New Student Orientation will run from Thursday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 28. New Student Orientation includes four days of activities designed to introduce all new students (first-year and transfer) to Marquette’s academic excellence, vibrant campus life and community involvement that constitute the university’s tradition.
All new first-year students and transfer students are required to check-in for Orientation on Thursday, Aug. 25, (also first-year student and transfer student move-in day for the residence halls) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union (Third Floor).
Orientation events are designed to help students be successful at Marquette. For this reason, there are several events throughout the week that first-year and transfer students are required to attend, and a variety of events that are optional.
If you have any questions, please contact the New Student & Family Programs at 414-288-1412 or newstudentprogs@marquette.edu.
Schedule of events
For a complete look at the Orientation schedule, check out the New Student & Family Guide.
Wednesday, Aug. 24
- Residence Hall Move-in for first-year and transfer students
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Your assigned residence hall
- Move into your Residence Hall in your selected 90-minute time window. To learn more about your arrival, check out the Arrival Survival Guide from the Office of Residence Life.
- In-hall programming
- 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Your assigned residence hall
- Connect with your new residence hall peers. Each residence hall will host an evening of fun. Check with your RA or hall director for details.
- Honors orientation
- 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Rec Plex in Straz Tower
- Mandatory orientation for all incoming students who are a part of the honors program. Please bring your MUID.
- Movie night at Weasler
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Weasler Auditorium
- Catch a screening of Marvel’s hit movie, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Thursday, Aug 25
- Residence Hall Move-in for first-year and transfer students
- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Your assigned Residence Hall
- Move into your residence hall in your selected 90-minute time window. To learn more about your arrival, check out the Arrival Survival Guide from the Office of Residence Life.
- Church of the Gesu tours and open house
- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Church of the Gesu
- You will have the opportunity to see the art and archtecture housed inside the church at this open house event. Mass services will be offered at 7 a.m. and noon, with open house offerings in between and after services. Stop by to see demonstrations of the church organ on the hour, every hour until 2 p.m.
- New Student Orientation Check-In
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | AMU third floor ballrooms (Mandatory)
- Check in for New Student Orientation to get your personalized information, pick up your ID and U-Pass, and learn more about the next few days. All first-year students and transfer students are required to check in. Transfer students will get their IDs and U-Pass in Union Station (first floor of AMU) after checking in.
- Marquette Dining Services Free Food Sample
- 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. | AMU’s Innovation Kitchen
- Learn more about Dining Services’ programming and services while enjoying free refreshments.
- AMU Information Tables
- 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. | AMU second floor lobby
- Learn more about Air Force ROTC, IT Services, Marquette Sustainability, Near West Side Partners and Student Employment.
- Town Bank campus branch availability
- 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. | AMU first floor lobby
- Learn more about banking on campus by visiting Town Bank right outside of its branch on the first floor of the AMU.
- Center for Peacemaking Open House
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 1616 W. Wells St.
- The Center for Peacemaking is open throughout the day for students to socialize and study. The center’s programs (including domestic and international travel, summer fellowships, employment, community-engaged research and peace studies classes) are open to students in all colleges and majors. The center is committed to exploring the power of nonviolence and equipping students with the skills to become changemakers.
- Orientación Familiar en español
- 11 a.m. to noon | AMU 227
- Esperamos que los estudiantes y sus familias se unan a nosotros para conocer a otras familias hispanohablantes, conocer a personal de la universidad, y aprender sobre servicios, apoyo y recursos importantes de Marquette.
- Food trucks
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Parking Lot D
- Grab lunch from a local food truck, including Denson’s Food Truck, Marco Pollo, Pete’s Pops and Twisted Plants
- College of Business Administration meet and greet
- Noon to 1 p.m. | David Straz Jr. Hall, First Floor Atrium
- New students and families are invited to stop by the College of Business Administration and meet the college’s faculty and administrators. This is an opportunity to connect with professors and support staff, walk through the space and learn more about the college and its majors.
- First generation student and family welcome
- 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | AMU 227
- first generation students and their families are invited to a casual meet-and-greet with other students and first gen staff. The session will begin with a brief presentation at 1:15 p.m. Light snacks will be provided.
- Raynor Memorial Libraries tours
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Raynor Memorial Libraries
- Discover how the library can feed students’ creativity and curiosity, learn about services and resources that give them a leg up in coursework, and enjoy an aerial view from the Brew on the Bridge. Library staff will also be available for open-house offerings.
- Family Liturgy
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Church of the Gesu
- Prior to Convocation, students and families are invited to enjoy a family liturgy from Campus Ministry.
- New Student Convocation
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Central Mall (Mandatory)
- Join President Michael Lovell and other members of the academic community for a formal welcome to Marquette. New Student (first-year and transfer) attendance is required, and family members are welcome to attend.
