Is Orientation required for parents/families? Orientation is optional, but we encourage family members to attend the Orientation program with their son or daughter to have questions answered, become familiar with the SRU staff and policies regarding their student's success at the university.

What will I learn by attending Orientation with my son or daughter? We strive to make sure that by the time you leave the program, most if not all of your questions and concerns will be addressed. We have invited a variety of different representatives to share information about the campus and the community, as well as academic services and student life departments such as Residence Life, Health Services, Dining Services, the Counseling Center, University Police, Financial Aid, and Students Accounts.

Why are parents assessed a fee to attend the program? The Orientation fee covers meals as well as program resources and student staff training and services.

How do I get to Orientation? Directions to the SRU campus are provided by visiting the "Directions to Orientation" page.

When will I see my son or daughter during Orientation? During the Orientation program, there will be times when you will be together and other times when you will be separated. We will give you concise instructions and details about when you will and will not be together. It is important to be aware that there are certain programs designated specifically parents and specifically for students.

What should I bring to be prepared for the day? We are excited you will be joining us for the day! While we do provide a lot of resources and handouts, it will be beneficial to bring a note pad and pen.

Are parents and students required to spend the night for the June program? Although we encourage you to spend the night, the overnight experience is optional. The overnight experience is intended for you to meet other parents, university faculty members and staff, as well as current students. The evening program is very relaxed and fun, yet quite informative. It is not mandatory for your son or daughter to spend the night during the summer Orientation programs. The evening program is a lot of fun, and is a good time for students to interact with each other. The overnight experience also gives the student a better understanding of what to expect when they move into the residence halls for school. Please note: all students who participate in the evening program must attend mandatory floor meetings at 11:00 pm regardless of where they are lodging for the evening.

Are on-campus accommodations available during the program? Accommodations will be provided in Building C of the Residential Suites if you choose to stay overnight during one of the summer Orientation programs. Please bring linens and pillows!

Can I go to the Academic Advisement session with my son or daughter? Academic Advisement is a time when your student will be interacting with a university faculty member who represents their academic department to talk about class schedules, what is going to be expected of them while attending Slippery Rock University, and the requirements for their particular major. During this session, parents will meet with representatives from Health Services, the Counseling Center, University Police, Disability Services, and the Aebersold Student Recreation Center. We encourage all parents to attend this important session to get their questions addressed by university staff.

"The Quad" - the area on campus encircled by the main academic classroom buildings: Advance Science Technology Building, Bailey Library, Eisenberg Classroom Building, Physical Therapy Building, Spotts World Cultural Building and Vincent Science Hall.

"The ARC" - the nickname for the Aebersold Recreation Center. The ARC is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a fitness center with over 100 exercise machines, a rock climbing wall, indoor pool, track and a multi-purpose gymnasium.

Happy Bus - named after our very personable bus driver, who picks students up on campus and gets them to class or to places in the Slippery Rock community and also makes occasional trips to the outlets and local malls. This bus is sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA). Bus Schedules are available here

"CA" - an abbreviation that is used to describe "Community Assistants." A Community Assistant is an undergraduate student who serves as a link between you and the University. A CA lives on your floor and is there to help you make your transition to college, access University resources, offer support if you are experiencing personal difficulty. In addition to assisting you, your CA is responsible for promoting a thriving residence hall community.

"The Fluh" - refers to the Weisenfluh Dining Hall, as in "Lets go to the Fluh!"

"The H Drive" - a drive on the university network that is created for each student on campus which allows them to save their work for classes and can be accessed from any computer on campus, as well as your home computer via the SRU Web site. .

"Rockmail" - Slippery Rock University's e-mail system, which can be accessed on campus or at home through the SRU Web site.

"RockTalk" - is an online tool for past and present students in which to execute the following actions: Drop and add courses using student registration, View and print degree audits, View and print class schedules or grades, View and print an enrollment certification letter, View and print account and financial aid information, and/or a tuition receipt, Make a payment on your account by credit card, and View and update home and off-campus addresses

"Flex Fund" - money that comes along with your meal plan and can be used only at university dining halls to supplement your meal purchases.

"DARS" - Degree Audit Report, which gives you information about all the classes you are taking, as well as what you need to complete in order to graduate. Your academic advisor will help you learn how to read and use your DARS report. .