• 27 Jul – 31 Jul 26: U.S. Student Service/Agency In-Processing 

• 3 Aug – 7 Aug 26: NDU/CISA Orientation Week

• 10 Aug 26: Classes Begin

CISA- Ft. Bragg Orientation Schedule

Here you will find the notional student orientation schedule for Academic Year 2026-27.  Please check back for updates.

CISA Student Handbook

Here you will find the CISA Student Handbook for Academic Year 2026-27. 

Instructions for Incoming Students

• Due: 30 Apr 26 — CISA prepares for your arrival and pre-orders an official NDU name tag for civilian attire and a CISA polo-style shirt.  Complete the in-take forms for the NDU Name Tag and CISA Polo Order prior to 30 Apr 26.
• Due: 30 Jun 26 — In the Spring, you will receive a welcome message from NDU Connect to the email address provided to your NDU Service or Agency Chair or the email address provided in your NDU application, if applicable.  Upon receipt of the welcome message, you will establish access to the NDU Connect Student Portal and complete all enrollment requirements.  You must complete each field, to include uploading your biography, and ensure all information is accurate. If you have problems with accessing the NDU-Connect Student Portal, email connect_admin@ndu.edu. 
• Early Reporting — Service and Agency Chairs will provide guidance on early reporting.  Typically, U.S. military on PCS orders are permitted to report early to establish residency.  The early reporting timeframe is based on in-processing requirements and service/agency policy. 
• Week of: 27 Jul 26 — Some services and agencies have in-processing requirements prior to NDU/CISA orientation week.  Your respective Service or Agency Chair will provide guidance for in-processing and let you know if you must attend events this week. 
• Report On: 3 Aug 26 — All CISA Students will report for orientation on 3 Aug 26, the official start date of the academic year.  The Dean of Students will provide more guidance and the final orientation schedule no later than 24 Jul 26.

NDU Connect

NDU’s student information system is NDU Connect. Incoming U.S. students must provide their Service or Agency Chair (listed below) with an email address that can be used for all communications prior to reporting to NDU. Personal email addresses are preferred to ensure successful delivery of automated messages.

Incoming U.S. students will receive a welcome email from NDU Connect at the address they provide. This message will outline the steps required to complete NDU’s admissions and onboarding processes.

After receiving the welcome message, students should follow the included links and instructions to create a password and access the NDU Connect Student Portal.

Detailed instructions for navigating the NDU Connect Student Portal—along with other key onboarding guidance—will be posted on this website in early 2026. Students are encouraged to review all instructions before accessing the NDU Connect Student Portal.

Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Credit Notice 

Please note that this master’s program is not accredited for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) credit. Completion of the academic degree alone does not fulfill JPME requirements.

Students seeking JPME credit must meet the specific JPME criteria established by their individual military Service. This includes completing all Service-directed PME or JPME courses or programs required for qualification.

For questions about your Service’s JPME pathways or requirements, please contact your Service Chair (listed below).

CISA-Ft. Bragg Uniform and Dress

• Students will report in military fatigues/combat uniform during orientation week.  The dress code will change starting the week after orientation.
• Normal classroom attire will be military fatigues/combat uniform on the first academic day of the week, business casual in the middle of the week, and CISA Spirit on the last academic day of the week.  CISA Spirit is the CISA issued polo and professional slacks or equivalent. 
• Students may have to attend events where military Class A uniform or business dress (with or without tie) is required.  Sport coats are acceptable business dress.
• Jeans, cargo pants, shorts, and open toe shoes are not classroom appropriate attire.
• Students will maintain hair and grooming standards in accordance with their service and agency policy.  Grooming waivers are not authorized.

Student Sports

Jim Thorpe Sports Days: The U.S. Army College (Carlisle Barracks, PA) hosts a competition among Senior Service and NDU colleges.  The annual event takes place the end of April.  Student can compete in the following competitive events: relay races, functional fitness, bowling, trap/skeet, golf, 5K run, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, cycling, and pickleball.

AY27 Service Chairs for U.S. Students

Service Chairs serve as the main point of contact for administration and career issues. They will work with your headquarters to assist you with in-processing and administration. Your Service Chair will contact you and provide further in-processing guidance.  You may also reach out to them directly.