New Student Orientation Schedule
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — New Student Orientation Check-In
Theophilus Tower Lawn
Stop by our tent to check into New Student Orientation to receive your swag bag and get your schedule for the weekend.
8-9:30 p.m. — New Vandal Scramble
P1FCU Kibbie Dome
Meet your Orientation Leaders promptly at 7:45 p.m. on Theophilus Tower Lawn to head to the Kibbie Dome for a fun-filled activity. This is a great opportunity to explore your campus and get to know your classmates.
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024
8-9:30 a.m. — New Student Orientation Check-In (If you didn’t check in on Wednesday)
Theophilus Tower Lawn
Stop by our tent to check into New Student Orientation to receive your swag bag and get your schedule for the weekend.
9:30 a.m. — Welcome
Administration Lawn
Hear from Dean of Students, Dr. Blaine Eckles and get to know your orientation schedule.
10 a.m. — Orientation Session I
Memorial Gym and Pitman Center International Ballroom
- Gold Group: Vandals in the Know
- Silver Group: Embracing Community — The Vandal Way
Gold Group: January through June birth months.
Silver Group: July through December birth months.
11:15 a.m. — Orientation Session II
Memorial Gym and Pitman Center International Ballroom
- Gold Group: Embracing Community — The Vandal Way
- Silver Group: Vandals in the Know
Gold Group: January through June birth months.
Silver Group: July through December birth months.
Noon to 1 p.m. — Welcome Lunch
Idaho Student Union Building Plaza
Join your Orientation Leaders, families and guests for lunch, mingling and music.
1:15 p.m. — Meet Students in Your College
Administration Lawn
Meet your Orientation Leaders at your college sign to connect with fellow students in your college before attending the college sessions.
1:45-2:45 p.m. — Academic College Sessions
Various Locations – Departing from Administration Lawn
Learn more about your college and the resources available to you.
- College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Agricultural & Life Sciences Bldg., Room 106 - College of Art & Architecture
Art & Architecture North, Room 022 - College of Business & Economics
Albertson Bldg., Room 102 - College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Education Building, Room 141 - College of Engineering
Room TBD - College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences
Administration Auditorium - College of Natural Resources
Natural Resources Building, Room 010 - College of Science
Renfrew Hall, Room 112
2:45 p.m. — Vandal Family Send-Off
Administration Lawn
You won’t want to miss this. It’s time to say goodbye and hear the winners of our prize drawing! Students, families and supporters will join for the final send-off and a Vandal Family Photo.
3 p.m. — Vandal Success Social & Friendship Bracelet Making
Idaho Student Union Building Plaza
Enjoy a sweet treat and CHILL out while making friendship bracelets with your new Vandal friends. Get to know your Vandal Success team and wrap up your afternoon with this fun activity.
8 p.m. — Screen on the Green
Theophilus Tower Lawn
Join the Department of Student Involvement and Vandal Entertainment for a showing of “Top Gun (1986)” at dusk. Seating opens at 7:30 p.m. and students are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks from home. This event is free and open to all students.
10-11:30 p.m. — Vandal Shopping Night at Target
Target – Palouse Mall
Join Housing and Residence Life for a students-only night of shopping at Target in Moscow. Target will be closed to the general public at this time so join other Vandals for games, prizes and shopping deals. Free transportation will be provided from the LLC Bus stop, Wallace Residence Hall, Bruce M. Pitman Center and various stops along Greek Row.
Friday, Aug. 16, 2024
9 a.m. — Meet your Orientation Group
Administration Lawn
Meet back up with your Orientation Leaders and prepare for the day.
9:45-10:15 a.m. — Learn Your Resources Session I
Choose one of the following topics to explore for the first U of I resources session:
- Achieving Academic Success at U of I
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 029
Unlock your academic potential with Vandal Success! Join us to explore personalized support, effective study strategies and essential resources tailored to your needs. Discover how your dedicated team empowers you to excel academically and achieve your goals. Let’s embark on this journey together! - Time Management
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 030
Academic coaches will guide you in mastering time management skills for the fall semester! Discover tips and tricks to balance your academic, social and personal commitments. - Campus Safety
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 031
We are focused on creating and maintaining a safe environment for our community. Learn about our services, resources and what you can do to contribute to a safe campus. - Budgeting Basics for College Students
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 044
Knowing how to make wise financial decisions that work with your individual needs is important on a college student's budget. Learn your way around the fundamentals of effective budget creation, implementation and refinement. - Outdoor Programs
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 046
Learn all about the Outdoor Program, U of I’s non-profit service organization dedicated to providing the university community with education and resources for adventure-based, human-powered, environmentally-sound activities!
10:20-10:50 a.m. — Learn Your Resources Session II
Choose one of the following topics to explore for the second U of I resources session:
- Achieving Academic Success at U of I
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 029
Unlock your academic potential with Vandal Success! Join us to explore personalized support, effective study strategies and essential resources tailored to your needs. Discover how your dedicated team empowers you to excel academically and achieve your goals. Let’s embark on this journey together! - Time Management
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 030
Academic coaches will guide you in mastering time management skills for the fall semester! Discover tips and tricks to balance your academic, social and personal commitments. - Campus Safety
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 031
We are focused on creating and maintaining a safe environment for our community. Learn about our services, resources and what you can do to contribute to a safe campus. - Parking & Transportation
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 047
Learn how your Parking & Transportation team keeps U of I moving! Learn all about parking permits, alternative transportation, PIT Crew services and much more. - Outdoor Programs
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 046
Learn all about the Outdoor Program, U of I’s non-profit service organization dedicated to providing the university community with education and resources for adventure-based, human-powered, environmentally-sound activities!
