Fall Orientation - August 21-23, 2020
Note: this new and transfer student orientation is for on-campus program students. This is not for new online students.
About Orientation
Transitioning from high school to college, or transferring to a new academic climate, is a significant life change. The purpose of New Student Orientation (NSO) is to assist with this transition and make life easier and more successful for you in your first year. We will help you get settled in your new living space, inform you of resources on campus that support student success, and connect you with advisors and mentors that will help you through your first year and beyond.
Several things are going to happen during this training period:
- You will have a chance to confirm your class schedule and conclude the registration process.
- You will have an opportunity to move-in and set-up your residential living space. If you are a commuter, there will be several sessions to help you meet other commuter students.
- You will learn about resources available on campus to assist you in your success.
- You will meet other students, faculty, and staff committed to your ongoing success as a SWU student.
- We will help you reduce the anxiety that occurs during the transition to college life
- We will introduce you to the traditions and culture of our community.
Schedule and more information TBA.
Medical Release Form - must be completed and returned before class registration
Orientation FAQ
You, the student, should plan to be here. Orientation attendance is strongly encouraged as there will be a number of presentations made by campus personnel to help you gain an edge in being successful in the classroom and on campus.
Your parents and other family members may also attend. This is a family community and we want the family to be a part of this experience with you. There will come a time that we will ask for parents and other guests to depart, so that you may begin the transition to college life. However, up to that point, all are welcome.
Housing assignments are made through our Residence Life office. If you have any questions, or you would like to sign up for housing, you can contact AVP of Student Life Jason Tegen at 864-644-5143 or at .
Our financial aid staff is working hard to assist as many students as possible with their financial needs. If you have concerns or additional questions, you can contact them at 877-644-5556, or at .
You can contact the Office of Student Life if you have concerns at 864-644-5140. Please note any special accommodations or dietary needs during the online registration process. If you need to seek accommodations for a disability, you can contact Provost Tonya Strickland at .
There is limited space on campus for visitors. Conference Services will be happy to work with your family to determine the best “fit” for a room in a local facility, make the reservations for you, and help you get directions. You can contact them at 864-644-5191.
During spring orientation, SWU students do not have to pay for meals. Simply show your student ID. For residential students, all meals are part of your meal plan. Commuter students have the cost of their meals covered through donations.
We invite families to come and share in this experience with their student(s). Lunch tickets can be purchased for $7.00 each. If family members would like to eat breakfast on Saturday, they would pay $5.00 per person. Dinner will be $8.25 per person.
Our Dining Commons offers a wide variety of food options suitable for any palate or dietary need. From traditional Americana available on the grill, to specialty dinner nights such as Southern Favorites Wednesday, or Fiesta Fridays, you will be able to find what you are looking for and more.
For more information about campus dining, visit our Campus Dining page where you will find information about Pioneer College Caters, Dining Commons' hours, and guest prices.
Further Information
There are other resources available to you. If you look at the left sidebar or links above, you will see links to the orientation schedule and a checklist of items that need to be completed during orientation. You should check back periodically as we will continue to update this information the closer we get to orientation.
Special Note to Parents
Parents and other family members are welcomed to join us. In fact, we have a very special lunch incorporated into the schedule. Meal tickets for parents and other guests for our Community Lunch may be purchased at the Student Life table during the check-in and registration period and right before the Community Lunch.
Questions
We look forward to serving you and any additional guests this upcoming semester. We thank you for your commitment to Southern Wesleyan University and appreciate the opportunity to welcome you as a member of the Warrior Nation.
If you have any questions leading up to orientation, feel free to contact the Student Life Office at 864-644-5140 or Dr. Chris Confer, VP of Student Life, at .