Orientation Guests
We recognize the vital role you play in your student's success, so we have created orientation programming for you.
Welcome, Orientation Guests!
We strongly encourage students and their parents, family members, and guests to participate in orientation together. For in-person orientation sessions, we’ve crafted content specific to families so you feel equipped with the knowledge to best support your student in their college journey. Your student can simply add any family members or guests to their registration, and we will follow up with additional information. Please review the to costs to learn more about our orientation fees, which provide the resources necessary to offer you an orientation experience.
If you plan to attend, you must register as part your student's orientation registration through MyUWF, as outlined in Before Orientation, and pay associated costs. We do not have a sibling orientation program. Any siblings or guests younger than 13 are not required to be registered; however, all meal costs will be the responsibility of the parent.
If your student has selected a virtual orientation experience, we encourage family members and guests to join them for both the self-paced and real-time content, including an online course, virtual meetings, and presentations.
Orientation 2024 Guest Costs
| Fee Type | Guest Cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $40 |
| Orientation Fee | $37 |
| Sales Tax | $3 |
| Total | $80 |
Orientation fees are nonrefundable.
Orientation 2024 Guest Schedule
The Summer and Fall 2024 orientation schedules are available.
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9‑9:45 a.m. | Martin Hall, Building 920 | *Family Check-in: Check in with your student at Martin Hall. Then hop on the UWF trolley to travel to the Center for Fine and Performing Arts to kick things off at the Argo Welcome. |
| 10‑10:30 a.m. | Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 | *Argo Welcome: Experience a warm welcome into the Argo family! Meet student leaders and orientation staff, and hear from a senior administrator as we dive into our agenda. |
| 10:35‑11:20 a.m. | HIP and Informed:Want to learn more about the positive outcomes of engaging in high-impact practices? Learn how UWF helps students gain academic independence and success while exploring programs that can benefit their learning outcomes.. | |
| 11:30-11:45 a.m. | Commons Auditorium and Great Hall, Building 22 | Resource Fair: Explore the many resources available to your student at UWF. |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Nautilus Market, Building 22 | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:10 p.m. | Conference Center, Building 22 | Financial Aid and Scholarships: Join the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn more about the financial aid process, requirements, how awards are determined and disbursed, and more. |
| 1:15‑1:40 p.m. | *Costs, Payments, and Refunds: Learn from Student Accounts how to access Transact to view account balances, authorized aid, due dates, and payment options. Discuss the refund process, application of Florida Prepaid, and bookstore deferments. | |
| 1:40-2:05 p.m. | *Essential Campus Services: Business and Auxiliary Services will provide practical knowledge about the Nautilus Card, UWF Bookstore, Dining, and Parking and Transportation Services. | |
| 2:05-2:30 p.m. | *Campus Safety: Learn how UWF Police work diligently every day to keep you and our campus safe. | |
| 2:30‑2:50 p.m. | *Argos Care: Support, Accountability, and Leadership: Hear from the Dean of Students Office about your student's rights and responsibilities and the resources available to them through this office. | |
| 3-3:25 p.m. | *The Honors Experience: Is your student a member of the Kugelman Honors Program? Feel free to join them as they meet with Honors faculty, staff, and current students to learn more about the Honors experience. | |
| 3‑4:25 p.m. | Building 79, Room 171 | **Financial Aid Review (Optional): Your student can meet with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at this drop-in session to review their financial aid award package. They can meet individually with a financial aid counselor to discuss any outstanding requirements as well as review federal and state awards, institutional aid and scholarships, including Admissions scholarships and Florida Bright Futures. For questions regarding Florida Prepaid, third-party billings, payment plans option or short term loans, attend the breakout session presented by Student Accounts. Your student should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before orientation. |
| 3‑4:25 p.m. | Various Campus Locations | Breakout Sessions: Choose three 25-minute sessions. Each session will be held at 3, 3:30 and 4 p.m. |
| GI Bill® Benefits, Military Affiliated, and ROTC Scholarships: Learn about services and assistance provided by the Military and Veterans Resource Center to all students affiliated with the military, including those using GI or VA benefits. You will also learn about incentives and opportunities available to become a commissioned officer through the Army and Air Force ROTC programs. | ||
| Living the Argo Life: Housing and Residence Life will share the benefits of living on campus, housing resources and services, what students should know to get ready for college life, and important information about campus move-in. | ||
| Argo Guide to Success: A crash course on how your student can make the most of their college experience. | ||
| Importance of Financial Literacy: This Louis Maygarden Center for Financial Literacy presentation is partnered with PenAir Credit Union to enable students to make well-informed financial decisions and effectively manage their money throughout their lives. We will discuss how to analyze your income, set financial goals, develop a budget, establish credit, and manage debt. Students are encouraged to ask questions in order to increase their understanding of financial concepts. | ||
| 4:15‑5 p.m. | College of Business Pennington Atrium, Building 76A | Family Mingle: Join the Parent and Family Association (PFA) as you wind down from your busy day. Learn about PFA, ask questions about campus, and hear stories of UWF’s past and present while connecting with other Argonaut families and guests. |
| Feel free to check out local restaurants for dinner before you turn in and relax for the rest of your evening. We look forward to seeing you back tomorrow morning. | ||
*Joint student/guest session.
