Sample Schedule
This is an example schedule based on a 9:00 AM in-person orientation--exact times will vary based on which orientation you registered for.
Student Schedule
| 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM | Check-in: Pre-Orientation Meet-and-Greet |
| 9:00 AM - 9:40AM | Welcome Session |
| 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | Breakout Session I |
| 10:20 AM - 10:50 AM | Breakout Session II |
| 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM | Student Panel |
| 11:15 AM - 11:55 AM | College Knowledge |
| 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Peer-to-Peer Small Group |
| 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Academic Planning & Course Registration |
Family & Friends Schedule
Each student is welcome and encouraged to bring up to two important guests with them if they choose an in-person orientation date. Guests will accompany their students for the first half of the orientation program, and then move to a separate program specifically designed for individuals who support students throughout their college journey. Below is the Family & Friend schedule based on a 9:00 AM orientation:
| 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM | Check-in: Pre-Orientation Meet-and-Greet |
| 9:00 AM - 9:40 AM | Welcome Session |
| 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | Breakout Session I |
| 10:20 AM - 10:50 AM | Breakout Session II |
| 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM | Student Panel |
| 11:15 AM - 11:55 AM | College Knowledge |
| 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Hype Your Student |
| 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Support Your Student |
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Important Dates |
| 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM | A Personal Touch |
Student Session Descriptions
Check-in: Pre-Orientation Meet-and-Greet
- Get your photo taken for your Cougar ID Card
- Meet and mingle with fellow students
- Verify career and academic plans
- Financial aid quick questions
Welcome Session
Orientation will kick off with an overview of the program so you know what to expect throughout the day. You will also get to meet the Cougar Crew, our student orientation leaders who will be by your side to support you throughout the program.
Breakout Session I and II
For each breakout session, you will be able to choose from four options:
- Financial Aid - Representatives from the Financial Aid office will present about the FAFSA, your Financial Aid award letter, Student Satisfactory Progress Rates, and much more!
- Library - The Library is more than a place to get books. Learn about research assistance, the writing center, and more.
- Student Advocacy and Financial Stability - Learn about the resources Columbus State has, including community partnerships, to address essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation.
- Transfer Center - Planning to pursue a bachelor's degree? The Transfer Center will help prepare you to transfer to a 4-year institution after Columbus State.
Student Panel
Want to know more about the student experience at Columbus State? This is your chance to ask the Cougar Crew about their experience as students.
College Knowledge
What does placement mean? What exactly is a credit hour, anyway? Learn the answers to these questions and more so that you can enter your first semester with the knowledge necessary to be successful.
Peer-to-Peer Small Group
Make new friends with help from the Cougar Crew! Meeting new people is a huge part of the college experience--use this time to start building those relationships.
Academic Planning & Course Registration
With support from our advising team and the Cougar Crew, you will learn how to use Columbus State's course registration systems, and you will register for your first semester classes.
Familiy & Friends Session Descriptions
Hype Your Student
What makes you proud of your student? What are your hopes for their future? Engage in a free-flowing conversation with other family and friends who have a student enrolling at Columbus State.
Support Your Student
College isn't only different for students, it's also different for those who support students. Learn tips and tricks to support your new college student from staff who have helped guide their own students through this next step in their lives.
Important Dates
Walk through the academic calendar and mark down some important dates to check in with your student. Additoinally, become familiar with the Columbus State webpage so you know how to find the information you want.
A Personal Touch
Take some time to let your student know just how much you care about them and believe in them.