As the summer starts, so does one of Stetson University’s newest traditions for its new students: the third annual Summer Orientation.

Designed as a launching point into Stetson life, this year’s Summer Orientation continues to build on the success of previous years while including some exciting additions to the program, which is focused on helping incoming students build connections with their peers.

Taking place on Stetson’s DeLand campus with four sessions — June 5-6, June 26-27, July 10-11 and July 14-15 — Summer Orientation is more than just a typical campus tour or information session. It’s an experience that gives new students a taste of what university life at Stetson has to offer.

Years in the Making

The Summer Orientation program had been in the works for nearly a decade, launching in summer 2023, with lead organizers Jimmy Kelly and Kristin Graham being the minds behind the program. Kelly is the director of Student Development and Campus Vibrancy. Graham is the associate director of First Year Experience and Transition. The two have worked together for several years.

“We want the new students to feel comfortable, feel at home and find that sense of belonging on campus right from the get-go,” Kelly commented. “So that’s what our programming and our schedule are really designed to help them feel.”

With the program evolving each year based on feedback from past participants and their families, a few new components have been added to truly embody Stetson’s core values of a relationship-rich education. For example, some of the small-group meeting content has been adjusted to ensure students leave with the essential information they need to begin their academic journey. Additionally, new breakout sessions for residential and commuter students have been added to help students connect with peers who will either live on campus or commute.

Summer Transition Fellows

A vital part of the Summer Orientation program is the team of Stetson students known as the Summer Transition Fellows. Fellows such as Jaimy Cotto De Jesús, Gislene Bezerra da Silva and Amaya Santana are what bring the program to life, says Graham.

“They have the boots-on-the-ground experience of what it’s like to be a student here,” Graham explains. “They’re the people new students are going to connect to and rely on for resources. They’re truly what make our programs happen here on campus.”

The Summer Transition Fellows bring their own energy and Hatter experiences — from leading breakout sessions to sharing helpful advice about what it’s like to be a university student. Their goal is to help new students feel welcome as part of the Stetson family.

Both Cotto De Jesús and Santana are also FOCUS Leaders — a group of students who assist incoming students during FOCUS, Stetson’s fall orientation program. In the past, many students who attended Summer Orientation were able to reconnect not only with friends they made during the program, but also with current students who served as both Summer Transition Fellows and FOCUS Leaders. The goal of the leader groups is to help new students feel part of the Stetson family.

Students Making a Difference

Cotto De Jesús is a senior, completing a double major in Marketing and Sales. Having been around since the establishment of Summer Orientation, she has seen the program grow over time. One of her favorite activities is the Orientation pool party. “Usually by this point, [the new students] have gotten to know each other a little bit … and they’re really excited; they’re warming up,” she says. “That’s when their shyness goes away. How can you be shy when there’s a giant body of water in the nighttime in front of you?”

Bezerra da Silva is a rising junior majoring in both Marketing and Business Systems and Analytics. As an international student from Brazil, she was initially nervous about coming into a new environment such as Stetson. When asked what advice she would give new students, she responds, “Don’t be afraid. Ask as many questions as you want. … Go talk to people; get to know the other students.”

Santana is a senior Finance major. With a strong passion for helping new students get acclimated to university life, she enjoys what the Summer Orientation program has done for many students in the past. “Knowing the fact that we’re able to make that difference and, honestly, positively impact a lot of these students means a lot,” Santana says.

Taking the First Step

These three student fellows represent the heart of Summer Orientation — helping to ensure the new students have fun, learn about Stetson and find a comfortable place to start their journey. After all, each of them also once began on campus with many of the same fears, anxiety and uncertainty.

“Bring a planner” to jot down questions and/or appointments, adds Cotto De Jesús.

“No question is bad. No question is dumb,” Santana emphasizes.

Whether you’re a new student ready to begin at Stetson or a family member eager to support your new Hatter, Summer Orientation represents the opportunity to become informed, be entertained and begin to feel like this is a new home.

However, if you haven’t already registered, now is the time. Although Summer Orientation takes place over four sessions, spots fill quickly.

• June 5-6 – Session Open
• June 26-27 – Session Open
• July 10-11 – Session Open
• July 14-15 – Session Open

To learn more and sign up, visit the Summer Orientation official website.

-Katryana Vieira-Carreiro ’25