2025 FOCUS NEW-STUDENT ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
All times are Central Daylight Time (the same as Chicago).
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Campus Offices Open
8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Campus Store Open
Pre-FOCUS Sessions: If you are in one of these programs, we ask that you come to these morning sessions to meet with representatives from these respective areas. If you are part of more than one program, please see our staff for our recommendations.
8–8:30 a.m.
Pre-FOCUS Session Check-In Harre Union, Atrium
8:30–9:45 a.m. Student-Athlete Information Session Center for the Arts, Duesenberg Recital Hall
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Christ College — The Honors College Student Gathering Harre Union, Brown & Gold Room
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Access College for Success Harre Union, Alumni Room
8:30–9:45 a.m. Bloom Scholars Program Harre Union, Suite 200, Career & Alumni Network Offices
If you are joining us for these pre-FOCUS sessions, please arrive during this time to get all your FOCUS materials.
All NCAA athletes from all sports are required to attend. Family and guests are welcome as well. Meet with compliance staff to go over information for this stage in your transition to Valpo Athletics and get questions answered.
Christ College Scholars: Get to know your Christ College – The Honors College (CC) classmates and CC staff, who will support you in your CC academic advising. Learn about typical CC classes, honors advising/registration, and the many opportunities in store for you as a Christ College Scholar.
The Access College for Success is committed to guiding you through the opportunities ahead and providing you with a comprehensive educational experience. Join us for an opportunity to connect with your student success team and learn about the co-curricular programming designed to support you as you obtain a degree and prepare for the workforce.
Whether you're already part of the program or just curious to learn more, this pre-FOCUS session is a great opportunity to explore how the Bloom Scholars Program can support your transition to college, starting with our summer bridge experience and continued guidance throughout the year. If you're feeling nervous about academics or the social transition to college, joining us could be a great way to get a jump start and find a supportive community. We’d love to connect with you!
9–9:45 a.m. FOCUS Check-In Harre Union, Atrium
Pick up your FOCUS materials from the check-in table and get set up for your OneCard ID with information technology (IT).
8–9:45 a.m. Visit a Residence Hall
8–9:45 a.m. Visit the Commuter Student Space
8–9:45 a.m. Breakfast Harre Union, Founders Table
10–10:30 a.m. Opening Welcome Harre Union, Ballrooms
10:35–11 a.m.
Orientation Group Meeting Various Locations
11 a.m. – Noon
Intro to Your Valpo Student Experience Center for the Arts, University Theatre Noon – 12:40 p.m. Lunch
Harre Union, Founders Table
Tours leave continuously. Meet the residential life staff in the Harre Union, Grand Lounge (first floor near Founders Table) for a brief escorted visit to our firstyear and transfer residence halls.
Tours leave continuously. Meet the student life staff in the Harre Union, Grand Lounge (first floor near Founders Table) for a brief visit to our Community Room and Commuter Student Kitchen, escorted by the coordinator of student support and commuter programs.
Enjoy some morning treats in the Harre Union at Founders Table.
Valpo staff and orientation assistants (OAs) officially welcome you to campus as we kick off FOCUS together!
Leave the opening welcome event with your orientation group when your group number is called. Get to know classmates and discuss information you need for FOCUS.
What do you want your time to look like at Valpo? Learn more about how to enhance and elevate your student experience at Valpo. Gain insights to succeed inside the classroom and map out what some of your co-curricular experiences could look like during your journey at Valpo!
Dine with and get to know your OA group.
12:45–2:25 p.m., Various Locations
Campus Resources Tour: During this time, you will take a tour of campus with your OA group and learn about a variety of campus resources.
What Do You Want For Your Life?
Chapel of the Resurrection
Your Life on Campus
Brandt Hall, First Floor
Hear the University pastors’ stories of how Valpo students have answered this important question.
Whether you will be commuting or living on campus, we hope you are excited about your new life at Valpo! This session will introduce you to everything you need to know about what it means to live on campus or commute.
