Welcome to RU Orientation! Orientation takes place in two different parts. Part one happens over the summer during 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. Specifically, through Orientation you’ll:

• 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

Truly your Orientation to your new home begins as early as June 2, 2023, with our first SOAR session.

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 25, 2023. 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 25. We will have a special commuter welcome and check-in. Plan on spending your weekend on campus. 

New Student Orientation Schedule 2023

Friday, August 25, 2023

7:00- 3:30 pm, Orientation Check-In, Kinerk Commons

7:30-3:30 pm, Hospitality Welcome Tent for Families provided by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Kinerk Commons

8:00-2:00 pm, Campus Tours, Kinerk Commons

8:00- 3:30 pm, Ask Me Table, Massman Hall Lobby 7:00- 10:00 am, Move-In Shift 1, Residence Halls

10:00- 1:00 pm, Move-In Shift 2, Residence Halls

3:00 pm, Commuter Student Check-In and Welcome, Arrupe 114

4:30 pm, University Welcome for Students and Families, Dr. Cassady, Arrupe Auditorium

4:40 pm, University Blessing, Stephen Hess, S.J., Arrupe Auditorium

5:00 pm, Welcome Picnic, Kinerk Commons

6:00 pm, Say Goodbye

6:15 pm, Residence Hall Building Meeting, Residence Halls

4:10 pm, 6:15 pm, Commuter Student Social, Commuter Lounge – Conway Hall 331

7:00 pm, Welcome Gathering, Arrupe Auditorium

8:00 pm, Block Party, Lower Bourke (grass field east of soccer stadium)

Saturday, August 26, 2023

8:00 am, Breakfast on your own, TMDR (Thomas More Dining Room)

9:00 am, Team Up & Finucane Kick Off, Arrupe Auditorium

9:30 am, Finucane Service Project, Various City Locations

1:00 pm, Lunch & Free Time, TMDR

2:00 pm, Welcome to Kansas City

4:00 pm, Hawks United, Arrupe Auditorium

5:00 pm, Dinner as a class, TMDR

6:00 pm, Pep Rally, Mason Halpin Fieldhouse

7:00 pm, Bus to Sporting KC

7:30 pm, Sporting KC Game

Sunday, August 27, 2023

7:30 am, Yoga on the Quad, Magis Activity Center, optional

8:00 am, Breakfast on your own, TMDR 9:30 am, Team Up, Arrupe Auditorium 10:00 am, Campus Security and Title IX, Arrupe Auditorium

11:00 am, Orientation Olympics, Lower Bourke

1:00 pm, Lunch & Free Time, TMDR

3:00 pm, Team Up, Arrupe Auditorium

3:15 pm, Our Community Rocks, Kinerk Commons

4:00 pm, Belonging Tabling, Kinerk Commons

4:20 pm, Meet your College with the Deans

• College of Arts and Sciences, Arrupe Auditorium
  • Pre-Health/Medicine, Arrupe Hall Room 114
• College of Business Influence, and Information Analysis, Conway Hall 100
• Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Exercise Science, Pre-Professional, Health Sciences, and Pre-Nursing, Sedgwick Hall 103A/B

4:45 pm, Meet your Major with Academic Advisors

• College of Arts and Sciences, Arrupe Auditorium
  • Pre-Health/Medicine, Arrupe Hall Room 114
• College of Business Influence, and Information Analysis, Conway Hall 100
• Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Exercise Science, Pre-Professional, Health Sciences, and Pre-Nursing, Sedgwick Hall 103A/B

5:25 pm, Class Schedule Tours, various buildings

6:00 pm, University Mass, Mabee Chapel

7:15 pm, Orientation Closing Dinner

Discounted Hotel Accommodations