Jones College New Student Advising

Spring 2024 Freshmen & Transfer Students

As a new incoming student, you'll participate in MTSU's multiphase orientation. Students are required to participate in:

  1. CUSTOMS Online (online orientation modules)   
  2. CUSTOMS (in-person or virtual advising and course registration event) Once sign-up opens in late October, choose one of these dates:
    1.  Thursday, November 30, 2023. Virtual Transfer CUSTOMS.
      1. Plan to keep your morning open.
      2. A Jones College advisor will reach out to you using your MTSU Outlook email with an appointment time, a Zoom link, and a virtual advising packet by November 28. 
    2.  Friday, December 15, 2023. In-person Freshmen or Transfer CUSTOMS. Both student groups attend on the same day.
To ensure a smooth and positive advising experience, we recommend you follow these guidelines:

Advising Guidelines

  • Log into your PipelineMT account and remember your username and password. You will need these for the course registration portion of CUSTOMS.
  • Check your MTSU Outlook email everyday. Almost all of your orientation materials are sent to this account.
  • Remove all registration holds before your CUSTOMS date. These holds are the most common:
  • For students attending the virtual November 30 session:
    • Before this session, review your advisor email and all attached documents.
    • Set up your MTSU Zoom account and test your audio and video.
    • Find a quiet, stationary location for your Zoom session, free of distractions.
    • During the Zoom session, in addition to learning about your major and academic plan, you will register for classes.
    • This is a professional meeting. Be prepared to take notes, ask questions, and participate.
    • It is recommended that you use a computer rather than a phone or tablet due to screen-sharing features. Please make sure that you are using either Chrome or Firefox.
    • Your advisor may ask for your camera to be turned on.

Advising FAQs

Do I need to schedule a separate advising appointment?

If you are signed up for either the November 30 or December 15 CUSTOMS session, no, you do not need a separate advising appointment. Advising and course registration take place during CUSTOMS.

How long does CUSTOMS last?

The virtual session on November 30, usually begins in the morning and lasts between one to two hours. Please make plans to clear your calendar. A Jones College advisor will reach out to you using your MTSU Outlook email with an appointment time, a Zoom link, and a virtual advising packet by November 28.

The in-person schedule is usually a full day event. Check the CUSTOMS webpage for details.

Do I complete both CUSTOMS online and CUSTOMS?

Yes. CUSTOMS online is an online module to be completed before your CUSTOMS date. CUSTOMS is the in-person or virtual advising and course registration event.

I no longer want to be a business major, what do I do?

If you've already signed up for CUSTOMS, call the CUSTOMS office to tell them your new major. Please be aware, your major cannot be updated in PipelineMT until you are enrolled in classes. If you haven't signed up for CUSTOMS, the registration form will ask for your major. Simply choose your new intended major. The advisor for your new major will submit a change of major form once you are enrolled in classes.

I missed my CUSTOMS session. Can I reschedule?

Contact busadv@mtsu.edu for any advising questions or concerns. You will only be able to reschedule for dates based on availability.

Jones College Virtual Presentations & Advising Guides

These items prepare you for your CUSTOMS session and include information about business majors, the Jones College Admission Policy and how to read your advising materials.