FOCUS – New Undergraduate Student Orientation
Valpo students love the positive impact our new student orientation, FOCUS has on them when starting college. It helps them feel more comfortable, learn more about their academic programs, find their way around campus, and discover resources they didn’t even know existed. It is also where new students register for classes, request a roommate, and more! FOCUS is required of all new students.
We can’t wait to meet you at FOCUS!
Next Steps for Admitted Students
New student step 1:
New student step 2:
FOCUS New Student Orientation Program
June 2025 FOCUS
FOCUS, New-Student Orientation for First-Year and Transfer Students will occur in multiple sessions on campus on the following dates: June 9, 10, 12, 13. Deposited undergraduates who are starting classes at Valpo for the Fall 2025 session can prepare for FOCUS orientation now by keeping the June 9-13 timeframe open on their calendar as much as possible to avoid conflicts with new-student orientation and class registration.
August 2025 FOCUS
We encourage all students to attend June FOCUS undergraduate new-student orientation as this allows you to have enough time to get ready for your journey at Valparaiso University. August FOCUS is for our incoming students who live more than 500 miles away. August 2025 FOCUS will be hosted on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Welcome Week 2025
Welcome Week is the continuation of our new-student orientation program. There are many required events from Saturday, August 16 – Tuesday, August 19, 2025 — and a continuation of events on the start of classes, August 20 thru August 24, 2025. Please be sure to look at the 2025 Welcome Week schedule that will be made available in mid-July 2025, and make your calendars (review the previous Welcome Week 2024 activities).
January 2026 FOCUS
January FOCUS is for new undergraduates who are starting classes on-campus at Valpo in January 2026. This year’s date is Monday, January 12, 2026, with spring semester classes beginning the following Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
We are so excited to have you join the Valparaiso University community starting with the Spring 2026 semester! 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.
For Parents and Guests
You might be wondering if parents/guardians and other family members come to new student orientation. Your parents/guardians are encouraged to attend, but it’s not required. If they do, they will attend separate FOCUS activities tailored for parents. Only immediate family/guardians are invited to FOCUS.
Contact Us
first.year@valpo.edu
(+1) 219.464.5411
Thomas Arce, Director of Student Involvement and New Student Programs.
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