Freshmen Orientation FAQs

You’ve got questions….we’ve got answers! If you don’t see a question you need answered contact the Office of Orientation and Campus Events.

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About the Orientation Program

Is Orientation mandatory?

Yes. Orientation is mandatory for all First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students. Students are required to attend all programs and presentations during their orientation session. Attendance is taken at some of the sessions, and your presence is expected at all times. We approach attendance at orientation as if you are already UNF students. For example, with many of UNF's classes, there is an attendance policy, and with some there is not, but in order to do well and succeed, you must be present. We feel the same way about orientation and in order for you to start out well and informed at UNF, being present and participating in your orientation session is crucial. (Oh yeah--it's fun, too!)
How long does Orientation take place?

Swoopapalooza is a two-day program. The first day takes place from 11:00am – 8:00pm and the second day takes place from 8:00am – 4:00pm. See the Student Schedule or the Parent Schedule for a complete listing of programs and sessions.
How do I register for a space at the Orientation Program?

Students register for Swoopapalooza by filling out the online reservation form. Orientation reservations are assigned in the order in which they are received. Students will be notified by e-mail their assigned Orientation session. Students will also receive a confirmation packet by mail. It is important to check all schedules (graduation, work, vacations, etc.) BEFORE making an Orientation reservation. Once a reservation has been made it may be difficult to choose another session with an open space.
Will I be able to get a good class schedule if I come to one of the later Orientation sessions?

There is no way to predict which classes will be available at registration throughout the summer. However, the most popular classes for FTIC students - English and math in particular -- are carefully monitored throughout the summer to make sure there is adequate space. Those departments will open new class sections if they see the need to create more room for new students. While there may be a wider variety of class options at earlier sessions, it's actually possible that someone at a later Orientation session may get to choose from options that weren't available earlier in the summer. The perfect schedule may not be available, but all students should be able to register for a full load of classes that will fulfill their core curriculum and degree requirements. New students should be prepared to be flexible and should not rule out registering for classes that begin as early as 8:00am or later in the afternoon. Students who are not satisfied with their schedule can change it as late as the fourth day of semester classes during the Drop/Add period.
What should I do if my plans change and I need to switch to another Orientation session?

Orientation sessions are assigned on a first come, first serve basis, and it's not always possible to assign students to their first choice. However, if you do need to change sessions, please fill out a new online reservation form. We will work with you to get you into an open Orientation session.
What if I can't attend any of the scheduled sessions?

If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled Orientation sessions, you should call the Office of Orientation at (904) 620-1720 for instructions.
Is there a cost to attend the Orientation program?

Yes. Student's pay a $35 Orientation fee when tuition is paid. You do not pay for this fee before or at the Orientation program. Parents/guests pay a separate $35 fee to participate in the Parents Orientation program. This fee is due at the time the Parents Reservation Form is submitted.
Can I purchase my textbooks at Orientation?

Yes. At the conclusion of the Orientation program, students may purchase their textbooks at the UNF Bookstore in the Student Union or online. Please note, Fall textbooks may not yet be available in the campus bookstore on the day of your orientation session, as they do not generally go on sale until July 1. Students may wait until the first week of classes to purchase or rent textbooks.

Parents

Can parents / guardians attend the Orientation Program?

Yes. Parents / guardians are more than welcome to attend with their student. Please visit the Parents Orientation Webpage.
Can parents attend Advising and Registration with their student?

No. Due to the limited amount of time each student has with an advisor we limit advising and registration to students only. If parents have any questions about their student’s schedule they may stop by the Academic Center for Excellence at the conclusion of the Orientation program or contact them at (904) 620-1012.
What is the Parent Orientation Program?

The Parent Orientation Program is a separate Orientation session presented directly to Parents of UNF's incoming students. This program runs concurrently with the Student Orientation Program. Many of the program activities will be presented to both the students and parents together; however, there are some select programs that are just for the students and just for the parents. For more information about this program please see the Parents Orientation Schedule.

Admissions

How do I know what term am I admitted to?

Please refer to your UNF admissions letter to see what term you are scheduled to enter.
What if I can’t find my admission letter to see what term I am admitted to?

You may contact the UNF Office of Admissions at (904) 620-5555.
What do I do if my admission term is incorrect?