Student Accounts and Financial Aid
Kretzmann Hall, Lobby
Dining Services
Center for the Sciences, Lobby
Information Technology Christopher Center, First Floor Help Desk
No matter who pays it, the bill is yours. Understand how student account self-service, financial aid, payment plans, and other billing processes work.
Have your choice of a wide variety of delicious and nutritious meals featuring local and sustainable food sources, build-your-own meal concepts, and special options for most diets including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. You might just have had lunch, but now you get to meet the people behind the meal and learn all about our dining program!
Learn about the campus technology systems you will use regularly, what you should and should not bring to campus in the fall, and how to grant parent/ guest access to your Valpo account information.
1:45 p.m. until complete, Christopher Center Library
Transfer Student Academic Advising and Registration: Meet in a small group with an academic advisor to build your fall semester class schedule. Bring copies of your unofficial college transcript(s) to help in your class selection process.
Transfer students who will be living on campus complete the online housing confirmation form in the computer lab area in which you register for classes. The online housing confirmation form is where students can request/confirm a roommate.
2:30–3:10 p.m.
Orientation Group Meeting Various Locations
3:15 p.m.
Advising/Registration Announcements
Neils Science Center, Room 234
Meet with your OA to talk more about the academic expectations of being a student at Valparaiso University. This session will talk about the Honor Code, Valparaiso University Experience (VUE), Christ College, and other important aspects of your first year in college classes.
All students gather for advising/registration announcements. From here, everyone in your college will go as a group to academic advising.
WELCOME WEEK 2025
Don’t miss out on Welcome Week 2025! It will begin with new student move-in day on Saturday, August 16, and continue through the first week of classes. Details will be announced by the end of July. See last year’s schedule at valpo.edu/welcome-week for a sampling of events that happen during Welcome Week. Valpo students are very involved in and out of the classroom. Plan to start your Valpo experience the same way by enjoying all the Welcome Week activities. Valpo will feel like home quickly!
See valpo.edu/registrar/calendar for 2025–2026 dates including:
August 16–19
August 20
August 20–24
October 9–10
November 22–30
December 8–12
December 13
Required Welcome Week activities (Move-In Day is Saturday, August 16)
First day of classes
Welcome Week events continue
Fall Break — No classes, residence areas remain open
Thanksgiving Break — No classes, residence areas close Final exams
Residence areas close for semester break
ROOMMATE REQUESTS AFTER FOCUS
Have you met someone with whom you’d like to room on campus? You can submit this request when you complete your new student housing confirmation after registering for classes. If you meet someone after FOCUS, you can still log into datavu.valpo.edu, navigate to “Students Menu “ then “Housing Self Service” to send them a roommate request. The roommate you request needs to confirm the request via the online housing system in order to be matched.
It is best to find and confirm your roommate as soon as possible as room inventory and the number of students without a roommate will decrease as the summer progresses. All roommate confirmations must be completed on DataVU housing self-service no later than noon on Friday, August 1, 2025. Please scan the QR code for specific roommate confirmation dates. If you have questions, please contact residential life at 219.464.5413 or email reslife@valpo.edu.
CAMPUS OFFICES
Campus offices are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday throughout the summer, including on FOCUS days. If you need directions to a campus office, ask any FOCUS staff member or stop by the Harre Union welcome desk for assistance. Locations of frequently visited offices include:
DINING SERVICES
Harre Union, Suite 170
FINANCIAL AID
Duesenberg Welcome Center
Financial Aid is available for appointments during FOCUS or you can book an appointment for any day before or after FOCUS at vufinancialaid.youcanbook.me.
ONECARD
Christopher Center Library
PARKING AND
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Valparaiso University Police Department
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Harre Union, Suite 120
LEARN MORE
WHO IS YOUR ORIENTATION ASSISTANT?
BRYN BENZING ’26
Bryn Benzing ’26 is a nursing major with three minors from Columbia City, Indiana. She chose to attend Valpo because she saw it as a place where she could grow beyond the classroom and truly become the best version of herself. On campus, Bryn is the president of Kappa Kappa Gamma, is active in Dance Marathon, and is involved in the Academic Success Center. She is a secondyear orientation assistant and currently serves as the lead OA. When not in class, Bryn enjoys attending sporting events, walking around campus, and exploring Valpo’s downtown restaurants. One of her favorite things to do off campus is visit the Indiana Dunes!
