Webinar 1: Preparing for Orientation Summer 2025
The transcript below has been edited to put the answer to a question directly below it. Any answer that has a header of CofC response was not answered in the chat and the answer was added during the editing process.
18:08:56 From Mindy Miley to Everyone:
This is the orientation website /orientation/index.php
18:09:49 From Amy Aston to Everyone:
Can you speak with the financial aid department at orientation? They have not responded to me by email.
18:10:13 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
All campus offices will be available during orientation.
18:10:00 From Kelly Callahan Alternatives, Inc. to Everyone:
My daughter committed late and the only available orientation was in August. Will there be any dates added?
18:10:38 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
We won't be adding any dates but please email orientat@cofc.edu to see if there are any open spots in other sessions.
18:10:27 From Orly Fass to Stephanie Auwaerter (direct message):
Is there a special medical form the college needs
18:12:32 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
You can view about the medical forms that need to be submitted at /student-health/immunizations.php
18:10:48 From Michelle Lawton to Everyone:
We live in CA and are coming to the August 13/14 orientation. If course selection happens in orientation is there a chance that classes will be full by August?
18:14:35 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
For students attending orientation in August, they will have a virtual session on July 23 to register and classes so students will have options for classes at that session.
18:11:27 From LMA to Everyone:
When will tuition be established and sent to students/families?
18:15:15 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
The tuition and fees should be sent out by the middle of June.
18:12:30 From marladankenbrink to Everyone:
Can you send the link for the orientation lists: New student calendar and checklist?
18:14:06 From Mindy Miley to Everyone:
/orientation/checklist/index.php
/orientation/resources/new-student-calendar.php
18:11:40 From Tanja to Everyone:
How can we confirm we (parents) are registered for orientation - my daughter said she signed me up but I don’t think I received a confirmation
18:16:08 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
for family orientation confirmation, your student can see it on their confirmation in MyPortal under the orientation registration and confirmation section or you can email orientat@cofc.edu to confirm
18:13:47 From Laura Lindroth to Everyone:
If we are in the last orientation session, is move-in day immediately following? Do we just store everything in the hotel in the meantime?
CofC Response: Students who are registered for the August 14 and 15 orientation session can move in on August 13 for an additional early move in fee.
18:15:39 From Lena Duran to Everyone:
Is there an additional charge to move in early - on August 13?
CofC Response: There is an additional charge.
18:16:10 From Nicole Marrone to Everyone:
If a student is rushing, when is that and can they move into their dorms for that?
Sorority recruitment starts on campus on August 14 so students can move in early on August 13 for an additional early move in fee.
18:16:32 From Will Smith to Everyone:
when will an updated course catalog be posted on the registrar website
18:18:23 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
The catalog will be up by the first orientation.
18:16:53 From Nicole Nightingale to Everyone:
Does the high school transcript have to be provided prior to orientation? We are attending the first session on June 16th and 17th. We contacted the school and given the last day of school is June 11th, they allow the teachers one week to finalize grades, and additional time to finalize. The official transcript may not be ready for the school counselor to send by June 16th.
Answer from CofC: the high school transcripts are due to CofC by August 1. For any dual enrollment work, it is suggested that the transcript from the college they took the dual enrollment with be sent by at least two weeks prior to their orientation.
18:16:59 From Bobbi Johnson to Everyone:
We signed up for orientation and my daughter added one parent and one sibling... Is that considered "family registration?" Or something separate?
CofC response: You are registered for the family orientation
18:17:20 From Jace G. to Everyone:
Replying to "for family orientation confirmation, your student ...":
is family orientation separate from the student orientation? Where can I find this confirmation?
CofC Response: The family orientation occurs at the same time as the student orientation . Families can see if they have been signed up by having their student go into their MyPortal and go to the orientation registration and confirmation section. The number of family numbers registered is listed along with the confirmed orientation date.
18:17:56 From alex to Everyone:
What happens if my student has taken a Dual enrollement class out of state and the transcripts are being sent but not received by their June orientation date?
CofC response: the student can work with their advisor after orientation to make any changes to their fall schedule if needed due to the credits awarded from the dual enrollment
18:18:04 From Alisa Greenbacher to Everyone:
Will these questions and answers be on the pdf as well?
CofC response: We will put the transcript of the chat on the webpage.
18:18:27 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
orientat@cofc.edu
18:19:14 From Jace G. to Everyone:
is family orientation separate from the normal orientation?
CofC Orientation: Family orientation occurs at the same time as the student orientation at each session except for the August 14 and 15 session and the family orientation is just one day on August 14.
18:19:22 From Kelly Callahan Alternatives, Inc. to Everyone:
If the student has orientation in August can they still rush?
CofC Response: Students are not able to participate in sorority recruitment and the August 14 and 15 orientation session.
18:20:11 From Trey Palmer to Everyone:
How can a student know which community college summer class will transfer prior to August 19?
CofC Response: Have them check out Transfer Credit information at /registrar/transfer-student-resources/index.php
18:21:30 From john_ to Everyone:
What if your child's AP scores aren't received by orientation?
