Orientation FAQs

Orientation is required in order to provide all new students with information about being a successful college student at Florida State University Panama City. You will learn specifics about the University’s academic requirements and all of the campus resources available to you. Course registration occurs at each Orientation session and to ensure attendance, no one is allowed to register for their courses until the end of the Orientation session.

When you become a new full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student at any public institution in the State of Florida, you are required to attend that institution’s orientation program. You may feel like you already understand the college environment and can register for courses, but it is important that you fully understand the unique policies, processes, and resources associated with being a student at Florida State University Panama City.

While registration for Orientation closes one business day prior to the session, we encourage you to register early. Each Orientation session is capacity limited and sessions will close as they fill. Orientation space is available on a first-reserve basis

All online orientation payments must be made through the orientation registration system, which can be accessed through the myFSU portal.

Florida State University’s Orientation program does not receive state dollars and is wholly supported by the orientation fees collected. These funds cover the development of printed publications, staff salaries, and other associated program costs.

Yes! Once you have registered for Orientation, you may change the date of your session by logging back into the orientation registration system through the myFSU portal. From there, you can change your date one of two ways:

• Click on Dates from the left side menu » Select a new date » Click Save & Continue
• Click on My Reservation » Scroll down to Dates » Click Edit Section » Select a new date » Click Save & Continue

Keep in mind that each Orientation session is capacity limited and sessions will close as they fill; therefore, only sessions with space availability will be shown. Orientation session space is available on a first-reserve basis. If you are trying to get a reservation for a session that is already closed, we cannot assist you. You can monitor session availability daily via the myFSU portal. Please do this before calling our office to inquire about moving your Orientation into a closed or unavailable session. There is no advantage or disadvantage to attending an earlier or later Orientation session.

Once you have completed your online orientation reservation, you can add a guest(s) to your reservation up to three days before your session by logging back into the orientation reservation system through the myFSU Portal. From there you can add a guest(s) one of two ways:

• Click on Guests » Click on the Add A Guest link » Enter the required information » Click Save & Continue
• Click on My Reservation » Scroll down to Guests » Click Edit Section » Click on the Add A Guest link » Enter the required information » Click Save & Continue

We understand that plans change. Email studentaffairs@pc.fsu.edu to let us know. Be sure to give us your name so that we may change attendance expectations.

If assistance is needed during Orientation, an accommodations request can be submitted through the online orientation registration system or by contacting the Department of Student Affairs at (850) 770-2171 or studentaffairs@pc.fsu.edu. Florida State University Panama City will provide reasonable accommodations if requested one week before the scheduled Orientation session. If a request is made without one week’s notice, all efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodations.

Students, if you need permanent or temporary learning or physical accommodations while attending FSU Panama City, please contact Student Disability Services at (850) 770-2172.

All orientation fees are non-refundable. Deciding not to attend Florida State University or having your admission rescinded due to poor academic performances does not qualify you to receive a refund of orientation fees. If you decided not to attend FSU, it is your responsibility to notify the Office of Admissions at (850) 770-2311 or admissions@pc.fsu.edu.

Dress is casual. We will be indoors and outdoors and there is some walking built into the program. Bring an umbrella and rain jacket. Some rooms are cooler than others, so dress accordingly. Orientation will continue rain or shine.

• Government Issued ID so that you can get your FSUCard if you have not already done so
• Comfortable walking shoes*
• Umbrella and/or rain jacket*
• Bag for orientation materials
• Backup copies of transcripts, test scores, immunization records, and other documents as needed

Orientation is three-hours in length and check-in begins 30-minutes prior to the start of the session. More information about the specifics of your Orientation session will be included in your registration confirmation e-mail sent to your FSU e-mail.

Yes. It is important that you arrive for Orientation check-in on time so that we can give you your schedule and get your session started on time. Students must check-in for themselves; we cannot allow a family member to check-in for a student.

You will meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, get your FSUID Card and parking pass, and learn about a variety of on-campus resources, office, and opportunities.

