2019 Fall Orientation

Message from Marina Verlengia, Director, New Student Programs

Welcome Transfer Students and Adult Learners

Students who have previously transferred to Drake have indicated that the Fall Orientation Program is a great opportunity to become better acclimated to campus, learn about resources and meet those individuals who are committed to students’ success.  Therefore, we have designed the Fall 2019 Orientation Program to include distinct opportunities to meet your particular needs. In this program you will:

• Increase knowledge of academic policies and procedures
• Learn about resources and services that will enhance your day-to-day experiences
• Begin to partner with faculty and staff to achieve your personal and academic goals
• Build meaningful relationships with other new students!

The activities planned for you will be interactive and comprehensive, but compact. We highly encourage you to participate in the full program on the following dates:

Arrival at Drake:

For International Students: Please plan to arrive in Des Moines between August 18 and August 19. For more information on your arrival process, visit the International Center webpage.

For other students living on campus: You may move into your residence hall beginning August 21 at 8:00am. Roommate assignments will be available online beginning July 31st. For information on viewing visit the Residence Life webpage.

Meals: The first day students may use their selected meal plan is Thursday, August 22 for lunch. Students should choose their meal plans prior to arriving on campus. Meal plans may be selected by contacting the Student Services Office in Carnegie Hall or at the time of Orientation. Students living in resident halls are required to select meal plans prior to arriving on campus; if a student fails to do so, they will be assigned the 14 meal per week plan. Meal plan changes are allowed until Friday, August 30 at 4:00 pm. Hubbell Dining Hall will be open limited hours for camps and preseason meals on Wednesday, August 21 and for breakfast on Thursday, August 22. Students arriving early are welcome to dine with us by cash or credit payment during this time; hours of operation will be posted at the dining hall. Students without a meal plan will obtain a meal ticket for the duration of the New Student Program.

Fall 2019 Orientation Program

Click here to register for Fall Transfer Orientation.

Friday, August 23, 2019 - 

8:30-9:00am - Check-in - Second Floor Lobby, Olmsted Center  - Juice and Muffins will be available

9:00-9:15am - Welcome Session - Conference Rooms 310-312, Olmsted Center - Program Overview and Peer Mentor Introductions                                                                      

9:15-10:00am - Interactive Panel Session - Conference Rooms 310-312, Olmsted Center - This interactive discussion will allow students ask questions to a panel of diverse staff and current   students.

10:00-10:30am- Drake ITS & Student Services Center - Conference Rooms 310-312, Olmsted Center - Learn how to access and use all of Drake’s information highways and why they are so important to you. In this session, you will also learn the basic functions of the Student Services Center, such as Drake Card functions, Bulldog Bucks management, and Parking Pass purchases

10:45–11:45am - Library Tour - Cowles Library - Visit Cowles Library to learn about the resources available to you during your time at Drake. This Session will include a brief introduction to different library spaces and stations to get orientated with our services. Stations will include contact information for your subject librarian, physical library resources, electronic library resources, and finding materials relevant to your specific major or program.

12:00-1:00pm - Lunch and Conversation with Drake Staff & Faculty - Levitt Hall - Representatives from key offices and departments will join for lunch and conversation. (Professional and Career Development Service, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, International Programs and Admissions) 

1:00-2:00pm - College/School Open Advising Time - Students will have the opportunity to sign up for an appointment at Orientation check-in to have a   personalized visit with a representative from your college/school to answer any remaining questions you may have.   

* This meeting will be mandatory for all College of Business & Public Administration students.*

Student ID Photos/ Campus Tour - Students will be assisted in taking their student ID photo and guide students through finding important offices that provide student services on campus.

Welcome Weekend activities are designed for all new students. We encourage you to participate; however, participation for transfer students and adult learners is optional. Please see your Peer Mentor for more information.