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Archive for April, 2011


Traffic Advisory – Transfer Orientation (April 29)

The University of South Florida will host Transfer Student Orientation on Friday, April 29 on its Tampa campus.

Students will arrive between 7 and 9 a.m. and park in the Laurel Parking Facility located on Laurel Drive at Holly Drive, near the USF Health Morsani Center. Students will then travel via BullRunner transit, Route E, to the Marshall Student Center for the Orientation session. Attendance is projected at 700 people.

Higher than normal traffic volumes are expected in the Laurel parking area, and drivers should expect some stopped vehicles as Orientation staff answer questions and facilitate parking. This may be an area to avoid, if possible, or allow extra time to reach your destination.

In addition, drivers are asked to be mindful of increased pedestrian traffic on Holly Drive between Laurel Drive and Cedar Circle throughout the entire day.

Please contact the Office of Orientation at (813) 974-3060 or myorientation@usf.edu with any questions.

Transfer Orientation is coming on April 29


The Office of Orientation can’t wait to welcome over 450 new Transfer students on Friday, April 29, at Transfer Orientation in the Marshall Student Center on USF’s Tampa campus.

Are you attending?

Transfer Orientation is designed with transfer students in mind – you have demonstrated that they can be successful in college. Orientation is designed to prepare you to transition your success to the University of South Florida.

You may want to check out our Getting Here information for important arrival information! In addition, please make sure that you print your parking permit from your e-confirmation PDF that was given to you in MyOrientation.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Register for an Orientation session at www.usf.edu/myorientation.

Beyond The Polo: Mayme Vestal

Mayme was an Orientation Team Leader in 2009 and continued with the Office of Orientation as an office staff member.

Aside from still being an office staff member, Mayme is very involved on campus. Following her OTL position, Mayme became the Co-President and Co-founder of BullRaisers, Co-Vice President for Phi Sigma Theta, and participated in Community Plunge as a site leader. Mayme also competed in the Miss International pageant as Miss Argentina.

Reflecting on changes at USF, Mayme is awed by how USF has expanded tremendously. She adds that USF is putting emphasis on the better facilities being built to make USF less of a commuter school.

Her favorite thing to do on campus is to work in the Office of Orientation. Mayme says that what she likes most about USF is that it is a comfortable place for her. She also loves the growth and spirit she sees around campus on a daily basis.

Beyond The Polo: Marcus Graham

In 2010, Marcus Graham enthusiastically joined the Orientation Team. Since his 2010 Orientation experience, Marcus has continued to illustrate his Bull Spirit by becoming a Green & Gold Guide, Vice President of Policy and Procedure for the Residence Hall Association, and member of the Office of Orientation staff. As a Green & Gold Guide, also known as the G3’s, Marcus facilitates campus tours for prospective students and their families. Currently, Marcus is in the process of redesigning the Admissions virtual tour that will be utilized when the weather does not permit campus walking tours.

As the Vice President of Policy and Procedure for the Residence Hall Association, it is Marcus’s responsibility to serve as the parliamentarian for RHA meetings and oversee all constitutional changes. Marcus is also the committee chair for the Residents’ Concerns Committee, and Dining Services Advisory Committee.  Due to his strong interest in residential life, Marcus plans on attending the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) conference in May at Western Illinois University. This leadership conference is primarily designated for student leaders who live on a collegiate campus. As a result of his leadership and involvement, Marcus will have the exceptional opportunity of becoming a Residential Assistant in Cypress Hall in the fall 2011 semester.

In the Office of Orientation, Marcus currently works as the Media Design Assistant. In his position, Marcus creates and designs Orientation publications. In order to maintain an environmentally friendly atmosphere within the Office of Orientation, Marcus has created the electronic orientation confirmation packet that will be emailed to students once they register for a session. Thanks to his contribution, Marcus’s leadership skills have definitely enhanced the Orientation process for students and their families.

In regards to his future, Marcus plans on attending Graduate School and attaining a Master’s degree in Collegiate Student Affairs. It is evident that Marcus’s witty charm and desire to lead will only guide him to success. Good Luck Marcus!

