Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to welcome weekend activities!
Bring your student ID and computer password, you'll need it for the technology orientation session!
We will provide a t-shirt that you will wear on Saturday; be sure to dress accordingly!
Best aspect of Welcome Weekend according to the Class of 2016:
Meeting new people & making friends!
Learning where things are so I feel comfortable on campus for when classes start.
Being in a group with my iConnect classmates--it made the first day of class a lot less intimidating.
Attending the Resource Fair and learning how I can get involved at USF!
Listening to the Diversity Speaker--he is awesome!
The upperclassmen O-Team leaders are amazing! We learned lots of insider tips!
Welcome Weekend: Fall 2013
Welcome Weekend allows you to get a head start on making your USF experience successful. During Welcome Weekend, you will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and fellow students--the first step toward making life-long friends. By participating, you will find out about people, places, and programs on campus, all while having fun! You will also learn about community responsibilities and get answers for all of your last minute questions before classes begin. Trust us--we have some awesome things planned to help you find your place at USF!
When is Welcome Weekend?
Welcome Weekend takes place the weekend prior to the start of classes at USF. Whether you are a traditional first-time freshman or you are a non-traditional transfer student, our program will help you get connected to the USF culture and become familar with the campus. You are required to attend Welcome Weekend activities and you need to sign up.
A schedule of activities will be sent to you in early August, highlighting the activities that you will need to attend.
First-time freshmen should plan to participate in activities beginning Friday, August 23 at 2:00pm through Saturday August 24 at 8:00pm.
Transfer students should plan to be on campus on Saturday afternoon, August 24.
What if I can’t make it to Welcome Weekend?
If you are unable to attend Welcome Weekend, please contact the Student Life Office at (260) 399-8100 to make arrangements.
But I already attended Orientation…
You attended a Summer Orientation day either in the spring or during the summer. At that time, you had the opportunity to meet with an Advisor, register for your classes, and get your student ID. The Welcome Weekend program will offer you opportunities to become acquainted with the resources available to you on campus, ask questions of current students, and discover ways to get involved in campus life.
I’m a student age 21 or older, but I’m also a Transfer student. How do I sign up for Welcome Weekend?
If you are both an adult (age 21 or older) and transferring from another college or university, please sign up using the ‘I am a Transfer Student’ option.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin on Monday, August 26, 2013.
Can I bring a guest to Welcome Weekend?
Welcome Weekend is just for newly-enrolled USF students. There is not a program for parents, siblings, spouses and other guests; as such, they are not encouraged to attend.
Parents of resident students are invited to lunch on Friday, August 23 after making the move into the residence hall. Just be sure to tell us how many guests will be joining us when you sign up to attend Welcome Weekend.
Do I have to pay for Welcome Weekend?
An Orientation Fee is included in your student bill—make sure to get your money’s worth by attending!
What materials will I need for Welcome Weekend?
Bring your USF student ID along with your computer password on Saturday. You will want to wear good shoes for walking, comfortable clothing (we will be outside for part of the day), and a pencil or pen for writing. If rain is in the forecast, feel free to bring an umbrella. Other material will be provided for you when you arrive at check-in.
Can I purchase my books during Welcome Weekend?
You will not have the opportunity to actually purchase your books during Welcome Weekend activities. If you are moving on campus on Friday, August 23, you can make your way to the Campus Shoppe after you get settled into your room.
Transfer students and students 21 or older may purchase books by arriving to campus prior to check-in on Saturday.
My professor has assigned reading that needs to be done before the first day of class. Will I have time to do that during Welcome Weekend?
Welcome Weekend activities will take up most of your time on Friday and Saturday. Plan ahead and try to get your reading done before you come to campus for Welcome Weekend.