Focus Schedules
We are so excited to have you join the Valparaiso University community!
Focus Schedules
FOCUS is for new undergraduates who are starting classes on-campus at Valpo.
Students starting classes for Spring 2026 – FOCUS 2026 dates include January 12, 2026 with spring semester classes beginning the following Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Students starting classes for Fall 2026 – FOCUS 2026 dates include June 8, 9, 11, 12, and August 21, with Welcome Week 2026 beginning on Saturday, August 22, 2025, and fall semester classes beginning the following Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
FOCUS is a day-long commitment, please prepare to check-in during the morning and the program will last through the later afternoon. Your success at Valpo starts with FOCUS, New Student Orientation, and your full-participation throughout the day is key! Plan ahead, so that you can attend this day-long commitment.
FOCUS is a day-long event for new first-year/ transfer students and their family members/ guests. 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.
January Focus: Students and Guest
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, January 12, 2026 for our FOCUS, New Student Orientation, day-long event for new first-year/ transfer students and their family members/ guests.
FOCUS is a day-long commitment, please prepare to check-in starting at 8:30 AM and the program will last until 4:30 PM. Your success at Valpo starts with FOCUS, New Student Orientation, and your full-participation throughout the day is key!
Schedule Outline
**Final student and family/ guest schedules will be released closer to the event date.
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Check-in and Tours
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Opening Welcome Session
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Morning Breakout Sessions for FOCUS Programming
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch buffet (Founder’s Dining Table)
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Afternoon Breakout Sessions for FOCUS Programming (includes Class Advising & Registration Appointments, and Student Resources Fair)
Reminder: It’s expected that you attend the day-long event, and be prepared to stay onsite from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plan ahead!
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, Access College, a Student Athlete, or a Bloom Scholar 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 breakfast, lunch, and dinner. FOCUS sessions plan to end around 5:00 p.m.
Student Schedule Outline
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Check-in for Pre-FOCUS Sessions
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. – 5:00 p.m. – FOCUS Programming (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
The FOCUS Family/ Guest 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 a family member/ guest of a Christ College student, Access College student, a Student Athlete, or a Bloom Scholar 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 parents/ guests. The sessions will range from learning about campus resources to meeting other parents, family members and guests. The FOCUS schedule includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. FOCUS sessions plan to end around 5:00 p.m.
Family/Guest Outline
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Check-in for Pre-FOCUS Sessions
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. – 5:00 p.m. – FOCUS Programming (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
August Focus: Students and Guests
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 15.
International students attend International Student Orientation (sponsored by the Office of International Programs) in addition to August FOCUS programming.
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 5:00 p.m. and there is no better way to learn about our great town than by spending some more time IN Indiana – enjoy your stay!
