2019 Orientation Schedule

Day One

12:30-1:30: Check in 

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).  You will be given a parking pass during check in that you display on your dashboard.

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.

1:00-2:15: Campus Services & Resources Fair 
ID Photos, Campus Tour, Parking Passes, etc.

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.

2:30-3:00: Welcome to the Bulldog Community! - Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main
Melissa Sturm-Smith, Associate Provost & Jerry Parker, Dean of Students

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.

3:10-3:55: Students - Get Acquainted - Various Locations 

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

3:10-3:55: Parents/Guardians - Part 1 Your New Role with Drake - Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main

Part one of the parent only session will talk about your student's transition to Drake and how we see parents as our partners. 

4:00-4:45: Welcome to the Academy, Understanding the Drake Curriculum - Sheslow Audiorium, Old Main

This session gives students and parents insight into Drake's general education requirements - Drake Curriculum, First Year Seminar course and Honors program.               

5:00-6:00: College Meetings

• Arts & Sciences - Sussman Theater
• Business - Meredith 101
• Education - School of Education
• Journalism & Mass Communication - Meredith 106
• Pharmacy & Health Sciences - Cline 206

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

6:00-6:45: Dinner - Parents Hall, Olmsted Center 

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

7:00-8:30: Students, Life at Drake - Meredith Hall 

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

7:00 - 8:30: Parents Dessert Reception - Carpenter Hall 

8:30-11:00: Students - Music/Activities 

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

Day Two

7:30-8:30: Coffee & Pastries 

8:30-11:00: Concurrent Informational Sessions

Each hour block will offer six sessiosn to chose from, you may chose two from each block. Families have the option to split up and attend different sessions if they chose. 

8:30-9:40:

• Bulldogs at Work: Student Employment 
• Drake Jeopardy: You DU You (Student Involvment & Leadership) 
• Academic Achievement 
• Making Halls into Homes: Residence Life
• Equity & Inclusion at Drake
• Drake Resources 101: Drake Technology, Student Services and University Bookstore

9:50-11:00:

• Student Accounts & Financial Aid - Next Steps 
• First Generation Student Experience 
• Professional & Career Development: It's not just for Seniors
• Fraternity & Sorority Life 
• Title IX: Violence Prenvention and Response 
• Healthy Living: Recreation & Wellness and Sodexo 

11:00-1:00: Lunch - Hubbell Dining Hall

11:00-2:30: Students Class Advising/Registration - Various times & locations

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.

12:00-2:00: Students Relaxation Time 

Take time to relax, have a snack and get to know other Drake students before or after registering for classes. 

12:15-2:00: Parents/Guardians Only Part 2 

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

3:00: Student/Guest Check-out  - Residence Halls close at this time

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 2018.

On June 5, 6, 10, 14, 24, and 28 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.