18:21:52 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
It is OK; we will evaluate when we get them early July and students can make changes to schedule after that time
18:21:59 From Aimee Clancy to Everyone:
Will students be able to meet with faculty in their intended major during orientation?
18:23:42 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
Students will meet faculty during the meta major meeting time on the first day
18:22:57 From Toby Brown to Everyone:
At one point I saw that my student can stay in a dorm room during orientation? Can you provide some details about that and how to reserve a room?
18:24:43 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
Students can stay on campus during orientation. More information can be found at Orientation Housing /housing/apply/orientation.php
18:23:00 From Sandra Williams to Everyone:
Our son selected a specific major but it is listed as "undecided". How can he change that?
18:23:55 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
All students come into CofC as undeclared.
18:24:40 From xxxx to Stephanie Auwaerter (direct message):
Does any 504 accommodations need to be provided prior to orientation.
Yes. You can work with the disability services office on that /disability-services/how-to-register/index.php
18:24:53 From john_ to Everyone:
Is it important for students to stay on campus for orientation?
CofC Response: It is optional for students to stay on campus and there isn’t any extra programming in the evening
18:25:45 From O`Hara, Liam to Everyone:
when can they declare their major?
18:26:07 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
Student can declare their major now or do it by the time they have earned 45 credit hours
18:26:06 From Tanja to Everyone:
Will the orientation agenda have topics in “how” and when to pay tuition etc
18:26:26 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
During orientation, the Treasurer's office does present on bill payment
18:27:13 From Aimee Clancy to Everyone:
Are there activities for the students in the evening if they stay in housing at orientation or they just get a chance to meet others on their own?
18:28:00 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
There are not evening activities after the reception and info fair at 5:00 pm
18:27:12 From iPhone (86) to Everyone:
What do students do at night after orientation is over? Are there social activities for them
18:28:00 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
There are not evening activities after the reception and info fair at 5:00 pm
18:27:30 From Diane M to Everyone:
Is there lunch or bring your own?
18:28:21 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
We provide a lunch ticket for lunch in the Liberty St. Dining Hall
18:27:55 From Emily D to Everyone:
Will the students meet their specific faculty advisor at orientation?
18:29:02 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
Freshman don't meet with faculty advisors at orientation (they will once school starts) Transfer students may meet with faculty advisors. The freshman meet with the professional advisors in the Academic Advising and Planning Center.
18:27:17 From Nicole Marrone to Stephanie Auwaerter (direct message):
my daughter applied for an art scholarship - when will she hear back about it?
18:29:31 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Nicole Marrone (direct message):
Replying to "my daughter applied for an art scholarship - when ...":
I don't know the dates on that. I would suggest reaching out to the art department.
18:29:45 From john_ to Everyone:
If they don't meet their advisors at orientation, who helps them register for classes?
18:30:02 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Nicole Marrone (direct message):
They meet with professional advisors in our academic advising and planning center.
18:30:09 From Katie’s iPhone to Everyone:
June 10th will also be recorded? We have a Cof C welcome event here in Boston that night.
CofC response: All of the webinars will be recorded and put on the New Student Programs YouTube channel a few days after the webinar.
18:30:14 From Trey Palmer to Everyone:
Can an advanced directive or POA issued in another state be used in SC?
18:30:58 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
I would ask student health regarding the POA.
18:31:50 From Emily D to Everyone:
Replying to "I would ask student health regarding the POA.":
Do you have an email for them?
CofC Answer: healthservices@cofc.edu
18:31:09 From marladankenbrink to Everyone:
Can you repeat that email, or put it in the chat?
18:31:17 From Mindy Miley to Everyone:
parents@cofc.edu
18:31:30 From Toby Brown to Everyone:
Is it okay for younger siblings to come along for orientation? This is not our desired plan, but we might have to bring them along if other plans don't work out.
CofC Response: It is OK to bring siblings but you want to make sure they have a book to read or an iPad and headphones to keep them occupied.
18:32:21 From Trey Palmer to Everyone:
For those with food sensitivities, where can I locate the Liberty St. Dining Hall?
18:33:35 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
Liberty St. Dining Hall has various stations with one for food sensitivities
18:32:49 From Diane M to Everyone:
What is the reception about?
CofC Response: The reception is a chance for students and families to meet other attendees, learn more from the various campus offices and student groups doing tabling and grab a snack before they head out to dinner.
18:33:15 From Leah's iPhone to Everyone:
What is the best way to change our orientation date if the wrong one was selected?
18:33:49 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
If you need to change your date, please email orientat@cofc.edu.
18:33:32 From Robert Rogers to Everyone:
If the freshman don't meet their advisors at orientation, who helps them register for classes? thanks
CofC Response: The students will work with professional advisors from the Academic Advising and Planning Center
18:34:16 From Chloe’s to Everyone:
About how many people will be at orientation?
18:34:42 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
We have around 250 students and 370 family members at each session'
18:34:35 From Sandra Williams to Everyone:
Do you have recommendations on where to park?
