From approximately 1931-1968, orientation for incoming freshmen was a week-long, scheduled event, during which freshmen and other new students got to know the campus, did testing (standardized, achievement, and advanced placement), went to seminars, and took part in a range of social activities.

The group in charge of planning orientation has had different names throughout Towson University’s history. Orientation was originally planned by committees of faculty and staff. However, in 1976 a formal department was established called the Orientation Department. It was renamed Orientation and New Student Relations in 1992, became the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs in 1998, and, as of 2006, is called the Office of New Student Programs.

In 1974 the TRIAD (not an acronym; represents the triad of orientation, registration, and advising) program was added to the department. Although in 1992 the name of TRIAD was no longer associated with orientation, orientation as of 2017 still contains both registration and advising.

In addition to the faculty and staff, students also helped plan orientation. From approximately 1946-1965, a student organization called the Freshman Advisory Council (FAC) helped new students adjust to college and sponsored some of the student handbooks. From approx. 1966-1973 the Student Orientation Council (SOC) worked with the Orientation department.