Orientation
Department Information
Location:
Johnson-Robinson Building
Stillman College
3601 Stillman Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm
Contact:
Phone:205.349.4240
Email: nso@stillman.edu
New Student Orientation
Before arriving to campus, new Stillman students will attend New Student Orientation on June 24th (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to familiarize themselves with campus, receive housing assignments, finalize class schedules, and complete any financial aid and/or scholarships requirements. New Student Orientation is a precursor to “First R.O.A.R.” programming, a week-long immersion during move-in week that will acclimate students to campus supports, social organizations, and much more. Handling all of one’s “business” during New Student Orientation in June is vital to seamless and enjoyable transition to campus First R.O.A.R and Welcome Week events.
Register for New Student Orientation
Registration for New Student Orientation is ongoing through June 1st via our admissions portal. If you’ve already gained admission to Stillman, simply complete the inquiry form in the portal.
June 24th, 2023
New Student Orientation Agenda
Stillman College is delighted to welcome its new Tigers to campus. We understand that transitioning to a new educational environment can be both thrilling and overwhelming, so we’ve designed a comprehensive orientation program to help new students navigate this transition seamlessly. Our orientation program is tailored specifically to provide you with all the essential information, resources, and support needed to make a successful start at our institution. We have outlined below an overview of what you can expect during the orientation process:
Welcome and Introductions: You will be greeted by our dedicated staff, faculty, and student leaders, who will introduce themselves and provide an overview of our institution’s history, values, and mission.
Campus Tours: We will guide you through our beautiful campus, showcasing key locations such as academic buildings, library, residence halls, dining areas, sports facilities, and student support services. Our goal is to familiarize you with the campus layout, making it easier for you to navigate your new surroundings.
Academic Advising: Academic advisors will be available to assist you in understanding our curriculum, course requirements, and academic policies. They will provide guidance on selecting courses, developing a class schedule, and setting academic goals.
Course Registration: During orientation, you will have the opportunity to register for your initial semester. Our advisors and faculty members will be there to support you in selecting classes that align with your intended majors and academic interests.
Information Sessions: We have organized informative sessions covering a range of topics, including library services, career services, health and wellness programs, campus safety, student clubs and organizations, and internship opportunities. These sessions aim to acquaint you with the various resources and opportunities available to you as a student.
Lunch: Southern cuisine will be provided by our world-class food service at a discount rate of $7.50.
Social and Community Building: We understand the importance of creating connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Therefore, we have included social activities, icebreaker games, team-building exercises, and social mixers in our orientation program to encourage interaction and help you build friendships within the student community.
Campus Policies and Procedures: It is crucial that you are aware of our university’s policies and procedures. We will provide detailed information on academic integrity, code of conduct, residence hall rules, parking regulations, and campus security protocols. This will ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities as members of our university community.
Financial Aid and Student Services: We recognize the significance of financial aid and student support services. Our orientation program will cover topics related to financial aid opportunities, scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study options. Additionally, we will provide information about the various support services available to you, such as tutoring centers, counseling services, and health clinics.
Technology and Campus Resources: In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in academic life. We will dedicate sessions to familiarize you with our university computer systems, email accounts, online learning platforms, and library databases. Our aim is to ensure you can access and utilize these resources effectively to enhance your learning experience.
Q&A and Wrap-up: At the conclusion of our orientation program, we will provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. We value your feedback and would appreciate your evaluation of the orientation experience. Additionally, we will equip you with additional resources, contact information, and next steps to follow after orientation.
We are confident that our orientation program will empower you with the knowledge and support necessary to embark on a successful academic journey at Stillman College. We encourage you to come with an open mind, enthusiasm, and a willingness to engage with the vibrant student community. We are eagerly looking forward to meeting you and assisting you in any way we can.
Once again, welcome to Stillman College. We are thrilled to have you join us and wish you a memorable and rewarding experience during your time with us.