VIONNEY TAYLOR ’27
Vionney Taylor ’27 is a nursing major from Michigan City, Indiana. She chose Valpo because of its strong nursing program and proximity to home. Vionney is a peer mentor for the Bloom Scholars Program. Her most memorable moment at Valpo has been meeting new friends who have made her college experience unforgettable. The connections she has made, through late-night study sessions and spontaneous campus adventures, have brought joy and support into her life. In her free time, Vionney enjoys going to Twisted Sugar with friends, either to celebrate achievements or unwind after a tough day.
ISABELLE BYRT ’27
Isabelle Byrt ’27 is a biology major with a French minor from Beverly Shores, Indiana. She chose Valpo for its small campus feel and the authentic, welcoming people she met during her visits. Isabelle is active in Earthtones, is the treasurer of the French Club, is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, and is part of Christ College – The Honors College. She also enjoys attending Celebrate! and Candlelight worship nights each week. In her free time, Isabelle loves grabbing drinks from Uptown Café, working out at the fitness center with friends, and relaxing in the game room at the Bell & Beacon.
MEAGAN KOUTSOPANAGOS ’26
Meagan Koutsopanagos ’26 is a digital media arts major from Westville, Indiana. She chose Valpo to stay close to home and be with her family. Meagan is the editor-in-chief of The Lighter, the overall director of the Dance Marathon, the sisterhood chair of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and is involved in Philanthropic Leaders and the Communication Honors Society. Her most memorable moment at Valpo was planning the Dance Marathon in 2025 and raising over $26,000 for Lurie Children’s Hospital. In her free time, Meagan enjoys late-night food runs, sorority formals, and getting frozen yogurt with her friends.
CODY TURNER ’27
Cody Turner ’27 is a civil engineering major from Crown Point, Indiana. He chose Valpo for its strong engineering program, small class sizes, and the close relationships students can build with faculty. Cody is involved in the Student Senate, is a member of the Tennis Club, is the treasurer of Phi Delta Theta, and is the vice president of the Boxing Club. He also works as a student support assistant and is returning as a second-year orientation assistant. In his free time, Cody enjoys climbing, spending time downtown, and going ice skating with friends.
ARTURO BARANDA ’26
Arturo Baranda ’26 is a biology major with a chemistry minor from Hobart, Indiana. He chose Valpo for its smaller size, tightknit community, and the opportunities Valpo offers. Arturo is the president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the vice president of the Biology Club, and serves as an ambassador in admission (AIA). His most memorable moment at Valpo was a Spring Break service trip to North Carolina. In his free time, Arturo enjoys hanging out with his fraternity brothers, playing Magic: The Gathering, painting, and going to the gym.
ADAM WHITE ’26
Adam White ’26 is a meteorology major with a mathematics minor from Saint John, Indiana. He chose Valpo for its nationally recognized meteorology program and the close-knit academic community. Adam is involved in Sigma Phi Epsilon, Chi Epsilon Pi Honor Society, and Valparaiso University Television (VUTV). He also serves as a pianist for the Matins Choir. He’s part of the Valparaiso University Storm Intercept Team, where he enjoys tracking and studying weather in the field. In his free time, Adam loves exploring downtown Valpo, ice skating in the winter, and catching movies at the 49er Drive-In during the warmer months.
VALPO
VALPO
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS MAP
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMPUS
• Duplicate TVs, carpets, etc. (You’ll find out your roommate’s name and contact information in mid-July. We suggest you contact them, not only to introduce yourself, but also to make arrangements as to who will bring what items.)
• Nails or tacks for hanging posters (Although you may hang up or tack them down with double-faced tape, you may not use nails or tacks on the residence hall walls.)
Visit valpo.edu/reslife for details.
