Hello there! My name is Jamila Chambers. 👋
I am the graduate assistant for the Blazer Beginnings Orientation Program here at #VState. I oversee our awesome team of Orientation Leaders and work alongside Brenda Beasley (Director of Orientation) and Brianna Glenn (Orientation Intern) to ensure that all of our newest Blazers and their guests have the best Orientation experience.
I graduated from #VState in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and am currently working toward earning a Master’s in school counseling. This is my fifth year being involved with Orientation, and I love it more and more every year! During the summer I enjoy bonding with the Orientation Leader team, collaborating with various VSU faculty and staff, and welcoming our newest class of Blazers to this great institution.
Orientation can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make the process go as smoothly as possible. I’ve answered our most frequently asked questions in hopes that it will help you prepare for Orientation now and be able to enjoy the experience later!
Your Blazer Beginnings Orientation Questions Answered
Q: Will I sign up for classes at Orientation?
A: Yes! We have a team of Orientation Leaders and academic advisors who work in the registration labs with each student to create the perfect Fall schedule for you.
Q: When will I receive my housing assignment?
A: First-year students will receive their housing assignments for the 2019-2020 academic year on June 17.
Q: How do I find out more about financial aid?
A: At every Orientation session, Financial Aid staff meet with students and parents on an individual, first-come-first-serve basis about financial aid. At Orientation, you’ll be able to secure a place in line for one of these meetings by signing up on the tablet outside of the conference rooms. There will also be an information session during Orientation in which staff members from the Bursary will explain how to pay student fees and tuition, which is also important information to know in addition to learning about financial aid.
Q: Will I be able to talk to representatives from student orgs at Orientation?
A: Absolutely! At the end of the Orientation day, we have a resource fair where various on-campus departments and organizations set up tables and provide students with information on their respective programs. 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 #VState.
Q: How long is Orientation from start to finish?
A: Orientation begins with check-in at 7:30 a.m. Typically, students and parents are done with Orientation by 4:30 p.m. So, in total, the Orientation day for students and guests is about eight or nine hours. 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.
Q: What should I bring to Orientation?
A: For students, it is very important that you 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, and/or immunization forms.
Q: How much does it cost to attend Orientation?
A: To attend Orientation, it costs $55 for the student and $25 per each guest that accompanies the student (three guest limit).
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. Through the day, we offer information sessions and even a Parent Q&A session that is very beneficial for parents and guardians. Also, we do kindly ask that each student and their guests adhere to our guest policy of three guests each. This limit is based on the physical capacity of the University’s facilities.
Q: Do I pick out my dining plan at Orientation?
A: You sure can! While students are in their morning and afternoon sessions with their Orientation Leaders and academic advisors, they will be shown how to log into their VSU Banner account and choose a meal plan. 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: Where will I stay during Orientation?
A: If you’re looking to avoid hotel costs and you want to immerse yourself in the true #VState experience, then stay on campus with us! The night before your Orientation session, we offer our Blazers and their guests the option of staying on campus in Hopper residence hall for $30 per bed, per night! This gives students and their guests a glimpse into on-campus living, and it also allows them to be present for the Orientation Kickoff events that occur the night before Orientation. (Note: On-campus lodging and Orientation kickoff is not available for the June 20th and August 8th Orientation sessions.) This arrangement is simply an option and overnight housing on campus is not required.
Q: What do I wear?
A: Summers in Valdosta can definitely be blazin’ hot! Therefore, I would recommend wearing comfortable, breathable clothes to your Orientation session. Students, specifically, will be walking to various areas of campus throughout 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 a rain cloud may visit us! If you forget any of these items, the VSU Bookstore will have you covered. The Bookstore carries a variety of #VState clothes, weather gear, and other necessities that you may need during your time on campus.
Learn more about your Blazer Beginnings Orientation online today!