One of the most difficult parts of transitioning to university life is knowing how to get things done and where to go for help. Florida Polytechnic University’s orientation program aims to make this easier while also giving incoming students strong connections to new peers and mentors across campus.
“Orientation is fun and interactive and it really helps new students form the friendships that will be there for their entire college career,” said Tonya Chestnut, director of student development at Florida Poly.
Get Ignited, Florida Poly’s orientation is broken into two parts this year: voluntary pre-orientation, and mandatory new student orientation.
A voluntary one-day pre-orientation event scheduled for July 15, July 26 and Aug. 2. It is designed to help incoming freshmen and their families transition smoothly to Florida Poly. Students may bring up to two family members with them to the pre-orientation event.
Students will participate in a scavenger hunt designed to familiarize them with the campus while their families learn about financial aid and expectations for the college experience. They together will learn about Florida Poly traditions, life in the residence halls, the importance of general education, and information about degrees, concentrations and careers.
“They’ll be getting tons of great information while making lots of new friends,” Chestnut said. “When students face challenges, they’ll already have a circle of people they can turn to for help.”
The full orientation session kicks off on Aug. 17 – Move-In Day – with a family resource fair from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. Family members will be able to meet representatives from departments that play a key role in their student’s success, Chestnut said.
Required orientation event attendance is Aug. 18 to Aug. 20 and includes freshman, transfer and international students.
One of its highlights will be a 3-day hackathon with student groups creating a project idea and seeing it to fruition. The orientation also will include required training, financial aid sessions, and discussions about campus safety.
“We really make orientation an exciting, creative event while still giving them all the information they need to have a great first semester,” Chestnut said.
The orientation fee is a flat $35, which allows students to attend one or both orientation events. To register, visit the orientation webpage.
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
