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 Programs
January 2024 FOCUS
We are so excited to have you join the Valparaiso University community starting with the Spring 2024 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.
January FOCUS is for new undergraduates who are starting classes on-campus at Valpo in January 2024. This year’s date is Monday, January 8, 2024, with spring semester classes beginning the following Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
REMINDER: Complete Placements Now For those coming to FOCUS on January 10, complete math and world language placement by January 3 or at least one week prior to your class registration appointment, whichever is earlier. They can be completed online now. Placements determine at what level you begin instruction in that subject at Valpo. See the Placement Assessments page for more information
June 2024 FOCUS
FOCUS freshman orientation will occur in multiple sessions on campus between June 10-17, 2024. Deposited undergraduates who are starting classes at Valpo in July or August 2023 can prepare for FOCUS orientation now by keeping the June 10-17 timeframe open on their calendar as much as possible to avoid conflicts with new student orientation/class registration.
Registration for June 2024 FOCUS will open in March 2024.
June 2024 FOCUS Sessions:
Monday, June 10
Tuesday, June 11
Thursday, June 13
Friday, June 14
Monday, June 17
August 2024 FOCUS
We encourage all students to attend June FOCUS undergraduate 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 that live more than 500 miles away.
August FOCUS will be hosted on Friday, August 16, 2024.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is the continuation of our new student orientation program. There are many required events from Saturday, August 17 – Tuesday, August 20. Please be sure to look at the Welcome Week schedule (available mid-July) and make your calendars.
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) 219.464.5251
Ryan Bye, Director of Student Involvement & New Student Programs
Carolyn Whittier, Assistant Vice President of Student Life
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