• Pets, unless they’re fish (aquariums limited to 10 gallons)
• Halogen floor lamps
• Candles
• Microwaves (each room has a microfridge combo)
WELCOME WEEK 2025
Encourage your student to participate in Welcome Week 2025! It will begin with new student move-in day on Saturday, August 16, and continue through the first week of classes. Details will be announced by the end of July.
See last year’s schedule at valpo.edu/welcome-week for a sampling of events that happen during Welcome Week. Valpo students are very involved in and out of the classroom. Your student should plan to start their Valpo experience the same way by enjoying all the Welcome Week activities. Valpo will feel like home quickly!
See valpo.edu/registrar/calendar for 2025–2026 dates including:
August 16–19
August 20
August 20–24
October 9–10
November 22–30
December 8–12
December 13
Required Welcome Week activities
(Move-In Day is Saturday, August 16)
First day of classes
Welcome Week events continue
Fall Break — No classes, residence areas remain open
Thanksgiving Break — No classes, residence areas close
Final exams
Residence areas close for semester break
ROOMMATE REQUESTS AFTER FOCUS
Did your student meet someone with whom they’d like to room? They can submit their request when they complete their housing application after registering for classes. If they meet someone after FOCUS, they can log into datavu.valpo.edu, navigate to “Students Menu“ then “Housing Self Service” to update their housing preferences. The roommates need to confirm each other via the online housing system in order to be matched.
It is best for your student to find and confirm their roommate as soon as possible as room inventory and the number of students without a roommate will decrease as the summer progresses. All roommate confirmations must be completed on DataVU housing self-service no later than noon on Friday, August 1, 2025. If your student has questions, they should contact residential life at 219.464.5413 or email reslife@valpo.edu.
CAMPUS OFFICES
Campus offices are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday throughout the summer, including on FOCUS days. If you need directions to a campus office, ask any FOCUS staff member or stop by the Harre Union welcome desk for assistance. Locations of frequently visited offices include:
DINING SERVICES
Harre Union, Suite 170
FINANCIAL AID
Duesenberg Welcome Center
Financial Aid is available for appointments during FOCUS or you can book an appointment for any day before or after FOCUS at vufinancialaid.youcanbook.me.
ONECARD
Christopher Center Library
PARKING AND
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Valparaiso University Police Department
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Harre Union, Suite 120
10–10:30 a.m.
Opening Welcome Harre Union, Ballrooms
Valpo staff and orientation assistants (OAs) officially welcome you to campus as we kick off FOCUS together!
10:45–11:35 a.m., Various Locations
Introduction to the Colleges: Now that your student has chosen Valpo, there are details to learn that are more in-depth than anything covered during a visit day. Representatives from the colleges talk about curricular expectations, academic resources, and students’ transition to academics at Valpo.
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business
College of Engineering
College of Nursing and Health Professions
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Valpo's Lutheran Identity and Why it Matters Harre Union, Ballroom C
12:15–12:45 p.m.
Decoding College Life: A Parent and Family Guide to Thriving at Valpo Harre Union, Ballroom C
12:45–1:30 p.m. Lunch
Harre Union, Founders Table
Christopher Center Library, Room 205
Urschel Hall, Room 202
Gellersen Engineering & Mathematics Center, Room 120
Neils Science Center, Room 234
Come meet with the staff from calling and spiritual life, learn about the mission of Valparaiso University, and how the mission and values of the University will help shape your student’s time here.
What does it really take for students to succeed at Valpo? The dean of students will break it down for you! We'll explore the expectations for Valpo families and introduce you to the student life services designed to help your Valpo student make the most of their Valpo experience.
Dine with and introduce yourself to other family members of new Valpo students.
1:35–2:20 p.m., Various Locations Academic Focus Sessions (Choose One) Your student’s Valpo academic environment parent and family meetings.
Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) Center for the Arts, University Theatre
Christ College Parents Meeting Mueller Hall, Refectory
Family members and guests of Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) students learn about this foundational course sequence students take as they begin their Valpo academic journey. Note: Your student will be in the VUE program if they are not in Christ College.
