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First Year Orientation FAQs

You've got questions….we’ve got answers! If you don’t see a question you need answered, contact us.

  • Is Orientation mandatory?

    Yes. Orientation is mandatory for all students. Students are required to attend all programs and presentations during their chosen orientation session. Your attendance and participation in New Student Orientation is a University requirement. Your orientation will prepare you for what to expect as a UNF student, you'll meet other new and current students, and you'll leave feeling ready for your first week of classes. If you have any further questions about the orientation requirement, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation at newtounf@unf.edu or (904) 620-1722.

  • How long is Orientation?

    Our standard New Student Orientation is a two-day program, unless otherwise noted. 

    Orientation check-in will begin on day one at 10 a.m. and the program will end around 1:30 p.m. on day two. Students will stay overnight in the Osprey Fountains Residence Hall.

  • How do I register for Orientation?

     

    • Log into your myWings portal
    • Choose Student on side menu
    • Select Student Resources, and then Banner Self-Service
    • Click on Admissions
    • Choose Orientation Registration

    Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

    Please check your high school graduation date, rehearsals and family vacation schedules before registering for your session. You may switch sessions after your initial registration, if necessary, but only to another session that has availability.

  • What should I bring to Orientation?

    Students beginning in Summer or Fall 2024, who are participating in the two-day Orientation should bring:

    • Government-issued photo ID (required in order to pick up your University ID)
    • Clothing for two days
    • Pillow
    • Light blanket (We provide sheets, but the rooms get a little chilly.)
    • Toiletries
    • Towel
    • Any medication you need
    • Alarm clock (Don’t forget your cell phone charger if your phone is your alarm.)
    • An umbrella or raincoat (Unexpected rainstorms happen in Florida.)
    • Bathing suit (The Fountains Residence Hall, where you’ll be staying, has a pool and a lazy river for you to enjoy in the evening.)
  • 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 first-year 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 8:00 a.m. 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?

     

    • Log into your myWings portal
    • Choose Student on side menu
    • Select Student Resources, and then Banner Self-Service
    • Click on Admissions
    • Choose Orientation Registration
  • What if I can't attend any of the scheduled sessions?

    If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled Orientation sessions, please contact the New Student Orientation office at (904) 620-1722 for assistance.

  • Is there a cost to attend the Orientation program?

    You can choose from two orientation options: 

    Option 1: Standard Orientation — $160  

    Our Standard Orientation option gives you an interactive orientation experience, including a dedicated First-Year Experience Mentor who will assist with course registration, what to expect at UNF and their tips to be a successful student. 

    During this experience you’ll meet individually with an academic advisor to craft your perfect class schedule and register for your classes. We’ll walk you through all your next steps from buying books and parking passes to how to use all of our academic and wellness resources. 

    Students who choose this option will receive various communications about course registration, student involvement opportunities, important financial aid information and dates. They will also receive invitations to future events hosted on-campus and priority course registration.  

    If you are experiencing financial hardship, please email us at newtounf@unf.edu. Our team will work with you to make sure you get the orientation experience you want!

    Option 2: Basic Orientation — $35    

    The Basic Orientation option give you access to a library of informational videos.  Students who pick this option will receive basic communications.

    Students wishing to choose this option will need to contact the Office of New Student Orientation to set it up.

  • What exactly do I get with each option?
    Standard Orientation
    • Two day program
    • Exclusive access to interactive online modules
    • Live faculty and staff presentations and interactions
    • Assigned Academic Advisor
    • Scheduled Academic Advising appointment
    • Hands-on assistance with course registration
    • Priority for course registration
    • Dedicated First-Year Experience Mentor
    • Opportunities to meet with other incoming and current students
    • Opportunities to get involved on campus before the first day of classes
    • Extensive communications about next steps
    • Access to Basic Orientation video library
    • UNF Backpack
    • UNF Lanyard

    Basic Orientation

    • Access to Basic Orientation video library
    • Communications on clearing registration holds
    • Communications on when you're eligible for course registration and how to meet with an academic advisor
  • I want to do the Standard Orientation option, but I’m not sure I can afford it.

    If you are experiencing financial hardship, please email us at newtounf@unf.edu. Our team will work with you to make sure you get the orientation experience you want!

  • Can I change my Orientation option after I have registered?

    No, once a student chooses and pays for the Standard or Basic option, they cannot change their Orientation option.

  • 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 through the UNF bookstore website.

    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.

  • Can parents / guardians attend the Orientation program?

    Yes. Parents and family members are encouraged to attend the Parent and Family Orientation that runs concurrently with their students programming. Please visit the Parent and Family Orientation webpage for registration and program information.

  • Can parents attend Advising and Registration with their student?