Sincerely,
Kylon Alford-Windfield
Vice President Enrollment Management
New Student Orientation Checklist
- 1. Send In Final Transcript
Final Transcript Submission (Upon Graduation)
Final official transcripts can be submitted by your school or designee by the following methods:
Electronic transcript directly to admissions@stillman.edu
Mail your OFFICIAL transcript(s) to:
Office of Admissions, 3601 Stillman Blvd., Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
- 2. Accept Admissions Offer & Register for New Student Orientation
Orientation reservations let us know you’ll be joining us at Stillman College! Reserve your space in the upcoming class by submitting the following non-refundable fees. Check your original acceptance letter to locate the link for Enrollment/Orientation Fee. The Orientation Fee is $70, you can pay this now or choose to have it billed to your account.
- 3. Apply, Accept, and Verify Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Apply for UNCF Scholarships.
Students need to make sure they are paying close attention to aid given and amount of aid received. To successfully move from semester to semester students must have a zero bill, this means that any amount not covered by financial aid needs another plan to pay.
- 4. Secure your Dorm Room
Complete the housing application to begin securing your room for the Fall 2023 semester.
Apply for housing.
Housing Reservation Fee: $200 or $300 (Check housing accommodations for pricing).
Please note: Financial Aid must be applied, accepted, and verified to reserve room.
- 5.Submit Immunization Records/FERPA/HIPAA/Student Health History
An email from Dr. Aleisha Escobedo, director of Student Development at Stillman College, through Magnus Health will be sent to you, once enrollment confirmation is completed. It will come to the email provided by Stillman College. Please pay special attention to the contents of this email. Upload all requested documents and answer all questions.
- 6. Create your Schedule
Your schedule will be determined by your major. All new students will be block scheduled and transfer students classes will be based on degree audits.
First R.O.A.R. Schedule
Campus Welcome
Tuesday, August 8th
New Student Move In
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Wynn Hall, Roulhac, Hay Hall
Freshman Mixer
8:00 PM
Details: Free Pizza and Wings
Location: Roulhac Hall Food Court 1st Floor
Wednesday, August 9th
New Student Move In
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Wynn Hall, Roulhac, Hay Hall
Meet your Student Leaders
3:00 PM
Location: Birthright Alumni Hall (Gym)
Campus Tours
4:00 PM
Ice Cream Social
Location: Melissa Davis Courtyard 8:00 PM
Details: Music, Frozen treats, and Games
Family Feud
Location: Stinson Auditorium 11:00 PM
Thursday, August 10th
Informational Sessions –
Personal Wellness
10 AM
Dr. Alisha, Director of Student Development
Campus Safety and Rules/Severe Weather
10:30 AM
Phillip Cunnigham, Director of Facilities and Campus Safety & Carla Longmire, Chief of Police
Discipline/Handbook
11AM
VP of Student Affairs
Lunch
12:00 – 1:50 PM
Career Services
2:00 PM
Dean Andrew Roberston
Night at Cascade
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Super Skate
5900 Mcfarland Blvd. E.
Stillman Uncut w/ FiveSpot
Location: Hay College Center 8:00 PM
Friday, August 11th
Informational Sessions –
Academic Success
10 AM
Mr. Thomas Davis & Mrs.Christi Hitt-Aycock
Financial Aid/Scholarships
10:30 AM
Lunch
12:00 – 1:50 PM
Freshman Class Meeting
2:00 PM
Details: Lead by CAB, SGA & CKQA
Freshman Survival Guide: Alumni Edition
8:00 PM
Location: Stinson Auditorium
Details: Relatable info and stories from recent Stillman Alums
Saturday, August 12th
New Student Confirmation Ceremony Practice
1:00 PM
Location: Meet at Birthright Hall
Party @ Club Hay
10 PM – 1 AM
Location: Hay College Center
Details: Late Night Served (Wings and Fries)
Sunday, August 13th
New Student Confirmation Ceremony
4:00 PM
Location: Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church
The Freshman Fifteen Dinner
7 PM – 10 PM
Location: The Cafe
Lodging
Should new students and their families wish to stay overnight following New Student Orientation, Tuscaloosa and nearby Northport feature a variety of affordable and quality hotels that are located close to our campus:
3916 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
2610 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
700 Bridge Ave, Northport, AL 35476
3920 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Contact
The office of Admissions
and Recruitment
Questions about campus, residential life or your admissions status at Stillman College? Drop us a line and we will do our best to provide you with the necessary information.