Family members and guests of Christ College Scholars learn about the academic environment that your student will experience. Note: Check name tag for Christ College program designation.
2:25–3 p.m., Various Locations
Campus Resource Presentation (Choose One)
Note: Families with more than one person in attendance today should split up to experience multiple sessions at the same time. Staff from most sessions will be available at the Student Resources Fair later this afternoon if you cannot attend a session or have additional questions.
Real World 101: Internships and Career Planning
Urschel Hall, Room 202
Academic Support Overview Center for the Arts, Room 1412
Student Accounts and Financial Aid Q&A
Kretzmann Hall, Lobby
3–3:15 p.m.
Coffee and Snack Break Center for the Arts, Main Lobby
The Valparaiso University Career and Alumni Network representatives share the resources that can be used beginning the first year at Valpo through graduation.
There are many resources on campus to help your student succeed. Come learn about the various academic support resources that will help your student excel in the classroom.
We reminded your student earlier today that this bill is all theirs; however, we understand that you may be graciously helping to cover their Valpo payments. The Offices of Student Accounts and Financial Aid present an overview of student account self-service, financial aid, billing information, payment plans, and more.
We invite you to join Valparaiso University faculty and staff for a snack break with coffee and tea.
3:20–4:10 p.m., Various Locations
Supporting Your Student (Choose One)
Note: These sessions are geared toward families of students living on campus (residence halls) or living at home (commuting).
Supporting Your Residential Student (for Families of Students Living on Campus) Center for the Arts, University Theatre
Supporting Your Commuter Student (for Families of Students Living at Home) Center for the Arts, Recital Hall
As your student embarks on their college journey, how can you empower them to succeed while living on campus? Our student support team is here to help both you and your student. We will share with you information about resources including the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and residential life, and how they can provide support to students living on campus. We will also discuss helpful strategies and advice on guiding your student as they navigate academics and campus life while fostering their independence.
How can you champion your student's success while they navigate college life? We understand the unique needs and challenges of commuter students. Our student support team will share available resources including the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and other student support programs designed to help our commuter students thrive at Valpo. We'll also be discussing helpful strategies and recommendations on empowering your student to ensure they are set up for success during their Valpo journey.
2025 FOCUS UNDERGRADUATE
NEW-STUDENT ORIENTATION
FAMILY AND GUEST SCHEDULE
All times are Central Daylight Time (the same as Chicago).
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Campus Offices Open
8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Campus Store Open
Pre-FOCUS Sessions: If you are in one of these programs, we ask that you come to these morning sessions to meet with representatives from these respective areas. If you are part of more than one program, please see our staff for our recommendations.
8–8:30 a.m.
FOCUS Check-In Harre Union, Atrium
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Student-Athlete
Information Session
Center for the Arts, Duesenberg Recital Hall
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Access College for Success Harre Union, Alumni Room
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Bloom Scholars Program Harre Union, Suite 200, Career & Alumni Network Offices
If you are joining us for these pre-FOCUS sessions, please arrive during this time to get all your FOCUS materials.
All NCAA athletes from all sports are required to attend. Family and guests are welcome as well. Meet with compliance staff to go over information for this stage in your student’s transition to Valpo Athletics and get questions answered.
The Access College for Success is committed to guiding your student through the opportunities ahead and providing them with a comprehensive educational experience. Join us for an opportunity to connect with your student’s success team and learn about the co-curricular programming designed to support them as they obtain a degree and prepare for the workforce.
Whether your student is already part of the program or just curious to learn more, this preFOCUS session is a great opportunity to explore how the Bloom Scholars Program can support your student’s transition to college, starting with our summer bridge experience and continued guidance throughout the year. If your student is feeling nervous about academics or the social transition to college, joining us could be a great way to get a jump start and find a supportive community. We’d love to connect with you and your student!
9–9:45 a.m.
FOCUS Check-In
Harre Union, Atrium
8–9:45 a.m.
Breakfast Harre Union, Founders Table
Students check their guests in for FOCUS.
Enjoy some morning treats in the Harre Union at Founders Table.
FOCUS
