FAQ
Q. Am I required attend summer Orientation?
Yes. All new students are required to attend one of the six Summer Orientation events offered. The dates available are listed on the enclosed application. In addition, all first-years are required to attend an all-day Fall Orientation on Monday, August 24, 2009. Please mark your calendars!
Q. How long does Summer Orientation last?
Summer Orientation is a two-day experience with a one-night stay in Residence Hall. On the first day, students are expected to check-in between 8:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Orientation activities continue throughout the first day, and they usually end by 1 p.m. on the second day.
Q. Do I have to stay the night in the College's Residence Hall?
Yes. All new students are required to stay the night in Residence Hall for Orientation, even if they will be commuting students in the fall. We have found that this experience increases the opportunity for students to get to know their classmates. Toward that goal, each new student will be paired with another new student as a roommate for the night.
Q. Do we have to stay for the whole event?
Yes. No part of Orientation is optional for students. Please do not request to attend Orientation on dates when you know you may arrive late or have to leave early. Parents, however, can attend all or part of the two days.
Q. Can my parents attend with me?
Yes. In fact, parents are highly encouraged to attend. We offer specific programs and activities just for parents while the students are taking care of other issues. If parents attend, they are welcome, but not required, to stay in Residence Hall.
We discourage the idea of bringing other family members such as brothers or sisters. In our experience, siblings who attend Summer Orientation often become bored because they have nothing to do.
Q. Can my friend (or boyfriend/girlfriend) attend with me?
No. One of the goals of Orientation is to help new students begin to make friends with one another. For this reason, we do not allow significant others to attend Orientation with new students (unless they will also be a STLCOP student in the fall).
Q. How much does Summer Orientation cost?
There is no charge due for new students. Parents are charged fees to attend the program, which offset the cost of food and the evening event.
Q. What does Orientation entail?
New students will: learn more about STLCOP, have their questions answered, register for classes, get their identification Card (ID), socialize with other new students, get to meet and interact with upper-class students, learn more about the College curriculum, enjoy a night out in St. Louis, and many other fun activities. In short, new students will be kept very busy during the two-day Orientation process! A rough outline of the schedule is printed on the registration paperwork.
Q What does the evening event entail?
All students are required to participate in the evening activities. Parents are encouraged to participate. Typically we all take the Metro train down to the Hard Rock Café for dinner. Then everyone has the choice of coming back for a movie in the Central West End or heading to Busch Stadium for a St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball game. Cardinals’ tickets are limited.
Q. I am traveling from pretty far away. May I come early?
Yes. Students who have a great distance to travel may make arrangements with us for an early arrival. Just contact Alicia Hailey at 314.367.8700, x8900 or ahailey@stlcop.edu, and she will make arrangements for you. If you need directions or travel information, let us know.
Q. Will there be staff at the College available to answer my questions?
Yes. College staff from Financial Aid, Registration, Housing, Parking Services, Security, and Student Life will be readily available on Day 1 to answer questions. In addition, a number of upper-class students will be working with the Orientation program to make sure that all questions are answered.
Q What are the bookstore hours?
The bookstore is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to get a St. Louis College of Pharmacy stuff to show friends and family at home.
Q. How do I get started with the lap top computer program?
Parents will have a short session during the summer to discuss the computer program. Students will receive their computers and instructions on how to use them during orientation. E-mail addresses also will be given at that time.
Q. What if I have special dietary or physical needs?
Vegetarian options are provided at each meal. If you require a special diet beyond that or need physical assistance in any way, please contact Alicia Hailey, administrative assistant for Student Life. Her contact information is below.
More questions? Contact Alicia Hailey at 314.367.8700, x8900 or ahailey@stlcop.edu.