Students who attend First Saturday can expect to build greater confidence in their abilities to successfully access and utilize university resources in academic, personal development, and career readiness areas. First Saturday attendance is required for all first-time, first-year students and recommended for transfer students during their first semester at FAU. First Saturday is the last phase of the orientation experience.
Location: Student Union Times vary by assigned group – check your FAU email on Monday, August 15 for your assigned group check-in locations. (Pick three 30 minute sessions of interest)
Group 1: 10 am – Noon Arrive at 9:45am for welcome Session 1: 10:10 am – 10:40 amSession 2: 10:50 am – 11:20 amSession 3: 11:30 am – Noon
Group 2: Noon – 2 pm Arrive at 11:45 am for welcome Session 1: 12:10 pm – 12:40 pmSession 2: 12:50 pm – 1:20 pmSession 3: 1:30 pm – 2 pm
Group 3: 2 pm – 4 pm Arrive at 1:45 pm for welcome Session 1: 2:10 pm – 2:40 pmSession 2: 2:50 pm – 3:20 pmSession 3: 3:30 pm – 4 pm
Group 4: 4 pm – 6 pm Arrive at 3:45 pm for welcome Session 1: 4:10 pm – 4:40 pmSession 2: 4:50 pm –5:20 pmSession 3: 5:30 pm – 6 pm
The First Saturday Conference is a required program and attendance is integral to your transition to the University. New Student Transitions & Family Engagement will track attendance.
The choice to attend is similar to the decisions you make every day of your undergraduate career—whether to attend class or not, whether to meet with your academic advisor or not, or whether to get involved in student activities.
Phase 1 - Virtual Orientation
Complete First-Year Self-Directed Virtual Orientation session through Canvas . You will need to complete the Canvas course at least five business days before your Orientation Day (Phase 2).
Phase 2 - Orientation Day(s)
Attend your Live Virtual Orientation Day(s). You will receive program information via your FAU email account two to three business days prior to your session.
Phase 3 - First Saturday: Fall 2022
First Saturday will fill in the gaps on everything else, providing “just in time” information you need to know to get started at FAU! First Saturday is mandatory as it serves as your required, extended Orientation program. Check your FAU email for more information from howtofau@fau.edu as this date approaches. If this date has already passed, please contact us at howtofau@fau.edu to receive a make-up assignment. Families encouraged to attend the Family Success Conference that occurs during First Saturday by registering here .
Please arrive to the Live Oak Pavilion outside of the Student Union to check-in. Commuter Students may park in Parking Garage 1.
Students must only complete register for the SOAR experience through the OwlDone portal. Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with steps to complete the different phases of the experience. Families will need to register to attend Family Success Conference here.
As a family member with a fall starting student, you will not be able to participate in First Saturday on August 20, however, we will be hosting a Family Success Conference via Zoom on Wednesday, August 24 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. RSVP here: forms.gle/4u7VA4KfwAHr5K1v8
