Welcome to Orientation at Florida State University! We are excited to welcome you and your student into the FSU family! Family Orientation is designed to help parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, guardians, friends, and anyone else who is part of the family support system for an FSU student to gain information, resources, and insight to help their student thrive during their time at Florida State. For each section below, click the arrow to view more information, including locations, session descriptions, and important reminders.
Orientation Day 1
8:30 - 9 a.m. Welcome to Florida State University!
Union Ballroom E
Welcome to Florida State University! In this session you will meet the Orientation team and get a quick overview of what to expect for the day.
9 - 10 a.m. Transitioning Your New Nole
Union Ballroom E
In this session, families will learn helpful information to best support their student as they transition to Florida State. The session will cover addressing expectations with your student, communication strategies, and ways to stay engaged with New Student & Family Programs and Florida State University.
10 - 11 a.m. Family Torch Group
Union Meeting Rooms
This session gives families an opportunity to engage with Orientation Leaders about what it means to be a New Nole Family. The session will give space for families to engage with one another and give them a chance to hear more about the great resources and opportunities available to their students.
Family Torch Group Locations |
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Union Ballroom E |
Garnet 3 |
Senate Chambers |
Club Downunder |
Moore Auditorium |
11 - 11:30 a.m. Money Matters
Union Ballroom E
Understanding the financial component of paying for college can be daunting. This tag-team session with The Offices of Financial Aid and Student Business Services will help you understand the steps needed to make sure eligible aid is awarded, charges addressed, and disbursement take place in a timely fashion.
11:30 a.m. - Noon Living On Campus
Union Ballroom E
If your student is planning to live on campus, this session will provide information and advice to successfully move in and make the most of the residential experience. You will also hear from Seminole Dining about the many campus dining opportunities and meal plans available to residential students.
11:30 a.m. - Noon Living Off Campus
Union Ballroom D
If your student is planning to live off campus, this session will include tips and tricks for living off campus and provide information about local resources and other necessities. This session will also help you learn about ways to connect to campus and make sure your time living off campus is successful. You will also hear from Seminole Dining about the many campus dining opportunities and meal plans available to off-campus students.
Noon - 1 p.m. Lunch
Student Union
Lunch will be available for students and families (who opted into Orientation Dining). Students and family members who requested a dietary accommodation will be able to pick up their meal from the Registered Dietician table.
1 - 2 p.m. Stay Safe and Live Well
Union Ballroom E
In this session, the FSU Police Department and University Health Services will discuss resources and expectations to promote a safe and healthy campus community.
2 - 3 p.m. Academic Guidance for Families
Union Ballroom E
In this session, Undergraduate Studies staff will discuss academic requirements, including liberal studies and University graduation requirements, as well as how to appropriately support your student and help them succeed academically during their time at FSU.
3 - 4 p.m. Meet the Colleges
Union Meeting Rooms and Various Campus Locations
Each academic college at Florida State University will provide more information about the degree programs, requirements, and opportunities they offer. An Orientation Leader will guide you to your college meeting location.
Meet The Colleges | Room |
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Arts & Sciences | Ballroom E |
Business | Rovetta A101 |
Communication & Information | Ballroom C |
Criminology & Criminal Justice | Moore Auditorium |
Education | HCB Classroom Building 309 |
Engineering | Garnet 3 |
Entrepreneurship | Garnet 1 |
Exploratory | Ballroom D |
Fine Arts | Gold 4 |
Health & Human Sciences | HCB Classroom Building 313 |
Hospitality | Garnet 4 |
Medicine | Senate Chambers (Third Floor, 3010) |
Motion Picture Arts | Gold 2 |
Music | Gold 1 |
Nursing | Club Downunder (Basement Level) |
Social Work | Garnet 2 |
Social Science and Policy | Bellamy 180 |
4 - 5 p.m. Resource Fair
Student Union
During this time, feel free to walk around the various tables to learn more about some of the many resources and opportunities available at FSU. There will also be special-interest breakout sessions during this time, listed below.
4-4:20 and 4:30-4:50 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Fraternity & Sorority Life (Union Ballroom E)
This session will help participants learn about the FSU fraternity and sorority community, including information about the four councils and how to join.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT (UNION BALLROOM D)
This session will help students learn about the many opportunities for global engagement, both on campus and abroad. International Programs will share about study abroad opportunities, including programs that meet graduation requirements for most majors, around the world. The Center for Global Engagement will share about the opportunities for students to participate in an exchange program for one or two semesters at one of our 45 international partner institutions while earning FSU credit and paying FSU tuition and fees. In addition, the CGE will share how students can be globally engaged on the FSU campus through a variety of intercultural programs and events.
