Spartan Start

Move-In for New Spring Students Living On Campus
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you have made arrangements to live on campus, you may pick up your keys on Thursday, January 8, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Office of Residence Life, Peters Commons, 2nd Floor. For housing-related questions, please contact Director of Housing Operations, Dillon Wagner, at dwagner@dbq.edu or 563-589-3438.

Residence Life Meet-and-Greet
for New Spring Students Living On Campus
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.

New spring students living in campus residence halls will attend a meeting to review residence hall policies and guidelines, meet Residence Life staff, and enjoy a pizza dinner. The meeting will be held in Smith Welcome Center Room 263 - Multicultural Student Center.

Spring 2026 Spartan Start
Friday, January 9, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

For New Students Living On and Off Campus

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, and a lot more. Spartan Start provides the perfect start to a successful college experience.

Please check in at the Heritage Center A.Y. McDonald Lobby between 8:30 - 8:45 a.m.

Schedule Preview

Time	Session
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.	Check-In and Breakfast Pick up your Spartan Start materials and get ready for the day. Complimentary light breakfast items will be available.
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.	University Welcome and Student Success Committment Join UD's president, Dr. Travis L. Frampton, for an official welcome. Learn more about the University's Student Success Committment.
10:00 - 11:20 a.m.	Academic Resources Session UD offers several free resources and services to support your academic success. Meet staff from the Academic Success Center, Academic Advising Office, and Charles C. Myers Library.
11:30 - 11:50 a.m.	Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center Tour See the Health Center facility and get more information about the on-campus services that are covered by your student fees.
12:00 - 12:40 p.m.	Lunch Enjoy a complimentary lunch.
12:40 - 1:00 p.m.	Student Financial Planning Session Meet the staff from the Office of Financial Planning and find out how they can assist you throughout your time at UD.
1:10 - 1:30 p.m.	Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center Tour Meet the campus recreation staff, take a tour of the facility, and learn about recreation options on campus.
1:30 - 2:10 p.m.	Out and About on Campus Still need your student ID, parking pass, or books? Not sure where to find your classes? Join a guide group led by Spartan Start staff to get out and about and take care of last-minute errands.
2:20 - 3:00 p.m.	Campus Technology Workshop The workshop facilitator will familiarize you with UD technology including email, the campus portal, and Canvas.
3:10 - 3:30 p.m.	Vocation, Career Services, and Community Engagement Session Get started today in setting goals for your future career! The staff from VCSCE will get you set up on Handshake, the #1 system for college students to find jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunties.
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.	Wrap Up, Questions, and Raffle Drawing Wrap up your day with a closing message from the Vice President of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics, Mr. Nelson Edmonds, get answers to any remaining questions you have, and enter your name in a drawing to win a raffle prize.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change. A final schedule will be provided at check-in.

For more information, please contact:

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