Parents of New Students Orientation: Aug 21 - 22, 2009
We are looking forward to seeing you during Orientation at Biola University! The following schedule explains the weekend’s events that specifically pertain to you as a parent or guardian. We feel that each seminar and event will assist you and your new student in this exciting time of transition.
There are three events throughout the weekend that require registration, Friday’s Parent Dessert, Saturday’s Luncheon with the President, and Saturday evening’s Dinner on the Lawn. Register online below or call 1.800.99.BIOLA to place reservations over the phone. All tickets must be picked up at the Parent Hospitality Tent on August 21st or 22nd. All reservations must be placed by August 12, 2009.
Schedule of Events
| Friday, August 21 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00am - 6:00pm | Check-In at Residence Halls |
| 9:00am - 6:30pm | Parent Hospitality Tent at Fluor Fountain Parents, stop by to connect with Biola staff, current parents and students. We’re here to answer your questions and provide you with the information you might need to help get your student settled, including lists of local shopping centers for those last minute needs. Additional and pre-purchased meal tickets for Saturday evening’s Dinner on the Lawn will be available for $8. Refreshments and a seat in the shade are complimentary! |
| 11:15am - 1:30pm | Lunch at Cafe (Students can use meal plan; guests cash only) |
| 3:00pm-3:45pm | Introduction to Student IT Services in Business Bldg. 109 Join representatives from Information Technology (IT) as they explain how you can make the most of the technology services and support options that Biola provides. The session will cover everything from the wireless networks to using Blackboard, from the IT Helpdesk to the Biola Computer Store. |
| 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm | English Department Reception in Café Banquet Room Enjoy a presentation by Associate Professor of English, Dr. Aaron Kleist. Find out about the distinctives of Biola's English program and job applications in the field. This seminar is mandatory for all parents of English majors. |
| 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm | Dinner at Cafe (Students can use meal plan; guests cash only) |
| 6:30pm - 7:15pm | Biola Family Welcome on Metzger Lawn You won’t want to miss this first official welcome to the Biola University family! President and Mrs. Barry H. Corey, along with our Admissions Counselors, will be leading the celebration of your arrival with music and lots of fun. |
| 7:30pm - 9:00pm Event Requires Registration |
Parent Dessert Reception at the Tent on Metzger Lawn Parents of new Biola students are invited to an informal dessert reception hosted by the Parent Council. Here's an opportunity to meet other parents as well as those serving on the Council. This event is free, but you must R.S.V.P to reserve your space. |
| Saturday, August 22 | |
| 8:30am - 5:30pm | Parent Hospitality Tent at Fluor Fountain |
| 8:30am - 9:45am | College 101 at Sutherland Auditorium Your job as a parent changes when you have a college student and sometimes it's difficult to understand what comes next. You will learn about some of the transitional issues that most college students go through during their first year and you'll have the opportunity to talk with parents of current students to hear about their own experiences. Same session will be repeated at 2:00 pm. |
| 9:00am - 7:00pm | Check-In at Residence Halls (New and Returning Students) |
| 10:00am - 10:50am | Parent's Financial Services Workshop at Calvary Chapel (Last Name: A - M) Presented by representatives from both the Accounting and the Financial Aid Office. This session includes information regarding financial aid, the required down payment, and payment options. It will also include information regarding online services, student account billing, parent access, tax credits, and buying textbooks. Sandie Weaver, Senior Director of Financial Planning & Operations, and Jonathan Choy, Director of Financial Aid will be leading this session. There will be a question and answer time at the end. Staff from both offices will be available to meet with you individually from 9:00am - 3:00pm. Financial Aid Counselors will be available in Metzger Middle West (to discuss your financial aid) and Student Account Counselors, in the Bursar Office, will be available in Metzger Lower West (to discuss down payments and payment plans) from 9:00am – 3:30pm. |
| 10:00am - 10:50am | Parent's General Information Session at Sutherland Auditorium (Last Name: N - Z) This panel session is designed to address questions that you as a parent may have as your son or daughter enters college. Administrators and staff will answer your questions on topics related to Student Affairs, Chapel, Housing, Residence life, Student Ministries, University services such as Campus Safety and the Health Center, Information Technology and Undergraduate Academic Programs. |
| 11:00am - 11:50am | Parent's Financial Services Workshop at Calvary Chapel (Last Name: N - Z) See description above |
| 11:00am - 11:50am | Parent's General Information Session at Sutherland Auditorium (Last Name: A - M) See description above |
| 12:00pm - 1:45pm Event Requires Registration |
Parent Luncheon with the President at the Tent on Metzger Lawn While students enjoy lunch with their new S.O.S. group in the Café, parents are invited to attend a delightful outdoor luncheon hosted by the Office of Parent Relations. This Biola University tradition provides parents with a time of interaction with other parents along with a message from President Barry H. Corey. R.S.V.P. to reserve your space. Free for two guests. Additional guests are $8 each. Tickets must be picked up on August 21st or 22nd at the Parent Hospitality Tent. |
| 12:30pm - 5:00pm | Open House at Commuter Collegium Commuter Students and their family members are invited to visit the Collegium, our home-away-from-home for commuters. Come join us for refreshments, check out our beautiful home and meet the Commuter Life Team. |