- Commuters at Marquette
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | AMU’s Marquette Place
- Commuters at Marquette is designed to offer first-year and transfer commuter students support and resources that will assist with their transition to Marquette. Free dinner will be provided.
- Dinner on your own and family departure
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Various dining halls (Mandatory)
- Enjoy dinner together on or off campus as you take the time to say goodbye. Students with dining plans may use a guest swipe in the Dining Halls for family members. Families are asked to depart at this time.
- Group Meeting No. 1
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Your group meeting room (Mandatory)
- In this kick-off meeting led by Orientation staff, you will officially dive into your life as a Marquette student. As a group, you will learn how to make the most of Orientation and meet other new students. Check your name tag for your group meeting location and group number.
- You @ MU
- 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Al McGuire Center (Mandatory)
- As a new student in the Marquette community, this session is all about you. You will hear about various topics such as diversity and inclusion, and enjoy a pep rally from Athletics.
- 12th Street Block Party (Mandatory)
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Outside the Al McGuire Center
- Jam with pop cover band Mike Dangeroux, play games with athletics and enjoy the beautiful evening. Partake in the cherished Marquette square dance tradition. Pizza will be provided by Pizza Shuttle, and additional free samples will be handed out.
Friday, Aug. 26
- Breakfast with your group
- 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. | Various dining halls (Mandatory)
- Have breakfast with your group before starting Day 2 of Orientation. Your orientation leader will tell you where and when to meet. In order to help all students rotate through the dining halls, it’s important that you go to breakfast at the time given by your leader.
- Transfer Breakfast with the Colleges
- 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | AMU’s Marquette Place (Mandatory for transfers)
- Transfer students get the opportunity to interact with staff and faculty from their college during this continental breakfast. Students will then break out into colleges to hear more about how to succeed in the academic year ahead.
- MUPD Safety Presentations
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Various locations (Mandatory)
- At this session, led by MUPD representatives, you will learn about available resources and personal safety tips for on and off-campus.
- Be Color Brave, Not Color Blind
- 9:30 a.m. to noon | Varsity Theatre (Mandatory)
- “I am Color Blind.” “All Lives Matter.” “Everyone is Equal.” These are phrases that resonate with Americans across the country. Raising the awareness, sensitivity and understanding of cultural competency starts with debunking these myths and challenging these perceptions. This session prepares participants with a basic understanding of how to proactively and confidently have those bold and brave dialogues.
- Group Meeting No. 2
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Your group meeting room (Mandatory)
- Orientation Leaders will give you the inside scoop on academics and how to get from one classroom to another. After sharing some tips and tricks for being a successful student, they’ll help you physically navigate the academic side of campus. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you’ll spend some of this time walking around campus together.
- Lunch with your group (Mandatory)
- 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Various dining halls
- Your Orientation Leader will tell you where and when to meet. In order to help all students rotate through the dining halls, it’s important that you go to breakfast at the time given by your Leader.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.
- 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Various locations
- Connect Your S.E.L.F. (Service, Excellence, Leadership, Faith) is an opportunity for you to explore various ways to engage at Marquette. You get to choose up to five sessions to learn more about things that interest you.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Bands Open House
- 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Varsity Theatre
- This open house session is for students interested in joining the Marquette University Bands, including the wind ensemble, symphonic band, jazz ensembles and pep band. Get a tour of the music facilities, meet current students and get all your questions answered.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Brave & Bold Office Hours with Rasheed Ali Cromwell
- 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | AMU Henke Lounge
- Meet with our Brave & Bold Speaker Rasheed Ali Cromwell to debrief and connect about what you learned and how you will be brave. Take this opportunity to dive deeper into the content from “Be Color Brave, Not Color Blind.”
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Campus Ministry: Faith, Service and Community at Marquette
- 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | AMU Second Floor Lobby
- Visit Campus Ministry’s open house to see the many opportunities they have to offer and how to get involved. Affiliated Ministry partners representing diverse faith traditions will also be there to welcome you.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Community Service at Marquette
- 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | AMU Ballroom E
- Join to learn how to engage in the service mission of Marquette University.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Recreational Sports at Marquette
- 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | AMU 157
- This information session will cover all aspects of the Recreational Sports Programs at Marquette. Learn how to get involved in Intramurals, Clubs Sports and other programming.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: LGBTQ+ Fall Welcome
- 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | AMU’s Commons Lounge
- Become oriented with the various social, educational and academic resources available. All are welcome.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Beyond Studying: What the Library Has to Offer You
- 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. p.m. | AMU 252
- See what the Raynor Memorial Libraries has to offer students academically, professionally and personally. From de-stressing activities, interactive spaces and a range of useful student services, the libraries’ space and staff can meet your needs in addition to providing quiet study spaces.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Career Services
- 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. | AMU 163
- Learn about the services, programs and how to engage with the Career Services Center through an overview of its office.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Counseling Center Services
- 2:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | AMU Ballroom D
- Counseling Center staff will talk about the importance of mental health, ways to manage stress and anxiety and how to use the Counseling Center as a resource.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Orchestra Open House
- 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Varsity Theatre
- This open house is for string players interested in joining the orchestra. Get a tour of the music facilities, meet current students and get your questions answered.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: The Value of Sorority and Fraternity Life
- 2:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | AMU Ballroom A
- Learn about the values-based opportunities available in the Marquette Sorority and Fraternity community. We will discuss the four distinct councils, ways to get involved, and how to find the organization right for you.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: Education Abroad Opportunities at Marquette
- 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | AMU Ballroom C
- At Marquette, students have the opportunity to study abroad in multiple locations across the world, and have access to some of the best, most rewarding cultural experiences possible. Learn more about the Office of International Education, and how we help students take their education global.
