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- Orientation Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about New Nole Orientation at Florida State University. If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact New Student & Family Programs at orientation@fsu.eduor 850-644-2785.
First Time in College:
Why is Orientation required?
Orientation is required in order to provide all new students with information about being a successful college student at Florida State University. You will learn specifics about the University’s academic requirements and all the campus resources available to you. Course registration occurs at each Orientation session and no one is allowed to register for their courses until they have attended their orientation session.
Is student housing required during New Nole Orientation?
Student housing accommodations during New Nole Orientation are available for first-time-in-college students starting in the Summer or Fall terms. Housing accommodations during Orientation are not provided for students starting in the Spring term. During Summer/Fall New Nole Orientation, two nights of orientation housing are included in your registration, unless you choose to opt out. Orientation housing is provided for the first and second nights of Orientation. Staying on campus during Summer/Fall New Nole Orientation provides each student the opportunity to meet other new students, get to know the Orientation Leaders, and fully experience campus life and involvement, including living with a roommate. Plus, it allows some extra sleeping time since you won't have to commute to campus!
When and how long is Orientation? Where is Orientation check-in?
There are different types of orientation programs based on the type of student and time of the year.
- Summer/Fall FTIC: Orientation sessions are two nights and two days in length. Students arrive on campus beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the first evening and the program will end at 1 p.m. on the last day.
- Spring FTIC: Orientation sessions are one day in length. Check-in will take place at the Student Union starting at 8 a.m. Housing is NOT provided for Spring orientation.
- More information about the specifics of your session will be included in your pre-arrival email sent to your personal and FSU email accounts.
If I register for Orientation and decide to cancel my admission to FSU, can I get a refund?
All orientation fees are non-refundable. Deciding not to attend Florida State University or having your admission rescinded due to academic performance does not qualify you to receive a refund of orientation fees. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Admissions at (850) 644-3420 if they have decided to decline their admissions offer.
If my family member registers and decides not to attend Orientation, can I get a refund?
No, just as with student fees — all family fees are non-refundable.
When I enter my emergency contact information, does it register the individual for Orientation?
No, entering emergency contact information does not register them for Orientation (this includes marking that your emergency contact will be attending Orientation). This information is collected in the event we need to contact someone while you are attending Orientation. All family members and guests must be registered for Family Orientation under the "Family Orientation" tab of your reservation.
What is the deadline to register for Orientation?
First-year students starting at FSU in the Summer/Fall terms have until May 5, 2023 to pay their Orientation fee and register for New Nole Orientation. New Summer/Fall FTIC students may have their admissions canceled if they do not pay for Orientation by the May 5 deadline. Keep in mind that each orientation session is capacity limited and sessions will close as they fill. Orientation session space is available on a first come, first served basis. There is not a registration deadline for transfer students or Spring students; however, you must register at least 7 days prior to your chosen Orientation session so that we can prepare for your arrival.
If assistance is needed during New Nole Orientation, an accommodations request can be submitted through the online orientation registration system or by contacting New Student & Family Programs. These accommodations cover a wide array of needs, such as language interpretation, visual, auditory, physical, and dietary needs to name a few. Please add requests in the orientation registration system within the myFSU portal or you can email orientation@fsu.edu with your accommodations requests.
New Student & Family Programs will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations if requested at least one week before the scheduled orientation date. If a request is made without one week’s notice, all efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodations but they cannot be guaranteed.
Students, if you need permanent or temporary learning or physical accommodations while attending Florida State University, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services, located at 97 South Woodward Avenue, 108 Student Services Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167. Contact numbers are (850) 644-9566 (Voice) or (850) 644-8504 (TDD).
How is my Orientation fee used?
Florida State University's orientation program does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the Orientation fees collected. These funds cover the use of University facilities, the development of printed publications, staff salaries, and other associated program costs.
If I’ve been accepted into FSU’s Honors Program, do I register for a specific Orientation?
No, honors students can attend any of the available orientation sessions. Each program will have specific sessions and information to address the needs of honors students.
If I’m in a limited-access major (Dance, Film, or Music), do I register for a specific orientation session?
Students in the above-named majors/programs will attend specific orientation sessions. The online registration system will limit your choice of dates only to those sessions which meet your major/program needs. If you have questions, please call New Student & Family Programs at (850) 644-2785.
