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Three students sitting on the grass in front of Old Main during the Fall, with Griff II.

Transfer Orientation at Drake University

Fall Transfer Orientation at Drake University supports incoming transfer students with advising, resources, and connections to ensure a smooth transition.

Transfer Orientation at Drake University

Your next chapter starts here

Whether you’re transferring to Drake this fall or spring, our Transfer Orientation is built to help you hit the ground running. In just one day, you’ll connect with key people and resources, learn about Drake’s academics and student life, and begin shaping your next chapter as a Bulldog. 

Orientation is your official welcome—and your chance to get organized, confident, and connected before classes begin. 

What to Expect

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into the Drake community. Orientation kicks off with check-in and a morning session introducing you to campus values, services, and tools—from your Drake email and ID setup to how to manage parking, Bulldog Bucks, and academic systems. 

You’ll hear how our True Blue Skills and Career Services team will support you throughout your time here. Then, you’ll break into sessions based on your interests, from study abroad to student involvement, and more. You’ll also meet with faculty and advisors from your major to get answers about your schedule, your transfer credits, and what to expect from your coursework. 

Transfer Student Checklist 

There’s a lot to keep track of when transferring schools—and our Transfer Student Checklist helps make it manageable. This page will guide you through the essentials: setting up your Drake email, reviewing your credit evaluation, registering for orientation, and more. 

Review the Transfer Student Checklist 

Registration & Upcoming Orientation Dates

  • Session 1: Wednesday, June 3 – Thursday, June 4
  • Session 2: Sunday, June 7 – Monday, June 8
  • Session 3: Friday, June 12 – Saturday, June 13
  • Session 4: Sunday, June 21 – Monday, June 22
  • Session 5: Thursday, June 25 – Friday, June 26

Please note:
School of Education majors need to register for Session 2, 3, or 4.
School of Journalism & Mass Communication majors should only register for Sessions 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Register for Summer Orientation

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Student Schedule

Time Session
12:30—1:30 p.m. Orientation Check In
After you get checked in for orientation, students will be directed to their residence hall for the night. Only students will be assigned a room for the night, guests and families should plan to stay at a nearby hotel.
1:45 p.m. Welcome to the Bulldog Community
Your college adventure begins with an overview of the Drake experience where you will learn about the university’s expectations of its students, and we will help you get excited about your new life at Drake.
2:05 p.m. Students 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.
3:30 p.m.

Residence Hall, Drake Dining, and Commuter Student Meetings

  • Making Halls into Homes - Residence Life
    All first-year students reside in a learning community which offers the opportunity to live in the same hall with other students who share your interests and priorities.  This session will highlight information you need to know about living in a residence hall covering things such as; what to bring and what not bring, basic policy and procedures, mail and packages, hall amenities, important dates and other odds and ends.

  • Commuter Student Meeting
    Full-time students who are married or live within a 45-mile radius of Drake University with their parent(s)/legal guardian can apply for commuter student status. Join us to learn how to fill out the commuter student application, meet other commuter students and gain tips on staying connected to campus while living at home.
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

  • Student Accounts & Financial Aid – Next Steps
  • Student Involvement and FSL
  • Student Services Center & Public Safety
  • Inclusive Campus Wellness: Q&A with Health, Counseling & Disability Services
  • Pre-Professional Advising & Support
  • Equity and Inclusion at Drake (once at 4:30)
  • First Generation Student Experience (once at 5:00)
5:30 p.m. Orientation Group Meet Up
Meet up with your orientation group to debrief the breakout sessions and prepare for the evening ahead.
5:45 p.m. Dinner - Hubbell Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner at Hubbell Dining Hall with other students in your incoming class.
6:30—8:30 p.m. Evening Activities
Join other new students and orientation leaders for karaoke, board games, coloring, outdoor games, activities in the Bell Center gym, and more!

Time Session
7:30—8:30 a.m. Breakfast - Hubbell Dining Hall
8:30 a.m.

Bulldogs Belong Session

This session is designed to emphasize Drake's commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging for every student. Students will:
  • Be introduced to Drake's core values and how they create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
  • Learn about the expectations of Drake students and how you can contribute to a positive and supportive campus culture.
  • Discover the resources and support systems available to help you thrive at Drake, including the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

We believe that a strong sense of belonging is essential for student success, and we are dedicated to providing an environment where every student feels valued and supported. We look forward to welcoming you to the Drake family!
9:15—10:00 a.m. Academic Program Overviews
Come meet your college/school staff! An important piece of college is what happens in the classroom. This is your opportunity to find out what you can expect from your college/school and ask any questions you may have.
10:15—11:15 a.m. College of Arts & Sciences and Zimpleman College of Business departmental meetings
10:15—Noon Farewell Reception/Services Fair
Stop by for some tasty snacks and get all your final questions answered from a variety of different departments represented at the Services Fair. Please be sure to bring your orientation lanyard to return in exchange for a special giveaway!
10:30—11:30 a.m. CPHS, SJMC and SOE Academic Advisors
Will be available to answer questions.
11:15—Noon A&S and Zimpleman College of Business Academic Advisors
Will be available to answer questions.
Noon Student/Guest Check-out - Residence Halls close

Questions or Concerns?

Looking for more information about an upcoming orientation event that you weren't able to find on this page? Feel free to reach out to the orientation team at: orienation@drake.edu.

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