FAQs
How important is new student orientation? ›
Orientation is a chance for students to learn how things work at their new school and meet other students as well as faculty and staff members. Orientation is also a chance for the school to start getting to know your student.
What do they tell you at college orientation? ›Your college orientation will likely offer several information sessions for students and parents. These sessions may include information about financial aid and the billing process, FERPA privacy laws, campus safety and security, academic support, and move-in day.
Should my parents come to my college orientation? ›Colleges know that many of today's parents remain very connected to their students and often have concerns. As such, parent college orientation sessions are a great way to dispel some of your worries and help you get the important information you need about your student's transition to college.
Should I skip college orientation? ›Myth: You Can Skip Orientation
In most colleges, orientation is mandatory. Some schools may give you exceptions or excuse you under certain circumstances, but most colleges will require you to go. And there's really no reason to skip this important introduction to your new college.
- Register Early. ...
- Finish Your Pre-Arrival Checklist. ...
- Prepare a List of Preferred Courses. ...
- Pack Necessities for Your Trip. ...
- Make Friends. ...
- Ask Lots of Questions and Take Notes. ...
- Be Open Minded.
Proper orientation helps the new employees to understand their main objectives and the work they need to do. This allows them to understand what are the organization's expectations in the long run. Thus, giving them the motivation to perform and become active in the work they do.
Do you make friends in college orientation? ›Orientation is usually the first experience that freshman have together as a group, and everyone is looking for a friendly face to hang out with. You'd be surprised how many people meet at orientation and remain friends throughout their 4 years.
What to expect during orientation? ›A typical orientation will include going over the company culture, leadership, mission and vision, and processes and procedures. Remember to include time for an office tour, introductions to core team members, department leaders, and the facilities where they will be working.
Should I bring my laptop to college orientation? ›To prepare for a college orientation program, carry a backpack, a bottle of water, a notebook, and a laptop. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes too. The in-person campus tour during college orientation gives you the opportunity to explore the college campus and become familiar with its environments.
What parents wear to college orientation? ›This can include wearing a nice shirt or blouse, and your best pair of shorts, or jeans. Women can even wear a comfortable dress with a pair of sandals or sneakers as well.
Can siblings come to college orientation? ›
Entire family can go to college orientation.
How long is an orientation? ›In general, a new employee's orientation will take around three hours or no longer than a full workday. However, the correct amount of time to spend on new hire orientation varies from organization to organization.
What is a pass fail in college? ›What Is a Pass/Fail Class? Most schools let students choose between a letter grade and a pass/fail option for certain classes. In a pass/fail class, students receive either a passing grade or a failing grade. In contrast, most classes assign letter grades — an A for 90-100%, a B for 80-89%, etc.
Is late orientation bad? ›Don't worry if you have a late orientation date. Colleges block off classes to make sure there are still good class times for Freshmen who register late.
Is it freshman or freshmen orientation? ›Freshman is a singular noun. It can also be used as an adjective. Freshmen is a plural noun.
Is it freshman or freshmen? ›⚡ Quick summary. Freshman is an irregular noun. The plural of freshman is freshmen and not freshmans, as in Most of the members of the book club were freshmen.
What is the meaning of freshman orientation? ›: a period of time before the semester begins when new students can start to become familiar with a college.
How important is orientation week? ›Orientation Week is an important time to prepare for University, make connections and meet new people. The University holds a number of welcome events during Orientation, and there are valuable information sessions about all the things you need to know to help you get started on your University journey.
What does an orientation program include? ›New employee orientation is guided training that provides information about a company to a new hire. It can include procedure, expectations and policies, along with specific training for that person's role.
