Schedule of Events

Day One

Check in at the Olmsted Center

The Olmsted Center parking lot is located north of University Avenue at 29th Street; the Olmsted Center is northwest of the parking lot. After you have checked in, students who are staying on campus for orientation will be escorted to a residence hall to be assigned a room. Students are strongly encouraged to stay on campus — it’s the best way to meet other students and learn about campus life. Parking is free of charge in the Olmsted Center parking lot and also in the parking lot directly across University Avenue (south side of the street).

Parents who choose to stay on campus will be housed in a separate residence hall. Students and parents may want to bring an alarm clock and blanket. Linens, towels and pillows are provided for all on-campus guests.

Persons with disabilities or who need wheelchair accessibility may make arrangements for reasonable accommodations by calling Student Disability Services toll-free at 1-800-44-DRAKE, x1835; locally, 515-271-1835.

Service Fair

Representatives from student employment, Greek life, student activities, residence life, dining services, campus security and other areas will be available to answer any questions you may have about the various aspects of campus life.

Welcome/Opening Program

Your college adventure begins with an overview of the Drake experience where you will learn about the university’s expectations of its students and how Drake will help you develop to your full potential.

Get Acquainted

Meet your orientation leader, who will work closely with you throughout the session to answer your questions about what it’s really like to be a Drake student. Your orientation leader will introduce you to other new students and acquaint you with the registration process. Meanwhile, parents learn about their student’s transition to Drake.

College/School Meetings

Students and parents meet with faculty and staff from their Drake college/school to discuss academic requirements, options and more.

Dinner

Relax and enjoy a special dinner prepared by Drake’s catering staff.

The Drake Experience

This session, facilitated by orientation leaders, is designed to help students learn about residence life, leadership opportunities, academic success and the Des Moines community. 

Nighttime Activities

While parents and guests enjoy a dessert reception, students enjoy music and other fun activities.

Day Two

Brunch

Offered throughout the morning until departure time around 1:00 p.m.

Register for Classes

With the help of faculty, academic representatives and orientation leaders, students will finalize their schedules and register for fall classes. Don’t worry if you are unsure of what to take; they’ll help you decide what is right for you. As part of the registration process you will need to complete an online math placement assessment prior to your arrival on campus. After you have received your confirmation postcard, the online math self-assessment will be available to you via blueView.

Parents Q & A

Parents will visit with administrators, staff and current Drake students to have their specific campus life questions answered.

Lunch /Check Out of the Residence Hall by 1 p.m.

Sample from a variety of campus cuisine offerings. Don't forget to collect the phone numbers, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses of all the friends you've made!

Other Information

Student Accounts and Financial Aid

No tuition, room and board payments are due at orientation, however, you will be asked to make your first payment toward tuition, room and board by August 2013.

On June 3, 6, 7, 10, 14, 24, and 25 staff in the Office of Student Accounts (Old Main, Room 102) and the Office of Student Financial Planning (Carnegie Hall, main level) will be available to answer questions for Orientation participants.  No appointment is necessary; office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  In addition, information regarding student accounts and financial aid at Drake University will be included in the packet available at Orientation check-in. For more information, visit our Web sites at http://www.drake.edu/finaid and http://www.drake.edu/accounts.