6 minute read
Agenda for Parents
Please refer to the side-by-side agenda provided at check-in for specific times and locations.
DAY 1
} Program Check-in
During the check-in process, you will receive a nametag and your orientation materials. Additionally, representatives from Wells Fargo Bank will be available on the first floor of the Cohen Center to inform your student of the partnership between the bank and Eagle ID.
After checking in, please proceed to the Cohen Center Gallery to enjoy complimentary beverages, preview
Meal Membership information, and pre-order your
lunch if you choose. While you wait in the Ballroom for the Program Welcome be sure to look over the agenda to learn about the events that will take place over the next two days.
During this time, we will review the organization of the EVO program and provide some important information for you to get the most out of the experience. This is also an opportunity for you and your student to get to know the Eagle View Orientation staff, who will be your official guides during the program.
} Getting Started
This session will help you better understand the orientation process by helping you learn more about the goals and content of our Parent and Guest Program.
} Money Matters
Representatives from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Cashier’s Office will cover important information such as deadlines, tuition and housing charges, billing methods, and payment options. In addition, grants, scholarships, loans, Florida Bright Futures, and Florida Prepaid will also be covered.
} Campus Dining and FGCU Bookstore
This two-part session will take you through the dining and meal membership options available on campus, and the benefits of utilizing the FGCU Bookstore for all your student’s course materials and FGCU merchandise.
} Live Where You Learn
The Office of Housing and Residence Life will provide information and recommendations to assist you in preparing your student to live on campus at FGCU. Housing staff will acquaint you with Residence Life policies and procedures, offer tips for move-in day, and provide recommendations to help your student make the most of their experience. } Commuter Students at FGCU
Students choose to commute to FGCU rather than live on campus for many reasons, and it can be a challenge for them to feel connected to what’s happening at the University. If your student will not be living in a residence hall on campus, this session will provide you with information and ideas to help you provide the support he or she needs to have a great first year of college!
} Campus Safety and Parking at FGCU
This session will provide an overview of the University Police Department and their efforts to keep students and their property secure on campus. In addition, UPD will provide basic parking information for commuter and resident students who will utilize vehicles on campus.
} Off to College Skit
This dynamic production (performed by the Orientation student staff) will focus on how students can successfully navigate through many of the common issues affecting new college students during their transition to college life, including personal safety, health and wellness, and diversity issues. This is a great opportunity to take some notes about things to discuss with your student before they head back to campus to begin classes.
} Candid Convos: Supporting
Your Student’s Wellbeing
After learning about the common issues college students may face, you might be feeling overwhelmed and wondering how you can help. This session will provide you with a brief overview of how you can support your student during their transition, followed by a question-and-answer period.
} Housing Check-In
You can meet your student at their room in Palmetto Hall to check him/her into the residence hall.
} Family Dinner
Parents and guests have the opportunity to join their student for an all-you-care-to-eat-meal. The voucher you were given at check-in gives you complimentary access to the dining facility.
Please check your student’s nametag for your assigned
dinner group. Going to dinner at the correct time prevents having to wait in line as long.
Dinner Group A: Please arrive by 6:15 p.m. Dinner Group B: Please arrive no earlier than 6:20 p.m.
} Campus Tour
Good morning! Whether you are looking to start your day off with a walk or need a refresher about what is around campus, join us as we take in another beautiful morning at FGCU and point out some of the most important locations you and your student will want to remember.
} Morning Welcome and Day 2 Overview Let’s get this day started! In this session you will hear about what you can expect of the second day of Orientation.
} Academic Success: Partnering to Soar
University Advising Services will help you learn about the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in the State of Florida, as well as the policies that will affect your student’s academic progress and the completion of his/her degree. This discussion will also provide you with some insight into the advising and registration process during orientation (and throughout the first semester),and provide an understanding of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
} Academic Support at FGCU
The Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) provides free academic support services to students, assisting them to become independent and confident learners. The CAA staff will discuss their programs and provide tips for academic success for new students.
} Your Student’s Career Development
For many students, the first year of college is a time to make important decisions about their major and future career. In this discussion, Career Development Services will provide you with information about how YOU can assist your student in this process.
} Your Student’s First Year
Learn about your student’s transition into their first year where staff will cover our regular programming and new initiatives designed to assist students when it comes to learning and their development. They will cover the Eagles in 26 program, SPARK Peer Mentorship program, specifically designed to engage your first year as well as the benefits of FGCU’s University Transition course. Additionally, you will hear directly from Parent & Family programs about the services and events designed specifically for you, their greatest supporters. } The FGCU Scene – Ask us anything!
There’s more to college than attending classes. Get a glimpse of student life at Florida Gulf Coast University, as current students and parents candidly respond to your questions about the campus culture, the resources and opportunities available to students, and the things every new student needs to know before the first day of classes.
} Adjusting to Having a Child
in College/Closing Session
Attending Orientation is a signal that many changes are right around the corner for your son or daughter… and for you. Join the Dean of Students for a laid-back discussion about this important life transition and the changing role you will have in the life of your child. This is the perfect time to express your thoughts and concerns about the future and get some support and advice on handling the curves in the road ahead. Experienced families are welcome; sharing your words of wisdom with those who are sending their first child to college is an important part of the orientation program!
You did it! You’re officially a college orientation graduate! DAY 2