10:55-11:25 a.m. — Learn Your Resources Session III
Choose one of the following topics to explore for the third U of I resources session:
- Achieving Academic Success at U of I
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 029
Unlock your academic potential with Vandal Success! Join us to explore personalized support, effective study strategies and essential resources tailored to your needs. Discover how your dedicated team empowers you to excel academically and achieve your goals. Let’s embark on this journey together! - Time Management
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 030
Academic coaches will guide you in mastering time management skills for the fall semester! Discover tips and tricks to balance your academic, social and personal commitments. - U of I Athletics
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 032
Go Vandals! Join the excitement of University of Idaho athletics: Cheer on the Vandals, celebrate victories and be a part of our passionate sports community. - Navigating Canvas
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 045
Learn your way around the platform where you find all the information and resources for your courses. - Student Wellness
Teaching and Learning Center, Room 041
Prioritize student well-being: Discover resources for mental health, stress management and overall wellness, supporting a thriving community.
11:30 a.m. — Break for Lunch
Need lunch? If you're not on a meal plan or receiving lunch from your Greek chapter, swing by our information tent on the ISUB Plaza Green and we'll give you a free meal voucher for the Eatery. Enjoy your break!
1 p.m. — Various Orientation Sessions
- Honors Program: Idaho Student Union Building, Summit, 4th Floor
- Military and Veteran Services: Idaho Student Union Building, Panorama, 4th Floor
- Transfer and Non-Traditional Students: Idaho Student Union Building Clearwater Whitewater, 1st Floor
- Vandal Gateway Program: Pitman Center Vandal Ballroom
1 p.m. — Center for Disability Access and Resources Info Session
Teaching and Learning Center, Rm 032
The Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) provides services and support to ensure individuals with disabilities are able to access and participate in all of the opportunities available at the University of Idaho. Learn what services are available and how to apply!
1-2 p.m. — Academic Resource Tours
Depart from Idaho Student Union Building Plaza
Let us show you the locations of our key academic resources. Discover essential study spots, libraries, and other academic support services available on campus to help you succeed in your studies.
1-2 p.m. — Health and Wellbeing Tours
Depart from Idaho Student Union Building Plaza
Take care of yourself! Join us for a tour highlighting the wellness resources available to you. Discover everything from our fitness facilities to mental health support services, ensuring you have the resources to thrive both physically and mentally.
1-5 p.m. — International Student Orientation
Pitman Center International Ballroom
All international students are required to attend the mandatory immigration check-in and international student orientation sessions below.
- 1 p.m. — Check-In Begins
Vandal Ballroom, Bruce Pitman Center
Check in at the Vandal Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Bruce Pitman Center - 1:30 p.m. — Welcome Remarks and Introductions
Meet the International Services staff and student ambassadors - 1:45 p.m. — Games and Prizes
Get ready to compete and win some U of I swag for your team of new friends! - 2:15 p.m. — U.S. Visa Rules, iVandal, U.S. Culture
Meet your International Services advisor and learn about the rules and benefits of your F-1 or J-1 visa and how to complete your immigration check-in. - 3 p.m. — Break
Enjoy a cup of tea, stretch and reenergize your brain. - 3:15 p.m. — Next Steps: Navigating Campus
Learn from current U of I students on a variety of topics to help you adjust to campus. Topics will include SSN and student jobs, transportation, housing, academics and more. - 3:45 p.m. — Healthcare in the U.S.
A brief overview of how the U.S. healthcare system works. - 4:30 p.m. — Closing Remarks, Event Reminders and Group Photo
Let’s capture this special day with a photo!
Students attending U of I’s extension campuses (Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, etc.) will be required to attend an Online International Student Orientation. Online orientation details will be emailed to students in the summer.
2-3 p.m. — Pre-Health Professions Orientation
Idaho Student Union Building, Summit, 4th floor
Join us for an overiew of the Pre-Health Professions track. We'll cover key resources, essential tips and what to expect on your journey toward a career in health. Don't miss this opportunity to get a head start!
2-4 p.m. — Paint, Plants and Popcorn with CALS Plant & Soil Science Club
Idaho Student Union Building Plaza
Feeling creative? Stop by to paint a pot and get a free plant from our Plant & Soil Science Club!
8:30 p.m. — Meet your Orientation Leaders
Theophilus Tower Lawn
Meet back up with your Orientation Leaders before heading to Late Night at the Rec.
9-11 p.m. — Late Night at the Rec
Student Recreation Center
Join us at the Student Recreation Center for a fun-filled evening with friends to kick back, enjoy recreating, and learn about our programs. Activities include dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, climbing, yard games, and de-stress activities in the Well Space. This event is free and open to all new University of Idaho students.
Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Times Subject to Change) — SYNC
Theophilus Tower Lawn
Serving Your New Community (SYNC) is a volunteer opportunity to connect with your new community. Meet other incoming students, explore the Palouse and service with a great local organization. Closed-toe shoes and long pants required. Please be sure to grab breakfast before you head out to serve.
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Palousafest
Sixth Street, Tower Lawn
Browse hundreds of student organizations, campus departments, and local businesses and non-profits to find out how to get involved with the Palouse community.
Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Find Your Classrooms
Depart from Pitman Center Welcome Center, 1st Floor
Get ready to tackle your first day of classes! Orientation Leaders will guide you around campus, showing you where all your classes will be. Don’t forget to bring your class schedule!
4 p.m. — Vandal Kick-Off
P1FCU Kibbie Dome/Administration Lawn
Join other new Vandals in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome as we start your experience off great! You’ll join other new Vandals for the “I” photo, meet with some great campus leaders, and engage in the traditional walk toward the Administration Lawn for a relaxing, fun-filled Welcome BBQ afterwards!