Leadership & Staff

Orientation and Family Programs serves everyone who walks through the doors of the university, and in particular, our new students and their family members. The staff and leadership are dedicated to easing the transition into FIU and hope to infuse the Panther spirit into this community through each of our programs.

Staff & Student Assistants

Carol Galladian
Director
Vanessa Franco
Program Director
Mel Freiria
Program Director
Alex Gutierrez
Program Coordinator - Panther Camp
Emily Fornaris
Coordinator of Administrative Services
Kevin Mahabir
Graduate Assistant
Sela Andrews
Graduate Assistant
Luis Gutierrez
Student Assistant
Saadiq Khan
Student Assistant
Alexis Murray
Student Assistant
Nicolas Marquez
Student Assistant

Peer Advisors

Each year a group of enthusiastic and responsible FIU students are selected to become Orientation Peer Advisors. These special students are trained to assist with all new student orientation programs throughout the year as well as other programs for new students and their families. In this capacity, they serve as resources for new students and their parents, they assist FIU staff with planning and implementation of the programs, and they are viewed as student leaders among the University community.

If you’re interested in becoming a 2024 Peer Advisor, please complete this form here to be notified when information becomes available.

Santana Way
Peer Advisor Coordinator
To Be Announced!
Peer Advisor

2023 Panther Camp Team

Panther Camp is coordinated by a select group of students known as the Panther Camp Facilitators. Facilitators are selected out of hundreds of applicants to represent the program and are charged with creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants. Facilitators are involved in all aspects of the camp planning process, from creating programming session and large-group activities to leading small group conversations.

After Panther Camp Facilitators have completed a year with the program, they are eligible to apply for the Panther Camp Executive Board. Panther Camp Exec members are past-Facilitators who return to take on more responsibilities within the program. Exec members are responsible for heading up committees and helping the Facilitators to create the Panther Camp Magic.

Both groups are positive representatives of Florida International University and the Panther Camp program. These student leaders build meaningful relationships, serve as mentors and role models, inspire a new class of Panthers and encourage students to "Leave their legacy with P.R.I.D.E."

If you’re interested in becoming a 2024 Panther Camp Facilitator, please complete this form here to be notified when information becomes available.