Freshman FAQ

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

About the Orientation Program
Admissions
Placement Testing
Advising and Registration
Parents
University Housing
Chartwells Dining Services
Health Immunization
Student Email
Tuition and Fees
Parking

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. “Day 1” takes place from 3pm – 7pm and “Day 2” takes place from 7:30am – 5:30pm. 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 Reservations form. Orientation Reservations are assigned in the order in which they are received. Students will be notified within 24-48 hours (business time) by email their assigned Orientation session. Students will also receive a confirmation packet by mail within 7-10 business days. It is important to check all schedules (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 schedule of classes 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 a.m. or late in the afternoon. Students who are not satisfied with their schedule can change it as late as the fourth day of fall 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, call the Office of Orientation and Campus Events at 904-620-1722. 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 and Campus Events at 904-620-1722 for instructions.

Is there a cost to attend the Orientation program?
Yes. You pay a $35 Orientation fee when you pay your tuition. You do not pay for this fee before or at the Orientation program.

Can I purchase my textbooks at Orientation?
Yes. Students may purchase their textbooks at the UNF Bookstore at the conclusion of the Orientation program. Students may also purchase their textbooks online at Effollet.com. Please note: Fall textbooks may not yet be available in the campus bookstore on the day of your orientation session. Students may wait until the first week of classes or purchase textbooks online through Efollet.

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 904-620-2624 or the UNF Office of Orientation and Campus Events at 904-620-1720.

What do I do if my admission term is incorrect?
You may contact the UNF Office of Admissions at 904-620-2624 and ask to have your file reviewed to correct your admission term.

What do I do if I want to change my admission term?
You may contact the UNF Office of Admissions at 904-620-2624 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 not attending UNF you will need to notify the Office of Admissions at (904) 620-2624. 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 and Campus Events at 904-620-2411 so that your spot may be available to another incoming student.

Is Math placement Testing Mandatory?
Yes. All First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students must participate in the UNF Online Math placement testing. 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) as part of your admissions requirement as was stated in your UNF Admissions letter.

What is being covered on the 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 any additional placement exams?
No. The only placement exam administered is the Math placement exam.

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 don't want to place students in a class that is too difficult, at the same time we don't 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 440) 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 (904-920-2627) or with a local community 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 904-620-2411.

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 with an Academic Advisor into 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 Summer APP program and the regular Summer B term begin on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 . Classes for the Fall 2009 term begin on Monday, August 24, 2009.

Is there anything that would keep me from registering for classes?
Yes. If your Health Immunization records are not submitted and cleared PRIOR to the Orientation session you are scheduled for you will be placed on hold and you will be unable to register for your classes. If you have any questions about what you need to turn in please visit the Health Immunization page. If you need to check and see if your records have been turned in or cleared please contact the Office of Medical Compliance at 904-620-2175.

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 have to 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 the ACE office at 904-620-1012.

Will there be a Parents Program?
Yes. There is a separate program for parents to attend in conjunction with the student Orientation program. Many of the program activities are for both students and parents. However, there are some select programs that are just for the students and just for the parents. For more information see the Parents Orientation Schedule.

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.

When should I submit my UNF Housing Contract?
You can go ahead and submit your UNF Housing Contract to the University Housing 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 University Housing at (904) 620-4663.

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 behind The Osprey Café) and they can assist you with your meal plan needs. Please note: your meal plan is swiped onto your Osprey1Card so you should get your Osprey1Card prior to purchasing your meal plan.

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 Webpage. If you need to check and see if your records have been turned in or cleared please contact the Office of Medical Compliance at 904-620-2175.

Will I get a UNF email account?
Yes. Email is the official form of communication between the student and the University. Students will be able to access their UNF email account 48 hours after they have registered for classes. For more information please see Email Accounts.

When is my tuition due?
Students entering the APP program or Summer 2009 will need to pay tuition by Wednesday, July 1, 2009 . Students entering the Fall 2009 will need to pay tuition by Friday, August 28, 2009.

Where do I pay tuition?
Students can pay tuition in the Cashier's office located in Building 1 or you may pay online through the 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 non 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.

Can I have my car on Campus?
Yes. Students parking on campus must have a valid parking permit (either a daily permit – cost $3 or buy a parking decal from the Cashier’s Office).

When and how can I purchase my Parking Decal?
Parking decals can now be purchased online for your convenience. Students who are entering the Summer 2009 semester will be able to purchase a term parking decal beginning in May. Students who are entering the Fall 2009 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 website for a full listing of available options to choose what is right for you.