Spartan Start for Transfer Students

Fall 2026 Spartan Start for Transfer Students & Adult Learners

Welcome to the University of Dubuque family! We are excited to have you join us. Spartan Start is designed to help you successfully continue your learning journey at the University of Dubuque through campus-specific training and support. We highly recommend attending all Spartan Start programming to ensure your success here at UD and to make connections with other new students.

Fall transfer students and adult learners have the option of participating in the full two-day Spartan Start program on Monday and Tuesday, August 24-25, or selecting the one-day option on Tuesday, August 25. Not sure which option to choose? Reach out and we can help you decide which program will best meet your needs. Once you've decided, please let us know your preference by completing this form.

Sample Session Schedule for Tuesday, August 25, One-Day Option

Time	Session Topic & Description	Location
9:15 - 9:55 a.m.	Check-In & Breakfast Pick up your Spartan Start materials and enjoy a light continental breakfast. Hear a brief welcome message from University leaders.	MTAC Steffens Hall
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.	Academic Success Center You'll want to get to know the friendly folks at the library and the ASC! They provide help with lots of resources, including tutoring, writing consulting, and other learning support.	Library 2nd Floor
10:35 - 11:30 a.m.	Campus Technology Visit a computer lab to meet a professor who will walk you through how to access important UD technology systems like email, MyUD, and Canvas.	Room 103, Dunlap Tech Center
11:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.	Be & Become Explore who you are today and discover who you can become throughout your UD experience. Learn how Vocation, Career Services, & Community Engagement and the Wendt Character Initiative can help you build a meaningful path toward personal, and professional success.	Room 264, Smith Welcome Center
12:25 - 1:10 p.m.	Lunch Use your meal plan at the dining hall. Don't have a meal plan? You can purchase lunch for $12.00, charge it to your student account, or bring your own lunch.	Smeltzer Dining Hall, Peters Commons
1:15 - 2:00 p.m.	Charles C. Myers Library Services The library is packed with amazing services and resources that you'll want to use throughout your time at UD. Plus, don't miss this opportunity to meet the best librarians around!	Room 381, Charles C. Myers Library
2:05 - 2:35 p.m.	Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center (SKSHC) SKSHC provides medical and brain health services to current UD students. Most services are covered by your student fees. Meet the staff and see the facility so you can stay well.	1994 Grace Street, Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center
2:40 - 3:10 p.m.	Student Financial Planning Meet the Office of Financial Planning staff and find out how they can assist you throughout your time at UD.	MTAC 3rd Floor
3:15 - 3:55 p.m.	Campus Errands A peer leader will guide you if you need to get your student ID or parking pass, pick up your books, or want to find your classroom locations.	Various Locations
4:00 - End times vary by department	Meet Your Major Academic Session Get acquainted with professors from your academic department and meet other students who share your academic interests.	Various Locations
5:30 p.m.	Unity BBQ (optional) Stick around to enjoy free dinner at the campus community barbecue! All students, staff, and faculty are invited.	Alumni Common

For more information, please contact:

Jaclyn Esqueda
Associate Dean of Student Engagement and Success
JEsqueda@dbq.edu | 563.589.3349