• 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. McNair 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 form 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.

CISA-McNair Uniform and Dress

• Students will report in Class B (short sleeve) uniform for military and business casual for civilians on the first day of orientation. 

• Normal classroom attire is business dress (tie optional).  Sport coats are acceptable business dress.

• Typically, students will wear Class A uniform for military and business dress (with tie) for civilians one day a week. 

• Students will wear 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 formal events where military mess dress or black tie and equivalent for civilians is required.  

• 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

NDU Students at Fort McNair compete for the President's Cup in nine sport events spread out across the academic year. 

• Fall: 5K Run, Softball, and Soccer

• Winter: Pickleball, Bowling, and Basketball

• Spring: Volleyball, Corn Hole, and Golf

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 and Agency Chairs for U.S. Students

Agency and 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 or Agency Chair will contact you and provide further in-processing guidance.  You may also reach out to them directly.