SUSTAINABLE YOU AT FSU (Garnet 1)
Learn how to save money and the planet by incorporating sustainability into your FSU journey, including packing smart for your move, taking advantage of on-campus resources (such as community gardening, bike rentals, and more), and building sustainability skills to help your career!
THE CAREER CENTER (Garnet 2)
Learn why you should start early in your pursuit of career success! Discover state-of-the-art programs and services designed to support your career and employability skills development. Hear about how to choose majors, clarify career plans, acquire part-time jobs or internships, and market yourself to employers or graduate schools.
PRE-HEALTH AT FSU (Garnet 3)
Considering a career in medicine, dentistry, or physical therapy? This session will help you learn what it takes to be a successful applicant to health professional graduate programs. Get to know the pre-health advising staff and the services offered to anyone considering a health career.
PRE-LAW AT FSU (Garnet 4)
FSU Pre-Law advisors will share tips and strategies to help you prepare for applying to law school, including major choices, GPA, timelines, and more.
Exploring Engage 100: First-Year Success Courses (Ballroom C)
An interactive presentation introducing Engage 100 course experiences designed to help new first-year students activate their potential, connect with the FSU community, and flourish in their first year. You will learn about the 30+ programs students can choose from in Summer & Fall 2023. Find your people, explore your passions, and pave the way to success at FSU through Engage 100.
4-4:20 p.m. Only Breakout Sessions
VETERANS BENEFITS (Gold 1)
This session will address getting your GI Bill or dependent Veteran benefits started or transferred to FSU. Student Veterans Center staff will also address issues such as deferments, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, student veteran organizations, transitioning to FSU, and more.
4:30-4:50 p.m. Only Breakout Sessions
NAVIGATING FAITH & RELIGIOUS LIFE AT FSU (Gold 2)
While at FSU, students have the opportunity to explore the realm of faith and get to know your beliefs and those of others. The FSU Interfaith Council will help guide your exploration and show you how to make connections.
5 - 5:30 p.m. Family Engagement
Union Ballroom E
Come learn more about how you can be involved as a family member! From Family Weekend to Hello FSU to our customizable newsletters, this session will share resources and ideas that you need as family members!
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner
Student Union
Dinner will be available for students and families (who opted into Orientation Dining). Students and family members who requested a dietary accommodation will be able to pick up their meal from the Registered Dietician table.
6:30 - 7 p.m. Family Mixer
Proof at FSU
Proof at FSU can be found on the basement level of the Student Union.
Orientation Day 2
8 - 9 a.m. Breakfast
Askew Student Life Center Lobby
Askew Student Life Center: 942 Learning Way
Pensacola St. Garage: 410 Walker St.
Welcome back! Join us for breakfast in the Askew Student Life Center Lobby before starting your sessions for the day.
Parking for family members is available in the Pensacola Street Parking Garage.
Student breakfast at Suwannee Room will be available until 8:15 a.m. Students who opted out of orientation dining must meet their Orientation Leader at the location listed on their schedule by 8:30 a.m.
9 - 9:30 a.m. Supporting Your Student's Success at FSU
Askew Student Life Center Theater
In this session you will hear from University leaders about how you can best support your student through the challenges and milestones they may experience as an FSU student.
9:30 - 10 a.m. "ProfessioNole" Career Readiness
Askew Student Life Center Theater
Nationally recognized for its comprehensive career services, the Florida State University Career Center prepares students for life after graduation. Whether students are deciding on a career choice, seeking experiences to develop employability skills, or applying for a career opportunity or graduate school, The Career Center at Florida State University stands ready to prepare them for career success!
10 - 11 a.m. Crucial Conversations
Askew Student Life Center Theater
Let's have some crucial conversations about parenting a student at FSU.
11 a.m. - Noon "Ask the Experts" Panel
Askew Student Life Center Theater
In this Q&A session, you will hear from Orientation Leaders and University staff about their experiences at FSU and get answers to your questions from an insider perspective.
Noon - 12:30 p.m. Family Send-Off
Askew Student Life Center Theater
In this closing session, New Student & Family Programs will give family members and guests some final reminders and pieces of advice to help you help your student through their New Nole journey!