If I have been accepted into the First Year Abroad or First Semester Abroad Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
All First Year Abroad (FYA) and First Semester Abroad (FSA) Pathway students will attend a specific sessionin Tallahassee before they go abroad. This session will cover everything from academic policy and procedures, academic advising, class registration, packing tips, and finances to study center specifics and safety. It will also provide students with the opportunity to meet and form relationships with fellow FYA/FSA participants. Family members are welcome. By attending, you’ll get the information you need before departing on your study abroad experience. If you have orientation questions, please contact New Student & Family Programs at (850) 644-2785. If you have questions about the First Year Abroad/First Semester Abroad programs, please contact International Programs at (850) 644-3272.
If I have been accepted into the CARE Summer Bridge Program, do I register for a specific orientation session?
Students in this program will attend a specific orientation session occurring just before the start of their summer term at FSU. These students will move into their summer residence hall and start New Nole Orientation and the CARE Summer Bridge Program immediately after moving in. If you have orientation questions, please call New Student & Family Programs at (850) 644-2785. If you have questions about the CARE Summer Bridge Program, please contact the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement at (850) 644-9699.
After I have registered for Orientation, can I change my session dates? If so, how do I make a change?
Yes! Once you have reserved your date, you may change the date of your session by logging back into the orientation reservation system through the myFSU portal. From there you can change your date in one of two ways:
- Click on Dates from the left side menu → Select a new date → Click Save & Continue.
- Click on My Reservation → Scroll down to Dates → Click Edit Section → Select a new date → Click Save & Continue
Keep in mind that each orientation session is capacity limited and sessions will close as they fill, therefore only sessions with space availability will be shown. Orientation session space is available on a first-reserve basis. If you are trying to get a reservation for a session that is already closed, we cannot assist you. You can monitor session availability daily via the myFSU portal. Please do this before calling our office to inquire about moving your orientation reservation into a closed or unavailable session.
How can I add a guest to my Orientation Reservation?
Once you have completed your orientation reservation, you can add guests to your reservation up to 7 days before your session by logging back into the orientation reservation system through the myFSU portal. From there you can add a guest one of two ways:
- Click on Family Orientation → Click on the “Add A Guest!” link → Enter the required information → Click Save & Continue
- Click on My Reservation → Scroll down to Family Orientation → Click Edit Section → Click on the “Add A Guest!” link → Enter the required information → Click Save & Continue
How do I pay for Orientation?
All online orientation payments must be made through the orientation registration system, which can be accessed through the myFSU portal (https://my.fsu.edu).
What will I do at Orientation?
You will learn about a variety of on-campus resources, offices, and opportunities, meet fellow students, meet with your academic advisor, and register for classes!
What should I wear?
Dress is casual. We will be indoors and outdoors and there is some walking built into the program; don’t forget to bring an umbrella/rain jacket–Florida is known to get an afternoon shower or two! Some rooms are cooler than others, so dress accordingly. Orientation will continue rain or shine.
In the event of inclement weather, we encourage students to check their official FSU email account for updates on the status of Orientation. Additionally, updates can be found on the New Student & Family Programs social media accounts. It is the responsibility of the registered student to communicate any closings or changes to the Orientation schedule to guests/family members.
What if I want to change my major?
Most first-time-in-college students can change their major when registering for New Nole Orientation. We highly recommend completing this prior to registering and attending orientation as it might impact the session you are registered for, availability to meet with an academic advisor, and course availability.
What should I bring with me to Orientation?
- Government-issued ID
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Unofficial copy of any college transcripts, CLEP, IB, and AP scores (if applicable)
- Proof of immunization records and insurance coverage (if not previously submitted)
- Pen and paper to take notes
Transfer:
Why is Orientation required?
Orientation is required in order to provide all new students with information about being a successful college student at Florida State University. You will learn specifics about the University’s academic requirements and all the campus resources available to you. Course registration occurs at each Orientation session and no one is allowed to register for their courses until they have attended their orientation session.
I’ve already attended an orientation session and have been in college for a while. Why do I have to attend New Nole Orientation?
When you become a new full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student at any public institution in the State of Florida, you are required to attend that institution’s orientation program. New Nole Orientation will help you understand the unique policies, processes, and resources associated with being a student at Florida State University.
When and how long is Orientation? Where is Orientation check-in?
There are different types of orientation programs based on the type of student and time of the year. Orientation sessions for transfer students last one day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check-in will take place at the Student Union and begins at 7:30 a.m. More information about the specifics of your session will be included in your pre-arrival email sent to your personal and FSU email accounts.
Can I stay in on-campus housing during Orientation?
On-campus housing is not available for students or family members participating in transfer orientation sessions.
If I register for Orientation and decide to cancel my admission to FSU, can I get a refund?