**If you wish to speak about specific information pertaining to your student’s financial aid file, you will need to have a FERPA release form on file in advance.
No trolley services will be available from Martin Hall. Day 2 will begin in Building 22, so feel free to park in adjacent Lot K.
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9‑11:30 a.m. | Argo Central, Building 18 | **Open Financial Aid Hours (Optional): Still have questions or concerns about your student’s financial aid? Stop by to speak with a financial aid counselor one-on-one. |
| 10:30‑11:45 a.m. | Conference Center Lower Lobby, Building 22 | Campus Tour (Optional): Join your family orientation leaders on a guided tour of our beautiful campus. Meet in the lower lobby of the Conference Center. |
| noon-1 p.m. | Conference Center, Building 22 | Family Lunch: Join us for a hearty lunch, mingle with other family members, and have any lingering questions answered by a panel of faculty, staff, and students. |
| 1-1:30 p.m. | Commons Auditorium, Building 22 | Welcome to the Argo Family and Commuter Resources: Your student isn't the only one becoming an Argonaut! Join us to hear how Family Programs can help support you and your student while providing opportunities for involvement and connections. Learn more about how your student can utilize Commuter Resources on campus. |
| 1:30-2 p.m. | Conference Center, Building 22 | Transitioning Well: Supporting Your Student's Collegiate Journey: This session from Counseling and Psychological Services will help parents and family members learn about the support services available to help students as they transition to college to pursue their educational and career goals. |
| 2-2:10 p.m. | Break | |
| 2:10-2:50 p.m. | Q&A Panel | |
| 2:50-3:10 p.m. | Conference Center, Building 22 | Navigating the Transition: Supporting Students with Disabilities from High School to Higher Education: This session will review the differences between academic accommodations in high school and college. By understanding these distinctions, the parents, families, and/or the student's personal support structures can play a pivotal role in empowering students to navigate and thrive in the inclusive environment of higher education. |
| 3:10-3:15 p.m. | University Commons and Conference Center, 22 | Letter to Your New Argo: Take a moment to consider your student and their intended success at UWF. We encourage you to write a short note to them as they begin this new chapter. |
| 3:30-4 p.m. | Martin Hall, 920 | Mandatory Orientation Checkout: Please make your way to Martin Hall to meet your student. All students will check out with an orientation leader in Martin Hall and pick up their Nautilus Card student ID. |
| 3:30‑5 p.m. | Various Campus Locations | Taking Care of Business: Further explore campus; visit the UWF Bookstore; meet with the Military and Veterans Resource Center, Student Accessibility Resources, or First Year Advising; or finalize any last-minute items with Argo Central. |
**If you wish to speak about specific information pertaining to your student’s financial aid file, you will need to have a FERPA release form on file in advance.
Join the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn more about the financial aid process, requirements, how awards are determined and disbursed, and more.
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9-9:45 a.m. | Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 | *Family Check-in: Check in with your student and enjoy refreshments before we kick things off at the Argo Welcome. |
| 10‑10:30 a.m. | *Argo Welcome: Experience a warm welcome into the Argo family! Meet student leaders and orientation staff, and hear from a senior administrator as we dive into our agenda. | |
| 10:35‑11:20 a.m. | HIP and Informed: Have you thought about how to help your student transition as a leader? Want to learn more about the positive outcomes of engaging in high-impact practices? Learn how UWF helps students gain academic independence and success while exploring programs that can benefit their learning outcomes. | |
| 11:30‑11:45 a.m. | University Commons Auditorium, Building 22 | Resource Fair: Explore the many resources available to your student at UWF. |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Nautilus Market, Building 22 | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:10 | Conference Center, 22 | *Financial Aid and Scholarships: Join the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn more about the financial aid process, requirements, how awards are determined and disbursed, and more. |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Conference Center, Building 22 | *Campus Safety: Learn how UWF Police work diligently every day to keep our students and campus safe. |
| 1:30‑1:50 p.m. | *Argos Care: Support, Accountability, and Leadership: Hear from the Dean of Students Office about your student's rights and responsibilities and the resources available to them through this office. | |
| 2‑2:25 p.m. | *The Honors Experience: Is your student a member of the Kugelman Honors Program? Feel free to join them as they meet with Honors faculty, staff, and current students to learn more about the Honors experience. | |
| 2:25-3:25 p.m. | Building 79, Room 171 | **Financial Aid Review: Your student can meet with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at this drop-in session to review their financial aid award package. They can meet individually with a financial aid counselor to discuss any outstanding requirements as well as review federal and state awards, institutional aid, and scholarships, including Admissions scholarships and Florida Bright Futures. For questions regarding Florida Prepaid, third-party billings, payment plans option, or short-term loans, attend the breakout session presented by Student Accounts. Your student should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before orientation. |