Yes. You must attend all of the programs presented at your Orientation session. Student attendance is taken to ensure that you are getting the required information needed to be successful at FSU. Students missing sessions will have a hold placed on their course registration. Being present and actively participating in your Orientation session is crucial to a successful start at FSU Panama City.

The FSUCard may be obtained any time after you have been accepted, including during Orientation. The $10 fee for your initial FSUCard will be assessed with your first semester’s tuition. The FSUCard and its many uses will be discussed at Orientation.

No. Students and family members may park in any unreserved parking space on the FSU Panama City campus during orientation.

You can register for your parking pass any time after you have been accepted, including during Orientation. We will have passes available during check-in and throughout the Orientation session.

No, however there are a number of hotels and vacation rentals throughout the Panama City and Panama City Beach area.

Yes. You will be instructed on academic information, including graduation requirements and enrichment opportunities, several times during your Orientation session and will have an opportunity for one-on-one advisement. Academic advisors will recommend courses for your first and future semesters and help you develop an academic plan. You are also encouraged to communicate with your academic advisor frequently before and following Orientation.

Yes. We will teach you how to use all of FSU’s academic resources and tools, including course enrollment. Orientation staff and academic advisors will be with you throughout the advising and course registration process to answer questions.

No. The Student Immunization Record is strictly enforced by the University. Instructions for submitting the form are contained on the form. Please note that the FSU Panama City campus has a different form for students than Tallahassee; it is important that you use the correct form.

Most first-year and lower-division transfer students can change their major at Orientation when you meet with your advisor.

If you choose not to pre-register with your student and then are able to attend, your student can add you to the orientation reservation through the myFSU portal or on the day of the session via our check-in table. Seating is not guaranteed, however. If you register for Orientation and are unable to attend, there is no impact to you or your student.

No. While there is a fee for students to attend Orientation, there is not a fee for family members.

No. However, there are a number of hotels and vacation rentals throughout the Panama City and Panama City Beach area.

We realize the importance of family in the college process and have designed a program that will provide you with maximum information and plenty of time with your student, but also time for them to explore college independence and gain a sense of confidence about starting at Florida State University Panama City.

Yes. Florida State University Panama City is a walking campus and Orientation requires participants to walk during portions of the program. The Panama City campus is small; nevertheless, every effort is made to accommodate the needs of students and family members with disabilities and other health concerns. We remind you to dress for warm/humid weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Also, do not forget your umbrella and rain jacket; the Orientation session will continue rain or shine.

If assistance is needed during Orientation, an accommodations request can be submitted through the online orientation registration system or by contacting the Department of Student Affairs at (850) 770-2171 or studentaffairs@pc.fsu.edu. Florida State University Panama City will provide reasonable accommodations if requested one week before the scheduled Orientation session. If a request is made without one week’s notice, all efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodations.

Yes, but this is a personal decision for your family. Please remember that the length of Orientation sessions may be long for young children and the program may contain topics which you are not comfortable having discussed in their presence. We will do our best to inform you of any potential programming that you may want to avoid with younger children in mind.

Yes. Students receive academic advising and register for classes during their Orientation session. Course registration occurs at the end of Orientation after students have learned about academic opportunities and requirements at the University. Academic advisors and Orientation staff are present during course registration. Due to space limitations and scheduling, family members may not be permitted in the room while students register, but can discuss their student’s schedule with them immediately after.

Yes. Our financial aid office will be present at Orientation and provide opportunities for you to ask questions. You will leave Orientation feeling well informed and with your questions answered. You can also begin gathering information now by visiting our Financial Aid webpage.

After the Office of Financial Aid rewards aid, the information will be available to your student on the myFSU portal. Florida State University does not mail bills concerning owed fees, so it is important students access this information on the myFSU portal.

Make sure you visit the Post-Orientation section of our website and remember to submit any final high school and any other college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. If you have any questions or need assistance now or in the future, contact the Department of Student Affairs at (850) 770-2170 or studentaffairs@pc.fsu.edu.

Yes. You can access your course schedule at any time by visiting Student Central through the myFSU portal. Occasionally, the information will be unavailable for system updates, but downtimes do not last long and are usually advertised in advance.

No. Each student is only required to attend Orientation at FSU once.