New Student Orientation
Fall 2008 Orientation Schedule
Jacksonville University New Student Orientation
Below is the tentative outline of orientation activities.
OPTIONAL Wednesday, August 20, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Drop & Go Move-in: This is your opportunity to move belongings in early and beat the heat. We ask that families literally drop their belongings off and stay at a local hotel. Thursday is the first official day of move-in and New Student Orientation, but we want to provide this early move-in opportunity for families to alleviate some of the stress on Thursday.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
This is the day to move into the residential community, get settled into your room, and wrap-up any outstanding administrative issues.
9:00am – 4:00pm Dolphin Marketplace
Dolphin Marketplace will provide one-stop shopping for all of your immediate JU needs. You will be able to pick up your student ID card, get your parking permit, set up your e-mail account (if you haven't already done so), visit with on-campus groups, and check out a few local businesses.
Please adhere to following schedule:
Last Names beginning with A-H from 9am-11:00am
Last Names beginning with I-Q from 11:00am-1:30pm
Last Names beginning with R-Z 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Noon, NROTC Students Arrive on Campus
NROTC students return to campus at Noon, and should visit Dolphin Marketplace between Noon-4:00pm. Here, you will get your orientation schedule and have the opportunity to visit with on-campus groups and a few local businesses. NROTC students and families should participate in all orientation events outlined below.
4:00PM, Residential Students Hall Meeting
Students attend their first hall meeting with their Peer Mentor. This is the first opportunity to meet all of their floor mates.
4:00PM, Commuter Student Meeting - Davis Student Commons 2nd floor
Commuter students can meet fellow commuter students and learn about opportunities to get involved on campus.
5:00pm-7:00pm, Dinner
Following meetings, everyone will go to dinner at staggered times. Please refer to the schedule you receive at check-in to find out your specific time.
7:00pm, Opening Session for Orientation
The Opening Session is your official welcome to Jacksonville University. Families and students are encouraged to attend this unforgettable event located in the Swisher Gymnasium. You will hear from the Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students, and the four student coordinators who planned the Orientation program. Students will meet their Group Leaders for the first time following opening session and their families can head back to their hotels for the evening.
8:30pm, Meet Your Group Leader
Students will get to know their Group Leader, a returning JU student volunteer who helps organize Orientation. Everyone will wear their free Orientation t-shirt (distributed at check-in) to get the first class picture.
**Check the 'Meet the Staff' link to get to know all of the Group Leaders.
9:00pm, Chinua Hauk & Chris Cauley Concert
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
9:00am, Parent & Family Orientation
Parents/family members and students will separate into programs geared specifically for their needs in the upcoming first year of school. Parents will have the chance to connect with some key contacts within the University such as the Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students, Director of Financial Aid, Controller, and a representative from Information Technology.
10:00am, First-Friday Welcome (Students only, family members should attend parent & family orientation)
The welcome is from Dr. Hazzard, the faculty member who led the academic initiative for New Student Orientation.
10:30am, Common Reading Breakout Sessions (Students only)
These small group discussions serve as a preface to a theme that will be carried throughout their fist year at JU through courses, speakers, performances, and other events.Therefore, it is very important that students read the book prior to their arrival.
**Check the 'Common Reading Program' link to find out more information about the book.
11:30am-1:30pm, Lunch
1:30pm, Robe for Matriculation
Only students are asked to come to the Davis Student Commons to prepare for the ceremony. Parents can make their way to the Swisher Gymnasium.
2:00-3:00pm, Matriculation Ceremony (Students and Families)
This special ceremony is the students' official induction into academia at Jacksonville University. It closely mirrors Commencement in that the students will be robed in graduation gowns and will be addressed by President Romesburg, Academic Vice-President Dr. Lois Becker, and Dr. Hazzard. Families are encouraged to attend this special moment in the student's college career.
4:00pm+ Various Major-Specific Events
The student will find out if they have specific events prior to Orientation. If you are an aviation, nursing, or fine arts major, you should expect to have an event during this time.
4:00pm-5:00pm, NCAA Compliance Session
This session is required for all athletes who compete in spring sports. Family members are welcome to attend.
4:00pm-5:00pm, Nursing Orientation
This session is required for all Nursing majors. Family members are welcome to attend.
4:30pm-6:00pm, Aviation Parent Orientation
This session is required for all parents of Aviation majors. The student Aviation orientation session is on Saturday.
5:00pm-7:00pm, Dinner (students, please dine prior to the start of your next session at 6:30pm)
6:30pm-8:00pm, Student Life Orientation (Students only)
The Student Life orientation session provides new students with an opportunity to collect information from current students and staff about integrating into college life, getting involved on campus, and learning about campus resources. We will conclude this portion of orientation with discussions led by your Group Leader. This is your opportunity to talk to current students about life outside the classroom during college.
9:30pm-Midnight, Pool Party
Join us at the pool for a relaxing evening lounging by the pool, swimming, or playing volleyball.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
10:00am, Transfer Orientation
This session is designed for all transfer students. You will have the opportunity to meet other transfer students, and talk with current JU students and administrators. You will have the opportunity to take care of administrative needs such as visiting Financial Aid, Registrar, Advising, Post Office, or Public Safety. Please bring your car registration and driver's license to be eligible to pick up your parking permit at Public Safety.
***Transfer students are certainly welcome to attend the orientation sessions on previous days, but are required to attend the transfer session on Saturday morning.
10:00am-2:00pm, Brunch
Morning, Goodbye time for students and families
The remaining events of Orientation are focused on helping students connect with other students. Parents, please encourage your students to attend the remaining Orientation sessions and community development activities.
Noon-1:30pm, Being a Multicultural Student on the JU Campus
This session is designed for our diverse population of students. Anyone is welcome to attend! We encourage minority students, first generation college students, and GLBTI students to join us during this opportunity to learn about campus resources available to meet your needs. You will have the chance to talk with current students and alumni about their experiences at JU.
2:00pm-3:00pm, Student Aviation Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm, Music Theory Placement Exam
4:00pm-5:00pm, Choral Auditions for new students interested in Choral Ensemble
4:00pm-6:00pm, Instrumental and Composition Auditions
5:00pm-7:00pm, Choral Auditions for new and returning students interested in Choral Ensemble
3:30-5:00pm, Movie at the Davis Student Commons Theater
5:00-7:00pm, Dinner with Group Leaders
7:30pm, Mad Chad Taylor (Comedian and Chainsaw Juggler)
8:30pm, Coffee House - Davis Student Commons
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
10:00am-2:00pm Brunch at the Cafeteria
10:00am-11:00am Chapel Service
An optional service for students will be held at the on-campus chapel and all faiths are welcome.
11:00am-2:00pm Community Service Learning Project - Meet in Gooding Auditorium
6:30pm Boat Cruise
Set sail on a traditional boat cruise down the St. John’s river. Meet in the parking lot located beside the baseball field and tennis courts to catch the bus. It will depart from the Jacksonville Landing on Sunday evening.
MONDAY, AUGUST 25 - FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
12:15p-1:15pm Student Employment Meeting -Gooding Auditorium
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29
11:00am-1:00pm Club Fair & Campus Ministries Fair
Stop by the Davis Student Commons courtyard to check out student organizations interested in recruiting new members. Additionally, religious organizations in the Jacksonville area are invited to the courtyard for students to collect information about local services they may be interested in attending.