills Assessment Test site. (see "Math Placement," "Math Skills Assessment Test Information").

Freshmen

There are two versions of the Mathematics Skills Assessment: Test B and Test D. If you have an ACT math score of 24 or lower (SAT math score 560 or lower), you will take Test B. If you have an ACT math score of 25 or higher (SAT math score of 570 or higher), you will take Test D. The computer will automatically select the correct test. Scoring high enough on Test B will allow you to take Test D (pre-calculus). If you have an unreported ACT or SAT math score that would qualify you for Test D, or if you need to take Test D due to your high Test B score, please call 419-755-4203 to schedule a time for Test D.

Transfer Students

The requirement to test is determined by whether or not you have transfer credit in Math. If you do not have Math transfer credit, you will take Test B.

Establish a web connection to: https://buckeyelink3.osu.edu/secure/math

1. Netscape version 4.06 or higher or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher is required.

2. You may use either an IBM-compatible PC or Mac.

3. Many students experience difficulty using AOL and some free services. We recommend that you switch to a different browser and do not use the AOL browser for the assessment.

Log-in using your OSU Internet Username (lastname.#) and password. Thoroughly read the Mathematics Skills Assessment instructions, specifically noting the following:

1. You may use scratch paper, pencil, and a scientific or graphing calculator (you should not use a calculator with a computer symbolic algebra or QWERTY keyboard, such as the TI89 or 92).

2. The test is timed for 75 minutes and the time remaining will be updated after you answer each question. Please note that the time continues to run even if you log off your computer or if you have computer problems.

3. The test is entirely multiple-choice with only one correct answer. Partial credit is not given.

4. If you experience computer or web browser problems during the test, return to the site https://buckeyelink3.osu.edu/secure/math If your testing time has not expired, you should be able to continue where you left off. If the test reverts to question 1, scroll forward to where you left off, because your answers have been saved. If this does not work, please call the Office of Testing at 614-292-2241 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., M-F) or e-mail testing@exchange.ureg.ohio-state.edu. Do this immediately, as it is more difficult to correct problems later.

After completing the assessment and pressing "Grade Test Button," you will be given a math course code that indicates your placement level and a link for more information about math placement. Your advisor will use this information to assist you in registering for the appropriate math/and or science course. In some cases, the assessment will not be able to give you a math placement level. If this happens, you will be given a placement level "U" (undetermined) instead of a math course code. If your placement level is "U" (undetermined) or you are unable to complete the Mathematics Assessment online, you MUST phone 419-755-4203 to schedule a retake of the math skills assessment at the on-campus testing session.

Freshmen

Your ACT or SAT scores initially determine if you need to take the English placement test. OSU Mansfield must have documentation to verify your test scores. This documentation can be in the form of an official high school transcript, a copy of your score report, or the scores sent directly to OSU from the testing company. The English placement test is required prior to scheduling your first quarter classes if one of the following applies:

1. You have not taken the ACT or SAT.
2. Your ACT English score is 18 or below.
3. Your SAT verbal score is 450 or below.
4. Your ACT or SAT score is more than 3 years old.
5. You have not had four units of high school English.
6. You graduated from high school with a GED.

Transfer Students

Course credit in English composition is required of all undergraduate programs at Ohio State. Refer to your Transfer Credit Report (represents OSU's evaluation of your transfer courses) and the following additional information to determine whether you are required to take the English placement test. The requirement to test is determined by whether or not you have transfer credit in English Composition, how much credit you have, and ACT or SAT scores if the test was taken and recorded less than three years ago.

You are required to take the English Test if any of the following apply:

• You have less than four quarter-hours of transfer credit in English composition (excluding remedial courses) and do not have ACT or SAT scores less than three years old.
  
• You have less than four quarter-hours of transfer credit in English composition and a recent (less than three years) ACT English score (EN) of 18 or lower or an SAT verbal score (VB) of 450 or lower.

You do not have to take the English Test if any of the following apply:

• You have or expect to receive transfer credit of four or more quarter hours in English composition (excluding remedial courses)
  
• You do not have four or more credit hours of transfer credit in English Composition but have a recent (less than three years old) ACT English score (EN) of 19 or higher or an SAT verbal score (VB) of 460 or higher.

The English placement test CANNOT be taken on line. It must be taken at the on-campus testing session (Step #3, bottom of page).

You are REQUIRED to take a foreign language test if you studied a foreign language for at least two years in high school. You must test in the foreign language used to satisfy Ohio State's language admissions requirement. Foreign Language Testing is used to determine at which course level you will start if you plan to study the same foreign language you studied in high school. Please note:

• If you intend to study a different language at Ohio State, or if your academic program does not require foreign language course work, you are still REQUIRED to test in the language you used to satisfy the admission requirement.
  
  
• If you are testing in Spanish, French, or German, you will take a computer-based placement test at orientation.
  
  
• If you are planning to test in a language other than those mentioned, you must make arrangements for testing with your academic advisor.

You are NOT REQUIRED to take a language test if one of the following applies to you:

• You have college credit for a foreign language.
  
  
• You have graduated from high school more than five years ago.
  
  
• You have never formally studied a language or had less than two years of the same language in high school.

The Foreign Language Testing CANNOT be taken on line. It must be taken at the on-campus testing session (listed below Step #3).

Step 3: Orientation/Scheduling Session

Finally, you MUST call 419-755-4203 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to register for placement testing (if needed) and for the Orientation/Scheduling session (see dates and times below). Freshman and transfer students with less than 45 transfer credit hours are REQUIRED to attend the Orientation/Scheduling Session. Parent(s) are welcome to attend with you. A free lunch will be provided for you and your parent(s) (limit 2) during this session. Transfer students with more than 45 transfer credit hours must call and schedule an appointment with their academic advisor.

At the Orientation program, you will learn about class expectations, the significance of schedule adjustments and how it can affect your finances, the value of being involved in your college experience, scheduling, and information about the various campus services available. As part of the program, you will attend an informative session given by an academic advisor covering curriculum and scheduling. The required session will present some of the basics about the OSU registration process and how courses go together to complete your degree. This information will prepare you to choose classes for the upcoming quarter. Classes will be scheduled on line. PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD. Both are required to sign on a computer and to schedule your classes during Orientation on Buckeye Link.

Items to bring to orientation include a picture ID (driver's license or state ID required to get your university ID card), a backpack or book bag (you will receive a number of materials), inclement weather gear such as an umbrella or raincoat, a sweatshirt or sweater (some rooms may be chilly), and comfortable shoes and casual clothing (you will be walking and climbing stairs).

If you have questions concerning access or accommodations for a disability, please let us know when you call to register for your orientation sessions. Please call as soon as possible as some accommodations may take time to arrange.

PLACEMENT TESTING DATES:

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

English: 9:00 a.m. (please arrive by 8:45 a.m.), Conard Learning Center, Room 200
Math: 11:00 a.m. (please arrive by 10:45 a.m.), Conard Learning Center, Room 200 (PLEASE BRING A CALCULATOR)
Foreign Language: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (open lab), Conard Learning Center, Room 209

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Foreign Language placement testing only can also be taken the day of orientation/scheduling, at 8:30 a.m. (arrive by 8:15 a.m.), Conard Learning Center, Room 209.  Registration is mandatory!

ORIENTATION/SCHEDULING DATE:

Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009

Program begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. in the Conard Learning Center, Room 200, and should end at approximately 3:30 p.m. An Optional Campus Tour or individual walk-in meetings with Financial Aid, Admissions, or Advising will be available from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (Riedl Hall, Room 104)