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.
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 at 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 & Classroom Tours
10:00-1:00 – Meet your Peer Coach
2:00 – Family Mass at St. Francis Xavier
3:15 – Commuter Student Check-In and Welcome
4:45 – University Welcome for Students and Families
5:00 – Welcome Picnic
6:00 – Say goodbye
6:30 Welcome Gathering
Team bonding and get to know you
8:30 – Movie on the quad
Saturday, August 23, 2025
8:00 – Breakfast on your own in TMDR
9:00 – Team up & Finucane Kick Off
9:30 – Finucane Service Project
1:00 – Lunch with teams in TMDR
2:00 – Welcome to KC
5:15 – Pep Rally
5:45 - Hawks United
7:00 – Block Party and Dinner
Sunday, August 24, 2025
8:00 – Coffee Truck and Bagel Breakfast
8:00 – Yoga on the Quad
9:30 – Team Up, Arrupe Auditorium
10:00 – Campus Security and Title IX Presentation and Quiz
11:00 – Orientation Olympics
12:00 - Lunch and Free Time
3:00 – Team Up
3:15 – Our Community Rocks
4:00 – Awards, Superlatives, Closing Ceremony
5:00 – Closing Dinner
6:00 – Mass
7:00 – Residence Hall Meeting