New Student Orientation
Welcome to the Phoenix Family!
We’re excited that you have chosen Florida Poly as your home for the next four years.
Florida Poly’s New Student Orientation is your first step in transitioning to life as a Phoenix. It’s designed to help you start strong and connect with the Florida Poly experience.
Spring 2026 Orientation
- Friday, January 9, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
-
Florida Polytechnic University - Barnett Applied Research Center (BARC)
4700 Research Way, Lakeland, FL 33805
Click Here for Campus Map and Directions
Please park in Lots 4 and 6 and enter through the front of the Barnett Applied Research Center (BARC) for check-in, which begins at 9am.
Before You Come to Campus
Please make sure you have completed the following information before you arrive for orientation.
Confirm Your Admission Requirements
Work with your admissions counselor to confirm that your required enrollment steps are completed.
Apply for On-Campus Housing
On-campus housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to complete this step early! You’ll be able to choose between the Phase Two and Phase Three residence halls. Access to our housing application system StarRez will be sent via email 48 hours after submitting your deposit. Additional housing is available through Phase One, owned by Vestcor Companies.
Submit a Photo for Your Student ID
The Florida Poly Card is the official identification card of Florida Polytechnic University students and used for meal plans, printing, and door access. Follow the submission instructions below to pick up your Florida Poly Card at New Student Orientation:
- On your mobile phone or webcam, take a full front view photo facing the camera at eye level from across the top of shoulders to above the head with enough space around the face to crop the photo square.
- The photo must be in color, just you in the photo, no filters with a solid light color background.
- No hat, earbuds or other headgear or dark glasses unless required for religious or medical reasons.
- Photo should be in a JPG format.
- Log into your Student Link account to submit your photo.
Activate Your Florida Poly Email Account
Activate your Florida Poly account using the link provided in the “Welcome to Florida Poly” email you received. If you did not get the email, request a copy of the email.
Complete Required Online Anti-Hazing Course
All new Florida Poly students are required by state law and University Policy 3.0062P: Anti Hazing Policy to complete the Hazing Prevention course prior to the start of classes. The online course takes about 45 minutes to complete and includes information on how to recognize, prevent, and report hazing. Log into the course using your university username and password.
Handshake Account Registration
Handshake is a great tool that allows for you to connect with employers, peers at other universities, and schedule appointments with the Career Office. A number of students have been able to get amazing internships and full-time jobs on this great platform.
It is required that all Florida Poly students have a Handshake account. Make your Handshake profile today!
Orientation Schedule
Time
Session
Location
Who
9:00–9:30 AM
Check-In
BARC Lobby
Everyone
9:30–9:45 AM
Welcome to Florida Poly!
BARC 2200
Everyone
9:50–11:15 AM
Orientation Leader Session: Ignite Your Phoenix Pride
Group #1 (Purple) – BARC 1123
Group #2 (Blue) – BARC 1142
Students Only
9:45–10:45 AM
Parent Impact Network
BARC 2200
Parents Only
10:45–11:15 AM
Break
—
Parents Only
11:30 AM–12:15 PM
Lunch & Campus Store Shopping
(Store Operation Hours are 10 AM – 2 PM)
Enjoy an Orientation Lunch at The Fuse, Florida Poly’s all-you-can-eat dining experience. Fuel up with chicken parmesan, baked ziti, fresh veggies, burgers, fries, salads, desserts, and vegan and allergy-friendly options.
—
Everyone
12:15–1:45 PM
Break/Open Office Visits
(i.e. Student Business Services,
Financial Aid)
—
Parents Only
12:30–1:45 PM
Ignite Your Start
IST 1002/1003
Students Only
1:50–2:50 PM
Ignite Your Campus Connections
BARC 2200
Everyone
2:50–3:00 PM
Break
—
Everyone
3:00–4:00 PM
Ignite Your Campus Connections
BARC 2200
Everyone
4:00–5:00 PM
Great Expectations & What to Expect from Your New Phoenix
BARC 2200
Parents Only
4:00–5:00 PM
Ignite Your Class Schedule
OL Group #1 – IST 1026
OL Group #2 – IST 1028
Students Only
Stay Connected
Social Media
Stay in the loop and tag us in your Florida Poly moments!
