Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Student Convocation?
What is Navigating the Swamp and how is it different from Convocation?
When are New Student Convocation and Navigating the Swamp?
Are New Student Convocation and Navigating the Swamp mandatory?
How would my college know if I miss New Student Convocation and/or Navigating the Swamp?
What are the consequences for not attending?
Will I have the opportunity to meet with advisors in my college?
What should I wear to New Student Convocation?
What do I need to bring to New Student Convocation?
Do I need to check-in with someone when I arrive?
Can I bring my family members to New Student Convocation?
If I was here for Summer B classes, do I still have to attend NTS?
Do I have to read the Common Reading Program book before New Student Convocation?
Do I need to register to attend New Student Convocation?
What is New Student Convocation?
Convocation is your official welcome into the Gator Community. This formal
ceremony is the only time that the Class of 2014 will be together in one location!
What is Navigating the Swamp and how is it different
from Convocation?
Navigating the Swamp is the opportunity for you and your classmates in the
same academic college/school to meet in a smaller setting than the O’Connell
Center the Deans, administrators, staff, and faculty from your college/school.
Students will also meet in small groups to discuss with a faculty or staff
member the 2010-2011 Common Reading Program book.
When are New Student Convocation and Navigating the
Swamp?
Both events are on Friday, August 20 from 9:30am-12:30pm. Doors open at the
O’Connell Center at 8:30am and the ceremony starts promptly at 9:30am
so do not be late.
Are New Student Convocation and Navigating the Swamp
mandatory?
Yes. All incoming first-year students including those who have just graduated
high school with their AA degree are expected to attend both events.
How would my college know if I miss New Student Convocation
and/or Navigating the Swamp?
An attendance mechanism will be used to take attendance at both Convocation
and your Navigating the Swamp college/school session. Each college will follow-up
with students who do not attend with the make-up option.
What are the consequences for not attending?
The consequences for not attending vary depending on college. Make up options
range from a mandatory meeting once classes begin with a Dean of their college
to attending other Common Reading Program events held once classes begin to
a hold placed on the student’s record that prevents them from registering
for classes until they meet with their advisor and/or complete the make-up
option.
Will I have the opportunity to meet with advisors
in my college?
You will not have an opportunity to have an individual
advising appointment at the events, but you can go to your college’s
advising center afterwards or ask the faculty member present general questions.
What should I wear to New Student Convocation?
Dress for Convocation is casual. There may be some walking so wear something
that is comfortable for inside and outside. You may want to bring a jacket
as the air conditioning can get cool indoors.
What do I need to bring to New Student Convocation?
Just bring yourself and your cell phone, if you have one.
Do I need to check-in with someone when I arrive?
You do not need to check-in with someone, but you do need to sit with your
college/school in the O’Connell Center.
Can I bring my family members to New Student Convocation?
Yes! Family members are invited too. You won’t be able to sit with them
as you will sit with your college but you can
reunite with them at 12:30pm when the program concludes.
If I was here for Summer B classes, do I still have
to attend New Student Convocation?
Yes, even though you started in the summer your college still requires you
to attend Convocation.
Do I have to read the Common Reading Program book
before New Student Convocation?
Yes, you are required to read the Common Reading Program Book before Convocation
as there will be a discussion about the book with a faculty member of your
college.
Do I need to register to attend New Student Convocation?
No. We have a list of all students who are required to attend and have given
your names to the appropriate college contact, so they are expecting you!