FAQ
Q. Am I required to attend Summer Orientation?
Yes. All new students are required to attend one of the five Summer Orientation events offered. The dates available are listed on the enclosed application. In addition, all first-year students are also required to attend a three-day fall orientation called Camp Seminar from Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18 . 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 and 9:15 a.m. Orientation activities continue throughout the first day, and 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. Towards 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 an orientation fee which offsets the cost of food and Orientation sessions. There is an additional charge for evening activities, t-shirts and lodging.
Q. What does Orientation entail?
New students will: learn more about the College, 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!
Q. What does the evening event entail?
All students are required to participate in the evening activities. Parents are encouraged to participate. Everyone will enjoy dinner at the City Museum. Afterwords, students will stay and participate in the activites. Parents will have an option to stay or return to school. Check out more about the City Museum HERE
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. Please indicate this on the online registration form. There is an early arrival fee of $10/family. Contact Alicia Wojciuch at 314.367.8700, x8900 or Alicia.Wojciuch@stlcop.edu if you have any questions about your early arrival.
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. 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 Camp Seminar in the fall before classes begin. 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 note these on your online registration form.
More questions? Contact Alicia Wojciuch at 314.367.8700, x8900 or Alicia.Wojciuch@stlcop.edu