Hello there 👋 My name is Luisa Garrett!
My name is Luisa Garrett, I am a Mass Media major going into my Senior year here at Valdosta State University. I came to VSU in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic so I missed out on a lot of the traditional first-year college experiences. I found that I really wanted to really push myself to get out of my room and interact more with the campus. I decided to apply to become an orientation leader right out of the gate during my freshman year, and I have been doing it ever since.
My goal has always been to help incoming students be as in love with Blazer Nation as I am. I want this to feel like a home away from home, and make sure students get to see all of the fun things that they could be involved in on campus like all of our various student organizations. What I always say to students now is Blazers support Blazers. No matter what we will be there for one another.
Orientation can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Try not to stress but think of Orientation as a quick guide to VSU.
Your Blazer Beginnings Orientation Questions Answered
Q: When will I receive my class schedule?
A: Your academic advising team will begin creating your summer or fall class schedule once you submit the required My Majors Assessment & Pre-Enrollment Survey and email a copy of the schedule to you before your scheduled on-campus orientation date. This is contingent upon you submitting the assessment and survey at least 2 weeks before your orientation session. If you do not have a schedule by your session date, an academic advisor will work with you to create your class schedule on the day of your session; this may add extra time to your session day.
Q: When will I receive my housing assignment?
A: First-year students will receive their housing assignments for the 2023 – 2024 academic year in July; check the main Housing page for an exact date. This will also include information about your Residence Hall and various tips on your move into campus housing.
Q: How do I find out more about financial aid?
A: At every Orientation session, Financial Aid staff and counselors meet with students and parents on an individual basis. Families can make appointments to meet on their orientation date or just drop in while on campus for orientation. There will also be an information session during Orientation with staff explaining how to pay student fees and tuition.
Q: Will I find out information about student organizations at Orientation?
A: Absolutely! Our Office of Student Life will be available from check-in through lunch to get you connected. There will also be a Fraternity & Sorority Life workshop available. Our Orientation Leaders are also very involved on and off-campus, so they are great resources to utilize for asking questions about getting involved at V-State.
Q: How long is Orientation from start to finish?
A: Orientation check-in is from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; check in at your convenience and visit our many campus partners as they open their doors for you. This is a time we have designed for you and your family to visit and engage with members across campus to learn about academic and non-academic resources. We have a map and OL team members ready to help you make your way around to see and learn from our staff about campus topics that are important to you. This is a time that you can make an appointment to meet with Financial Aid, meet your academic advisor, learn about student life, meal plans, parking, health services, and much more, so bring your walking shoes (and maybe an umbrella)! Although this may sound extensive, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge about various departments and offices across campus which will be vital information to take home. Typically, students and parents are done with Orientation by 5:00 p.m.
Q: What should I bring to Orientation?
A: For students, you must bring photo identification; we will use this to verify your identity when you check in. I would also suggest bringing any documents that our Admissions staff may need such as proof of lawful presence in the United States (ex. birth certificate, state driver’s license, etc.), final high school transcripts, dual enrollment credits, and/or immunization forms. We always recommend an umbrella – afternoon showers are bound to happen in Valdosta! The day will require movement around our campus, walking shoes are a good idea too!
Q: How much does it cost to attend Orientation?
A: To attend Orientation, costs are $55 for the student and $25 per guest accompanying a student.
This fee supports trained professional and student orientation staff, orientation materials, a meal for all guests, and a student gift.
Q: Can my parents come to Orientation?
A: Yes! We strongly encourage that parents or guardians be present at Orientation so that they will receive all of the important information that they need while their student does the same. Throughout the day, we offer information sessions that are beneficial for parents and guardians. We kindly ask no more than 3 guests to ensure we can accommodate you comfortably.
Q: Do I pick out my dining plan at Orientation?
A: You sure can! You will learn about meal plan options from our Dining staff. While you do have the ability to change your meal plan option up to three times, we encourage each student to consult with their parents/guardians, as well as the Blazer Dining staff when it comes to choosing the right meal plan.
Q: What do I wear?
A: Summers in Valdosta can be blazin’ hot! Therefore, I would recommend wearing comfortable, breathable clothes to your Orientation session. Students and family members will be walking to various areas for part of the day, so comfortable shoes are also important! Additionally, I would suggest bringing other items such as jackets and umbrellas, because we never know when rain may visit us! If you forget any of these items, the VSU Bookstore will have you covered. The Bookstore carries a variety of V-State clothes, weather gear, and other necessities that you may need during your time on campus.
Learn more about your day at Blazer Beginnings Orientation today!
