FOCUS Orientation
2025 FOCUS Week - August 16-20
FOCUS is a five-day comprehensive orientation program designed to help new students have a successful transition to life at Stetson University. All first-year and transfer students with less than 24 credits begin their First-Year Seminar during FOCUS.
During FOCUS, you and your FSEM class or fellow transfer students will meet daily with your FOCUS Leader, outstanding returning students who have a strong passion for showing new students the ropes. You will also be able to take care of everything needed to get settled in, all while taking part in exciting activities, meeting new people, learning your way around campus and having fun!
"Orientation was the true embodiment of the doors to my future opening. I immediately felt welcomed into the Stetson community throughout the program. I saw the opportunity to grow into who I had always wanted to be and belong to something larger than myself."
Alexis Trapp, Class of '23
New Student Check-In
Before you arrive for FOCUS, you will need to schedule an arrival time for Saturday, August 16 between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All new students, both residential and commuters must schedule an appointment time. You will be able to schedule your appointment time in late July. Please follow our Driving Directions for New Student Check-In or traffic flow map to ensure that you are entering the check-in line appropriately.
Students who are already on campus prior to August 16 for athletic teams, academic programs, or other student organizations do not need to sign up for an arrival appointment time. We ask that you visit the Lynn Business Center lobby between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. during New Student Check-In on August 16 to pick up your FOCUS materials.
FOCUS Resources
FOCUS Orientation is the start of your journey at Stetson University. Here are a number of essential resources that will help you navigate FOCUS Orientation and your transition to college life. For any questions please contact us at [email protected]
Stetson Campus Map - Need help finding your way though campus? Check out our Campus Map!
Move-In Traffic Flow and Parking Map - This map is designed to show you traffic flow to the residence halls and parking areas during move-in weekend!
Wondering how to get connected on campus? Make sure you check out our comprehensive of offices and services across campus that will make your time as a new Hatter.
Every student - whether they live on or off campus - deserves an outstanding and vibrant university experience. Our commuters have many opportunities to get involved on campus
Make sure you know where your FOCUS Group/First-Year Seminar (FSEM) meets! Please remember, your FOCUS Group and FSEM are comprised of the same schedule and will meet in the same place. In addition to confirming your meeting location, you will also be able to confirm your meeting time. Students in virtual FSEMs will not need to go to their classroom during their class meeting time.
Transfer students with more than 24 credits are not required to take an FSEM. You will find your FOCUS Leader's name in the "Faculty" column to determine your FOCUS Group meeting location.
Before you arrive on campus in August, expect to hear from your FOCUS Leader. The FOCUS Leaders are current students who are here to help make the transition to life at Stetson University as smooth as possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions - they are here to help!
Please note - for those required to take a First Year Seminar (FSEM), your FSEM will also serve as your FOCUS Group. If you have not registered for Fall 2025 classes, you will not have a FOCUS Leader assigned to you. Registering for classes as early as possible will give you access to your FOCUS Leader, who will be a valuable resource throughout the summer and fall. Transfer students who will be bringing in more than 24 credits (and are exempt from FSEM) will be assigned their Transfer FOCUS Group without course registration.
We are so excited to welcome you and your student into the Stetson family. To best help you with your Hatter’s transition to college, we will host our annual Parent and Family College on Sunday, August 17 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Stetson Room inside the Carlton Union Building. This program provides all the information and tools needed to establish a strong support network for your new Hatter. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Safety
- Academic Support
- Career Readiness
- Dining
- Residential and Commuter Experiences
We don't allow parents and family members to stay in the residence halls with students during FOCUS. Find out more information about area lodging, including a variety of accommodation styles and price levels in and around the DeLand area.
If you plan to operate a vehicle on campus, you must register it with the Office of Public Safety. For the Fall 2024 semester, students will fill out an online form in myStetson to register their vehicles.
Students must fill out this online registration form before they can pick up their parking decal.
To register your vehicle, go to My.Stetson.edu, and select Vehicle Registration and complete the form.
Students will be able to pick up their parking decal in the Faculty/Staff Lounge inside the Carlton Union Building on Saturday, August 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 18 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. After this time, students will need to go to Public Safety, located on Amelia Avenue, to pick up their parking decal.
Interested in auditioning for one of Stetson's many musical ensembles? Interest Meetings will be held on Sunday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m.for those interested in participating in Symphonic Band (in McMahan Hall, Feasel Rehearsal Hall) and Stetson Choir (in Presser Hall, Tinsley Rehearsal Hall).
Check out the School of Music Seating Audition Schedule to learn more about seating audition times and other School of Music placement exams.
Summer orientation is held during June and July and will cover important information about your academic experience on campus, information about arrival process for move-in/check-in, and help you feel prepared to start off strong when you arrive in August. FOCUS begins with move-in/check-in on Saturday, August 19, and runs for the 5 days. During FOCUS Week, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your FSEM peers and start your FSEM course, learn more about our campus community, and have plenty of opportunities to get to know other Hatters on campus. Your FOCUS Orientation Leader will begin reaching out to you in July and will give you all the details you need! It is expected that all new students participate in both Summer Orientation and FOCUS.
Stetson University’s Weeks of Welcome programming is a dynamic part of the orientation experience, designed to help new students transition smoothly into college life. Join us for engaging activities, social events, and experiences aimed at building connections within the Stetson community.