Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory that students stay in the residence hall if I am from Nacogdoches or plan to live off campus in the fall?

Yes. We give each orientation student a sample of the real college experience. There are also mandatory sessions at night with the Orientation Leaders at the residence halls.

Why is there a fee to attend orientation?

There are massive amounts of preparation work for each student and parent before they attend Orientation. There are many people involved in the Orientation process. The cost also covers each student’s room and board when they are at Orientation.

Is Orientation mandatory?

Summer Orientation is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. In order to register for classes early, each freshman student MUST attend a Freshmen Orientation session.

When can I register for classes if I don’t come to orientation?

Students who do not attend Orientation will be released to register for fall classes in mid-August. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the academic department of their major for academic advising.

I took a TSI test but, I am still waiting on my scores. Should I come to orientation?

Yes. Even though you may not have your scores from your TSI test, you will still benefit from attending Orientation. Students, who attend Orientation without TSI scores having been received by SFA, will not be allowed to register for fall semester classes until those scores are received by the university. Once we receive your scores, you may register from home via the internet since you will already been advised. You will need to speak with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center first to make sure that your scores are on file and to check on any required courses indicated by your scores. You may call the Center at 936-468-5803. For additional information about TSI, please visit the TSI website at: http://www.sfasu.edu/advising/frshmntsi.htm.

I haven’t taken a TSI test. What should I do?

All students not exempt from TSI testing must take a test prior to registration for classes. You may test at any location and send your scores to SFA, or you may arrange to take an ACCUPLACER test on campus during your Orientation session. Contact the Academic Advising Center at 936-468-5803 to determine which subject tests to take and to arrange for submission of test scores. Please contact Testing Services at 936-468-3958 if you want to reserve a testing time during Orientation.

Is it required to attend all three days of Orientation?

Yes. Each day is mandatory.

Do parents/family members need to come?

Parents/Family members are encouraged to come. Over 70% of Parents/Family members attend Parent/Family Orientation. There are many topics about which Parent/Family members need detailed information.

Can I pay my fall semester bill while at Orientation?

Complete tuition and bill statements will not be available until mid-August. However, you may put money towards your tuition and fees once you have registered for classes during Orientation. Room and board changes will not be added to your fall bill until August. Please note that tuition statements will NOT be mailed to your home address, they will be emailed to your SFA email account in August.

How can I get to Orientation if I don’t have transportation?

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange transportation to and from Orientation. Students desiring to share a ride may contact the Orientation Program office at (936) 468-6641 to obtain a list of fellow students from the same area who are attending the same orientation two weeks prior to the Orientation session start date. Students may then contact each other about arranging transportation.

The city of Nacogdoches is serviced by Kerrville–Coach U.S.A. Students arriving by bus will need additional transportation form the bus terminal to the campus. The University Police Department provides bus transfer service to current in incoming SFA students free of charge. Students needing to use the service should call the University Police Department (936) 468-2608 at least 48 hours prior to their arrival on campus to arrange to pick up. Please have your name, social security or student ID number, the orientation session you are attending and your bus schedule. Please note: The University does NOT provide housing the Saturday night prior to Orientation.

Where do I go when I get to Nacogdoches?

Students and family members will need to check-in at Lumberjack Village.

Where do I park during orientation?

You may park anywhere on campus. Parking at Lumberjack VIllage and Lumberjack Lodge is available to your convenience. Should you receive a parking ticket during the Orientation you may give the ticket to an Orientation Leader, and they will send it to the University Police Department for dismissal.

Does Lumberjack Lodge provide bedding?

No. Parents staying at the Lodge should bring x-long twin bedding. Parents should also bring towels.

How do I get a refund?

To cancel your Orientation, you must notify the Orientation Program office IN WRITING TEN DAYS PRIOR to the session that you are scheduled to attend. You will receive a refund, minus a $20 service charge. Students and parents/family members who attend who do not notify the Orientation Program office by the cancellation date and who do not reschedule to another session will forfeit their Orientation fees. This also includes cancellation requested the day of your Orientation. Refunds for students who are ineligible for admission must also requested in the same fashion and must be accompanied by a copy of the ineligibility letter send by the Admissions Office.

Can I change my Orientation session?

Once students and parents/family members are registered for Orientation, they can change their Orientation date up to the beginning of the Orientation they are scheduled to attend. Parents/Family orientation dates MUST coincide with the student Orientation dates. It is not necessary to change students and parent dates separately. Once the student date changes, the parent/family session will automatically change as well. When changing your orientation, you must have your original session and date, new session date, and Social or Student ID number.

Do I need my confirmation letter to come to Orientation?

Yes. Your confirmation letter is your receipt showing that you have reserved your space and paid for your Orientation. Parents should bring confirmation letters as well. If you have changed your Orientation session please bring your session change letter showing that orientation you changed from and into. Should you leave your confirmation letter you may request a new one by calling the Orientation Program at (936) 468-6641 or (936) 468-3956 or email orientation@sfasu.edu.

Can parents/family members wait and register the first day of Orientation?

Yes. However, this is for PARENTS/FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY. We strongly encourage you to pre-register. Students MUST be pre-registered for Orientation.

How many meals are provided during Orientation?

Your Orientation feeincludes breakfast, lunch and dinner on Monday and breakfast on Tuesday. The university does not provide meals for the Sunday of Orientation.

How much money do I need to bring to Orientation?

You may want to bring money for snacks, drinks, dinner Sunday night, and any SFA gear you may want to purchase from the bookstore. You will not need to bring money to pay for any tuition and fees during Orientation. Please note: If you have not paid your Housing deposit by the time you attend Orientation, you MUST pay that deposit in order to register for classes on Tuesday.

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Stephen F. Austin State University

Frequently Asked Questions