Orientation Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about orientation at The Florida State University. There are five sections
(first-year/lower-division transfer, upper-division transfer, attending orientation, family members, and after orientation) of information to assist you. If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
First-Year/Lower-Division (freshmen & sophomore) Transfer:
Q: Why is orientation required?
A: Orientation is required in order to provide all new students with information about being a successful college student at The Florida State University. You will learn specifics about the University’s academic requirements and all the campus resources available to you. Course registration occurs at each orientation session, and to ensure attendance, no one is allowed to register for his/her courses until they have attended their orientation session.
Q: Is student housing required during first-year/lower-division transfer orientation?
A: Student housing during orientation is required for first-year/lower-division transfer students starting in the summer or fall semester. It is not provided for students starting in the spring semester. During summer or fall student orientations, two nights of orientation housing are included in your fees. Orientation Leaders live in the residence hall throughout the summer and students stay on-campus the first night students arrive and the night between day 1 and day 2. Staying on campus during summer/fall orientation provides each student the opportunity to better meet other new students, better know the Orientation Leaders, and fully experience campus life and involvement.
Q: How long and during what time is the freshmen orientation program? Where is orientation check-in?
A: There are different types of orientation programs based on the type of student and time of the year.
Summer/Fall: Orientation sessions are two-evenings and two-days in length (students arrive at Wildwood Hall for check-in between 7-9 p.m. on the first evening and the program will end at 1 p.m. on the second day). More information about the specifics of your orientation session will be included in your confirmation brochure.
Spring: The orientation sessions will only be a day and a half (starting at 12 p.m. on the first day and ended at 4:30 p.m. on the second day); housing is not provided for spring orientation. More information about the specifics of your orientation session will be included in your confirmation brochure.
Q: If I register for orientation and decide to cancel my admission to FSU, can I get a refund?
A: All orientation fees are nonrefundable. Deciding not to attend The Florida State University or having your admission rescinded due to poor academic performances does not qualify you to receive a refund of orientation fees. If you decided not to attend FSU, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Admissions.
Q: If my family member registers and decides not to attend orientation, can I get a refund?
A: No, just as with student fees – all family fees are nonrefundable.
Q: What is the deadline for registering for orientation?
A: First-year/lower-division transfer students starting at FSU in the fall/summer semester have until May 1 to pay their orientation fee (received by, NOT postmarked deadline). New summer/fall students may have their admissions canceled if they do not pay for orientation by the May 1 deadline. Keep in mind that each orientation session is capacity limited and sessions will close as they fill. Orientation session space is available on a first-reserve basis. There is not a deadline for spring students.
Q: How is my orientation fee used?
A: The Florida State University orientation program does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the orientation fees collected. These funds cover the use of University facilities, the development of publications, staff salaries, and other program costs.
Q: If I've been accepted into FSU's Honors Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
A: No, honors students can attend any of the orientation sessions. Each program will have specific sessions and information to address the needs of honors students.
Q: If I'm a fine arts major (Dance, Film or Music) or in the First-Year Abroad Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
A: Students in the above named majors/program will attend specific orientation sessions. The online registration system will limit your choice of dates only to those sessions which meet your major/program needs. If you have questions, please call the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
Q: If I have been accepted into the C.A.R.E. Summer Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
A: Students in this program will attend a specific orientation session occurring just before the start of their summer term at FSU. They will move into their summer residence hall on Sunday morning and have orientation starting that evening. The online registration system will limit your choice of dates only to the specific session which meets needs. If you have questions, please call the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
Upper-Division (junior & senior) Transfer:
Q: Why is orientation required?
A: Orientation is required in order to provide all new students with information about being a successful college student at The Florida State University. You will learn specifics about the University’s academic requirements and all the campus resources available to you. Course registration occurs at each orientation session, and to ensure attendance, no one is allowed to register for his/her courses until they have attending their orientation session.
