WECOME NEW STUDENTS
Orientation
OVERVIEW
All Roads Lead to Loretto
We are expecting nearly 400 new students with their parents (including siblings, grandparents, etc.) to come through the doors of the Stokes Athletics Center this year to officially check in and begin their New Student Orientation. During this intensively active four-day orientation you will meet new friends, get to know your surroundings, and get ready for success at SFU.
The New Student Orientation program is intentionally designed and proven effective in assisting new residential, commuter, and transfer students with their transition to SFU and to prepare for success both inside and outside the classroom!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Check-In
As a new student, you are expected to attend the New Student Orientation program scheduled for Thursday, August 17 through Sunday, August 20. Your first stop will be the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center where check-in is from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please be aware that there is no option for "early-bird" check-in. It is important that ALL new students arrive on campus to officially check-in NO EARLIER than Thursday, August 17 at 9:00 a.m.
NOTE: The Office of Admissions coordinates suggested arrival times to help reduce congestion through the Check-In process. You should expect to receive additional information about 1 week before Check-In.
Check-In Guide Information 2023
What to Expect
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Thursday, August 17, 2023: “Welcome to the SFU Family”
Day 1
- Students and families will be officially welcomed to the Saint Francis University community.
- Residential Students and their families will be invited to Orientation Check-In at staggered times throughout the day to give you plenty of time to move into your residence hall and set up your room, meet your hallmates and your Resident Assistant staff.
- Commuting Students and their families will be invited to Orientation Check-In in midafternoon, which will still provide you with plenty of time to visit the bookstore, relax during our family receptions and explore the campus.
- Students will receive their official check-in time from Admissions about 1 week before Orientation.
- Students, Families, and Guests will join Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, at the Bell Ceremony at the Bell Tower across from Torvian beginning at 3:00 pm, followed by the President’s Welcome at 3:30pm on DeGol Field (Rain Location: Stokes)
- Families will depart campus no later than 6:15 pm as our New Students will be preparing for their first Orientation sessions that evening- focusing on connecting to your fellow classmates!
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Friday, August 18, 2023: “Connect your Academics to your Personal Journey”
- Rise and Shine! Your day will begin early with an Introduction to Academics by attending the University Convocation, Departmental meetings with your faculty and advisors, and getting to know others in your field of study.
- After a full morning and lunch- you’ll be able to then connect with other students as you link your academics to your personal wellness and safety.
- The evening promises to be tons of fun with Playfair, Red Flash Rally, Bonfire, and much, much more!
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Saturday, August 19, 2023: “Students Unite!”
- Students will have the opportunity to attend several smaller sessions in the morning- with the focus being on your developmental journey at SFU.
- Attend break-out sessions with your Orientation Counselors, Career Services, Campus Ministry, Financial Aid, Student Engagement (involvement on campus), and Study Away (just to name a few!)
- Your afternoon will be enhanced with additional engagement activities including a special treat from the Alumni Association.
- Your day will conclude with additional fun events throughout the evening.
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Sunday, August 20, 2023: “Ready to Step Out”
- After 3 full days of acclimating yourself to the campus community- take some time to relax and prepare for the first week of classes ahead.
- Not quite sure what to do? Our Orientation Counselors will host several activities throughout the day, including (but not limited to) guided tours of the academic buildings (so you can scope out your classrooms), outside games of volleyball and basketball, yard games, shuttles to the local Walmart to pick up some last-minute essentials.
- Don’t forget to join your classmates and upperclassman at the 8:00PM Mass this evening to welcome the beginning of the new year.
Day 1
- Students and families will be officially welcomed to the Saint Francis University community.
- Residential Students and their families will be invited to Orientation Check-In at staggered times throughout the day to give you plenty of time to move into your residence hall and set up your room, meet your hallmates and your Resident Assistant staff.
- Commuting Students and their families will be invited to Orientation Check-In in midafternoon, which will still provide you with plenty of time to visit the bookstore, relax during our family receptions and explore the campus.
- Students will receive their official check-in time from Admissions about 1 week before Orientation.
- Students, Families, and Guests will join Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, at the Bell Ceremony at the Bell Tower across from Torvian beginning at 3:00 pm, followed by the President’s Welcome at 3:30pm on DeGol Field (Rain Location: Stokes)
- Families will depart campus no later than 6:15 pm as our New Students will be preparing for their first Orientation sessions that evening- focusing on connecting to your fellow classmates!
- Rise and Shine! Your day will begin early with an Introduction to Academics by attending the University Convocation, Departmental meetings with your faculty and advisors, and getting to know others in your field of study.
- After a full morning and lunch- you’ll be able to then connect with other students as you link your academics to your personal wellness and safety.
- The evening promises to be tons of fun with Playfair, Red Flash Rally, Bonfire, and much, much more!
- Students will have the opportunity to attend several smaller sessions in the morning- with the focus being on your developmental journey at SFU.
- Attend break-out sessions with your Orientation Counselors, Career Services, Campus Ministry, Financial Aid, Student Engagement (involvement on campus), and Study Away (just to name a few!)
- Your afternoon will be enhanced with additional engagement activities including a special treat from the Alumni Association.
- Your day will conclude with additional fun events throughout the evening.
- After 3 full days of acclimating yourself to the campus community- take some time to relax and prepare for the first week of classes ahead.
