Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about orientation at Florida State University. There are five sections (first-year, 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 Students:
Q: Why is orientation required of me?
A: Orientation is required in order to provide all new students with information about being a college student in the State of Florida. By completing an orientation session, you will be educated on all the academic and student service aspects of being a college student. At FSU’s orientation, you will learn the 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 student attendance, no one is allowed to register for his/her courses until they have attended orientation.
Q: Is student housing required during first-year/lower-division orientation?
A: Yes, student housing is required during summer/fall orientations for first-year/lower-division students. This two night stay is included in your orientation fees. Orientation Leaders live in the residence hall throughout the summer and students stay on-campus the night before their first day and the night between day 1 and 2 of their session. Students will check into Wildwood Hall and orientation between 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. on the evening before their first day of orientation. Doing so provides each student the opportunity to meet other new students and get to know the Orientation Leaders better.
Q: How long and during what time is the orientation program?
A: Orientation for first-year/lower-division transfer students is two-days. For students starting at FSU during the summer or fall, the program will start at 9:15 p.m. the evening before your first day (check-in is from 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.). After the first night, the program continues from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on day 1 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on day 2. Students starting during the spring semester will have a modified program (without included on-campus housing), which lasts from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on day 1 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on day 2. More information about the specifics of your orientation schedule will be mailed to you in a confirmation after you have registered for your session.
Q: If I register for orientation and decide not to attend FSU, can I receive a refund?
A: All fees paid to the Office of Orientation are nonrefundable. Deciding not to attend FSU or having your admission rescinded due to academic performance does not permit you to receive a refund of your fees. If you decide not to attend FSU, you should contact the Office of Admissions (admissions@admin.fsu.edu) and inform them of your decision.
Q: If my family member registers for orientation and does not attend, can I receive a refund?
A: No, just like all student fees, the family member orientation fee is nonrefundable as well.
Q: How long can I wait to register for orientation?
A: Each orientation session is capped and will be closed for registration when it reaches the determined space limit. Because of this, we suggest you select your date, register, and pay your orientation fees as soon possible after you’ve been accepted to FSU. Space in orientation sessions is awarded on a first-reserve basis. Space will not be saved without payment and online reservations without completed payment will be considered incomplete and deleted from the registration system. If the session you want to register for has been closed, we suggest you register for your second choice and contact us via phone or email should a space open in your preferred session later. Florida State University enforces a deadline date by which students must apply for orientation or risk the cancellation of their admission. It is important that you not make travel plans prior to receiving official written confirmation from the Office of New Student & Family Programs regarding your orientation date.
Q: How is my orientation fee used?
A: Your orientation fee is used to cover the costs of implementing the FSU orientation program. The fees cover the use of facilities, student and family member orientation publications, and salaries of the Orientation Leaders among other things. Without your fee, the orientation program would not be possible.
Q: If I’m a Fine Arts major (Film, Music or Dance) or in the First-Year Abroad Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
A: Yes, Film, Music, and Dance Majors as well as those participating in First-Year Abroad have specific orientation sessions, which they must attend. Theater students, like all other majors, are able to attend any of our sessions. When registering and paying for your session online, the orientation registration system will show you only the date options that meet the needs of your major. Should you have questions or need additional help, please contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at 850/644-2785.
Q: If I have been accepted into the C.A.R.E. Summer Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
A: Yes, you will attend a special C.A.R.E. Orientation right before the start of your summer term. You will move into your residence hall on Sunday, the day before your orientation. When registering and paying for your session online, the orientation registration system will show you only the date that meets the needs of your program. Should you have questions or need additional help, please contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at 850/644-2785.
Upper-Division (Junior & Senior) Transfer Students:
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 student at any public university or college in the State of Florida, you are required to attend that institution’s orientation program. The Board of Regents in the State of Florida made the attendance rule several years ago and it is still in effect today. Even if you attended another institution in Florida, attending an orientation session as a transfer student is required. You may feel like you already understand the college environment and can register for courses, but it is necessary for you to learn about unique aspects of being a student at Florida State University that you perhaps did not already know.
Q: How long and during what time is the orientation program?
A: Orientation for upper-division transfer students is a single-day in length. Your program will start at 8am and last to approximately 4pm. More information about the specifics of your orientation schedule will be mailed to you in a confirmation after you have registered for your session.
Q: Can I stay on-campus during orientation?
A: No, housing for transfer students attending orientation is not available. The orientation session for transfer students is only one day in length and students should find other accommodations in Tallahassee during their session.
Q: If I register for orientation and decide not to attend FSU, can I receive a refund?
