New student orientation

Schedules

We are so excited to have you join the Valparaiso University community! As you begin to get ready for your journey at Valparaiso University, FOCUS (new student orientation) will be one of your first steps on-campus.

FOCUS is for new undergraduates who are starting classes on-campus at Valpo in January and August 2024. This year’s FOCUS dates are January 8 and June 10, 11, 13, 14, and 17, with Welcome Week beginning on Saturday, August 17, 2024, and fall semester classes beginning the following Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

FOCUS is a day-long event for new first-year students and their parent/family member(s). At FOCUS, students spend their time preparing for class registration, learning their way around campus, discovering co-curricular opportunities, and getting to know each other. Family members/guests learn about campus resources so they can help their students with the transition to college.

June FOCUS: Students and Guests

All students will start to get to know your way around campus, meet new friends, learn more about campus resources, and register for classes. FOCUS is a long day and we encourage everyone to wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and get ready to envision your life at Valpo.

If you are in Christ College or a Student Athlete your first session will be at 8:30 a.m. and you will want to check-in starting at 8:00 a.m.

The opening session will start at 10:00 a.m. with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m. Throughout the day you will move around campus with a group of fellow incoming students. The sessions will range from learning about campus resources to meeting new students. The FOCUS schedule includes both lunch and dinner with our last session going until 7:30 p.m.

Schedule Outline:

8:00-8:30 a.m. – Check-in for Pre-FOCUS Sessions, listed below)

8:30-9:45 a.m. – Pre-FOCUS Sessions (Christ College, Student Athletes, Access College, and Bloom Scholars)

9:00-9:45 a.m. – Check-in Open

10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. – FOCUS Programming, lunch and dinner included

The FOCUS parent/guardian/family member schedule emphasizes information and resources to direct students when they need help during their time at Valpo. It is a full day of sessions with optional dinner on campus.

If you are in Christ College or a Student Athlete your first session will be at 8:30 a.m. and you will want to check-in starting at 8:00 a.m.

The opening session will start at 10:00 a.m. with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m. Throughout the day you will move around campus with a group of fellow incoming students. The sessions will range from learning about campus resources to meeting new students. The FOCUS schedule includes both lunch and dinner with our last session going until 7:30 p.m.

Schedule Outline:

8:00-8:30 a.m. – Check-in for Pre-FOCUS Sessions, listed below)

8:30-9:45 a.m. – Pre-FOCUS Sessions (Christ College, Student Athletes, Access College, and Bloom Scholars)

9:00-9:45 a.m. – Check-in Open

10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. – FOCUS Programming, lunch and dinner included

Local Lodging

If you are not from the local area, we recommend that you stay locally the night of your FOCUS date. Our FOCUS day will end around 7:30 p.m. and there is no better way to learn about our great town than by spending some more time here!

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the Valparaiso area, please check out this link to find somewhere to stay.

See the full schedule from 2023 (2024 schedule will be available in May) here.

August FOCUS

It is strongly recommended that all new students attend June FOCUS. August FOCUS is reserved for students who live more than 500 miles away. However, if it is not possible to come in earlier due to visa restrictions or other challenges, new students need to attend August FOCUS, which will be on Friday, August 16. International students attend International Student Orientation in addition to August FOCUS.

See the full schedule here.

Contact Us

first.year@valpo.edu
Ryan Bye, Director of Student Involvement & New Student Programs
Carolyn Whittier, Assistant Vice President of Student Life