Welcome to RU Orientation! Orientation takes place in two different parts. Part one happens over the summer during Summer Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR). Part two takes place the weekend before you start your first semester. Both parts present different and important information to set you up for success.
2025 SOAR Dates: June 9, June 16, July 14, July 21, August 4
At New Student Orientation, you will:
- Learn about all the resources Rockhurst has to offer
- Meet faculty, staff and student leaders who will introduce you to the spirit and traditions of RU
- Explore academic and campus involvement opportunities
- Meet new friends
Whether you are a transfer or a first-year student you’ll feel welcome among your fellow classmates and excited for what lies ahead. What better way to kick off your time here at RU! Throughout the summer, please look out for emails as well as information mailed to your home address. Please check your Rockhurst email at least once a week! Haven't set that up yet? Contact Computer Services if you need help!
New Student Orientation Details
For those living on campus, staggered move-in begins Friday, August 22, 2025. Each new residential student will be assigned a move-in time. Welcome and Orientation events begin as soon as you move in.
If you are living on campus, you will be assigned a time range to move in. Simply drive up to the front of the residence hall where you will be greeted by staff and students who will guide you through the move-in process. There you will receive your key and other important information and begin settling in. Orientation details and a packet of information, including a checklist of things to complete on your first few days on campus, will be given to you at orientation check-in near Massman Hall. Activities and events will keep you busy on campus once you’ve moved in until classes begin. Plan to stay on campus the entire time.
If you are not living on campus, Orientation begins for you on Friday, August 22, 2025. We will have a special commuter welcome and check-in. Plan on spending your weekend on campus.
The orientation schedule for 2025 will become available over the summer. Check out our 2024 schedule below so you know what to expect!
New Student Orientation Schedule 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Orientation Check-In, Kinerk Commons
7:30 a.m. -12 p.m.: Hospitality Welcome Tent for Families provided by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Kinerk Commons
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Ask Me Table, Massman Hall Lobby
7 - 10 a.m.: Move-In Shift 1, Residence Halls
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Move-In Shift 2, Residence Halls
3 p.m.: Commuter Student Check-In and Welcome, Arrupe 114
4:30 p.m.: University Welcome for Students and Families, Dr. Cassady, Arrupe Auditorium
4:30 p.m.: University Blessing, Stephen Hess, S.J., Arrupe Auditorium
5 p.m.: Welcome Picnic, Kinerk Commons
6 p.m.: Say Goodbye
6:15 p.m.: Residence Hall Building Meeting, Arrupe Auditorium
6:15 p.m.: Commuter Student Social, Commuter Lounge- Conway Hall 331
7 p.m.: Welcome Gathering, Arrupe Auditorium
8 p.m.: Block Party, Rock Room
Saturday, August 24, 2024
8 a.m.: Breakfast on your own, TMDR
9 a.m.: Team Up & Finucane Kick Off, Arrupe Auditorium
9:30 a.m.: Finucane Service Project, Various City Locations
1 p.m.: Lunch & Free Time, TMDR
2 p.m.: Welcome to Kansas City, meet busses at Arrupe Circle
4:30 p.m.: Hawks United, Arrupe Auditorium
6 p.m.: Pep Rally, Mason Halpin Fieldhouse
7 p.m.: Tailgate Dinner, the Perch
7 p.m.: Soccer Game, Bourke Field
8 p.m.: Team Games, Lower Bourke
Sunday, August 25, 2024
8 a.m.: Breakfast on your own, TMDR
9:30 a.m.: Team Up, Arrupe Auditorium
10 a.m.: Campus Security and Title IX, Arrupe Auditorium
11 a.m.: Orientation Olympics, Lower Bourke
1 p.m.: Lunch & Free Time, TMDR
3 p.m.: Team Up, Arrupe Auditorium
3:15 p.m.: Our Community Rocks, Kinerk Commons
4 p.m.: Belonging Tabling, Kinerk Commons
4 p.m.: Meet your Major, Kinerk Commons, Class Schedule Tours, various buildings
4:45 p.m.: Awards, superlatives, and closing ceremony, Arrupe Auditorium
5:15 p.m.: Orientation Closing Dinner, Kinerk Commons
6 p.m.: University Mass, Mabee Chapel