2024 Orientation Schedule & Information

Check the schedule, safety tips, and guidelines to make the most of your orientation experience!

General Orientation Information

Essential details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable orientation experience. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following guidelines and resources.

Orientation Etiquette

Though you will have a lot of fun at orientation, it is intended to be an informative and educational experience. Appropriate and mature behavior is expected at all times. Please refrain from using inappropriate language, tobacco products, cell phones, or anything that might cause a distraction during sessions. Also, please be considerate of your fellow orientation participants/guests and refrain from excessive noise and inappropriate behavior in your residence hall or hotel. You are representing Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University at all times. We appreciate your cooperation.

Name Tags

Name tags should be worn to all orientation events, including meals. Provided along with your name tag are tickets for all purchased meals, along with snack coupons. Please do not lose your meal tickets because they cannot be replaced. Should you need a replacement tag, please contact an orientation staff member.

Safety & First Aid

The Orientation Office takes your safety and security seriously. In the event of an emergency, please notify an orientation staff member for assistance. First aid kits are available at the orientation information station located in the lobby of Lee Hall or the Student Health Center located in the Center for Access and Student Success Center.

If a medical emergency occurs after orientation hours, several local urgent care facilities and hospitals are in close proximity. Information for the closest facilities to campus are provided below:

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
130Miccosukeeee Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
850.431.1155
24-hour Emergency Room Service

HCA Florida Capital Hospital
2626 Capital Medical Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
850.325.5000
24-hour Emergency Room Service

Patients First
1690 North Monroe
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
850.385.2222
8 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Seven days a week)

Internet

Wireless internet is available for all orientation participants. Students can log in with their ‘iRattler' username and password. Family members, please use the guest portal to access the campus internet.

Social Media

Make sure you stay connected with other orientation participants through our social media hashtag #FAMU2024Orientation. Also, make sure to follow the orientation social media outlets for orientation updates and pictures.

📘 Facebook | famu.orientation
🐦 Twitter | @FAMU_NSO
📷 Instagram | famu_nso
💬 Snapchat | famunso

Lost and Found

All lost and found materials will be held at the information table located in the lobby of Lee Hall. Once orientation has ended, all items will be turned in to the lost and found station in the Office of Student Activities, located in the H. Manning Efferson Building.

Information Table

The orientation staff will have an information table set up in the Lee Hall lobby. Late check-in will occur here. Also, please stop by and ask questions or pick up a campus map. We are here to assist you.

Parents’ Lounge

Orientation is an educational, fun, and exciting time. It can also be quite overwhelming. The Parents’ Lounge has been created for individuals who may need to take some time to regroup or recharge. The lounge is located in the H. Manning Efferson Student Union — Rattler’s Den and will be open on Day 2 of orientation from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Meal plans and tuition prices are subject to change based on contract negotiations and State mandates.

Orientation Checklist

☑ Turn in immunization records to the Student Health Center

☑ Turn in residency documents

☑ Check on financial aid status

☑ Get a Rattler ID Card

☑ Check on housing status

☑ Meet with an academic adviser

☑ Register for classes

☑ Purchase a meal plan

☑ Open a bank account

☑ Submit final transcript

☑ Sign up for ‘iStrike’

☑ Have Fun

 

College of Love and Charity
We gather ’round thy noble shrine;
We lift our voice in praise to thee,
And ask a blessing all divine.

(Chorus)

FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee
I'll fight and win what'er the battle be
The Orange and the Green thy Sons shall e'er defend
And loyal to thy voice of love attend
FAM-U! FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee!

On gridiron, diamond, track and field,
Thy sons the vict'ry never yield¬-
And while they tread a broader life
Thy love shall stay them in the strife.

(Repeat Chorus)

God ever keep us true to thee;
Thy faith that truth shall make men free.
Shall guide thy loyal sons aright
And fend them thru' the skeptic night.

(Repeat Chorus)

 

 

We came to have some fun;
The party has just begun
(Ladies: Just Begun)
And you know we’re number one;
Gotta get up now.
This is the Rattler Show, Around & Around we go
(Ladies: ‘Round We Go)
And we ’bout to strike you know, Gotta Get Up Now.
Gotta Get Up,
Get Up,
For the Rattlers!

 

Schedule of Events

This section provides you with all the exciting and informative activities planned to help you transition smoothly into college life. From academic workshops and campus tours to social gatherings and resource fairs, our carefully curated events are designed to ensure you start your college journey on the right foot. Dive in and make the most of your orientation experience!

Day 1

8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
GET YOUR GEAR!
H. Manning Efferson Student Union (Multipurpose Room)

It’s orientation registration! Receive your orientation and enrollment material, as well as your orientation housing key. Remember to turn in your health immunizations and get ready for a great day! 

 
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
We’re Here! Now What?
Lee Hall Auditorium

What can you do to get the most of your orientation experience? What is orientation all about? Well, sit back as we explore the adventure that awaits you on your journey towards graduation. You will be greeted by a University administrator. We will review the orientation schedule, clarify FERPA guidelines, explain the placement testing examinations, and meet the 2024 orientation leaders. 

