Student Summer Orientation Schedule

DAY ONE

12:30 - 1:30PM: 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.

1:45PM: 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.

2:05PM - 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.

3:30PM - 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 high-light 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.... come learn about your new home.
• 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 - 5:30PM: Breakout Sessions 

• 4:30 – 5:30PM (4:30 – 4:55PM and 5:05 – 5:30PM)               
  
  • 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-Med and Pre-Health Care Professions
  • Equity and Inclusion at Drake (once at 4:30)
  • First Generation Student Experience (once at 5:05)

5:30PM: Orientation Group Meet Ups: Meet up with your orientation group to debrief the breakout sessions and prepare for the evening ahead. 

5:45PM: Dinner in Hubbell Dining Hall: Enjoy dinner at Hubbell Dining Hall with other students in your incoming class.

6:30 - 8:30PM: Fun evening activities: Have fun with activities with other new students and Orientation Leaders including karaoke, board games, coloring, outdoor games, activities in Bell Center gym and more!  

DAY TWO

7:30 - 8:30AM: Breakfast in Hubbell Dining Hall

8:30AM: Bulldogs Belong Session: This session is designed to emphasize Drake's commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging for every student.

• 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 - 10:00AM: 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 - 11:15AM: College of Arts & Sciences and Zimpleman College of Business departmental meetings 

10:15 AM – 12:00PM: 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!

10:30AM – 11:30AM: CPHS, SJMC and SOE Academic Advisors will be available to answer questions.

11:15 – 12:00PM: A&S and Zimpleman College of Business Academic Advisors will be available to answer questions.            

12:00 PM: Student/Guest Check-out - Residence Halls close