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Division of Enrollment & Student Engagement

 

New Student Orientation
and Family Programs

Welcome, new Lumberjacks!

We're so excited to have you join our campus family and look forward to helping you and your family transition to life at SFA. Whether you're a first-year, transfer or graduate student, Orientation is a great time to explore our campus resources, connect with students and faculty members in your academic major, and prepare for your college experience.

AXEcepted Days

Quick links for day-of resources:


What are AXEcepted Days? AXEcepted Days are one-day orientations with required attendance by first-year students. Transfer students are encouraged to attend as there is so much beneficial information for all incoming undergraduate students. Graduate students are encouraged to attend a day that includes graduate-level information.

Bring a guest! This guest, typically a parent or similar figure in your life, should register for Guest Orientation. Their Orientation occurs in tandem with your AXEcepted day and they can expect to receive a lot of great information to best support you in your college experience.

Registration

Details on registration are available on our calendar. Space is limited — sign up early to secure your spot. Be sure to check the orientation page in mySFA for the most up-to-date session availability.

View Orientation Calendar

What to expect

Before you arrive, download the New Student Orientation Checklist for specific details on how to clear holds, get advised, send in required documents, obtain a parking pass and more.
Graduate students: Use the Graduate Orientation Checklist!

During your visit, expect to:

  • learn more about your academic program.
  • meet your dean, advisor, faculty and staff members within your academic program.
  • interact with other Lumberjacks.
  • explore campus resources and prepare for life as a Lumberjack!

Guest Orientation

Open to one guest of each AXEcepted student, Guest Orientation occurs in tandem with AXEcepted Days and involves sessions specifically designed to help you support your student. We want to be sure all your questions are answered! Topics typically discussed include:

  • coaching your student to success
  • college financial preparation
  • campus safety
  • getting involved at SFA
  • and many more!

Registering for Guest Orientation

To ensure a smooth process and proper session alignment, Guest Orientation is a $50 add-on option during the AXEcepted Day registration. This registration fee includes your Guest Orientation lunch, publications, materials and administrative costs.

If your student already is signed up for AXEcepted Day and you have not yet secured a spot for Guest Orientation, your student should complete your registration and payment through the Orientation page in their mySFA account.

Lumberjack Life

Lumberjack Life is an extended orientation held during the week before fall semester. 

Attendance is required of first-year students — and already paid in your AXEcepted Day registration fee! Transfer and graduate students are encouraged to attend to take advantage of all the great perks and settle in before the semester.

What to expect
  • Move-in early if you're an on-campus resident.
  • Become familiar with campus before classes start.
  • Participate in campus traditions and make connections.
  • Learn about campus resources and academic tips for success.
  • Receive your very first axe handle!

Lumberjack Life 2025: Aug 22-23

Registration details, move-in schedule and the scheduled events are posted on our calendar:

View Orientation Calendar

Upcoming Events

Select the appropriate event for more information and to register.

View full New Student Orientation and Family Programs calendar 

First Year Friendzy

Campus Recreation is excited to host First Year Friendzy! A day packed with a scavenger hunt across campus, tie dying your first SFA shirt, and a pool party to cap the day off!

  • 3 - 4 p.m. Scavenger Hunt at Student Recreation Center - Indoor Basketball Courts
  • 4 - 6 p.m. Tie Dye at Student Recreation Center - Outdoor Courtyard
  • 7 - 9 p.m. Pool Party at Student Recreation Center - Outdoor Pool

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by Campus Recreation.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Lumberjack Life extended orientation

An extended orientation program hosted on campus.

On-campus residents move in to residence hall Aug. 20 and 21 and should view Residence Life's Planning Your Move-In page for more information about how to prepare for move-in day.

Registration
Register for Lumberjack Life extended orientation through your mySFA account. Access to exclusive Lumberjack Life events, your own axe handle and a Purple Haze T-shirt are included in your registration.

  • First-Year Students: Included in AXEcepted Day registration
  • Transfer Students: $90

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Lumberjack Life: Check-in

Students will receive a wristband, a purple haze t-shirt, and be placed in a small group.

  • Free event open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs

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Lumberjack Life: Welcome

Welcome home, Lumberjacks! Learn about campus life, SFA traditions, and hear from the University President, Dr. Neal Weaver. Free event open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs

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Lumberjack Life: Lunch and Take care of University Business

  • , Pineywoods Dining Hall

Enjoy lunch with the orientation leaders at the Pineywoods Dining Hall or Food Hall 1923. Still need to talk to departments on campus before the semester begins? Use this time to take care of university business. *Don't forget to pick up textbooks at the bookstore.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Educational Sessions

  • , Various Locations

Want to learn more about campus resources? See what SFA has to offer by attending one of our various educational sessions. Would you like to host a breakout session? Complete the form here: https://forms.office.com/r/rC8xGvs7cZ This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Dinner with the Orientation Leaders

  • , Pineywoods Dining Hall

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Class of 2029 Photo!

Wear your Purple Haze T-shirt and go to Homer Bryce Stadium to take a picture with your fellow 2029 graduates! This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Holler at Homer

Attend this traditional pep rally in the student section and don't miss out on the chance to receive your very first Axe Handle. This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Purple Haze.

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Lumberjack Life: Party at the Pond

Decorate your axe handle with new friends! This event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Purple Haze.

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Lumberjack Life: Dinner

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

Graphic features pine trees and a rising sun over a purple background with campus buildings

Lumberjack Life: Yoga and Breakfast

  • , Pineywoods Dining Hall

Enjoy Yoga at the Pineywoods Dining Hall and start your day off right with the most important meal of the day. If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided. This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Campus Recreation Center

Graphic with a purple-tinted background showing tall pine trees and a campus building, overlaid with

Lumberjack Life: Nacogdoches Farmers Market

  • , 107 Pearl Street

Open every Saturday, browse at your leisure, and shop for homegrown and homemade items, including baked goods and various handcrafted items.

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Lumberjack Life: Grocery Bingo

Join us for Grocery Bingo — a fun twist on the classic game where participants have the opportunity to win a variety of grocery items and residence hall essentials.

Whether you're looking to restock your pantry or enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere, this event is a great way to connect with fellow students while competing for useful prizes. (While supplies last).

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Tours of Nac

Take a tour of your new home away from home. Hop on the shuttle bus, and take a ride throught historic downtown Nacogdoches. Free event open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs

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Lumberjack Life: Lunch

Students have the option to eat inside one of the dining halls, Pineywoods Dining Hall or Food Hall 1923, for lunch or stop by the All Faith BBQ @ Surfin' Steve to enjoy some free BBQ with the campus ministries.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

Graphic with a purple-tinted background showing tall pine trees and a campus building, overlaid with

Lumberjack Life: Social Events

  • , Various Locations

Finish decorating your new axe handle, find where your classes are before the first day of school, learn line dances, explore the campus recreation center, and more. Free event open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs

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LumberJAM Concert

Kick off the new academic year at LumberJAM — a high-energy concert welcoming Lumberjacks to campus with great music and good vibes. Don't miss the fun!

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Student Activities Association.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Fall Family Day

Save the date and keep an eye on the Fall Family Day webpage for information closer to the date.

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