Welcome to RU Orientation! Orientation takes place in two different parts. Part one happens over the summer during Summer Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR). Part two takes place the weekend before you start your first semester. Both parts present different and important information to set you up for success.
At New Student Orientation, you will:
- Learn about all the resources Rockhurst has to offer
- Meet faculty, staff and student leaders who will introduce you to the spirit and traditions of RU
- Explore academic and campus involvement opportunities
- Meet new friends
Whether you are a transfer or a first-year student you’ll feel welcome among your fellow classmates and excited for what lies ahead. What better way to kick off your time here at RU! Throughout the summer, please look out for emails as well as information mailed to your home address. Please check your Rockhurst email at least once a week! Haven't set that up yet? Contact Computer Services if you need help!
New Student Orientation Details
SOAR Information
SOAR is required for all first-year students*. All SOAR days preceding the Fall 2026 semester have been completed. Check back in Spring 2027 for next summer's schedule.
Move-In Information
For those living on campus, staggered move-in begins Thursday, August 20, 2026. Each new residential student will be assigned a move-in time. Welcome and Orientation events begin as soon as you move in.
If you are living on campus, you will be assigned a time range to move in. Simply drive up to the front of the residence hall where you will be greeted by staff and students who will guide you through the move-in process. There you will receive your key and other important information and begin settling in. Orientation details and a packet of information, including a checklist of things to complete on your first few days on campus, will be given to you at orientation check-in near Massman Hall. Activities and events will keep you busy on campus once you’ve moved in until classes begin. Plan to stay on campus the entire time.
If you are not living on campus, Orientation begins for you on Thursday, August 20, 2026. We will have a special commuter welcome and check-in. Plan on spending your weekend on campus.
More information: Office of Residence Life
New Student Orientation Schedule 2026
Thursday, August 20
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7 a.m.–2 p.m. | Orientation check-in at residence halls |
| 7:30 a.m.–noon | Hospitality welcome for families, provided by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations |
| 7–10 a.m. | Move-in, Shift 1 (even rooms) |
| 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Move-in, Shift 2 (odd rooms) |
| 2 p.m. | Family Mass |
| 3:15 p.m. | Commuter student check-in and welcome |
| 4:45 p.m. | University welcome for students and families |
| 5 p.m. | Welcome picnic |
| 6 p.m. | Say goodbye |
| 6:30 p.m. | Welcome gathering — team-bonding and get-to-know-you activities |
| 8:30 p.m. | Movie on the Quad |
Friday, August 21
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. | Business and Brews, Arrupe Auditorium |
| 11 a.m. | Resource fair |
| 1 p.m. | Break |
| 3 p.m. | Game show |
| 6 p.m. | Block party |
Saturday, August 22
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Breakfast on your own, TMDR |
| 9 a.m. | Team up and Finucane kickoff |
| 9:30 a.m. | Finucane service project |
| 1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1–3 p.m. | Break |
| 3 p.m. | Pep rally, dinner, Olympics |
| 7 p.m. | Rockhurst Security ROCKS! |
| 8 p.m. | Bonfire, s’mores and karaoke |
Sunday, August 23
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Yoga on the Quad |
| 9:30 a.m. | Team up, walk to UMKC Streetcar |
| Noon | Lunch and free time |
| 1 p.m. | Athletics meetings |
| 3:15 p.m. | Awards, superlatives and closing ceremony |
| 5 p.m. | Closing dinner |
| 6 p.m. | Mass |
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