Contact the UNF Office of Admissions at (904) 620-5555 and ask to have your file reviewed to correct your admission term.
What do I do if I want to change my admission term?

Contact the UNF Office of Admissions at (904) 620-5555 and ask to have your file reviewed to see if your admission term can be changed.
If I cancel my admission to UNF, do I need to notify the university?

Yes. If you do not plan on attending UNF you will need to notify the Office of Admissions at (904) 620-5555. If you have already signed up for an Orientation date and you have decided to cancel your admissions, please also contact the Office of Orientation at (904) 620-1720 so your spot may be opened to another incoming student.

Placement Testing

Is math placement testing mandatory?

Yes. All First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students must participate in the online UNF Math Placement Exam. This test is used to assist the advisors in correctly placing students in the appropriate Math course. The ONLY exception to this rule is if you are mandated by the state of Florida to take the CPT (College Placement Test for Elementary Algebra) as part of your admissions requirement as was stated in your UNF Admissions letter.
What is covered on the math placement tests?

The math test is a review of Algebra II. Please study the following concepts: exponential rules (multiplication and division); scientific notation; factoring; two equations with two unknowns; linear inequalities; percentages; rational expressions (multiplication, addition and subtraction); equations with radicals; addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of polynomials; quadratic inequalities; functions; rational fractions; slopes and equations of lines; perpendicular and parallel lines; and solving equations with radicals.
How and where do I take my placement tests?

The math placement exam is administered online. Students must complete their math placement exams before arriving for orientation.
Are calculators allowed for the math placement test?

Yes.
Do I have to take the math placement exam if I am participating in the UNF Honors Program?

Yes. All students are required to take the math placement exam.
I took math courses through dual enrollment; do I still need to take the math placement exam?

Yes. The math placement exam has been developed and created by UNF's professors to see where students will be the most successful in math at UNF. We do not want to place students in a class that is too difficult, at the same time we do not want to place students in a class that is too easy either. The advisors will take into account any dual enrollment or advanced placement classes that you have taken when assisting you with your math placement.
How do I determine if I need to take the College Placement Test (CPT) or the UNF math placement exam?

Students who have scored below the minimums on the SAT (less than a 460) or the ACT (less than a 19) on the math portions of these tests are required by the state of Florida to take the College Placement Test (CPT). Students who need to take the CPT are informed of by their UNF Admissions letter. Those needing to take the CPT can make an appointment with the UNF Testing Center or with a local state college. The CPT must be taken and you must have your scores sent to UNF prior to attending your scheduled orientation session. Those required to take the CPT will not need to take the UNF math placement exam as the CPT will serve as your placement. If you are unsure if you need to take the CPT please contact the Office of Orientation at (904) 620-2411.
Is the writing placement test mandatory?

Yes. All First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students must participate in the online UNF Writing Placement Exam. This test is used to assist the advisors in correctly placing students in the appropriate English course. Regardless of any previous English or writing classes you may have taken you will still need to complete this exam prior to attending orientation.

Advising and Registration

Can I make and appointment to meet with an Academic Advisor prior to attending Orientation?

No. We have built in time for you to meet one-on-one with an academic advisor during the Orientation program.
When can I register for classes?

Students will register for classes during the Orientation program after your meeting with an academic advisor.
When do classes begin?

Classes for the Spring 2013 term begin on Monday, January 7, 2013.

Classes for the Summer 2013 term begin on Monday, June 24, 2013.

Classes for the Fall 2013 term begin on Monday, August 26, 2013.
Is there anything that would keep me from registering for classes?
Yes. Any holds on your student account will keep you from registering for courses. Please check your UNF myWings account to view all holds.
1. Login to myWings.
2. Click on the "Student" tab and then look in the box called My Records.
3. Click the link for Student Self-Service.
4. Click the link for Student Records and then on View Holds.
5. The Holds page will inform you of any holds you may have and the appropriate office to contact should you need to take care of them.
The most common hold placed on freshmen is an Immunization Hold indicating you have not completed submitting and clearing your Health Immunization records. This form should be submitted and cleared prior to your scheduled Orientation session so you may register for your classes. For information, visit the Health Immunization page. If you need to confirm that your records have been received and cleared, please contact the Office of Medical Compliance at (904) 620-2175.

