Spartan Start

Spartan Start is UD's orientation and welcome program for new and transfer students. During the program, you'll get connected with other students, learn your way around campus, discover ways to get involved on campus, and a lot more. Spartan Start provides the perfect start to a successful college experience.

First-Year Student Move-In
August 20, 2023
&
Spartan Start
August 21 and 22, 2023

Sunday, August 20, 2023 - Move-In Day

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. --- Residence Hall Check-In
Arrive at Heritage Center, 2255 Bennet Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 for required check-in tasks and to pick up your keys. Students assigned to Donnell Hall will move-in from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and students assigned to Cassat Hall will move-in from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students assigned to Aitchison Hall will move-in from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

*Students who are running late and not able to arrive by 2:00 p.m. are encouraged to contact Residence Life at ResidenceLife@dbq.edu for instruction on picking up keys and completing check-in.

5:00 p.m. --- University Welcome Dinner
Families are invited and encouraged to attend dinner in the Chlapaty Recreation & Wellness Center (CRWC). Enjoy a free meal and warm welcome to your new home away from home by important campus administrators.

7:00 p.m. --- Evening Entertainment
Families are asked to depart campus by 7:00 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to meet other new students, residence assistants, and orientation leaders while enjoying music, activities, and light refreshments in the Heritage Center, CyberCafe!

8:30 p.m. --- Residence Hall Meeting
For students living on campus, this required session will cover important residence hall policies. This session is located in the Heritage Center, Butler Hall.

Monday, August 21, 2023 - Spartan Start

8:00 a.m. --- Spartan Start Check-In and Breakfast
Check-in for the day at the Chlapaty Recreation & Wellness Center (CRWC). Pick up your name tag, help yourself to breakfast, and find your table to meet your orientation leader and student group.

9:00 a.m. --- Welcome
Learn more about what to expect during Spartan Start orientation.

9:25 a.m. --- Orientation Group Photo
Capture this special milestone with a Spartan group photo on Chalmers Field!

9:55 a.m. --- Student Success Commitment Signing
A special visit from President Bullock to welcome you to our Spartan community and introduce our university's Student Success Commitment.

10:30 a.m. --- Campus Resource Sessions and Lunch
During this time, you will rotate through the following resource sessions to gain necessary campus knowledge and ensure your success here at UD:

- Campus Expectations
- Campus Technology
- Safety and Security
- Charles C. Myers Library
- Academic Success Center

Lunch will be provided to you and your orientation group in the CRWC. Please bring your student ID card. Lunch will be accompanied with a brief presentation by Mandi Dolson, the Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention at Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.

5:00 p.m. ---- Dubuque Community Night
Get off campus for the evening to experience the Dubuque community. Enjoy free dinner, play arcade games, bowling, and continue to get to know other new students! Shuttles will run continuously between Backpocket Dubuque and the Heritage Center. Feel free to come any time and stay as long as you'd like!

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 - Spartan Start

8:00 a.m. --- Breakfast and Check-In
Check-in for the day at the Chlapaty Recreation & Wellness Center (CRWC), help yourself to breakfast, and meet with your orientation group at your designated group table.

8:45 a.m. --- Meet Our Majors
Get acquainted with your academic advisors and professors from your department. You'll have the chance to meet other students who share your academic interests and browse all majors and minors UD has to offer!

10:00 a.m. --- Campus Resource Sessions and Lunch
During this time, you will rotate through the following resource sessions to gain necessary campus knowledge and ensure your success here at UD:

- Campus Tours
- Mentors in Violence Prevention Training

Lunch will be provided to you and your orientation group in the CRWC.

2:30 p.m. --- Experiential Learning
Build your skills and get to know your classmates in these in-depth, interactive sessions. Overcome obstacles and challenges as a team while you rotate through the following experiential opportunities:

- Ropes Course
- Spartan Scavenger Hunt
- Escape Rooms

5:30 p.m. --- Unity Barbecue
Campus-wide cookout event to unite our Spartan Community and kick-off the start of the new school year.

What to Expect

Attending UD will be a brand new experience for you. While starting at a new college is exciting, it can also be a little stressful. Spartan Start is designed to help you settle in and get comfortable with campus life. During the program you can expect to:

Meet a lot of other new students who, like you, don't know a lot of people on campus and are feeling a bit nervous. It is possible that you may even feel overwhelmed at times. That's normal; just reach out to an orientation leader or Spartan Start staff member, and they can help.
Learn about a lot of resources and opportunities. There are tons of ways to get involved on campus, and a lot of helpful, free services you can utilize. Even if you think something may not be of interest to you, keep an open mind. You may find that you need the information later. Plus, college is a great time to try something new!
Take responsibility for your education. How you participate and what and how much you learn is up to you. As a college student, you'll need to make decisions about what classes to take, how often to study, when to ask for help, and more. Spartan Start will give you a chance to learn and practice those skills, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity by being fully engaged and asking lots of questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I move in early?

We're glad you are ready to join us on campus! Our staff needs time to make sure everything is just right for you when you arrive, so unfortunately, we cannot allow early move-ins. If you have extenuating circumstances that you need to discuss, you may contact Residence Life at 563.589.3438 or ResidenceLife@dbq.edu.

Do I have to attend Spartan Start?

Yes. Studies show that orientation programs contribute to a positive transition to college. Because we care about your success and want you to have every advantage possible, Spartan Start is a required component of your first week at UD. We work hard to build a fun and useful program you will not want to miss!

For more information, please contact:

Rochelle Morgan
Director of Student Engagement and Services
RMorgan@dbq.edu
563.589.3583