New Student Transitions & Family Engagement

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Semester by the Sea

Semester by the Sea is an opportunity for students to do ocean research at our Harbor Branch campus (about 1.5 hours from Boca Raton).

Undergraduate Research

Students should pay attention to announcements (posted around campus) for opportunities to be involved with Undergraduate Research. OURI provides some great information and opportunities for students to be informed about research announcements.

Study Abroad

FAU’s Office of International Programs offers several different ways students can Study Aboard. Students can study in summer term or for a regular semester term in a variety of locations. Students can even apply their FAU financial aid to their study abroad program.

Completing the Checklist: Freshman

Tuition Deposit

In order for a student to secure their spot at FAU, they will need to pay their Tuition Deposit no later than May 1. After paying the tuition deposit, students can proceed through this checklist.

Orientation Reservation

Complete th e Orientation Reservation form through your MyFAU account. Once a student submits the orientation fee, their reservation is confirmed, and their orientation hold is removed.

Immunization Records

Students are required to submit the Immunization Form as soon as possible. A hold is placed on their account which prevents them from registering from classes until the form is submitted. Please note forms should be submitted directly to the Immunization Office and must be signed by the student.

Register for Classes

Once students have completed their orientation reservation, EZ Advising , and submitted their Immunization records, students should be ready to register for classes! They should check their MyFAU for any Holds that may prevent them from registering. Students should check the Academic Calendar to see the earliest date they can register for their classes in order to get the best selection for classes.

Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for Financial Aid is imperative for students who wish to receive, grants , loans , and/or some scholarships . Students should check their Financial Aid package status on MyFAU Self-Service, or contact their Financial Aid Counselor for more information.

Apply for On-Campus Housing

Students should Complete their Application and non-refundable application fee early so they are more likely to receive their top preference(s).

Residency Information

Is your student a Florida resident seeking in-state tuition? Then they will want to complete the Residency Form to receive in-state tuition rates. A list of FAQs can be found on the left side of the page. One of the links on the left reads “ What are the Basic Requirements for Florida Residency? ” That link will have the required information to prove residency listed. The student will need to complete the Residency Form and include the required materials to prove residence and mail or fax it to the location/number on the bottom of the form.

First-Year Interest Group (FIG)

First-Year Interest Group (FIG) helps students make a fast, smooth, and easy transition to FAU. You will meet faculty and staff, make friends, and get connected to YOUR specific college from day one while identifying your strengths, clarifying your goals, and developing the mindset and motivation to thrive at FAU.

Academic Success

All of the resources listed in this section are free to students as part of their tuition and fees.

Academic Calendar

The key to student success is being aware of all deadlines listed on the Academic Calendar.

CLASS (Tutoring and More)

The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS)offers a variety of tools to help assist students in their success. Among them are tutoring , Supplemental Instruction , and eTutoring . Tutoring appointments can be made at the link previously provided, in the CLASS office, or students can just walk in and sit at a table with their course name displayed for small group or one-on-one tutoring. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is offered for FAU’s most difficult courses. Students who have already taken the course (SI Leaders) and received an “A” grade take the course again only this time they offer SI outside of class for the current students enrolled in the class. In these SI sessions, the SI Leader teaches the same material as the professor does, only in a different way so students can better understand the material. eTutoring is tutoring that is offered online instead of in-person.

University Center for Excellence in Writing (UCEW)

The UCEW is where students who need help with their papers can go for help. The staff at the UCEW will assist students if they get stuck on a paper (“writer’s block”), don’t understand the assignment assigned by the professor, or if they simply need someone to help them improve a paper that is already written.

Math Learning Center

The Math Learning Center provides free math tutoring to students on a drop-in basis as well as through appointments and online support. They also have a specialized lab for specific for Calculus tutoring called the SAM Lab.

Access Program

The Access Program offers a comprehensive approach to student success that focuses on academic coaching/advising, tutoring, career counseling, faculty mentoring and developing a meaningful connection to FAU. This is a newer program at FAU that has initially shown some great success in assisting students.

Student Accessibility Services

Some students are differently abled and/or learn differently, therefore, a visit to the Student Accessibility Services website might be helpful to see if the student might want to utilize their services. SAS serves nearly 1000 students with an array of differing abilities. Some of the accommodations they might provide to students (based on intake meetings, so nothing is guaranteed as they tailor accommodations to the student) include note taking, extended exam time, isolated exam setting, enlarged text, audio recorded exams, use of computer, readers, etc.

Safety

FAU Police Department

FAU Police officers are full-service, certified, sworn state law enforcement officers. They patrol campus in a number of ways (car, bicycle, on foot, etc.) 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Blue Lights

If you spend any time on an FAU campus, especially at night, you will notice the  blue lights   glowing in the dark. These lights are atop yellow poles that have a red emergency button, that anyone who feels unsafe in the moment can push to be directly linked to the  FAU Police Department   as soon as the button is pushed. FAU police respond in-person to all pushes of the button.

