FLI Pre-Orientation

Prior to the start of New Student Orientation, FLI Pre-Orientation is a wonderful program centering on the experience of first-generation and/or limited income (FLI) students. Get answers to your questions about succeeding in college, make new friends, enjoy fun activities, explore the local area, and get tips on using campus resources in a fun and empowering environment! Families are invited to stay with their student during the first afternoon of events to enjoy a complimentary lunch and get helpful information.

A first-generation college student is someone whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not graduated from a four-year college or university. Students who self-identify as limited income may be those who receives a Pell Grant or funding through New Jersey’s EOF program, but any student interested in these resources is welcome to participate in FLI Pre-Orientation.

FLI Pre-Orientation Schedule*

DAY 1: Sunday, August 23

  • 8:00am-12:00pm: Residential Student Move-In

  • 11:30am-1:00pm: Commuter Student Check-In

  • 11:30am-1:00pm: Student and Family Lunch

  • 1:00pm-2:00pm: FLI Pre-O Welcome (students and families)

  • 2:00pm-4:00pm: GO Games (students)

  • 2:00pm-4:00pm: Parent and Family Information Sessions (families)

  • 4:00pm-4:30pm: Closing activity + goodbye to families (families leave, students stay)

  • 4:30pm-5:00pm: Peer Leader activities (students)

  • 5:00pm-6:00pm: Clark Meet-Up

  • 5:00pm-8:00pm: Dinner with your Peer Leaders* (students)

  • 8:00-10:00pm: Optional evening activity (students): Think Fast Game Show

DAY 2: Monday, August 24

  • 8:00am-10:00am: Breakfast*

  • 10:00am-11:00am: First P.R.I.D.E. (Proudly Rising, Inspiring, and Defining our student Experience)

  • 11:00am-12:00pm: FLI Alumni/Current Student Panel Discussion

  • 12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch*

  • 1:00pm-4:30pm: Trip to Dave and Busters NYC

  • 5:00pm-8:00pm: Dinner*

  • 8:00pm-10:00pm: Optional evening activity: Roller Skating Rink

DAY 3: Tuesday, August 25

  • 8:00am-10:00am: Breakfast*

  • 10:00am-12pm: Optional Activities with Peer Leaders

  • 12:00pm-1:30pm: Lunch*

  • 1:30pm-4:00pm: Choose Your Own Adventure Activities: Rock Climbing, Painting, or Community Service

  • 4:30pm-6:30pm: FLI Pre-O Closing Party

  • 6:30pm-8:00pm: Dinner*

  • 8:00pm-10:00pm: Optional evening activities (for all pre-orientation students): Dueling Pianos

DAY 4: Wednesday, August 26

  • FREE DAY!

  • 3:00pm: New Student Orientation begins and continues through August 30th

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Orientation is designed to welcome you to our vibrant community, learn about academic and student services and explore ways to get involved during your time as a Stevens student. All incoming students are required to participate in all aspects of New Student Orientation from August 26-30, 2026. Please clear your calendar for the entirety of that timeframe. Orientation begins first thing in the morning and extends late into the evening each day. A detailed schedule of orientation activities is provided in August. See more information about New Student Orientation here.

*All meals take place in Pierce Dining Hall where students swipe in using their meal plan. For commuter students who do not have a meal plan, all dining costs will be covered during FLI Pre-Orientation and New Student Orientation.

*Schedule is subject to change.

Registration closes on July 17, 2026.

FLI Pre-Orientation FAQ

Questions about the 2026 FLI Pre-Orientation? Please review the answers to frequently asked questions below. If you still have questions remaining regarding Pre-Orientation, or if you can no longer attend, please email Maryam Tobias, Assistant Director for First Generation and Limited Income Students.

I'm a commuter student, how long am I expected to stay on campus each day?

All commuter students should participate fully in all Pre-Orientation activities, but we understand you may not be able to join us for breakfast (before 10am) or evening activities (after 6pm) due to your commute. However, it is expected that you will fully participate in all Pre-Orientation programs from 10am-6pm daily (or as noted in the schedule). All commuter students are also welcome to join us for breakfast and the evening activities if they would like to!

I'm a commuter student, where can I park each day?

All commuter students can take public transportation to campus or park in the Babbio Parking Garage on campus (enter on Frank Sinatra Drive) if you have a Fall Parking Permit. No overnight parking is permitted.

Are my parents/family allowed to participate? Is it required?

All students are encouraged to bring their parents/family/supportive guests to the first day of Pre-Orientation, but it is not required. Guests are able to park on campus (follow directions from staff when you arrive) and will receive a free lunch at 12pm. Your guests are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the first day of FLI Pre-Orientation from 1:00pm-4:30pm.

Are complimentary meals provided on campus during Pre-Orientation?

Campus dining is included in all residential student meal plans and we provide meal plans for commuter students so they can eat on campus in Pierce Dining Hall during Pre-Orientation and New Student Orientation.

Are there any costs to participate in the FLI Pre-Orientation?

FLI Pre-Orientation is offered at the low cost of $10 to ensure accessibility to all students. All meals, transportation, and Pre-Orientation activities are covered with that fee. However, optional purchases a student makes during any outing or off-campus activities are up to them and not covered by Stevens.

Who should I contact with other questions not answered here?

CONTACT US

Maryam Tobias, Assistant Director for First Generation and Limited Income Students

Liliana Delman, Director of Student Culture and Belonging

Alida McKee, Director of Special Programs & Administration

Deborah Berkley, Dean of Student Development & Enrichment Programs

Jane Winthrop, Assistant Director of International and Special Programs