A: All fees paid to the Office of New Student & Family Programs are nonrefundable. Deciding not to attend FSU or having your admission rescinded due to academic performance does not permit you to receive a refund of your fees. If you decide not to attend FSU, you should contact the Office of Admissions (admissions@admin.fsu.edu) and inform them of your decision.
Q: If my family member registers for orientation and does not attend, can I receive a refund?
A: No, just like all student fees, the family member orientation fee is nonrefundable as well.
Q: How is my orientation fee used?
A: Your orientation fee is used to cover the costs of implementing the FSU orientation program. The fees cover the use of facilities, student and family member orientation publications, and salaries of the Orientation Leaders among other things. Without your fee, the orientation program would not be possible. Participants in a two-day program are also required to pay for the mandatory orientation meal plan.
Q: I am a music major, is there a specific orientation date for me?
A: Yes, transfer students who are majoring in music are asked to attend a two-day orientation program. Contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at 850/644-2785 for more information about this requirement.
Attending Orientation Summer/Fall Orientation:
Q: If I am first-year/lower-division transfer student attending a summer/fall orientation, when do I check-in to orientation housing & the program?
A: If you are attending a summer/fall orientation, you check-in to orientation housing and the program between 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. the evening before your first orientation day. The first required orientation program will start that night at 9:15 p.m. Students will stay on-campus during orientation the night before their first day and the night between day 1 and day 2. Family members check-in to orientation at Wildwood Hall while their student is checking into housing, but must provide their own housing off-campus.
Q: Will I be assigned a roommate while staying in the residence hall for orientation?
A: Yes, you will be assigned a roommate and there will be four students in each suite (two rooms that share one bathroom facility). University Housing will randomly assign roommates of the same gender for each orientation session. If you have a friend that you would like to stay with in the hall, you may request to stay together when you arrive at the residence hall. We hope the residence hall experience will introduce you to new friends and you enjoy the experience.
Q: Since I’m registered for my orientation session, do I have to be present at orientation check-in?
A: Yes, you must check-in to student housing and orientation between 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. the evening before your first day of orientaiton. During this time, we make sure you are registered for that session, give hand out orientation materials to both students and family members, and provide you with a schedule. Missing check-in could result in missing valuable announcements or going through orientation without the appropriate materials used in presentations. We look forward to seeing you and your family!
Q: Am I required to attend all programs and presentations during my session?
A: Students are required to attend all programs and presentations during their orientation. Attendance is taken at some of the programs, but your presence is expected at all times. We approach the attendance at orientation as if you are already FSU students. For example, with some classes, there is an attendance policy, and with some there is not, but no matter the case-in order to do well and succeed, you must be present. Missing sessions will mean you are not cleared for course registration. We feel the same way about orientation and in order for you to start out well and informed at FSU, being a present and participating member of your orientation session is crucial. (Oh yeah—it’s fun, too!)
Q: Will I learn how to register for my classes?
A: Yes, you will learn how to register for classes while attending orientation. You will be a part of a small group of students who will meet with an Orientation Leader. The Orientation Leader, who is a current FSU student, will extensively explain FSU’s registration system and how to navigate the FSU website. Also, during the actual registration, orientation staff and academic advisors will be present to assist you with any questions or problems.
Q: Will I receive academic advising during orientation?
A: Yes, you will be given academic information several times during your orientation session and will have an opportunity for one-on-one advisement. Academic advisors will recommend courses for your upcoming semester and help you outline your academic plan for FSU.
Q: When do I register for classes?
A: Course registration will occur at the end of orientation. Registration occurs last so students will have had ample opportunities to learn about academics at FSU. Orientation staff and advisors will be present during registration to help with any questions or problems.
Q: Can I register for classes if my immunization records have not been turned into FSU?
A: No, the registration system will not allow a student to register if he/she has not been cleared by the Thagard Student Health Center. The immunization records must be received and the student cleared before registration is possible. You are encouraged to take care of this before orientation, but the Medical Records Office at the health center can receive the information upon the student’s arrival to campus for orientation. If you have any questions regarding immunization, please contact the Thagard Student Health Center’s Medical Records Office at 850/644-5523 or see more information at www.tshc.fsu.edu.
Q: When is my FSU identification card (ID) made?
A: Your FSU identification card, what is referred to as the FSUCard, can be obtained at any time during your orientation session. We encourage students to have their card made following orientation check-in or by the end of the first day.
Family Members:
Q: If I’m not sure that I can attend orientation with my student, should I pre-register?
A: All orientation fees are nonrefundable. If you register for the family member orientation and are unable to attend, the Office of New Student & Family Programs will not refund your orientation fees. If you choose not to register and then are able to attend the session, you will be able to register on-site during check-in.