NightOwls

The NightOwls Program   is a student-run evening escort service. FAU students who need a ride to or from class, the library, residence halls, parking lots, or any other location on the Boca Raton Campus can call the NightOwls for a free ride. Call  (561) 297-6695  for a ride!

Community Service Officers

Community Service Officers (CSO)  are FAU students, in good academic standing, who work for the police department as civilian employees. When NightOwls isn’t available, the CSOs are happy to escort students to their on-campus destination. CSOs also offer battery boost and lock-out services.

Emergency Notification

FAU utilizes several means to notify students, faculty and staff when a threat exists on any of our campuses, including text, phone calls and/or email. Students should follow the directions listed in the Emergency Notification section of  FAU Police Department's webpage.

Clery Act and Crime Statistics

Each year, colleges and universities are required to create a report and  post their crime statistics for the year.

Career Planning

The FAU Career Center provides services that assist students with their career management needs. To name a few of the programs, their office offers:

Co-op/Internship Programs

The Cooperative Education/Internship Program is a unique educational program in which students integrate classroom study with periods of paid, supervised work experience related to their academic majors. At Florida Atlantic University, a Co-op/Internship assignment is a structured experiential learning opportunity in which students apply concepts studied in the classroom to "real world" work situations. Students must be supervised in person, in an office/organization location (students may not work remotely).

Co-op/Internship is offered on a semester basis, fall, spring, or summer (Term I), full-time, or part-time. A Co-op/Internship assignment can be multiple times with one employer or different employers.

Drop-In Career Advising

Career Advising involves brief immediate assistance provided by paraprofessionals with an emphasis on information giving and receiving.

The Career Center has Drop In Career Advising hours which do not require an appointment*. Career advising is a consultation with a career advisor on any related career concern(s):

• Choosing a major and/or career path
• Co-op & internship program
• Resume & cover letter critique
• Salary negotiations
• Interviewing tips
• Applying to Graduate school
• Information about the FAU Professional Mentor program
• General occupational information

Career advisors are available for drop in career advising.

Choosing a Major

Is your student’s major undeclared? Or do they have a major in mind and need to explore how it translates into a career? They are not alone in feeling undecided about this important decision; more than half of all college students aren't sure either! Our career advisors and career counselors are available to assist students in Choosing a Major . Students can also take an online assessment called Major KnOWLedge that will assist them in choosing a major. It is important to begin this decision-making process early. The Career Center recommends students start the process duringthe first yearat FAU.

Career Assessments

The process of choosing a major and/or career often begins with self-assessment. The Career Center offers several different Career Assessments that can help clarify your work values, interests, and skills, while providing important information to enhance personal growth and self-understanding. The career assessments are for currently-enrolled, degree-seeking students.

Live Career Workshops

The Career Center offers Live Career Workshops for students, and graduate students in their classroom located in the Student Support Services building room 220. All are open to all FAU students unless otherwise noted. For a listing of when these workshops will be offered, please visit the calendar of events .

Four Year Career Plan

The Career Center offers a wonderful timeline that can help assist students with Career Planning starting their freshman year.

Get a Job

FAU offers two ways current students can search for on and off campus jobs while they are students at FAU. The first way is through the Human Resources Job Database . Students should search “student” under “Position Type.” This is where on-campus employers who would like to hire a student will post their open positions. The other job listing is for off campus jobs listed in the Get a Job Database, which can be found under the “Money Matters” tab in MyFAU.

General Information

FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FAU requires that students complete a FERPA form if they would like to give permission to release their educational records to anyone. Educational records include (but aren’t limited to): grades, financial information, holds, etc. They can select to release some parts of that record or all of it. The form can be returned to FAU by mail, fax, or in-person (all contact info is on the form) along with a copy of their official photo ID.

Residency Requirements

There are many places to find information regarding residency. I believe these two are the most helpful. A list of FAQs can be found on the left side of the page. One of the links on the left reads “ What are the Basic Requirements for Florida Residency? ”; that link will have the required information to prove residency listed. The student will need to complete the Residency Form and include the required materials to prove residence and mail or fax it to the location/number on the bottom of the form.

Drop/Add

Students have time to drop/add courses after attending classes. Students often drop courses for various reasons. The Academic Calendar lists all the deadline dates for drop/add. Please note that if the student is receiving Financial Aid, the student should consult the Financial Aid office prior to dropping a course as aid may be affected.

On-Campus Housing

FAU offers a variety of On-Campus Housing from which students can choose. Offerings include double and single style apartment and suite style rooms. Students can avoid the South Florida commute by living on-campus.

Off-Campus Housing

FAU has partnered with a company to bring you Off-Campus Housing options around Boca Raton. Through this website, students can also search for a roommate.

