Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is orientation?
A. Orientation takes place August 21-23, 2009. On Friday, August 21, resident students should arrive at 10:00 a.m. and commuter students at 2:30 p.m. Check-in at the Special Events Center.
Q. Who must attend orientation?
A. All new students, both resident and commuter, must attend orientation. Orientation is mandatory for ALL new students; please register online for orientation by August 14, 2009.
Q. What happens when I arrive?
A. If you are a resident student, you will check-in at the orientation table to receive information about housing, activities and meals. You will not be able to move into your living area until you check-in for orientation. If you are a commuter student, you will check-in at the orientation table. After checking in and receiving a schedule, many of the campus offices and services will be available to you at the Campus Connection Fair in the Special Events Center. After visiting the Campus Connection Fair you will be ready for the Opening Session at 4:30 p.m.
Q. What if I am already living on campus?
A. Students who have moved on campus (athletes, president scholars and student leaders) before August 21, will need to check-in at the orientation table on Friday, August 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and pick-up your orientation packet.
Q. Can I register for classes or change my schedule during orientation?
A. If you attended one of the summer registration days, you may make changes to your fall and spring schedules anytime with your advisor's approval. Please contact the Registrar's Office for assistance with adding or dropping courses at 559-453-2037. If you have not attended a summer registration day, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 559-453-2039 or 800-660-6089 to reserve your place at our next event. You have the first two weeks of the semester to make final changes to your fall schedule.
Q. How long can my parents stay during orientation?
A. Parents are welcome to stay through the President's Dinner and Commissioning Service on move-in day, which is Friday, August 21. After dinner there will be a commissioning ceremony in the Special Events Center followed by a Farewell Dessert. All programming thereafter will be geared towards students only.
Q. Is there a cost for the President's Dinner?
A. No. The President's Dinner is free for all new students and up to 3 of their family members. These tickets will be handed out at the orientation check-in table. If additional tickets are needed, they may be purchased for $5.00 when you check-in. Make your reservation when you register for orientation.
Q. What will we do during orientation?
A. You will meet with your mentor and get acquainted with your collegium (small group), meet many of the faculty and staff, and get to know other new students. You will also have the opportunity to attend workshops, visit the campus bookstore and get information about mail boxes, clubs and other activities.
Q. When will I receive my housing assignment?
A. Housing assignments are usually mailed out at the beginning of August. If you have any questions regarding your housing assignment, contact the Housing Office at 559-453-2073.
Q. I am a commuter student. Do I need to attend orientation?
A. Yes! Orientation is required for all new students. It is about getting acclimated to the FPU community, and commuter students make up half of that community. Orientation will allow all students time to meet faculty, staff and other new students. These relationships will become a valuable part of your experience at the university.
