New student orientation

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

January 2025 FOCUS

January FOCUS is for students starting in the Spring semester (January 2025).

January FOCUS is for new undergraduates who are starting classes on-campus at Valpo in January 2025. This year’s date is Monday, January 6, 2025, with spring semester classes beginning the following Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

We are so excited to have you join the Valparaiso University community starting with the Spring 2025 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.

June 2025 FOCUS

FOCUS freshman orientation will occur in multiple sessions on campus between June 9-16, 2025. Deposited undergraduates who are starting classes at Valpo in July or August 2025 can prepare for FOCUS orientation now by keeping the June 9-16 timeframe open on their calendar as much as possible to avoid conflicts with new student orientation/class registration.

Registration for June 2025 FOCUS will open in March 2025.

August 2025 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 who live more than 500 miles away.

August 2025 FOCUS will be hosted on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is the continuation of our new student orientation program. There are many required events from Saturday, August 16 – Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Please be sure to look at the 2025 Welcome Week schedule (available in  mid-July 2025) 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) 219.464.5411
Thomas Arce, Director of Student Involvement and New Student Programs. 

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