| 2‑3:25 p.m. | Building 74 | *Breakout Sessions: Choose three 25-minute sessions. Each session will be held at 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m. |
| GI Bill® Benefits, Military Affiliated, and ROTC Scholarships: Learn about services and assistance provided by the Military and Veterans Resource Center to all students affiliated with the military, including those using GI or VA benefits. You will also learn about incentives and opportunities available to become a commissioned officer through the Army and Air Force ROTC programs. | ||
| Essential Campus Services: Business and Auxiliary Services will provide practical knowledge about the Nautilus Card, UWF Bookstore, Dining, and Parking and Transportation Services. | ||
| Living the Argo Life: Housing and Residence Life will share the benefits of living on campus, housing resources and services, what students should know to get ready for college life, and important information about campus move-in. | ||
| Launching Your Involvement and Leadership Journey: With so many campus involvement options, how will you decide? Join Student Involvement and Recreation and Wellness to learn how your involvement decisions can support your success. Learn how to engage with UWF’s Fraternity and Sorority Life, First-Gen Success Network, Campus Activity Board, and more. | ||
| Argo Guide to Success: A crash course on how your student can make the most of their college experience. | ||
| Costs, Payments, and Refunds: Learn from Student Accounts how to access Transact to view account balances, authorized aid, due dates, and payment options. Discuss the refund process, application of Florida Prepaid, and bookstore deferments. | ||
| 3:25‑4:25 p.m. | College of Business Pennington Atrium, Building 76A | Family Mingle: Join the Parent and Family Association (PFA) as you wind down from your busy day. Learn about PFA, ask questions about campus, and hear stories of UWF’s past and present while connecting with other Argonaut families and guests. |
|
***Please note that students have additional programming until 5:30 PM and will be released from the University Commons, Building 22. Pick-up would be best in Parking Lot H, near the Nautilus Market. Feel free to check out local restaurants for dinner before you turn in and relax for the rest of your evening. We look forward to seeing you back tomorrow morning. |
||
*Joint student/guest session.
**If you wish to speak about specific information pertaining to your student’s financial aid file, you will need to have a FERPA release form on file in advance.
No trolley services will be available from Martin Hall. Day 2 will begin in Building 22, so feel free to park in adjacent Lot K.
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9‑11:30 a.m. | Argo Central, Building 18 | **Open Financial Aid Hours (Optional): Still have questions or concerns about your student’s financial aid? Stop by to speak with a financial aid counselor one-on-one. |
| 10:30‑11:45 a.m. | Conference Center Lobby, Building 22 | Campus Tour (Optional): Join your family orientation leaders on a guided tour of our beautiful campus. Meet in the lower lobby of the Conference Center. |
| noon-1 p.m. | Conference Center, Building 22 | Family Lunch: Join us for a hearty lunch, mingle with other family members, and have any lingering questions answered by a panel of faculty, staff, and students. |
| 1-1:30 p.m. | University Commons Auditorium, Building 22 | Welcome to the Argo Family: Your student isn't the only one becoming an Argonaut! Join us to hear how Family Programs can help support you and your student while providing opportunities for involvement and connections. |
| 1:30-2 p.m. | Conference Center, 22 | Transitioning Well: Supporting Your Student's Collegiate Journey: This session from Counseling and Psychological Services will help parents and family members learn about the support services available to help students as they transition to college to pursue their educational and career goals. |
| 2-2:10 p.m. | Break | |
| 2:10-2:50 p.m. | Conference Center, 22 | Q&A Panel |
| 2:50-3:10 p.m. | Navigating the Transition: Supporting Students with Disabilities from High School to Higher Education: This session will review the differences in the legal framework, assessment of needs, scope of accommodations and student/staff responsibilities between high school and college. By understanding these distinctions, parents, families and/or the students' personal support structures, can play a pivotal role in empowering students to navigate and thrive in the inclusive environment of higher education. | |
| 3:10‑3:15 p.m. | University Commons and Conference Center, 22 | Letters to Your New Argo: Take a moment to consider your student and their intended success at UWF. We encourage you to write a short note to them as they begin this new chapter. |
| 3:30-4 p.m. | University Commons Great Hall, 22 | Mandatory Orientation Checkout: Please make your way to meet your student. All students will check out with an orientation leader and pick up their Nautilus Card student ID. |
| 3:30-5 p.m. | Various Campus Locations | Taking Care of Business: Further explore campus; visit the UWF Bookstore; meet with the Military and Veterans Resource Center, Student Accessibility Resources, or First Year Advising; or finalize any last-minute items with Argo Central. |
**If you wish to speak about specific information pertaining to your student’s financial aid file, you will need to have a FERPA release form on file in advance.