CofC Answer: The closest parking garages to campus are:
- St. Philip St. Garage (89 St. Philips St.): located on St. Philip St. between Vanderhorst and Calhoun streets
- George St. Garage (34 St. Philips St.): located on St. Philip St. between George and Liberty streets.
If you have a valid South Carolina state-issued handicapped placard, you can park in a garage free of charge. Upon exiting, you must present your driver’s license for verification. Note: Do not park in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø student or faculty/staff lots because you will be ticketed. The Office of New Student Programs does not validate parking.
18:34:48 From laverneallison to Everyone:
Replying to "Liberty St. Dining Hall has various stations with ...":
How are food allergies handled? My son has anaphylactic allergy.
CofC Answer: You should contact the dietician for the dining services office – ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Culinary group. You can find their contact information at
18:34:50 From Diane M to Everyone:
How’s parking for families?
CofC Answer: The closest parking garages to campus are:
- St. Philip St. Garage (89 St. Philips St.): located on St. Philip St. between Vanderhorst and Calhoun streets
- George St. Garage (34 St. Philips St.): located on St. Philip St. between George and Liberty streets.
If you have a valid South Carolina state-issued handicapped placard, you can park in a garage free of charge. Upon exiting, you must present your driver’s license for verification. Note: Do not park in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø student or faculty/staff lots because you will be ticketed. The Office of New Student Programs does not validate parking.
18:34:56 From kglick to Everyone:
What is the agenda for the parent side of the orientation
CofC Response: The programming on the first day runs from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and the second day runs from 8 am to 11:00 am
18:34:59 From amy moeller to Everyone:
Approximately how many students stay in dorms
CofC Response 50- 75 students stay in the residence halls
18:35:59 From Diane M to Everyone:
Parents get a tour?
CofC response: A tour is part of the orientation program
18:36:02 From Amber.Johns to Everyone:
If we missed the immunization submission which was May 15th, can we still submit and be able to register if we have orientation on June 23 & 24? We have it but need to add.
CofC response: You can still add information to the Medcat portal for your student’s health and vaccination information.
18:36:38 From theresafrith to Everyone:
Will the students be able to see the dorms?
They will be able to see model rooms in some of the residence halls. A list of open halls will be on the student’s orientation schedule
18:37:01 From janeen waddell to Stephanie Auwaerter (direct message):
Can you try to accommodate roommate requests during orientation?
CofC Response: We are not able to accommodate roommate requests during orientation
18:37:12 From Diane M to Everyone:
How hot does it get? Coming from New England!
18:37:38 From Stephanie Tompkins Senn’s iPhone to Everyone:
Replying to "How hot does it get? Coming from New England!":
Really hot!!!!!
18:37:15 From Lauren Podesta 11 to Everyone:
Should students bring laptops or iPads with them to orientation?
CofC Response: Students do not need to bring laptops or iPads with them to orientation
18:37:47 From Tess Prebich to Everyone:
When do we choose dorm building?
CofC Response: students will receive an email in the next week or two about signing up for residence halls and rooms. Make sure to check your CofC email daily
18:38:46 From Katie’s iPhone to Everyone:
Roommate groups, how final are they??
18:39:20 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
Contact housing@cofc.edu for the answer to this question
18:39:32 From Joey cipollone to Everyone:
On the first day of orientation is the meeting with the advisor in a group or one on one and are parents allowed to be there?
CofC Answer: Families are not with the students during advising and registration but students can make changes to their schedule after orientation until the last day of drop/add on August 25, 2025.
18:39:36 From Mindy Miley to Everyone:
Many of you are subscribed but you can sign up for our parent platform at
18:39:38 From Katie’s iPhone to Everyone:
Did you say the June 19-20 family orientation is 9am-5:30pm on the 19th and 9-11:30 on the 20th?
18:40:05 From Stephanie Auwaerter to Everyone:
the first day starts at 8:30 am
Important emails:
orientat@cofc.edu
parents@cofc.edu
Stephanie Auwaerter auwaerters@cofc.edu
18:40:35 From Brink Williams to Everyone:
Where do we send the immunization forms?
CofC Response: You can view how to submit the health forms at /student-health/immunizations.php
Stephanie Auwaerter post:
Reminder from the Financial Aid Office: official test scores are still required for SC residents that needed those scores to qualify for state scholarships... those need to be sent to the CofC Admissions office
18:41:58 From BA iPhone (2) to Everyone:
Can you speak a bit more about if a student is rushing ? All new to us ! What’s the best source of info for them to keep on top of checklist / important dates? Or is there a specific part of the college website you could point to in the chat ?
CofC Response: Please emails me at auwaerters@cofc.edu and I'll be able to send you some good links
18:42:41 From LMA to Everyone:
if student was awarded a merit scholarship will that be included in the financial package?
18:43:51 From Erica Harrison-Jones to Everyone:
Replying to "if student was awarded a merit scholarship will th...":
Yes. it should be available to see in MyPortal