Student Leadership & Engagement

Student Leadership & Engagement > New Student Orientation > Focus

Welcome to Focus 2011!

Focus is Union's four-day orientation program that begins with new student move-in on Friday, August 19th and concludes on Monday, August 22nd. During these four days, you will be provided with information designed to meet the needs of every new student, freshmen and transfers alike. Focus is an experience unlike any other you might have during your college career. As soon as you arrive on campus you will be assigned to a Focus group where you and about 20 other students will be led by an upperclassman orientation leader. Don't worry...we don't give you just any leader. Focus Leaders have been interviewed, specifically picked, and thoroughly trained to provide you with the most exciting and informational experience during your first few days at Union. Many of the people you meet during new student orientation, including your Focus Leader, will be the source of great friendships during the next few years!

One unique aspect of Focus is that, with the exception of upperclassmen leaders who are here to help out, the campus is almost exclusively home to new students. Every activity, every meal, and every group session is especially designed to help you to connect with each other, your new campus home and the Jackson community.

New student orientation is a lot of fun, but is also busy. One of the goals of orientation is to teach every new student everything he or she needs to know to not only be able to function, but also understand the ins and outs of campus life. That is why these four days are full of activity and very important to your success at Union!

Parents - you are strongly encouraged to stay through the Friday night (Aug. 19) worship service that ends around 9:00 p.m. After a full day of unpacking and lots of information, many parents and family members will choose to stay in town Friday night. Please visit the lodging information page for a list of local hotels with Union rates!

Union Stories: Move-In Day 2011

Focus 2011

Aug. 8 - Soccer and Volleyball Athlete Orientation
As a preview to Focus, this orientation provides early arrival new student athletes and parents an opportunity to meet key personnel involved in the success of each athlete. The orientation lunch will be from 11:30am - 12:30pm in the Carl Grant Center. More Information
Aug. 16-19 - International Student Orientation
In addition to Focus, all international students have a customized orientation prior to the orientation for all new students. Schedule (.pdf)
Aug. 17-19 - Missionary Dependent/Third Culture Student Orientation
In addition to Focus, all missionary dependent/third culture students have a customized orientation prior to the orientation for all new students. Schedule (.pdf)
Aug. 19-22 - New Student Orientation
Schedule (.pdf)
Bulldog Guide (.pdf)

Past Orientations

Focus 2011 Photo Gallery
Focus 2010 Photo Gallery
Focus 2009 Photo Gallery
Focus 2008 Photo Gallery

Quick Links

Student Leadership & Engagement

Upcoming SGA Events

Feb 22, 2012 - SGA: Student Senate - 9:30 p.m.

The Student Senate is the legislative body of and for the students of Union University. All students are welcome to attend!
Mar 7, 2012 - SGA: Student Senate - 9:30 p.m.

The Student Senate is the legislative body of and for the students of Union University. All students are welcome to attend!
Mar 13, 2012 - SGA: Class Officer Petitions Available - 10:00 a.m.

If you are interested in running for a class office, please pick up the Campaign Guidelines and a Petition to complete. Class Officer Campaign Guidelines and Petitions can be found in the SGA Office or the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement.
Mar 28, 2012 - SGA: Student Senate - 9:30 p.m.

The Student Senate is the legislative body of and for the students of Union University. All students are welcome to attend!
Mar 28, 2012 - SGA: Class Officer Interest Meeting - After Senate - 10:00 p.m.

If you are interested in running for a class office, then this meeting is for you! Come find out from current class officers what the job of class officer really looks like! The meeting will be held after regular SGA Student Senate.
Mar 30, 2012 - SGA: Class Officer Petitions Due - 4:00 p.m.

Make sure you have turned in your petitions if you would like to run for a Student Government Association class office.
Apr 11, 2012 - SGA: Open Senate with Dr. Dockery - 9:30 p.m.

Dr. Dockery will be the guest speaker at SGA Student Senate discussing the University budget and how your tuition dollars are spent. Dr. Dockery will open the floor to any questions/concerns you have. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Legislation will also be presented as usual as well as class officer campaign speeches.
Apr 12, 2012 - SGA: Class Officer Elections - 11:00 a.m.

Cast your vote for the next class officers!
Apr 13, 2012 - SGA: Class Officer Elections - 11:00 a.m.

Cast your vote for the next class officers!
Apr 25, 2012 - SGA: Student Senate - 9:30 p.m.

The Student Senate is the legislative body of and for the students of Union University. All students are welcome to attend!

Upcoming Leadership Program Events

Feb 17, 2012 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Organization Fair - 11:00 a.m.

Come find out how to get involved in student organizations on campus! You can stop by on your way to lunch or class to become familiar with many of the student organizations.
Feb 21, 2012 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Org Presidents' Summit - 9:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, February 21 from 9:00-10:00pm in Bowld 221 we will have a Student Organization Presidents’ Summit. This meeting will provide all student organization presidents with the opportunity to learn about all the policies governing student organizations, such as fundraising, t-shirt approval, space reservations, etc. and will be led by Dean Thornbury. This meeting is required for all student organization presidents, so if you are unable to attend, make sure to send someone in your place (preferably the vice-president).
Feb 23, 2012 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Focus Leader Applications Due - 4:00 p.m.

Focus leader applications are due to Karen Taylor's Office (RA-52 in the Campus Ministry Suite of the SUB Building) by 4:00 pm
Feb 24, 2012 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Barnabas Nominations Due - more info - 4:00 p.m.

In partnership with the Moore and Barney II Foundations, Union established the Barnabas Leadership Award to recognize students who have demonstrated leadership in the area of community and ministry service. Juniors who have demonstrated significant leadership skills and a willingness to serve the campus and community are nominated by faculty, staff or students. Two recipients are named by the Barnabas Award Selection Committee and are awarded $500. The recipients are asked to give at least $100 of their award to a charitable agency of their choice. Nominations are due by February 24.
Apr 28, 2012 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Greek Olympics - 10:00 a.m.

Come out and support the Greeks as they compete in a series of challenges!

Upcoming SAC Events

Feb 27, 2012 - SAC: Be Our Guest - more info - 5:00 p.m.
Feb 28, 2012 - SAC: Be Our Guest - more info - 5:00 p.m.
Mar 1, 2012 - SAC: Be Our Guest - more info - 5:00 p.m.
Apr 21, 2012 - SAC: Variety Show - more info - 7:00 p.m.
Apr 26, 2012 - SAC: Jackson Generals - Union Night - 6:30 p.m.
May 1, 2012 - SAC: May Day - more info - 2:00 p.m.

Outdoor music, food, and friends. A great way to celebrate May! Meet us outside the Bowld Commons. We'll see you there! sponsored by SAC
May 11, 2012 - SAC: Movie on the Lawn - 8:00 p.m.

Office Contact Information

Office phone: 731.661.5094 or 731.661.5244
Office fax: 731.661.5017
Mailing address:
Campus Box 1806
1050 Union University Drive
Jackson, TN 38305