- Not quite sure what to do? Our Orientation Counselors will host several activities throughout the day, including (but not limited to) guided tours of the academic buildings (so you can scope out your classrooms), outside games of volleyball and basketball, yard games, shuttles to the local Walmart to pick up some last-minute essentials.
- Don’t forget to join your classmates and upperclassman at the 8:00PM Mass this evening to welcome the beginning of the new year.
New Student Forms
It's important to get all of your new student paperwork in as soon as possible. Completing the following forms before you arrive on campus will speed up your check-in process!
All full-time undergraduate (12+ credits) students must have Health Insurance coverage:
- Student Health information can be accessed via the University web portal at https://my.francis.edu. Click on the Future Students tab to complete the Student Health Form.
If the following Financial Aid criteria apply to you, be sure to complete these necessary steps:
- Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling - Completion is needed ONLY if you are borrowing through the Federal Loan programs. Both steps need to be complete before any Federal Loan Funds would be disbursed into your student account.
- Financial Aid Verification Worksheet - Completion is needed ONLY if you have been selected for verification through the Department of Education. Prior notification would have been sent to your home address if this is necessary.
Contact Information
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at orientation@francis.edu.
We'll be happy to answer your questions and help to prepare you for your new life and your new family at SFU! Welcome to Saint Francis University!
Helpful Links
Directions to campus
Family Weekend
Information from Residence Life for new students - aka. "What to Bring/What Not to Bring" (login required)
Connect with your fellow classmates and your Orientation Counselors online by completing your Engage SFU profile. Simply log in to my.francis.edu and then click onto the "Engage" link from the menu on the left.
FAQs
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How long will it take me to get through Check-In?
Once you reach the Registration table (Table #1), it should take you 30 to 45 minutes.
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What are the times of Check-In?
Check-In is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. You will be assigned a check-in time by Admissions.
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What are the hours for the Bookstore during Orientation?
The Bookstore is located on the lower level of the JFK Student Center. Their hours for Orientation will be: Thursday, August 17 and Friday, August 18: 8:30AM- 5:00PM. Saturday, August 19 9:00AM-4:00pm. Sunday August 20 9:00AM-Noon. Please visit https://www.francis.edu/bookstore for additional information as well as to shop online.
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When do commuters check in?
Commuters are scheduled to check in from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
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When can I move into my room?
Once you have completed the check-in process, you can go to your residence hall. RAs will be available to answer any housing questions and give you your room key.
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Do we have to stop at every table?
We advise you to stop at all tables. Your check-in letter will indicate the mandatory tables, however, there is important information at each table (and possible swag too!)
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Where can we get lunch?
Lunch is available in Torvian Dining Hall from 10:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Cost for lunch is $9.00 per person and can be paid at the door. Frankie’s Campus Club (located in the JFK Student Center) hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. New students will begin using meal plans on August 17.
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What activities are for parents and families?
Parents and Families are welcome to one of 2 receptions hosted at the JFK Student Center in the afternoon. You are also invited to attend the President’s Welcome address at 3:30 p.m. at the DeGol Field (Rain location - Stokes DeGol Arena.
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What if I arrive late to campus and miss Check-In?
Students who arrive after 3:00 p.m. should go to the JFK Information Desk to pick up their Check-In Packet and receive information. Members of the Orientation team will be available to assist you. There will be another opportunity to complete the Extended Check-In process on Monday morning in Schwab Hall.
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What if I am a Transfer Student?
Transfer students are asked to attend the normal Check-In and New Student Orientation programming along with new first-year students. If you are unable to attend Check-In or Orientation, you will have another opportunity during Sunday evening’s Transfer Welcome and Monday morning Extended Check-In at Schwab Hall.
Once you reach the Registration table (Table #1), it should take you 30 to 45 minutes.
Check-In is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. You will be assigned a check-in time by Admissions.
The Bookstore is located on the lower level of the JFK Student Center. Their hours for Orientation will be: Thursday, August 17 and Friday, August 18: 8:30AM- 5:00PM. Saturday, August 19 9:00AM-4:00pm. Sunday August 20 9:00AM-Noon. Please visit https://www.francis.edu/bookstore for additional information as well as to shop online.
Commuters are scheduled to check in from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Once you have completed the check-in process, you can go to your residence hall. RAs will be available to answer any housing questions and give you your room key.
We advise you to stop at all tables. Your check-in letter will indicate the mandatory tables, however, there is important information at each table (and possible swag too!)
Lunch is available in Torvian Dining Hall from 10:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Cost for lunch is $9.00 per person and can be paid at the door. Frankie’s Campus Club (located in the JFK Student Center) hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. New students will begin using meal plans on August 17.
Parents and Families are welcome to one of 2 receptions hosted at the JFK Student Center in the afternoon. You are also invited to attend the President’s Welcome address at 3:30 p.m. at the DeGol Field (Rain location - Stokes DeGol Arena.
Students who arrive after 3:00 p.m. should go to the JFK Information Desk to pick up their Check-In Packet and receive information. Members of the Orientation team will be available to assist you. There will be another opportunity to complete the Extended Check-In process on Monday morning in Schwab Hall.
Transfer students are asked to attend the normal Check-In and New Student Orientation programming along with new first-year students. If you are unable to attend Check-In or Orientation, you will have another opportunity during Sunday evening’s Transfer Welcome and Monday morning Extended Check-In at Schwab Hall.