FOCUS Logo

Welcome Incoming Students!

FOCUS Week for the incoming class of 2027 will take place August 19-23, 2023. 

FOCUS is a five-day comprehensive orientation program designed to help new students have a successful transition to life at Stetson University. All first-year and transfer students with less than 24 credits begin their First-Year Seminar during FOCUS. This opportunity allows you to connect with your faculty and begin adjusting to Stetson University's academic rigor right away.

During FOCUS, you and your FSEM class or fellow transfer students will meet daily with your FOCUS Leader, outstanding returning students who have been at the university for at least a year and who have a strong desire and passion for showing new students the ropes.

Also during FOCUS, you'll be able to take care of everything needed to get settled in, all while taking part in exciting activities, meeting new people, learning your way around campus and having fun!

What to Expect

The schedule carefully balances learning, study time and fun in the evening to ensure you have plenty of time to get acquainted with life as a Hatter.  Check out the FOCUS Orientation Schedule to learn more about what to expect!  The 2023 FOCUS Week Schedules are available for review.  Please check back frequently as the schedules are updated to include the most up-to-date information! 

2023 FOCUS Schedule A - For All Transfer Students and FSEM Students Except Those Mentioned Below

2023 FOCUS Schedule B - For Students in the Following FSEM Sections:

  • FSEM 100-175 - Freedom's Turn
  • FSEM 100-188 - Left Wing Authoritarianism: Stalin, Mao, and Castro
  • FSEM 100-189 - The Early American Navy
  • FSEM 100-210 - Water and Society

Please read your course number carefully to ensure you are following the correct schedule!

The FOCUS Staff

Before you arrive on campus in August, expect to hear from your FOCUS Leader. The FOCUS Leaders are current students who are here to help make the transition to life at Stetson University as smooth as possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions - they are here to help!  

Please note -  for those required to take a First Year Seminar (FSEM), your FSEM will also serve as your FOCUS Group.  If you have not registered for Fall 2023 classes, you will not have a FOCUS Leader assigned to you. Registering for classes as early as possible will give you access to your FOCUS Leader, who will be a valuable resource throughout the summer and fall.  Transfer students who will be bringing in more than 24 credits (and are exempt from FSEM) will be assigned their Transfer FOCUS Group without course registration.  

New Student Check-In

Before you arrive for FOCUS, please remember that you need to schedule an arrival appointment time for Saturday, August 19 between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. using our Arrival Appointment Form.  All new students, both residential and commuters must schedule an appointment time.  We ask that you follow our New Student Check-In Driving Instructions, as they will direct you to exactly where you need to go to enter the check-in line.  We encourage residential students to also review both the Move-In Traffic Flow Map and the Fall Move-In Resources provided by Residential Living and Learning prior to arrival.  

Students who are already on campus prior to August 19 for athletic teams, academic programs, or other student organizations do not need to sign up for an arrival appointment time. We ask that you visit the Lynn Business Center lobby between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. during New Student Check-In on August 19 to pick up your FOCUS materials.  

Have questions about the arrival process?  Please check out our New Student Check-In FAQs! 

Parent and Family College

We are so excited to welcome you and your student into the Stetson family. To best help you with your Hatter’s transition to college, we will host our annual Parent and Family College on Sunday, August 20 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Lee Chapel inside Elizabeth Hall.  This program provides all the information and tools needed to establish a strong support network for your new Hatter. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

  • Safety
  • Academic Support
  • Career Readiness
  • Dining
  • Residential and Commuter Experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can my parents and family stay while in town?

We don't allow parents and family members to stay in the residence halls with students during FOCUS. Find out more information about area lodging, including a variety of accommodation styles and price levels in and around the DeLand area.

For any further questions please contact us at [email protected]