Beyond The Polo: Max Daniels

Max Daniels was an OTL in 2008. Recently, he was hired in the Office of Orientation as a Student Assistant.

He is an active member in Campus Crusade for Christ, also known as Cru. Also, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity for 2 years on campus. This past summer, Max traveled to California with Cru on a summer mission trip. He lived in San Diego for ten weeks, where he spent time structured around community service, engaging in conversations around campuses, developing personal faith and growing as a leader while helping the community.

Max is graduating this May and will be continuing his position in the office through the summer. This fall, he is hoping to travel and begin work in his ultimate goal is to find a good position with a campus ministry, whether it be working in a school or a church.

Beyond The Polo: Alex Taylor

Alexandria Taylor was an OTL in 2008. Since her orientation experience, Alex have been heavily involved with various student organizations. Currently, she is the President of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, 1st Vice President of NCNW, and a member of Dr. Meningall’s Circle of Student Advisors. She also works as a Student Assistant in the Office of Orientation. She has held this position for almost three years and has enjoyed every second of it. Since being an OTL she has changed her major four times, but will still manage to graduate within four years. She will be graduating this December with a Bachelor’s in Public Health. Alex plans to attend graduate school starting in the fall of 2012. She would like to attain a master’s degree in Collegiate Student Affairs with a focus in counseling. She has a lot to look forward to and is excited to continue her job with orientation before graduating and pursuing her next endeavor.

Beyond The Polo: Adelia Joseph

Adelia was an Orientation Team Leader in 2010. After her adventurous summer, Adelia continued her student involvement in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She is also a part of Reach Out and Read. Adelia is also proud to say she is continuing her involvement with the Office of Orientation as a Transfer Orientation Team Leader.

Adelia says that the impact of being an OTL was huge. She went from being a person who never talked to being a confident student who is able to approach everyone. Adelia has hopes to become a doctor in the future and says being an OTL provided her with leadership skills and the talking ability that would help her in her future aspirations. To sum up her experience about USF, Adelia says, “It was an unbelievable experience that I would not trade for anything in the world.”

How did orientation change you?
The change orientation had on my life was huge. I was one of the people who never talked and now my confidence has grown a lot.

What will you miss the most about being and OTL?
Being a part of a team that is also your family.

Sum up your OTL experience in one sentence.
It was an unbelieveable experience that I would not trade for the world.

Beyond The Polo: Sasha Arms

How did you like being a part of the 2010 team?
I couldn’t have picked a better team. We were a crazy melting pot and became a tight knit family.

What is one memory that sticks out from your experience as an OTL?
Being an emcee with Chad at the last session when he got the whole crowd to stand up and tell each other that they’re awesome!

Sum up your OTL experience in one sentence.
It’s been a year where I’ve gotten to see myself and others at our bests and worsts but I wouldnt trade the expericne for anything.

Beyond The Polo: Mandy Torsey

Last Fall, while most of us were heading to our first classes of the USF semester, Mandy Torsey (OTL ’09) was heading to classes in the Czech Republic. Mandy participated in The Study Abroad Program last fall and has shared her experience with us.

Why Prague?
At first, I was attracted to a leadership program at my university in Prague because it would complement my Leadership Studies minor. With more research I came to learn that Prague, which is the capitol city of the Czech Republic, is a gorgeous city highly influenced by art and music. It really was a treat to see the Czech Republic as a resident rather than a tourist!

What did you miss most about the USA?
I missed my family and close friends. Moving to another country where I knew no one was a worthwhile experience but all of my relationships were new. I met some great people in Prague though and learned how to put myself out there again!

What will you miss most about Prague?
I miss the lifestyle. Prague is a big, very beautiful city! Everyone walks or takes the trams and metro. Its always a scenic route to get to your destination! I appreciated the cultural importance on travel and leisure time.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about your experience?
It was a lot of preliminary work to prepare to live abroad but that should not deter anyone! I think every day how much the work was worth the experience. I cannot wait to go back!