How can I improve my orientation skills? ›- Welcome New Hires & Alleviate First-Day Nerves. ...
- Automate Your Pre-boarding. ...
- Standardize Orientation Day. ...
- Create a Warm Team Welcome. ...
- Communicate Clearly About Your Company Culture. ...
- Set Realistic Expectations & Provide Encouragement. ...
- Match New Hires with an Orientation Partner.
Does orientation have to be in person? ›
MYTH 1: Employee orientation has to be done in person.
It's a widely held belief that employee orientation must be conducted in person. This has been the case for so long that many companies don't even consider that there are other ways to do it.
- Connect with classmates online. ...
- Attend course nights out. ...
- Join clubs and societies. ...
- Hang around campus in between lectures. ...
- Be friendly.
As a college student, the need for connection and social support is more important than ever. But many young adults find it hard to make friends as they adjust to the demands of college life and living away from home for the first time. Introversion and social anxiety can make finding new friends feel overwhelming.
What is discussed in orientation? ›Orientation is the process of introducing new employees to their responsibilities, co-workers and workplace. An effective orientation training helps people feel more comfortable within their new roles, teams and departments, while also making them aware of company expectations and policies.
What questions would you ask your teacher? ›- What is one of your hidden talents?
- What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
- What's a typical Saturday night like for you?
- How often do you accidently start speaking Spanish at home? ...
- What are some pets you've had or would like to own?
- What is your dream vacation?
- How did you hear about us?
- What makes you the right person for this role?
- Why are you looking for a new job?
- What are some of your hobbies?
- Why do you want to work with us?
- What are your main strengths?
- What are your main weaknesses?
Dress comfortably: You should wear clothes that are comfortable and fit well to orientation. Professional, comfortable clothing can help you focus on learning your new role. Wear dark socks: Your sock choices can affect how people perceive your professionalism. Wear black or gray socks to orientation.
Should I bring my backpack to orientation? ›It's a good idea to bring a backpack to orientation because it is likely that you will be bringing home plenty of books and papers. Make sure to pack any forms that you or your parents filled out.
Do you need a laptop on the first day of college? ›Computer Case
You will definitely want to bring your laptop with you to the first day of class because even though some professors may not ask you to use it, there are professors who are tech-savvy and may have documents you will need to look at online while in class like the syllabus and other class-related material.
When buying a laptop for college, be sure to consider factors like RAM, battery life, and price. Students who prioritize flexibility and portability may prefer a 2-in-1 laptop. Several computer manufacturers offer special college student laptop deals and discounts.
What is the dress code for college students? ›
Typical outfits include either a pantsuit or skirt suit with a button-down shirt or blouse for women and a suit, dress shirt, and tie for men. Skirts and dresses should hit below the knee for women, even though you may see shorter styles in the classroom.
Am I first generation if a sibling is in college? ›Yes. Being a first-gen student means that your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member's level of education. Older siblings and family members who attended college may be a great resource as you navigate your college journey!
How do you make friends in college after orientation? ›Use social media, email, and phone numbers to contact everyone during the first day of classes. Check in on how their first few days of an activity went or offer to come help during move in. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will get to know you, trust you, and ultimately befriend you.
Are colleges more likely to accept siblings? ›Also, if the sibling is applying to a school with an Early Action policy, which unlike Early Decision is not binding, offering the sibling admission is a way to boost the college's yield since siblings are more likely to choose to enroll than are students with no familial ties to the institution.
Do you start right after orientation? ›The orientation may take place prior to you starting employment, or you could spend the beginning of your tenure at the job participating in an orientation program. Before you go, take the time to review the things you'll need to do to get ready to start your job on the right foot.
Is orientation usually a full day? ›Job orientation is the process of welcoming new employees to your company, which usually lasts between one day and one week.
Do you start the day after orientation? ›Orientation takes a few days but then once finished you are given a schedule to start work usually starting the next day.
What will an F do to a 4.0 GPA? ›The failing grade will NOT calculate in your GPA, but it will still show on your transcript.
