Let’s talk about Panther Camp! Panther Camp is a traditions-based extended orientation program. Our mission is to provide incoming students with the opportunity to transition to FIU in an exciting and engaging manner. The program delves deep into how your student can decide who they want to be, what they want to do, and all the ways in which to do so during their time at FIU. FIU is working hard to ensure safety on campus and has implemented the Panthers Protecting Panthers (P3 app). With the university integrating more students, faculty, and staff on campus, Panther Camp will be offering on campus in-person in January. As a program, we want to continue to instill Panther Pride to all incoming students and assist in their transition to the college experience. Panther Camp will focus on creating an experience dedicated on building relationships with other FIU students, fostering school spirit, and cultivating future student leaders! More details about our upcoming Panther Camp sessions will be updated on our website, go.fiu.edu/pcamp. We as educators know the more involved and engaged a student is on campus, the better they will do academically. And here’s why: When students are invested in activities that interest them on campus, they want to succeed academically so they can continue with the programs that they enjoy. Also, one of the main challenges students face when starting college (especially one with over 56,000 students!), is the prospect of making friends and creating meaningful relationships. Getting involved with Panther Camp automatically creates a circle of support for your student sometimes even before they start their classes. These groups, we call “families”, also include our extensively trained student leaders, known as Panther Camp Facilitators. These students are well versed in institutional knowledge. Because they’re students themselves, they know what it’s like to be a new student at FIU. In turn that leads to your student feeling much more confident on campus, eager to seek out the opportunities which FIU offers, and more equipped to utilize the resources available to them that most students tend to pass up.
36 | Florida International University
Here’s what a past camper had to say about Panther Camp: “When I was accepted to the university, I was extremely fearful of what to expect. I imagined being just a number among the thousands of other students that attended. I then stumbled upon Panther Camp and my entire perspective was changed. I was able to meet other incoming students that were just as nervous as I was. Learning about campus resources and ways to get involved gave me the motivation to find my passions. Panther Camp ultimately gave me the courage to make my mark at FIU.” If interested, here are some options for students to sign up: • Register online at go.fiu.edu/pcamp • Speak to a Panther Camp team member during in-person and remote New Student Orientation, optional Orientation and Family Programs opportunities, or Panther Camp events • Contact our office directly on both our Modesto Maidique Campus or Biscayne Bay Campus and through our live chat: Orientation and Family Programs MMC – Graham Center 189 BBC – Wolfe University Center 129 P. 305-348-6414 F. 305-348-6483 panthercamp@fiu.edu Office Hours Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Our camp sessions are filled on a first-come, firstserved basis and spots do fill up quickly, so be sure to have your student sign up as soon as possible to take advantage of this life changing opportunity.