| 2:00pm - 3:15pm | Off-Campus Programs Information Panel at Crowell Hall International and off-campus study programs are exciting educational opportunities students will want to plan for well in advance. Faculty coordinators will give a brief overview of these programs and answer your questions. |
| 2:00pm - 3:15pm | Crash Course in Career Planning at Sutherland Auditorium Parents are increasingly interested in helping their college student plan for a career. Many parents today realize that the job market has changed significantly from when they entered the work force and feel ill-prepared to advise their student. This workshop will help you assist your son or daughter to make this very significant transition within a Christian context. |
| 2:00pm - 3:15pm | Bible Curriculum Workshop at Calvary Chapel One of the core distinctives of Biola University is our commitment to Biblical Studies. Gain a clear perspective of this historical foundation in an informative workshop. |
| 2:00pm - 3:15pm | College 101 at Mayers Auditorium Your job as a parent changes when you have a college student and sometimes it's difficult to understand what comes next. You will learn about some of the transitional issues that most college students go through during their first year and you'll have the opportunity to talk with parents of current students to hear about their own experiences. This session is the same as the College 101 offered previously at 8:30 am. |
| 2:00pm - 3:15pm | Education Department Workshop in Business Bldg. 109 Enjoy a presentation by the Dean of Education, Dr. June Hetzel. Find out about the distinctives of Biola's education programs and job applications in the field. A "don't miss" session for parents of Liberal Studies majors and parents of students pursuing single subject credentials |
| 3:30pm - 4:45pm | S.O.S. Parent Forum at Sutherland Auditorium Parents come ready to have fun as you receive real quality time with your student's S.O.S. leader. This tradition enables parents to hear first hand from this qualified group of student leaders what your student will be doing during this week of orientation. You can also hear personal testimonies and gain valuable insight from Biola students. |
| 5:00pm - 7:00pm Event Requires Registration |
Dinner at Sycamore Lawn Come relax with your student and new friends as we enjoy fine dining and fun music. All new and returning students eat for free (they will need to show their Student ID card). Parents, family, and friends can purchase a meal ticket for $8.00. Tickets are available for purchase, or on campus Friday, August 21st and Saturday, August 22nd at the Parent Hospitality Tent, the Cafeteria, Eagles' Nest, and the Talon. Pre-purchased tickets must be picked up at the Parent Hospitality Tent on August 21st or 22nd. |
| 7:30pm | Communion Service on Metzger Lawn Our University President, Dr. Barry H. Corey, brings this busy day to a close by sharing in one of our most memorable traditions, a communion service for students and their families. This is a time where you will hear testimonies and praises given by some of the students (New students, parents, and families are invited). |
Common Questions about Opening Weekend:
1. How long should parents stay during orientation?
Parents are welcome to stay through the Communion Service on Saturday evening. This special time for students and their families provides a wonderful opportunity for saying final good-byes.
2. What activities are available for younger siblings during orientation?
There are not any specific events scheduled for siblings of Biola students. Siblings are welcome to attend any of the parent seminars, sessions, meals, etc. with their parents. The entire family is encouraged to attend the Dinner on the Lawn and Communion Service on Saturday evening. There is an additional cost for more than two people at the Parent Luncheon on Saturday.
Although family members are welcome and encouraged to come to orientation, the ages of the children should be considered when parents are determining which events to attend as many of the events include speakers. Many families choose to make alternate arrangements for their younger siblings (babysitters, drop-off at amusement parks, etc.) during the day on Saturday, so parents may focus on the orientation events.
No guests or family members are able to accompany the new Biola student to the mandatory Student Orientation activities, nor will the new Biola student be free to watch their younger siblings while their parents attend sessions on Saturday. Children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult while they are on campus.
3. Where can we purchase items for the dorm room once we arrive on campus?
Please stop by the Parent Hospitality Tent, located near the Fluor Fountain, to pick up maps and listings of nearby stores and restaurants. In the mean time, visit our New Parent info page to view information about local shops, banks, and restaurants.
Stores located in close proximity to the campus include: Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Sam’s Club, Cost-Co, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Staples, Office Max, TJ Maxx, Ross, Albertson’s Grocery Store, Von’s Grocery Store, Ralph's Grocery Store and the Brea Mall (Nordstrom’s, Macy, Robinson's May, Sears, JC Penney).
Also, let us make move in day a little bit easier. We’ll provide a new mesh laundry hamper, liquid detergent, fabric sheets, fabric freshening spray, Post its, a dry erase marker, a Biola Logo stadium cup, a to-go food container with utensils, plastic zip bags, a first-aid kit, garbage bags, a pair of scissors, plastic hangers, printer paper, a stapler, a highlighter, a pen, a pencil, snacks, and we’ll even throw in a box of tissues just in case. Order the Move In Care Package here. Orders placed by August 17th, will be waiting in your student’s room when they arrive.