Ave Maria University |
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FAQ
Orientation
When is New Student Orientation and when do classes start?
New Student Orientation runs from Thursday, August 21st to Sunday, August 24th. Classes begin on Monday August 25th.
How busy will I be during Orientation?
You will be extremely busy. There are many events and programs to attend. While many events are mandatory, you will also have the chance to choose what interests you and what you believe will benefit you as you attempt to get oriented to Ave Maria University. After arrival, you will receive a full calendar with event descriptions to help you further decide which choices to make.
Arrival
Does it matter what time I arrive on Thursday, August 21st, 2008?
The earlier you arrive on campus, the more time you will have to start settling in to your room. However, you should not arrive before 9AM. We recommend that you arrive by 12PM on this day.
Can I arrive early to get settled in?
You cannot move in to your assigned residence until Thursday, August 21st, 2008. On-campus services will not be prepared to assist you before this time. You are, however, welcome to come out early and get acquainted with the area. Many parents and students find this time useful for picking up those last minute items they did not want to pack for the trip to Ave Maria. There are a number of hotels that the university recommends. You will find their phone number, their distance from campus, and their approximate costs on the university website.
Will I be all settled in on Thursday?
New Student Orientation lasts from Thursday until Sunday. You can take time over those 4 days to unpack, register your classes, and accomplish many other tasks before classes begin. Most students are not fully unpacked by the end of Thursday. Your residence staff will be there to support you during the move-in process.
What do I need to bring to Ave Maria?
As if enthusiasm, intelligence, and a bright future are not enough! We have compiled a list of essential and suggested items to bring or to get after you arrive. Please understand that no list can be comprehensive; many students are satisfied with much less, while others bring much more. Please see the What to Bring sheet for a complete detail.
Where do I go to get detergent/a bike/tape/toothpaste...?
The Ave Maria Bookstore is located in the town center. The bookstore will be able to help you find many supplies that you are looking for. There are also many retail stores located within twenty miles of campus. These include: Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Publix, Albertsons, and more. Should you have access to a car, we maintain a set of driving directions to some of the closest retail centers.
What if I have questions about the freshman transportation policy?
Freshmen are typically not allowed to have cars. If there is an extreme circumstance, please contact the Office of Student Life at 239-280-2540 for more information.
Can I ship my belongings to campus?
New students traveling to campus by airplane often ship many of their belongings to avoid paying the fees that airlines charge for extra baggage. Keep in mind that it becomes very difficult to transport everything from the airport to campus. Packages sent to the university (no matter what the service) will be kept at the post office on campus for a limited time until you claim them. The Post Office will alert you when packages arrive by placing a slip in your mailbox. U.S. Postal Service shipping addresses should read:
Your Name
Ave Maria University
5050 Ave Maria Blvd.
Ave Maria, Florida 34142
In any case, you should arrange to ship packages so that they arrive Wednesday August 20th 2008 or later. This will ensure that you are on campus to receive them.
I am flying to campus. How do I get myself and my stuff to Ave Maria?
The airport which is closest to Ave Maria is Southwest Regional Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. Shuttle service is available from the airport. Expect to pay around $30 per person for a shuttle to campus. Depending on traffic, the trip from RSW will take about 45 mins. During Orientation we provide complimentary shuttle services for those students flying into RSW (or the Naples airport). Students should have received a travel and transportation sheet to be completed and sent back to the Office of Student Life. If you have not received it, or you have misplaced it, please contact the Office of Student Life (239-280-2540). You are responsible for getting your luggage on and off the shuttles, so be sure not to pack luggage that is too heavy for you to carry. Also make sure each piece of luggage is clearly labeled, inside and outside, with your full name. In past years, new students have asked whether shuttle services will transport items such as stereos, bikes, guitars, or trunks. We recommend you ship these types of items, making sure that they arrive on campus after you do. Note that shuttle services are not equipped to pick up baggage shipped ahead to the air freight building, because it is quite a distance from the passenger terminal. Also, do not expect shuttle drivers to know campus. It is best to know where your dorm is, and to keep a campus map on you for the journey from the airport.
I will be driving to Ave Maria. Will parking be an issue?
If you or your parents plan to have a car on campus during Orientation, there are a number of visitor parking spots next to the Town Center Oratory. Although freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus once school has begun, transfer students who intend to keep a car on campus after Orientation must be sure to request a parking permit from the Office of Security before the end of the first week of school.
What are the directions to campus?
Driving directions may be found on the travel information sheet located in this mailing, or on the university website.
Academics
Does Ave Maria have a summer reading list?
You will receive a special mailing in July that will contain Leisure, the Basis of Culture by Joseph Pieper. If you have not received the packet, please contact the Office of Admissions immediately. The summer reading will be part of a small group discussion that all students will take part in during Orientation, so please come prepared.
When do I register for class?
Freshman schedules will be discussed with them via telephone with an Admissions Counselor prior to arrival on campus. If you have any further questions, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Do I need to take a language placement test?
Ave Maria offers a Latin placement exam for those students wishing to test out of the elementary Latin 101. This exam will be offered on Thursday of Orientation.
Whom do I contact with general academic questions?
Staff members in the Registrar's office are ready to assist your questions regarding your academic needs.
Whom do I contact with questions about transfer credit for previous course work?
Incoming freshmen with questions about transfer credit should contact the Office of Admissions at (239) 280 2556.
Transfers
Do transfer students have their own Orientation?
Transfer students will have the opportunity to participate in general Orientation activities as well as activities designed specifically for transfer students.
Who do I contact if I am a transfer student with general academic questions?
A transfer student may contact the Registrar's Office (239) 280-1645, for their general questions and the registrar will be able to assist their needs.
Parents
What events are scheduled for my parents?
Parent events take place on Friday August 22nd only. They are welcome to participate in all of the general open events and may want to assist their son/daughter with Financial Aid or Registration.
When should my parents plan to say goodbye?
All parent programming is scheduled for Friday August 22nd. There is no "traditional" time that the parents say goodbye. Normally, by Saturday, your children are extremely busy with school events and parents usually do not stay past that day, though they are always welcome! There will be very little time after this first day for you to spend with your parents.
Where do my parents stay during Orientation?
There are many hotels located within a relatively close proximity to the Ave Maria campus. Please see the university website.