Freshmen and new transfer students began getting to know the Florida Polytechnic University way of life during new student orientation held August 19-20.
The two-day event introduced new students to the many resources available to them during their time at the University. It included a welcome from Dr. Randy Avent, Florida Poly’s president, as well as discussions about academic support services, financial aid, technology, and entrepreneurship. Orientation also provided a preview of math and English concepts at Florida Poly.
“I think it’s great – it’s like nothing I could have expected it to be,” said Cristofer Torres, a mechanical engineering major who graduated from Clermont High School in Clermont, Florida. “It’s a lot to take in at one time, but it’s really enjoyable.”
Tonya Chestnut, director of student development at Florida Poly, said 354 students attended orientation on Monday, Aug. 19.
“These students are really excited and they’re bonding really well,” she said.
Tyler Jarboe, a computer science major who graduated from Douglas High School in Coral Springs, Florida, said he was happy to meet so many people during orientation.
“Everybody is super friendly and pretty much knows each other,” he said. “If not, you see them everywhere around the campus.”
He was especially impressed by the dining options at the Wellness Center and the iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building, which is known for its striking design by world-renowned Spanish architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava.
“The building is amazing,” Jarboe said.
Gabe Allison, who graduated from Lake Wales High School in Lake Wales, Florida, said he was grateful to receive more information on topics such as financial aid and the appropriate classes to select for his computer science major with a concentration in software engineering.
“I already knew how awesome Florida Poly was and all the options they had available, but this clarifies a lot of things,” he said after a team-building exercise on Monday. “Everybody has been really nice and it’s been fun so far, but classes haven’t started yet. I’m sure that will be even more fun.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557