 
11 a.m. - Noon
The Better U
Lee Hall Auditorium

You will receive an overview of resources that are available to help make sure that your physical and psychological well-being are sustained. You will also receive tips to ensure your safety on our college campus. Please take notes as the following departments present this valuable information:

- Student Health Center
- Career & Professional Development Center
- Campus Safety/Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution
- Office of Financial Aid 

 
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH
Student Services Center (Main Dining Hall)

Stomach feeling a little empty? Time to fill it up with a bit of nourishment. No worries, we have a delicious lunch prepared for you. While you dine, please stop by the Wells Fargo table and sign up for a Wells Fargo account with one of their friendly and helpful bank representatives.

 
1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Gather Together: Orientation Leader Grouping
Grand Ballroom

All students should report to meet up with their orientation leader. Orientation leaders will escort students to the location of the next important and informative orientation session.

 
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Placement Testing
Various Locations

All incoming freshmen with less than 24-semester credit hours must be placed according to University policy. Criteria used to make placement decisions include ACT and SAT scores. Placement decisions are made to facilitate student success. Please refer to the testing information provided in your orientation and enrollment material that you received during registration. This information will inform you of which test(s) you are required to take. This session is only for students who did not complete the test virtually.

 
5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Student Services Center (Main Dining Hall)

Come hungry, dinner will be provided in the main dining hall. See what it’s like to eat amongst future classmates.

 

Day 2

7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Breakfast
Student Services Center (Main Dining Hall)

Rise and shine. Make sure you start your day off right with a nutritious meal. Get ready for an exciting day!

 
8 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Class Photo
Lee Hall Steps

Smile on 1, 2 and 3… Wear your class shirt as we take photos of the Class of 2028. Get ready to post them on your social media account. This photo will surely be a keepsake for years to come.

 
8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Admissions Office
Lee Hall Auditorium

You’ve graduated… but have we received your final transcript? The Admissions Office will explain the last few admissions steps.

 
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Registrar's Office
Lee Hall Auditorium

As the official keeper of records, the Registrar provides important information about the class registration process and the academic year calendar.

 
8:45 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Your Payment is Now Due: How to Pay Your Student Account
Lee Hall Auditorium

The Office of Student Financial Services will explain the different ways that you can pay your University fees. If you are preparing to use your Florida Prepaid Plan, you don’t want to miss out on this session.

 
9 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Counseling Services
Lee Hall Auditorium

The Office of Counseling Services will explain the services that are available to you to ensure your mental and physical well-being.

 
9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Academic Advising Procedures
Lee Hall Auditorium

You will learn more about the academic advising process, academic support services, and the different locations for advisement.

 
10:15 a.m. - Until
Academic Advising & iRattler Student Portal Schedule Input
H. Manning Efferson Student Union (Grand Ballroom)

You will be advised and enrolled in fall semester classes to ensure your academic success at Florida A&M University.

 

Day 1

8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Get Your Gear
H. Manning Efferson Student Union (Multipurpose Room)

It’s orientation registration. Receive your orientation and enrollment material and get ready for a great day!

 

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
We’re Here! Now What?
Lee Hall Auditorium

What can you do to get the most of your orientation experience? What is orientation all about? Well, sit back as we explore the adventure that awaits your student on their journey towards graduation. You will be greeted by a University administrator. We will review the orientation schedule, clarify FERPA guidelines, explain the placement testing examinations and meet 2024 orientation leaders.

 

11 a.m. - Noon
The Better U
Lee Hall Auditorium

You will receive an overview of resources that are available to help make sure that your student’s physical and psychological well-being are sustained. You will also receive tips to ensure your student’s safety on our college campus. Please take notes as the following departments present this valuable information:

- Student Health Center
- Career & Professional Development Center
- Campus Safety/Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution
- Office of Financial Aid

 

Noon - 1:45 p.m.
Lunch
Student Services Center (Main Dining Hall)

Stomach feeling a little empty? Time to fill it up with a little nourishment. No worries, we have a delicious lunch prepared for you and your student. While you dine, stop by the Wells Fargo table and sign your student up for a Wells Fargo account with one of their friendly and helpful bank representatives.

 

2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Parent Academic Advising
Lee Hall Auditorium

This is a special meeting just for parents to understand the academic and registration process. This session is also designed for you to ask questions pertaining to your student’s academic curriculum and learn more about the Rattler Parent Program.

 

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Better U – Part 2
Lee Hall Auditorium

You will receive an overview of resources that are available to help make sure that your student’s physical and psychological well-being are sustained. You will also receive tips to ensure your student’s safety on our college campus. Please take notes as the following departments present this valuable information:

- Counseling Services
- Title IX
- Center for Disabilities, Access, & Resources (CeDAR)
- Auxiliary Services & Wells Fargo Banking Services
- Student Financial Services
- University Housing

 

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Student Services Center (Main Dining Hall)

Come hungry. Dinner will be provided in the two locations.

 

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Campus Tours (optional)
FAMU Welcome Center

Do you know where the Perry-Paige Auditorium is located on campus? Join us as an orientation leader gives a guided walking tour of campus. They will point out places of interest while providing insightful information about the student experience at FAMU.

 
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tie-Up Loose Ends (optional)
Various Locations

This is your opportunity to take care of some “unfinished” business. Thank you for taking the time to listen and learn about the exciting journey your student will soon embark on!