Q: I’ve already attended an orientation session and have been in college for a while, why do I have to attend FSU’s orientation?
A: When you become a new full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student at any public institution in the State of Florida, you are required to attend that institution’s orientation program. You may feel like you already understand the college environment and can register for courses, but it is important that you fully understand the unique policies, processes, and resources associated with being a student at The Florida State University.
Q: How long and during what time is the orientation program? Where is orientation check-in?
A: There are different types of orientation programs based on the type of student and time of the year. Orientation sessions for upper-division transfer students last a single day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check-in takes place at 8 a.m. at the Oglesby Student Union. More information about the specifics of your orientation session will be included in your confirmation brochure.
Q: Can I stay on-campus housing during orientation?
A: Regrettably, on-campus housing is not available for students or family members participating in an upper-division transfer session.
Q: If I register for orientation and decide to cancel by admission to FSU, can I get a refund?
A: All orientation fees are nonrefundable. Deciding not to attend The Florida State University or having your admission rescinded due to poor academic performances does not qualify you to receive a refund of orientation fees. If you decided not to attend FSU, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Admissions.
Q: If my family member registers and decides not to attend orientation, can I get a refund?
A: No, just as with student fees – all family fees are nonrefundable.
Q: How is my orientation fee used?
A: The Florida State University orientation program does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the orientation fees collected. These funds cover the use of University facilities, the development of publications, staff salaries, and other program costs.
Attending Orientation:
Q: If I am first-year/lower-division transfer student staying in orientation housing during a summer/fall session (not applicable to spring),
will I be assigned a roommate for the orientation residence hall?
A: Yes, you will be assigned a roommate of the same gender; a fellow new student. Rooms are assigned based on when you arrive, so if you would like to stay with a same gender friend attending the same session, make sure you check-in together. We hope the residence hall experience will introduce you to new friends and allow you to better understand college life.
Q: I'm registered for orientation, do I have to be present at orientation check-in?
A: Yes, it is important that you arrive for orientation check-in on time so we can give you your schedule and get your session started on time. Both students and registered family members must check-in, we cannot allow a family member to check-in for a student or non-present family member.
Q: Am I required to attend all programs and presentations during my session?
A: Yes, you must attend all of the programs presented at your orientation session. Student attendance is taken to ensure that you’re there getting the required information needed to be successful at FSU. Students missing sessions will have a hold placed on their course registration. Being a present and participating member of your orientation session is crucial to a successful start at FSU (oh yeah – it’s fun too)!
Q: Will I receive academic advising during orientation?
A: You will be instructed on academic information, including graduation requirements and enrichment opportunities, several times during your orientation session and will have an opportunity for one-on-one advisement. Academic advisors will recommend courses for your first and future semesters and help you develop an academic plan. You are also encouraged to communicate with your academic advisor frequently post-orientation.
Q: Will I learn how to register for my classes?
A: Orientation Leaders will teach you how to use all of FSU’s academic resources and tools, including course registration. Orientation staff and academic advisors will be with you throughout the advising and course registration process to answer questions.
Q: Can I register for courses if my health history/immunization form has not been turned into FSU or if I haven’t completed the online health insurance verification?
A: No, both the health history/immunization form and health insurance verification requirement are strictly enforced by the University. The Health History/Immunization Form can be downloaded from the Thagard Student Health Center’s website (http://www.tshc.fsu.edu) and faxed to 850/644.8958. Proof of health insurance (or a health insurance purchase) is completed online using the insurance button on the health center’s website. If you have questions about either of these requirements, please call 850/644.6573.
Q: When is my FSUcard (student identification card) made?
A: The FSUcard may be obtained anytime after you have been accepted, including during orientation. The $10 fee for your initial FSUcard will be assessed with your first semester’s tuition. The FSUcard and its many uses will be discussed at orientation.
Family Members:
Q: If I’m not sure that I can attend orientation with my student,
should I pre-register?
