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.
The last SOAR date was 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.
New Student Orientation Schedule 2025
There will be a printed copy with more details that students will receive when they move in! The schedule is subject to change based on weather or student needs.
Friday, August 22, 2025
7:00-2:00 – Orientation Check-in (Residence Halls)
7:30-12:00 – Hospitality Welcome Tent for Families Provided by Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
7:00-10:00 – Move-in Shift 1
10:00-1:00 – Move-in Shift 2
9:00-1:00 – Meet the Deans and Schedule Tours
- College of Arts & Sciences - Dean's Suite, Van Ackeren 215
- College of Business & Technology - Conway Hall Lobby
- Saint Luke's College of Nursing & Health Sciences - Dean's Suite Van Ackeren 300
10:00-1:00 – Meet Your Peer Coach (Greenlease Library Lobby)
2:00 – Family Mass (St. Francis Xavier Church)
3:15 – Commuter Student Check-In and Welcome (Arrupe 114)
4:45 – University Welcome for Students and Families (Arrupe Auditorium)
5:00 – Welcome Picnic (Kinerk Commons aka the Quad)
6:00 – Say Goodbye
6:30 – Welcome Gathering (Arrupe Auditorium)
8:30 – Movie on the Quad (Kinerk Commons aka the Quad)
Saturday, August 23, 2025
8:00 – Breakfast on Your Own (Thomas More Dining Room - TMDR)
9:00 – Team up & Finucane Kick Off (Arrupe Auditorium)
9:30 – Finucane Service Project (Various locations)
1:00 – Lunch with Teams (TMDR)
2:00 – Welcome to KC (Meet bus at Arrupe Circle @ 1:45)
4:45 – Return home to RU (Meet in Union Station parking lot @ 4:45)
5:15 – Pep Rally & Hawks United (Arrupe Auditorium)
7:00 – Block Party and Dinner (Kinerk Commons, aka the Quad)
Sunday, August 24, 2025
8:00 – Coffee Truck and Bagel Breakfast (Kinerk Commons aka the Quad)
8:00 – Yoga on the Quad (Kinerk Commons, aka the Quad)
9:30 – Team Up (Arrupe Auditorium)
10:00 – Campus Security and Title IX Presentation and Quiz (Arrupe Auditorium)
11:00 – Our Community Rocks (Kinerk Commons, aka the Quad)
12:00 – Lunch and Free Time (TMDR)
3:00 – Team Up (Lower Bourke)
3:05 – Orientation Olympics (Lower Bourke)
4:15 – Awards, Superlatives, Closing Ceremony (Arrupe Auditorium)
5:00 – Closing Dinner (Kinerk Commons aka the Quad)
6:00 – Mass (Mabee Chapel)
7:00 – Residence Hall Meeting (Arrupe Auditorium)
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