All orientation fees are non-refundable. Deciding not to attend Florida State University or having your admission rescinded due to academic performance does not qualify you to receive a refund of orientation fees. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Admissions at (850) 644-3420 if they have decided to decline their admissions offer.
If my family member registers and decides not to attend Orientation, can I get a refund?
No, just as with student fees — all family fees are non-refundable.
When I enter my emergency contact information, does it register the individual for Orientation?
No, entering emergency contact information does not register them for Orientation (this includes marking that your emergency contact will be attending Orientation). This information is collected in the event we need to contact someone while you are attending Orientation. All family members and guests must be registered for Family Orientation under the "Family Orientation" tab of your reservation.
If assistance is needed during New Nole Orientation, an accommodations request can be submitted through the online orientation registration system or by contacting New Student & Family Programs. These accommodations cover a wide array of needs, such as language interpretation, visual, auditory, physical, and dietary needs to name a few. Please add requests in the orientation registration system within the myFSU portal or you can email orientation@fsu.edu with your accommodations requests.
New Student & Family Programs will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations if requested at least one week before the scheduled orientation date. If a request is made without one week’s notice, all efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodations but they cannot be guaranteed.
Students, if you need permanent or temporary learning or physical accommodations while attending Florida State University, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services, located at 97 South Woodward Avenue, 108 Student Services Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167. Contact numbers are (850) 644-9566 (Voice) or (850) 644-8504 (TDD).
How is my Orientation fee used?
Florida State University orientation program does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the orientation fees collected. These funds cover the use of University facilities, the development of publications, staff salaries, and other associated program costs.
After I have registered for Orientation, can I change my session dates? If so, how do I make a change?
Yes! Once you have reserved your date, you may change the date of your session by logging back into the orientation reservation system through the myFSU portal. From there you can change your date in one of two ways:
- Click on Dates from the left side menu → Select a new date → Click Save & Continue.
- Click on My Reservation → Scroll down to Dates → Click Edit Section → Select a new date → Click Save & Continue
Keep in mind that each orientation session is capacity limited and sessions will close as they fill, therefore only sessions with space availability will be shown. Orientation session space is available on a first come, first served basis. If you are trying to get a reservation for a session that is already closed, we cannot assist you. You can monitor session availability daily via the myFSU portal.
How can I add a guest to my Orientation Reservation?
Once you have completed your online orientation reservation, you can add a guest(s) to your reservation up to three days before your session by logging back into the orientation reservation system through the myFSU portal. From there you can add a guest two ways:
- Click on Family Orientation → Click on the “Add A Guest!” link → Enter the required information → Click Save & Continue
- Click on My Reservation → Scroll down to Family Orientation → Click Edit Section → Click on the “Add A Guest!” link → Enter the required information → Click Save & Continue
How do I pay for Orientation?
All online orientation payments must be made through the orientation registration system, which can be accessed through the myFSU portal (https://my.fsu.edu).
Students Attending Orientation:
If I am first-year student staying in orientation housing during a Summer/Fall session, will I be assigned a roommate?
Yes, a fellow new student will be assigned as your roommate. Rooms are assigned based on when you arrive at check-in, so if you would like to stay with a friend attending the same session, make sure you check in together. We hope the residence hall experience will introduce you to new friends and allow you to better understand college life.
If I’m registered for Orientation, do I have to be present at Orientation check-in?
Yes, it is important that you arrive for Orientation check-in on time so we can give you your schedule and get your session started on time. Both students and registered family members must check in. We cannot allow a family member to check in for a student or non-present family member.
Am I required to attend all programs and presentations during my session?
Yes, you must attend all of the programs and presentations at your orientation session, and attendance will be taken throughout the program. Students who do not attend their entire orientation will not have their orientation hold removed, which will prevent them from registering for classes. Being present and actively participating in your orientation session is crucial to a successful start at FSU!
Will I be advised on what classes to take during Orientation?
Yes. You will be instructed on academic information, including graduation requirements and enrichment opportunities, during your orientation session and will have an opportunity for small group and/or individual advising. Academic advisors will recommend courses for your first semester and help you develop an academic plan. You are also encouraged to communicate with your academic advisor frequently post-orientation.
Will I learn how to register for my classes?
During Orientation, you will learn how to use FSU’s academic resources and tools, including Schedule Assistant, to prepare you for course registration. Orientation staff and academic advisors will be available during the advising and course registration process to answer questions.
Can I register for classes if my Immunization Form has not been turned in?
No, the Immunization Form requirement is strictly enforced by the University. The Immunization Form can be downloaded from the Health Compliance website (https://studentinsurance.fsu.edu/immunization-requirements). If you have questions about the immunization or health insurance requirements, please call the Health Compliance office at (850) 644-3608.