    No. Due to FERPA laws, UNF must ensure the privacy of student information, including a student's schedule. Parents are not permitted to attend their student's advising session because they would be violating another student's privacy. If parents have any questions about their student’s schedule, they may visit the First-Year Advising office with their student at the conclusion of the Orientation program, or contact them at (904) 620-1012.

  • What is the Parent and Family Orientation program?

    The Parent and Family Orientation program is a separate orientation session presented directly to supporters of UNF's incoming students. This program runs concurrently with the student program. During portions of the Parent and Family Orientation, you will be with your student, and for other sections there will be parent and family specific programming. For more information about this program, please visit the Parent and Family Orientation webpage.

  • Is math placement testing mandatory?

    The Math Placement Test is a UNF remotely proctored exam, and it is required for incoming new students. If you are currently enrolled in or have completed College Algebra through dual enrollment, then you are considered exempt from the Math Placement Test. You may also be exempt based on your chosen major. For more information visit our Math Placement Test webpage.

  • 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
    • solving equations with radicals
  • How do I complete the Math Placement Test?

    Students who have registered for New Student Orientation will have access to the Math Placement Course in Canvas located in myWings.

    Please Note: It may take up to 24 hours after you have registered for the course to show in Canvas.

  • Are calculators allowed for the Math Placement Test?

    No. The test is computer based and will provide an online calculator when appropriate.

  • Do I have to take the Math Placement Test if I am participating in the UNF Honors Program?

    Exemptions for the Math Placement Test are based on your chosen major and/or if you have completed or are currently enrolled in College Algebra through dual enrollment, and have received or are expecting a passing grade. For more information about the Math Placement Test exemptions, please visit the Next Steps Guide for New Students course in Canvas (access Canvas in your myWings account).

  • I took math courses through dual enrollment; do I still need to take the Math Placement Test?

    If you have received credit for College Algebra through dual enrollment credit, then you are considered exempt from the Math Placement Test.

  • What if my math placement score places me below college level math?

    You will first take the UNF Math Placement Test. If your score does not place you into college level math, you may be required to take remedial coursework at a local state college prior to beginning college level math at UNF. Enrollment and tuition at the state college would be the responsibility of the student. It is highly recommended you utilize the learning resources and practice tests available in Canvas on your myWings student portal account prior to taking the proctored test.

  • How and where do I take my Writing Placement Test?

    UNF no longer requires the Writing Placement Test.

  • Can I make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor prior to attending Orientation?

    First-Year Advising staff will be servicing currently enrolled students prior to the start of orientation, making it difficult to meet with incoming new students. For this reason, we have pre-scheduled time for you to meet one-on-one with your academic advisor during your 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?

    Class start and end dates are set based on the term. Freshmen admitted to the summer term will begin in the summer B semester, typically beginning in mid-June. Students admitted for the fall term will begin taking classes starting in mid-August. For specific dates, please refer to the UNF Academic Calendar.

  • How does the UNF meal membership work?

    UNF's meal memberships have been designed to accommodate the various needs of our students. With our meal memberships, you have options ranging from 10 to unlimited meals per week plans. Your Osprey 1Card Student ID is automatically connected to your meal membership. You can swipe for meals or use your Dining Dollars in the Osprey Cafe and other on-campus dining locations. For more information and pricing, please visit the Dining Services website.

  • Can I purchase a meal membership during the Orientation program?

    While we do not have time built into orientation programming for students to purchase meal memberships, you may do so at any time online: https://dineoncampus.com/unf/ 

    For more information and questions about meal memberships, please contact Dining Services at (904) 620-2543.

  • Will I get a UNF email account?

    Yes. Email is the official form of communication between the student and the University. Once you have been admitted, you will receive a UNF Student ID which will allow you to log in to your new student myWings account where you can access your UNF email. For more information please visit the Information Technology Services webpage.

  • When is my tuition due?

    Tuition and Fee information can be found on the UNF Controller's webpage. Current payment deadline information can be found at the Payment Deadline webpage.

  • Where do I pay tuition?

    Students may pay online with an e-check or credit card on the myWings web portal only. Students may also pay tuition and fees by cash or check in the Student Financial Services Office Hicks Hall, Building 53/Room 1100, by mail, or by the drop box located outside of the Student Financial Services Office.

    Please Note: Payments for tuition must be received in our office by the published payment deadline to be considered on time. Postmarks are not accepted. Payments placed in the drop box after the close of business will be assessed a $100 late payment fee.

    Please visit the Student Financial Services webpage for more information.

  • Can I pay my tuition with a credit card?

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

  • Can I pay my tuition with debit card?

    Yes. You can pay with a debit card online. There is a non-refundable convenience fee of 2.3% of the total transaction. Students are not able to pay with a debit card in the Cashier's Office at this time. You can pay with cash, check or money order in the Cashier's Office.

  • When is my housing rent due?

    Information about housing rent can be found at Important Housing and Residence Life Dates.