Orientation provides you the wonderful opportunity to familiarize yourself with college life at FrancisMarionUniversity. It also helps you to begin building a bright academic future. We strongly believe in orientation and require it for all incoming freshmen and transfer students. Below is a list of what we have planned.
Meet faculty, staff, and administrators
Meet with an academic adviser to create a fall class schedule
Register for classes
Learn about campus services, programs, and resources
Meet other new students
Learn about campus life
Get your FMU student ID
Have fun!
When to Attend?
There are five orientation sessions this summer. Our two-day program for freshmen gives you a chance to see first-hand what it’s like to live on campus since you have the option of spending the night in one of our residence halls.
If you cannot attend a two-day program, we do offer a one-day program without the overnight option.
If you’re a transfer student, we have a schedule designed for you. The dates are the same, but the program is tailored to meet your needs as a transfer. Please see the Transfer Schedule section of this brochure for more information.
If you are from another state, the last August orientation is designated for you so you only have to take one trip to South Carolina and FMU.
Registration forms will be mailed to accepted students beginning in mid- to late-February.
Orientation Dates
June 11-12 (Thursday and Friday) *This session is full*
June 25-26 (Thursday and Friday) *This session is full*
July 16-17 (Thursday and Friday)
August 6 (Thursday)
August 24 (Monday) Reserved for out-of-state students
Freshman Schedule
Our two-day programs begin with check-in at 8:30a.m. and day one concludes around 7 p.m. You are required to attend every event planned during orientation. We serve lunch and dinner, and give you the opportunity to participate in several interactive sessions. The second day begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and runs through noon. Freshmen will meet with an advisor and register for classes during the second day.
The one-day programs on Aug. 6 and Aug. 24 begin at 8 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. We serve breakfast and lunch. You will register for classes before the end of the day.
Transfer Schedule
Orientation for transfer students is a one-day program offered on the same dates listed earlier. Select your first and second choices on the registration form. Your day will begin with check-in at 9 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. on day one of the program. If you choose the Aug. 6 or Aug. 24 option, your day will begin at 8 a.m. and end by 5 p.m.
Fees
Your $100 Matriculation Deposit covers the cost of your orientation and allows you to bring one guest
Your Matriculation Deposit is payable through the Admissions Office and confirms your enrollment at FMU. Please pay the deposit before registering for orientation to confirm your place.
For one additional guest, there is a $30 fee.
There is an additional $25 fee if you would like to stay overnight for a two-day program. Only students may stay overnight in the dorms.
We try to honor your first choice, but space is limited and sessions fill several weeks in advance. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. * No walk-in registrations will be accepted.* We prepare for expected students in advance.
Parents at Orientation
We encourage parents or guardians to participate in orientation. We’ve designed a special program for parents and guardians, because we realize that sending a student to college can be a major transition. Because parents and guardians cannot stay on campus, we have provided a list of nearby hotels:
Courtyard at Marriot
I-95 at Exit 160A 843-662-7066
Hilton Garden Inn
I-95 at Exit 160A 843-432-3001
Wingate Inn
I-95 at Exit 160A 843-629-1111
Ask about the special FMU discount rate.
What to Bring?
If you are staying on campus, we will provide you with a pillow and a set of sheets. We recommend that you bring the following items:
Towels
Blanket
Alarm Clock
Comfortable shoes and clothes
Umbrella
Toiletries
Light sweater and/or rain jacket
Bathing suit
Residence halls are apartment-style with single-bed rooms sharing a bath, living area, and kitchen.
Tuition and Fee Payment
If you attend a June session, a bill for your classes will be mailed to you in mid-July. If you attend the July or August sessions, a bill will be printed and given to you after you register for classes. Sometimes paying the bill is confusing—carefully read the instructions on the bill for an explanation of how and when to pay, how to apply your financial aid, and how to “Confirm your Schedule,” which finalizes your decision to attend FMU.
Francis Marion University
Orientation Office
P.O. Box 100547
Florence, SC 29501
1-800-368-7551 / 843-661-1279
Financial Support
