New Student Orientation is an annual program consisting of interactive, engaging presentations and activities intended to help acclimate all first‐year students to their new campus community. The program is offered to all incoming first‐year students as a means of transition and preparation for success in the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee community.

All newly admitted freshman students must attend Orientation.

Studies reveal that by increasing the amount of time first‐year students have to become familiar with their respective institution, the greater the likelihood they will stay throughout their first year of college. Furthermore, students who actively participate in orientation programs along with other first‐year transitional programs are more likely to stay in college, are more satisfied with their overall college experience, have greater academic success, and persist through graduation.

The academic success of each University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee student is the established priority of the University. New Student Orientation looks to complement this priority through programs that revolve around the following themes:
• SOCIALIZATION: Building relationships and forming friendships that will last a lifetime is an important aspect of college life. Students will have an opportunity to meet other incoming first‐year students prior to the start of the semester while at the same time becoming more familiar with the physical layout of the campus.
• ENGAGEMENT: Research has shown that students who become involved in collegiate life do better academically, rate a higher level of satisfaction with their educational experience, and gain more transferable skills that will benefit them in the future. Students will learn about the importance of getting involved while in college from an array of speakers and meet some of today’s student leaders who will share their experiences and insights on how all first‐year students can get involved on campus.
• BALANCE: A healthy balance of academics and out‐of‐the‐classroom experiences are essential. Students will be exposed to an array of speakers who will touch on how all first‐year students can maintain healthy lifestyles while balancing the rigors of their academic and social lives.
• PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Personal responsibility and accountability are essential to the success of any community. Students will engage in sessions designed to outline the risks associated with poor decision making and the consequences that go along with those decisions.
• PERSISTENCE: Staying persistent and focused on one’s goals is imperative from day one. Motivational speakers will help students become empowered to set their own goals while learning how to maintain focus and successfully achieve those goals.

Through the active participation of all first‐year students, New Student Orientation:
• forms friendships that will last a lifetime
• affords opportunities for students to become familiar with the resources available to them at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee while establishing greater familiarity with campus buildings and grounds
• develops a greater understanding in regards to the interconnected nature of the physical, social/emotional, and environmental aspects of one’s self, others, and campus community
• provides students with useful insights regarding academic, social, and personal challenges clarifies expectations related to college life
• creates a strong foundation from which every student is able to launch their collegiate career, ensuring persistence through graduation

• Obtain your NetID and make sure you can log in to your USF email account (eg. jsmith@mail.usf.edu). You will need your U#. Any information regarding Orientation will be sent to this email account.
• Make sure your home campus is USF Sarasota-Manatee. Only USF Sarasota-Manatee students can fulfill their Orientation requirement on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
• Make sure you have been admitted for the Fall 2013 semester.
• If you need to update your campus or admissions term (term of entry), please fill out this form and fax it to USF Sarasota-Manatee Admissions at (941) 359-4236.