A: If you choose not to pre-register with your student and then are able to attend, you are always able to register later or on the day of the session via our walk-in table. If you register for family member orientation and are unable to attend, your fees will not be refunded.
Q: How is my orientation fee used?
A: The Florida State University orientation program does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the orientation fees collected. These funds cover the use of University facilities, the development of publications, staff salaries, and other program costs.
Q: Is on-campus housing available for family members?
A: Regrettably, on-campus housing is not available for family members. Select hotel information will be provided in your confirmation brochure and you can find more information at www.visittallahassee.com.
Q: Will I be with my student throughout orientation?
A: You will see your student throughout orientation, but the family member schedule differs from that of the student. Some programs will be specific to only family and some for students. Orientation is designed to address the different needs of family members and students – realizing that needs and delivery methods are sometimes different. We realize the importance of family in the college process and have designed a program that will provide you with maximum information and plenty of time with your students, but also time for him/her to explore college independence and gain a sense of confidence about the starting at Florida State University.
Q: Is there walking involved in the orientation program?
A: Yes, Florida State University is a “walking” campus and orientation requires participants to walk during some portions of the program. Effort is made to accommodate the needs of family members with disabilities or other health concerns, but because of our hills and humid climate, we remind you to dress for warm weather and wear comfortable walking shoes; don’t forget your umbrella!
Q: Are children allowed/encouraged to attend orientation?
A: Yes, but this a personal decision for your family. Please remember that the length of orientation sessions may be long for young children and the program may contain topics which you are not comfortable having discussed in their presence.
Q: Will my student and I have the same meal times?
A: Our program changes each year and has variations based on the target audience (freshmen/lower-division transfers or upper-division transfers). Due to facility space and scheduling that best meets the needs of both family members and students, we can say that some meals may be together, while others separate.
Q. Will the family orientation schedule start/end at the same time as the students?
A: Yes, the family member and student orientation schedules run concurrently with each other.
Q: Will my student leave orientation having registered for his/her classes?
A: Yes, students receive academic advising and register for classes during their orientation session. Course registration occurs at the end of orientation after students have had ample opportunities to learn about academic opportunities and requirements at the University. Academic advisors and orientation staff are present during course registration; due to space limitations and scheduling family members will not be able to be in the room while students register (but can discuss their student’s schedule with them immediately after).
Q: I have questions about Financial Aid, University Housing, Parking, etc.; will
I be able to get answers during orientation?
A: Yes, these offices and more will present at orientation and have opportunities for you to ask questions. You will leave orientation feeling well informed and with your questions answers. You can also begin gathering information now by using the New ‘Nole and Helpful Links section of this website.
Q: How will I know how much my student was awarded for financial aid
or how much he/she owes for tuition, on-campus housing, and other fees?
A: After the Office of Financial Aid rewards aid, the information will be available on Blackboard (http://campus.fsu.edu) under the Financial Aid Toolkit link in secure applications. Florida State University does not mail bills concerning owed fees, but the student can access this information after orientation on Blackboard under My Account Statement link in secure applications.
After Orientation:
Q: I attended orientation, what do I do next?
A: Make sure you visit the post-orientation section of http://www.newnole.fsu.edu and remember to submit final high school and any other college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. If you have any questions or need assistance now or in the future, contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
Q: Can I access my class schedule at any time?
A: You can usually access your course schedule at any time by visiting Blackboard (http://campus.fsu.edu). Occasionally the information will be unavailable for system updates, but downtimes do not last very long and are usually advertised in advance.
Q: If I started Florida State University during the summer semester, am I required to attend another orientation for fall semester?
A: No, each student only attends orientation once. You do however need to prepare to attend New Student Convocation which occurs the weekend before the fall semester starts.
Q: I am interested in becoming an Orientation Leader, what do I do?
A: You should visit the Become an Orientation Leader section of this website. Feel free to contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs if you have any questions.
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