University Housing

Is Housing provided for the Orientation program?

No. Unfortunately, due to limited space in campus housing during the summer months we are unable to provide overnight accommodations for you on the UNF campus. We have worked with many of Jacksonville’s local hotels close to UNF to offer you a special discounted rate. See the list of local hotels recommended by the UNF Visitors Center.
When should I submit my UNF Housing Contract?

You may submit your UNF housing contract to the Housing & Residence Life office at any time.
When will I find out my housing arrangement and my roommate information?

Most students should receive this information about three weeks prior to housing check-in designated by housing operations. For more information contact Housing & Residence Life at (904) 620-4663.
When are my housing rents due?

Summer A rent is due to Housing & Residence Life by April 15, 2013.
Summer B rent is due to Housing & Residence Life by June 14, 2013.
Fall rent is due to Housing & Residence Life by August 1, 2013.

Chartwells Dining Services

How does the UNF meal plan work?

UNF's meal plans have been designed to accommodate the various needs of our students. With our meal plans, you will have the option of eating up to 23 meals on campus each week. When you become a meal plan member, your student ID card, the Osprey1Card, becomes your pass to use your meal plan at any of our dining locations how and whenever you like. When you sign up, select your meal plan based on your academic schedules, eating patterns and social life. For more information contact Chartwells Meal Services at (904) 620-2543.
Can I purchase a meal plan during the orientation program?

Yes. You will have time during the program to take care of University business such as purchasing your meal plan. Please go to Chartwell’s Dining Office (located in building 8) and they can assist you with your meal plan needs.

Health Immunization

Do I need to turn in my health immunization records prior to attending Orientation?

Yes! Students whose Health Immunizations Records have not been completed and cleared by the Office of Medical Compliance will NOT be allowed to register for classes. If you have any questions about what you need to turn in please visit the UNF Health Immunization page. If you need to confirm that your records have been turned in or cleared, please contact the Office of Medical Compliance at (904) 620-2175.

Student E-mail

Will I get a UNF e-mail account?

Yes. E-mail is the official form of communication between the student and the University. Students begin using their UNF e-mail account after they have signed up for Orientation. For more information please see Information Technology Services .

Tuition and Fees

When is my tuition due?

Students entering the Summer 2013 term will need to pay tuition by Monday, July 1, 2013 at 5:00pm.

Students entering the Fall 2013 term will need to pay tuition by Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 5:00pm.
Where do I pay tuition?

Students can pay tuition in the Cashier's office located in Building 53 (across from the Visitors Center Office) or you may pay online through the student's myWings portal.
Can I pay my tuition with a credit card?

Yes and no. Yes, you can pay with a credit card online. There is a non refundable convenience fee of 2.3% of the total transaction. However, at this time students are not able to pay with a credit card in the Cashier's Office. You can pay with cash, check or money order in the Cashier's Office.
Can I pay my tuition with debit card?

Yes. There is a no- refundable convenience fee of 2.3% of the total transaction. However, at this time students are not able to pay with a debit card in the Cashier's Office. You can pay with cash, check or money order in the Cashier's Office.
When are my housing rents due?

Spring 2014 rent is due to Housing Residence Life by December 1, 2013.

Summer A 2013 rent is due to Housing & Residence Life by April 15, 2013.
Summer B rent is due to Housing & Residence Life by June 14, 2013.
Fall rent is due to Housing & Residence Life by August 1, 2013.

Parking

Can I have my car on Campus?

Yes. Students parking on campus must have a valid parking permit. Semester and annual parking permits are available for purchase from Parking Services. Daily parking permits may also be purchased for $3 from parking permit dispensers located in and around parking lots 18 and 53.
When and how can I purchase my Parking Decal?

Parking decals are purchased online for your convenience through the Parking Services website. Please note, students are not able to purchase a parking decal until after they have registered for classes (which will happen during Orientation). Students who are entering the Summer semester may purchase a term parking decal beginning in May. Students who are entering the Fall semester will be able to purchase a parking decal online beginning in August.
What is the cost of a UNF Parking Decal?

There are several different options for you to choose from. Please see the Parking Services website for a full listing of available options to choose what is right for you.