Transfer Student Orientation
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Welcome, Transfer Students!
The Office of Orientation and New Student and Family Programs would like to congratulate new students on their decision to attend Framingham State University.
FSU views Orientation as the first opportunity to help new transfer students connect with the FSU environment. We know that you have been to college already. You know what a college student experiences. Our focus then, is to help you understand how we do business here at FSU, which may be different than your previous institutions. We are also going to familiarize you with different resources and terminology, and, most importantly, help you get ready for the first day of classes. We want you to become part of the FRAMily and it is important that you are able to make this experience your own. Our overall goal is for you to graduate from Framingham State University having enjoyed your time here.
Through empowering students to take an active role in becoming ethical and engaged citizens, the Framingham State University Orientation Program supports the transition of our first-year and transfer students in an environment that embraces the diversity of our student population.
Through the Orientation Program, students will
- develop a sense of belonging within the Framingham State University community
- become familiar with campus resources that will support their overall success
- understand the rights and responsibilities of being a Ram
- receive an introduction to our academic procedures and expectations
Orientation Information
Below you will find important information regarding orientation for students entering in the Fall 2019. You will also receive an informational brochure in the mail after you make your deposit.
Please click here if you are looking for First-Year Student Orientation information.
Transfer Orientation
At orientation new students will:
- Meet faculty advisors from your academic department
- Learn about courses, their major and other requirements necessary to graduate from Framingham State.
- Register for classes.
- Have their student ID picture taken.
- Be introduced to the campus environment.
- Meet current student leaders and other new students.
- Learn about campus life and available support resources for students.
- Become familiar with the Framingham State University campus.
- Experience some of the differences between this campus and their previous one.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST BRING A FULLY CHARGED LAPTOP OR TABLET TO ORIENTATION. Course advising and registration will take place at orientation, and you will use your own laptops or tablets for this important piece of the program. Students must participate in the entire program in order to register for the upcoming semester courses.
Orientation Dates:
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | RSVP by May 17
Friday, June 21, 2019 | RSVP by June 7
Thursday, August 15, 2019 | RSVP by August 9
While multiple orientation sessions are offered, it is recommended that you attend orientation in May or June as classes are on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who do not attend orientation will wait until after August 15 to register for courses autonomously with assistance provided via email by the faculty department chair for their major.
Prior to your Arrival On Campus:
- Please note that parents, family members, and guests are welcome on campus during orientation, however we do not offer a formal parent or guest program for transfer students. All campus offices will be open for business from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although family and guests are welcome to visit the campus during orientation, only students are allowed to participate in the orientation program. Families and guests who choose to stay on campus may eat at the Ram's Den Grille, located on the 2nd floor of the McCarthy Center. Meals provided during orientation are for students only. We appreciate your respect for these polices.
- Individuals who require accommodations including accompaniment by a Personal Care Assistant, sign language interpreter, assistance with communications, or assistance for reduced or restricted mobility must notify our office of those needs in advance when they RSVP or via email at orientation@framingham.edu.
- If you are planning on changing your major from the one you indicated on your application to FSU, please make sure to contact Admissions as soon as possible to officially change your major. Until we get notice from the Office of Admissions that your major has changed, we will plan for you according to the major you indicated on your application. Please contact Admissions at admissions@framingham.edu.
- Entering students should have completed placement testing prior to orientation. You will receive detailed information regarding placement testing in a letter that will be sent in the mail. If you have not completed placement testing, and do not have a scheduled time to do so, please contact the Placement Testing Coordinator at (508) 626-4905 or sign up online. You will still be able to attend orientation and register for courses without having taken the Placement Tests, but you may need to update your schedule once you take the tests. Therefore, we encourage all students to test prior to their orientation session.
- Download our mobile app, FSUgo, to access a virtual campus map and other useful information about FSU. On the day of orientation, you will be able to access the day’s schedule using this app!
- If you are an incoming Veteran student, there are a few documents you will want to bring with you to transfer orientation. Make sure you bring your DD214 form and your Certificate of Eligibility (for the GI Bill) to orientation. If you have specific questions about documentation, please contact Jacquelyn Wolf, Coordinator of Veterans Services at veterans@framingham.edu.
FSU is located just a quick two-mile Uber ride from the Framingham Commuter Rail Station on the MBTA’s Framingham/Worcester Line. You can find a complete schedule for the train at www.mbta.com. The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority also offers service from the train with their Route #7 and throughout the region with routes extending to Marlborough and Northborough, Milford, MassBay Community College, and the Woodland MBTA Station (Green Line - D) in Newton, as well as all along Rt. 9. Further details can be found at www.mwrta.com.
Black & Gold Orientation Food Drive!
FSU supports students who are facing temporary or chronic homelessness and/or difficulty affording food. Support your fellow Rams by bringing canned food and other non-perishables to orientation! All items will be donated to FSU's Rams Resource Center (RRC), which provides non-perishable food items, toiletries, and resource referral for FSU students, faculty, and staff. All students who bring donations will be entered into a raffle to win awesome prizes!
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST BRING A FULLY CHARGED LAPTOP OR TABLET TO ORIENTATION.
Course advising and registration will take place at orientation, and you will use your own laptops or tablets for this important piece of the program. Students must participate in the entire program in order to register for the upcoming semester courses.
Once you Arrive on Campus:
- You will be able to park in the Maynard Lot or Salem End Lot. (Please click here for an interactive campus map). Accessible parking is located behind the McCarthy Center. Keep an eye out for the Black and Gold Orientation Leaders outside directing traffic.
- Check-in takes place in the lobby of the McCarthy Center on State Street. Members of the Black & Gold Orientation Leader team will be available to offer directions and assistance as you arrive on campus. Check-in starts at 8:45 a.m. in the McCarthy Center main lobby.
- The last session of the orientation day is course registration, which begins at 2:05 p.m. You should plan to be there until at least 3:30 p.m. You must participate in the entire program in order to learn the course registration process. You must notify the Office of New Student and Family Programs if you have a reason to arrive late or depart early at orientation@framingham.edu.
- Light breakfast will be available until 10 a.m. Lunch will be served in our dining facilities, which offer many options to accommodate for dietary restrictions and preferences. Please inform us if you have any food allergies when you submit your RSVP.