Are D's passing in college? ›At most schools, a D is the lowest passing grade. That means students who earn a D or higher receive credit for the course. However, some schools set special policies around D grades. For example, at Lehigh, a D counts as a passing grade but does not meet prerequisite requirements.
Is C failing in college? ›A grade of C or better is required to earn a Passed; a C- or below will earn a Not Passed grade. A grade of C- may satisfy many requirements (e.g., General Education, elective) but a Not Passed grade will not earn any credit or satisfy requirements.
What is lack of orientation? ›
1. Loss of one's sense of direction, position, or relationship with one's surroundings. 2. Mental confusion or impaired awareness, especially regarding place, time, or personal identity.
Do you get paid less for orientation? ›Should the new hire be paid for time spent at either event? Generally, yes. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay new hires for time spent in meetings, training, lectures and other similar activities.
Why is orientation important for children? ›Orientation occurs at a specific point in time as part of the longer-term process of children's transition to school. The aim is to support every child to feel safe and secure and have a sense of belonging at school.
What should be discussed during orientation session? ›Orientation Meeting
Introduction to the company, its mission, functions and culture. Review of company organizational chart. Employee handbook review. Benefits plan information, discussion and preliminary enrollment.
You are strongly encouraged to attend New Student Session, your first step in academic onboarding. You'll learn about the campus and many of the services available to Bruins, meet with academic advisors, enroll in your first-term classes and much more.
Why is online orientation important for students? ›You'll Learn How Your Online Education Environment Works
At your orientation, you'll receive important information on how your school's online LMS works. Many orientations are interactive and provide practical experience in the LMS. This will help ensure you're ready to go on the first day of class.
The main purpose of employee orientation is to help new hires feel welcome and give them a clear understanding of their role and all the resources, equipment, and instructions they'll need to perform their job.
What are the problems of orientation? ›- Too much or too little information may overwhelm or annoyed the newcomers.
- Non-cooperation of supervisors by not releasing employees for the program, or not conveying information to new employees.
- Lack of support from the key executives.
The intention is to familiarize the individual with the societal values, norms, mores, customs, etc. in order to internalize the socially accepted behaviors into the individual. Orientation begins when the individual enters the setting. Socialization begins from childhood itself.
What are the four basic rules of orientation? ›- Major objectives of orientation are to.
- (1) gain employee commitment,
- (2) reduce his or her anxiety,
- (3) help him or her understand organization's expectations, and.
- (4) convey what he or she can expect from the job and the organization.
What should I do during orientation? ›
Common activities taking place during the job orientation include office/workplace tour, introducing colleagues and the team, a company presentation, introduction of company policies and safety regulations, and more. It is also a time for the new hire to sign employment paperwork like tax and payroll forms.
Can you be late to a college orientation? ›Don't worry if you have a late orientation date. Colleges block off classes to make sure there are still good class times for Freshmen who register late.
Do parents go to UCLA orientation? ›New Parent & Family Orientation components are held separately of your student's orientation session but do coincide with the last day of each three-day First Year session – as well as a standalone session on Saturday, August 5. Family Orientation run from 8:00 am to approximately 5:30 pm PDT.
Does UCLA not look at freshman grades? ›UCs do look at courses you take in freshman and senior years; the grades and rigor of your coursework are considered in context of your overall curriculum. But freshman and senior year grades are NOT included in the GPA calculation.
What is a virtual orientation like? ›A virtual orientation program is a program that allows new students to become familiar with the university and its campus before they arrive. Students can attend a virtual orientation in a simulated university environment. This also allows them to get a feel for the university before they follow.
How to do an online orientation? ›- Complete the course titled "Online Orientation - New Students" in Canvas. The course will become available on the first day of your scheduled orientation session.
- Complete the online orientation course for your major in Canvas. ...
- Participate in academic advising.
With an online orientation program and database management, you can stay on top of your trainees' progress at the touch of a button. The system automatically alerts you to their training and orientation results after they successfully complete the program.