Welcoming new students in style

Designed to introduce incoming students to the academic and social cultures of campus life, the University of West Florida’s New Student Orientation is helping students step out of their high school comfort zones and onto the pathway towards their college careers. Welcoming students with a pep rally full of cheers, step routines and dance show-downs between parents, UWF welcomes incoming students and parents in a very big and enthusiastic way. Throughout the last several weeks new students have been infiltrating the UWF campus, choosing to attend one of six two-day sessions that began on June 5.

“We want the new students to start to try to spread their wings a little bit,” said Branden Farmer, current UWF student and orientation leader. “Whether it’s through ice breakers, student life questions or just hanging out and sharing with them the experiences that we’ve had, we try to encourage them to just get out there since college is such a big step.”

Checking into their residence halls as soon as they arrive, students are handed their room assignments and keys for the night, followed by a chance to get a jump-start on registering for classes and meeting with their academic advisors. The new Argos are also able to hear from numerous current UWF students about their college experiences.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing life on my own,” said Candace Moore from Fort Walton Beach. “Orientation has definitely helped me get a feel for the campus and connect with the older students, as well as UWF staff.”

Moore, who was attracted to UWF because of its Psychology program, is looking forward to exploring the activities that the university has to offer, including the Campus Activities Board and Greek life.

“Orientation is significant to incoming students because it not only helps them become familiar with the university, but it also sets up a connection between incoming students and current students,” said Kayla Bird, junior elementary education major and orientation leader. “It sets up a line of support for incoming students.”

Throughout the two-day orientation, students get a chance to learn more about the UWF campus, meet faculty and staff and also obtain their student identification cards. Activities, speakers, events and more are all part of the experience to support incoming students in their transition into college life.

In addition to student orientation, a separate parent orientation is held during the same times as the student orientations. Parents have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students and learn more about what UWF has to offer.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Transition Programs at (850) 474-2384, e-mail orientation@uwf.edu or visit uwf.edu/orientation.

By Megan Tyson, University Marketing Communications