Meal Plans

FAU offers a variety of On-Campus Meal Plans as well as  Off-Campus Meal Plans  for students to choose from. Please note: if a student is living in University-owned Apartments (Innovation Village or University Village) they would choose an Off-Campus Meal Plan. Students living in other spaces on campus are required to purchase an On-Campus Meal Plan.

Dining Locations

There are several  Dining Locations on campus from which students can choose. In addition, students can view the Menu and Nutritional Information  for the Atlantic Dining Hall anytime.

Campus Bookstore

Through our Campus Bookstore, Families can purchase items your student may need or something fun just to say I miss you.

Residential Mail Services

To mail items to your student, please visit, Residential Mail Services

Completing the Checklist: Transfer Students

Orientation Reservation

Complete the Orientation Reservation form through your MyFAU account. Once a student submits the orientation fee, their reservation is confirmed, and their orientation hold is removed.

Immunization Records

Students are required to submit the Immunization Form as soon as possible. A hold is placed on their account which prevent them from registering from classes until the form is submitted. Please note forms should be submitted directly to the Immunization Office and must be signed by the student.

Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for Financial Aid is imperative for students who wish to receive grants , loans , and/or some scholarships . Students should check their Financial Aid package status on MyFAU Self-Service, or contact their Financial Aid Counselor for more information.

Is your student a Florida resident seeking in-state tuition? Then they will want to complete the Residency Form to receive in-state tuition rates. A list of FAQs can be found on the left side of the page. One of the links on the left reads “ What are the Basic Requirements for Florida Residency? ” That link will have the required information to prove residency listed. The student will need to complete the Residency Form and include the required materials to prove residence and mail or fax it to the location/number on the bottom of the form.

Money Matters

Understanding Financial Aid

Once a student views their Financial Aid Status, it is important that they Understand the Award and then Accept the Award.

How Much Does My Student Owe?

After a student registers for classes, the student should View Their Statement. They can use the amount shown on MyFAU as a starting point. They will need to subtract any amount that Pre-Paid, Bright Futures or other Financial Aid will pay from the amount listed on the statement. The amount left over after all the above is subtracted from the statement is what the student owes by the last day to pay.

Pre-Paid Housing

The Florida Prepaid Dormitory Plan covers the cost of a standard, double occupancy, and air-conditioned residence hall. At FAU, this covers our standard doubles in Glades Park Towers and Heritage Park Towers. Florida Prepaid determines these rates each year, and if your assigned hall room is more expensive, you must pay the difference in cost on your balance. Students should indicate on their housing application if they have pre-paid or contact housing to inform them the student has prepaid.

Tuition Rates

Tuition and Fees are usually available in June/July of each year for the upcoming school year.

Get a Job

FAU offers two ways current students can search for on and off-campus jobs while they are students at FAU. The first way is through the Human Resources Job Database. Students should search “student” under “Position Type.” This is where on-campus employers who would like to hire a student will post their open positions. The other job listing is for off-campus jobs listed in the Get a Job Database which can be found under the “Money Matters” tab in MyFAU.

Scholarship Information

Students can search the FAU Scholarship website for a variety of scholarships. Deadlines for each scholarship are listed on the website.

Tax Information

Students may need to retrieve their 1098-T for their taxes each year.

Enrollment Verification

Occasionally insurance companies, scholarship sponsors, etc. request Enrollment Verification for students. The verification can be found in Self-Service of MyFAU.

Transportation

FAU Shuttle Bus

FAU offers a Shuttle Bus  that operates throughout campus during the day for students, faculty and staff who park in remote areas or live in the student apartments. Hours of operation vary. Students can download the  FAU Mobile App  to track the whereabouts of the shuttle in real time.

Night Owls

The NightOwls program is a student-run evening escort service. FAU students who need a ride to or from class, the library, residence halls, parking lots, or any other location on the Boca Raton campus can call the NightOwls for a free ride.

Tri-Rail

Tri-Rail is a train that runs North and South between Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County. Beat the traffic and parking by taking Tri-Rail to FAU. Students have the opportunity to take advantage of  Tri-Rail's Student Discount Program for the duration of their enrollment at FAU. Students will receive a 50% discount when they show proof of enrollment with either their Owl Card and/or class schedule. The Palm Tran bus (see below) number 94 shuttles riders between the Yamato Tri-Rail station and the parking lot of the campus Administration Building.

Palm Tran

Palm Tran Bus  service is available to students who wish to utilize public transportation to FAU. Palm Tran route schedules are also available at the Student Support Services Building located on campus.

Student Parking Permits

Students pay for Parking Permits  through their tuition and fees. Permits are renewed each year in August (students receive a reminder email when they are available) through MyFAU. Students should be aware of the  Parking Rules and Regulations  for their permit color to ensure that they don’t get a ticket.

Guest Parking Permits

FAU Parking and Transportation Services does have Visitor Parking Options available depending on how long the visitor will be on campus. Visitor Permits can even be purchased online.