Will I get my student ID card during Orientation?
You can get your FSUCard (FSU student ID card) anytime after you have been accepted, including during Orientation. The $10 fee for your initial FSUCard will be assessed with your first semester’s tuition. The FSUCard and its many uses will be discussed at Orientation.
Family Members:
If I’m not sure I can attend Orientation with my student, should I pre-register?
If you choose not to pre-register with your student and then are able to attend, your student can add you to their orientation reservation through their myFSU portal up to one week prior to their scheduled session. Additional guests can be registered on site at Orientation, but dining cannot be added to a guest registration starting the week prior to the session. If you register for Family Orientation but are unable to attend, your fees will not be refunded. However, your reservation can be transferred to another guest.
How is my Orientation fee used?
New Student & Family Programs does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the orientation fees collected. These funds cover the use of University facilities, the development of publications, staff salaries, and other associated program costs.
Is on-campus housing available for family members?
On-campus housing is not available for family members. For hotel accommodations and information on the city of Tallahassee, please visit visittallahassee.com.
Will I be with my student throughout Orientation?
You will see your student throughout Orientation, but the Family Orientation schedule differs from the student schedule. Some sessions will be specific to family members and some will be for students only. Orientation is designed to address the needs of family members and students, and we recognize that these needs and the best content delivery methods are sometimes different. We realize the importance of family in the college process and have designed a program that will provide you with maximum information and plenty of time with your students, but also time for them to explore college independence and gain a sense of confidence about starting at Florida State University.
Is there walking involved in the Orientation program?
Yes. Florida State University is a “walking” campus and Orientation requires participants to walk during portions of the program. Effort is made to accommodate the needs of family members with disabilities or other health concerns, but because of our hills and humid climate, we remind you to dress for warm weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Also don’t forget your umbrella/rain coat! The orientation program will continue rain or shine!
How do I request a disability accommodation for myself?
If assistance is needed during Family Orientation, an accommodations request can be submitted through the online orientation registration system or by contacting New Student & Family Programs. These accommodations cover a wide array of needs, including visual, auditory, physical, and dietary needs to name a few.
New Student & Family Programs will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations if requested at least one week before the scheduled orientation date. If a request is made without one week’s notice, all efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodations but they cannot be guaranteed.
Are children allowed to attend Orientation?
Yes, but this a personal decision for your family. Please remember that the length of orientation sessions may be long for young children and the program may contain topics which you are not comfortable having discussed in their presence. We will do our best to inform you of any potential programming that you may want to avoid with younger children in mind. Children under the age of 18 will need to register for Orientation but will only be charged for the meals associated with the program.
Will my student and I have the same meal times?
Our program changes each year and varies based on the target audience (freshmen or transfers). Based on facility space and scheduling needs, some meals may be together while others are separate.
Will Family Orientation start and end at the same time as the students?
Yes, approximately. The family and student orientation schedules run concurrently to each other. Some of the sessions will be together, while some will be held separately.
Will my student register for their classes at Orientation?
Yes, students are advised and register for classes during their Orientation session. Course registration occurs at the end of Orientation after students have learned more about academic requirements and opportunities at the University. Academic advisors and Orientation staff are available during course registration. Due to space limitations and scheduling, family members are not permitted in the room while students register, but can discuss their student’s schedule with them immediately after.
If I have questions about financial aid, housing, parking, etc., will I be able to get answers during Orientation?
Yes, these offices and more will present at New Nole Orientation and there will be opportunities for you to ask questions. We hope you leave Orientation with your questions answered and feeling well informed.
How will I know how much my student was awarded for financial aid or how much they owe for tuition, housing, and other fees?
After the Office of Financial Aid rewards aid, the information will be available on the myFSU portal (https://my.fsu.edu). Florida State University does not mail the student bill, but the student can access this information via myFSU after Orientation.
After Orientation:
Can I access my class schedule at any time?
You can access your course schedule at any time by visiting Student Central via the myFSU portal (https://my.fsu.edu). Occasionally the information will be unavailable for system updates, but downtimes do not last very long and are usually advertised in advance.
If I started at Florida State during the Summer term, am I required to attend another Orientation for Fall semester?
No, each student is only required to attend Orientation once.
If I am interested in becoming an Orientation Leader, where can I get more information?
You should visit the Orientation Leaders section of this website. More information will be published as we conclude Orientation session in August/September. Feel free to contact New Student & Family Programs if you have any questions.
