Location
Richard Bland College
11301 Johnson Road
Petersburg, VA 23805
Presenters
Contact Information
New Student Orientation
Description
Starting college is a big step, and you do not have to figure it out alone. New Student Orientation is designed to help you and your family understand what comes next, what still needs to be completed, and who can help you along the way.
Check-In and Taking Care of Business: Begins at 9:00 AM
Program Welcome: Begins at 10:00 AM
During Orientation, students will:
- Set up RBC technology accounts
- Take their student ID photo
- Meet with Student Success
- Learn how to view their Degree Evaluation
- Connect with campus resources
- Get help with outstanding next steps
Before Orientation, students will receive a personalized Orientation Game Plan based on their student profile. This plan will show what they need to complete while on campus. By the end of Orientation, our goal is for every student and family to leave feeling prepared, connected, and confident about the start of the RBC experience.
Families and supporters will also have sessions designed just for them. These sessions will explain how to support your student, what to expect during the transition to college, and where to go when questions come up.
Upcoming Dates And Times
Questions & Answers
- What time should I arrive?
Check-in and Taking Care of Business begin at 9:00 AM. The formal welcome begins at 10:00 AM.
Students and families are encouraged to arrive at 9:00 AM, especially if you need help with financial aid, financial clearance, in-state tuition, housing, your class schedule, or other outstanding items.
- What is “Taking Care of Business”?
Taking Care of Business is time set aside for students to complete important next steps before classes begin.
During this time, you may be able to meet with offices such as Financial Aid, the Business Office, Residence Life, Student Success, Disability Services, Counseling, and IT.
- Do I have to arrive at 9:00 AM?
We strongly recommend arriving at 9:00 AM if you have any outstanding items to complete. If you are unsure, it is better to arrive early so staff can help you.
The official program welcome begins at 10:00 AM.
- How will I know what I still need to complete?
Before Orientation, you will receive a personalized Orientation Game Plan based on your student profile. This will help you know what offices you may need to visit and what steps you should complete while on campus.
- What should I bring with me?
Students should bring:
- Login information for apply.rbc.edu and the studenthub (if set up)
- Any documents requested by Admissions, Financial Aid, or other campus offices
- A photo ID, if available
- Questions you or your family have
You should also check your Orientation Game Plan before attending.
- Will I get my student ID?
Yes. Students will take their student ID photo during Orientation.
- Will I set up my RBC technology accounts?
Yes. Students will complete IT setup during Orientation so they can access important RBC accounts like Canvas and Banner before classes begin.
- Will I meet with someone about my classes?
Yes. Students will meet with Student Success during Orientation. You will also learn more about your schedule, academic support, and how to view your Degree Evaluation.
- What is a Degree Evaluation?
A Degree Evaluation is a tool that helps you see how your classes count toward your academic program. It helps you understand what you have completed, what you still need, and how your schedule connects to graduation or transfer goals.
- Can my parent, guardian, or supporter attend?
Yes. Families and supporters are encouraged to attend. There will be sessions designed specifically for them, including information on how to support you during your transition to college.
- Will students and families be together the whole time?
No. Some sessions will include both students and families, and some sessions will be separate. Students will complete rotations for IT setup, student ID photos, and Student Success. Families and supporters will attend sessions designed to help them understand how to support their student.
- Will lunch be provided?
Yes. Lunch will be provided during Orientation.
- Will there be food before lunch?
Light refreshments will be available in the morning. We know 9:00 AM to lunch is a long stretch, so there will be coffee, water, and light breakfast/snack options available.
- What if I still need to complete financial aid?
If your FAFSA has not been submitted or accepted, you should plan to visit Financial Aid during Orientation.
Your Orientation Game Plan will help you know if this applies to you.
- What if I am not financially cleared?
If you are not financially cleared, you should plan to visit Financial Aid and the Business Office during Orientation. Staff will help you understand what still needs to be completed.
- What if I still need to complete Virginia In-State Tuition information?
If you are a Virginia resident and have not completed your Virginia In-State Tuition information, you should plan to complete that during Orientation. This helps determine eligibility for in-state tuition.
- What if I want to live on campus but have not completed housing?
If you are interested in living on campus and have not completed the housing application, you should plan to meet with Residence Life during Orientation.
- What if I need accommodations or disability services?
Disability Services will be available during Orientation. Students who need accommodations or have questions about support services should plan to connect with Disability Services.
- What if I need counseling or personal support?
Counseling Services will be available as a campus resource. Orientation is a good time to learn what support is available and how to access help when needed.
- What if I do not know what questions to ask?
That is completely okay. Orientation is designed to help you understand what questions you should be asking. Staff will help guide you through your next steps.
- What is the goal of Orientation?
The goal is for students and families to leave feeling prepared, connected, and confident about starting at Richard Bland College. We want students to understand their next steps, know where to go for help, and feel ready for the first day of classes.
