Do I have to attend an orientation?

Orientation is required for students who are coming to the University with less than 30 credit hours or are given the type of student as "first-time in college" by admissions. It is strongly encouraged for transfer students coming to UWF with 30 or more hours.   
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What are the orientation dates?

Orientation dates for the year can be found at the UWF orientation web page (http://uwf.edu/orientation/Dates.cfm). Mailed materials have the dates, also.    
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I haven't received any orientation information. Can you send me the orientation material?

Information is automatically mailed to all admitted students. You should receive information in your acceptance package from UWF. Students can also check LightHouse to see if they are cleared to register for orientation online.
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I lost my orientation material. Can you send another?

The best source of information is found on-line at uwf.edu/orientation. The registration is accessed through Lighthouse and completed online (http://lighthouse.uwf.edu).
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How do I sign up for orientation?

You must register for orientation via the web through LightHouse. Go to http://lighthouse.uwf.edu, log in, and click on Orientation Registration. Follow all directions to complete your online registration.
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Can I register for orientation over the phone?

NO. Students must register for orientation online through LightHouse. To register via the web, the student would go to http://lighthouse.uwf.edu, log in, and click on Orientation Registration. Follow all directions to complete the online registration process.  If you do have a problem with registering for orientation via the web please contact our office at 850-474-2384.
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How much does it cost?

Two Day Sessions  Student = $94.83, Guest = $56.82. Check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa are acceptable means of payment.   This charge covers orientation material, refreshments, meals, and the overnight stay in housing. 

One Day Sessions Student = $44.41, Guest = $24.41. Check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa are acceptable means of payment.   This charge covers orientation material, and lunch.
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Can I attend a different session from the one I registered for?

Yes, you may change sessions after submitting your registration. Changes to your registration may be done up to fourteen days prior to the orientation session you are registered for. Any changes made to the registration with less than fourteen days must be done by calling the Dean of Students Office at (850) 474-2384. You must change your registration for orientation via the web through LightHouse. Go to http://lighthouse.uwf.edu, log in, and click on Orientation Registration. Your completed registration form will appear; click on Edit My Orientation Registration and pick your preferred session dates.
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Do I have to stay for both days?

If you are required to attend the two day session then you must stay for both days (coming to UWF with less than 30 credit hours or as a "first-time in college" student).
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How long does the program last each day?

For January and May New Student Orientation last one day.  We will begin check-in at 8:30 a.m. central time, the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be finished around 5:30 p.m.

For June, July and August New Student Orientations:

Students with less than 30 credit hours:

Day 1, check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. central time at Martin Hall, the program begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at approx. 11:00 p.m.
Day 2, the program begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at approx. 5:00 p.m. (Individual advising appointments are scheduled throughout the day, as well as other activities, so a definitive time can not be given ).

*See Freshman Schedule for complete itinerary*

Students with credit hours between 30 or more hours (register for a transfer session)

The program will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at approx. 5:30 p.m.

*See Transfer Schedule for complete itinerary*
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What if I can only attend for part of a day?

You will need to reschedule the orientation for a session where you can stay for all activities on both days.
If a student leaves before the session is over, that student must then repeat orientation. The orientation hold will not be lifted in this case until an entire session is completed.
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What if I can't attend any of the orientation sessions?

If the student absolutely cannot attend any of the sessions they should contact the Orientation Office at (850) 474-2384 and explain the situation.
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How am I placed in the courses I need?

Advisors will work with you on proper course placement. This will be explained during orientation.
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What should I bring to orientation?

Freshmen - pillow, sheets for a twin size bed, towel and washcloth, clothes for the second day, comfortable shoes for walking, picture ID, toiletries, alarm clock, close toed shoes and comfortable clothes to move around in for the Recreation Center

Transfers - picture ID

If I attend the last session, will there be any classes left to register for?

Yes, there will be plenty of classes to register for. The TIMES of these classes may not be the most desirable to you, but you will be able to get courses which will go toward your degree plan.
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Where can I stay when I come to orientation?

Students attending the two-day orientation will be staying in a residence hall located on campus.  Your orientation charge covers the cost of housing for the night between the two-day session.  Students coming to the one-day session can make arrangements to stay on campus for a cost of $20.00 per night.  If the student is staying on campus then they will need to provide their own bedding for a twin size bed and towels.
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Can I come a day early/stay a day later?

Yes, for June and July orientations. Housing can accommodate early/late arrivals. You may register for these extra days by visiting the Housing and Residence Life website or calling (850) 474-2463.  There will be an additional cost for these extra night stays.
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Can someone pick me up from/take me to the airport?

NO, due to insurance and liability issues, we can not pick up or take individuals to the airport or bus station; they will need to call a taxi or make other arrangements.
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Do my parents have to attend?

No, parents are not required to attend. We do invite, and encourage, parent participation. We do have a separate, concurrent two-day program for the parents.
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Is there a fee for family?

Cost for guest to attend the two-day session is $56.82. The cost for the one-day orientation sessions is $24.41.
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How long is the parents' program?

Parents attending the one-day will be with their student at all times.

Parents attending the two-day sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. central time on the first day and end at 8:30 p.m. and will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the second day.
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Will the parents be with the students all day?

For the one-day sessions yes.  For the two-day sessions, no, not all day. There are a few joint activities in the morning with the students, but most of the activities are separate.
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How do I register for classes?

Students attending the two-day session will register for their classes when they meet with the adviser individually, on the second day, at their assigned appointment time.

Transfer students with 30 or more credit hours will need to make an appointment with their academic advisor for a time other than your orientation date.
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How do I get an I.D. card?

Getting the Nautilus I.D. card is built into the orientation program.

Students attending a two-day session will have their picture taken on the first day and will receive their Nautilus I.D. Card when they check-out on the second day.

Students attending a one-day session will have their picture taken that morning and will receive their Nautilus I.D. Card when the Orientation Session is over.
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IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PLACEMENT TESTING, COURSE PLACEMENT, ACADEMIC MATTERS, ETC., PLEASE CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY ADVISING CENTER (850-474-3170).

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO ORIENTATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEAN OF STUDENT OFFICE (850-474-2384) or email us at orientation@uwf.edu.
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