Q: How is my orientation fee used?
A: Your orientation fee is used to cover the costs of implementing the FSU orientation program. The fees cover the use of facilities, student and family member orientation publications, and salaries of the Orientation Leaders among other things. Without your fee, the orientation program would not be possible.
Q: Can family members stay in the orientation residence hall, too?
A: No, the orientation residence hall is for student participants only. Because of the limited spaces available, we can only provide for the on-campus housing needs of students. Family members must make plans for their own accommodations, and the Office of New Student & Family Programs provides a list of some local hotels in the orientation confirmation that is mailed to all registered students. If you need further assistance in locating a hotel, we encourage you to visit the Tallahassee’s online Visitor Guide at www.visittallahassee.com.
Q: Will I be with my student throughout orientation?
A: You will see your student throughout the orientation session, but the family member schedule differs from the student schedule. Some of our programs are designed specifically for students and some are specifically for family members. On occasion, you will attend a program together. Orientation is designed to address the different needs of students and family members - realizing that those are sometimes different; we have planned a program to reflect both. We are not keeping you apart from your student intentionally, but exposing them to their first college experience and hoping they will learn about FSU on their own. We realize the importance of your presence and believe we have designed a family member orientation that will not only provide you with information, but also allow you to spend some time with your student during this exciting time in his/her life!
Q: Is there walking involved in the orientation program?
A: Yes, Florida State University is a “walking” campus & the program requires participants to walk during some portions of orientation. Efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of family members with mobility issues or health concerns, but because of North Florida’s hilly terrain and tropical climate we remind you to dress for warm weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget your umbrella!!
Q: Are children allowed to attend orientation?
A: Yes, but this will be a personal family decision. Our program may contain some topics which you are not comfortable discussing in the presence of your younger child and because of the length and walking required in the program, we suggest that orientation is best suited for those 18-years and older. The Office of Orientation will not require those under 18 to pay the orientation registration fees, but requires that they pay for meals individually at each dining location.
Q: Will my student and I have the same meal times?
A: Our program changes some each year. Due to facility space and scheduling to best meet the needs of both students and family members, we can say that some meals might be together, while some will be separate.
Q: Will our orientation schedules end at the same time both days?
A: Yes, the schedules conclude at the same time on both days of your orientation session. Two-day programs last from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on day 1 & 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Day 2. Additionally, students participating in the two-day program must particpate in activities starting at 9:15 p.m. on the evening before day 1. The single-day transfer program lasts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Q: Will my student leave orientation with a class schedule?
A: Yes, students register for their classes while at orientation. Course registration occurs at the end of orientation. Registration occurs last so students will have had ample opportunities to learn about academics at FSU. Orientation staff and academic advisors will be present during registration to help with any questions or problems.
Q: I have questions about Financial Aid, Housing, Parking, etc. Will I be able to get answers during orientation?
A: Yes, those offices and more will hold presentations during orientation. Representatives will be present to provide information and answer your questions regarding your students’ needs. We hope you will leave your orientation session feeling well informed and with all your questions answered!
Q: How will I know how much my student was awarded for financial aid or how much he/she owes for tuition, housing, and other fees?
A: A student’s financial aid reward is available online at the Financial Aid website (www.finaid.fsu.edu). If you have questions about retrieving this information or how to apply for financial aid, please contact the office at 850/644.5871. Florida State University does not mail bills concerning owed fees. The student can retrieve this information after orientation via the campus.fsu.edu secure applications site.
After Orientation:
Q: What do I do next?
A: After you’ve attended orientation, you should visit www.newnole.fsu.edu and complete the academic life, student life, and post-orientation sessions. This information, along with the materials you received at orientation, will allow you to get your FSU email, FSUID, and access to Blackboard. Remember to review your orientation materials before returning to campus for class and get ready for an exciting adventure at FSU! If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
Q: Can I access my class schedule at any time?
A: Yes, visiting the FSYou! Students First website (www.studentsfirst.fsu.edu) or campus.fsu.edu, you can access your class schedule! Follow the instructions and enter your personal information to access your schedule.
Q: If I began at FSU during the summer term, I am required to attend another orientation for the fall term?
A: No, you are not required to attend another orientation session once your orientation attendance requirement has been fulfilled.
Q: I am interested in becoming an Orientation Leader what do I do?
A: For more information about becoming an Orientation Leader, or to fill out the online application, please visit the Become an Orientation Leader section of our website. If you have any questions regarding the position or the recruitment timeline, please contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at 850/644-2785 or orientation@admin.fsu.edu.