BUSINESS
Francis Marion University
Orientation Socially Distances Through Social Media story by Matt McColl
Francis Marion University’s class of 2024 is coming together like no class before it.
through FMU’s Patriot Portal to help students explore and plan before their advising session.
Making a big decision like choosing a college in the midst of a pandemic is nobody’s preferred path, but future Patriots are making it happen with a little help from FMU’s Office of Admissions.
FMU admissions counselors and financial aid staff are available to answer questions in other crucial areas. And there’s an virtual orientation experience online, where students and families can learn about FMU academics, campus living and housing, student life, and more at FMU. It’s available on the FMU website at https://www. fmarion.edu/admissions/orientation/.
FMU’s Director of Admissions Jamee Hunt Freeman says that while most in-person interactions have been cancelled, the incoming class has continued to move forward by using phone calls, and an array of online tools, to provide students with an informative, and even an enjoyable, experience. “Many students have expressed what a positive experience this has been, and step away feeling reassured about their entry into the university,” Freeman says. The most critical part of this year’s orientation experience is registering for fall classes. Students are scheduling one-on-one, online appointments with advisors from FMU’s Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA). The CASA advisors discuss academic majors and related issues, and help students plan their class schedule. Online tools are available 24
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June 2020
The virtual orientation page includes links to register for orientation. Once students register for the overall orientation process, they receive a link that allows them to choose an appointment time for class registration. Freeman says this year’s class has a laudable attitude towards the unexpected nature of their initial college experience. “It’s been amazing to share in the enthusiasm and resiliency of this class, students are already forming close bonds that will carry them through their time here with FMU, and beyond,” Freeman says. “I’ve personally had a lot of fun seeing the students come together and meeting each other in their extraordinary circumstances. It’s always one of the highlights of my day.”