- Connect Your S.E.L.F.: How to Become a Leader in Marquette University Student Government
- 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | AMU’s MUSG Office, first floor
- Marquette University Student Government is based in college students; a community of problem solvers that bridge the gap between the university and students. MUSG believes that students have the capability to make an impact on their current and future Marquette experience. Not only is MUSG a leading voice itself for students, but a proponent for raising individual student voices for the betterment of Marquette.
- Academic Program Meetings
- 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Various locations
- Various academic programs are excited to host you. Required attendance: Exercise Science. Optional attendance: Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, Diederich College of Communication, College of Nursing, Department of History, Meical Laboratory Science, Political Science and International Affairs and Biomedical Sciences.
- Tutoring Open House
- 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Coughlin Hall
- Diederich College of Communication: Meet the Dean
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | TBD
- Dinner with your group and Group Meeting No. 3
- 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Various dining halls (Mandatory)
- Reconnect with your group to talk about life in Milwaukee and begin to explore the city together. Your Orientation Leader will let you know where to meet.
- Commuter study spaces tour
- 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. | West Town Square
- Learn about various study spaces from current students. They’ll take you around campus to show you some of their favorite spots.
- First floor meetings
- 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Various residence halls (Mandatory)
- All students living in a first-year community: head back to your new home. Meet your neighbors within your residence hall community. Learn about involvement opportunities as well as hall policies and procedures. This is mandatory for all students living in the residence halls on first-year floors (check with your RA if you’re not sure).
- Rock The Rec
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center (Mandatory)
- Get ready to explore every nook and cranny of the Rec Center. Don’t worry if you’re not “athletic” as there will be activities for everyone. Wear comfortable clothing, sneakers/tennis shoes, and bring your Marquette ID Card. You may also want to bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to go for a swim.
- Transfer bonfire
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Humphrey Hall Bonfire Pit
- Meet new people at this transfer student exclusive event. Hang out with fellow transfer students while you get a caricature made with your new friends. Tie dye your new student shirt and enjoy a cozy fire with snacks.
Saturday, Aug. 27
- Milwaukee Excursions
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Various locations
- Milwaukee Excursions are a great opportunity to explore what the city has to offer, from Connect & Serve to City Tours and Boat Cruises to the Brewers Game. Registration will be live August 8. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Connect & Serve
- 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Various locations
- Check in at 8 a.m. for your half-day community service opportunity. Volunteers will engage in service at various sites throughout the city, led by orientation leaders.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Boat Cruise
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- See the sights of Milwaukee on a private cruise through the Milwaukee River, the Milwaukee Harbor and Lake Michigan. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket. Meet at 10:15 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Fiserv Forum Tour
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- Get the behind-the-scenes look at your Marquette Golden Eagles and Milwaukee Bucks arena. Students will walk to Fiserv Forum and learn the paths to take later in the year. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket and walking shoes. Meet at 10:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: MKE Bus Tour
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- On this two-hour bus tour, we’ll navigate the key downtown neighborhoods, make suggestions on great places to eat and hang out and show you places to return to when your family visits our city. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket. Meet at 10:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU. You will be dropped off at the same location.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Boat Cruise
- Noon to 2 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- See the sights of Milwaukee on a private cruise through the Milwaukee River, the Milwaukee Harbor and Lake Michigan. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket. Meet at 11:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Fiserv Forum Tour
- Noon to 2 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- Get the behind-the-scenes look at your Marquette Golden Eagles and Milwaukee Bucks arena. Students will walk to Fiserv Forum and learn the paths to take later in the year. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket and walking shoes. Meet at 11:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Fiserv Forum Tour
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- Get the behind-the-scenes look at your Marquette Golden Eagles and Milwaukee Bucks arena. Students will walk to Fiserv Forum and learn the paths to take later in the year. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket and walking shoes. Meet at 12:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: MKE Bus Tour
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- On this two-hour bus tour, we’ll navigate the key downtown neighborhoods, make suggestions on great places to eat and hang out and show you places to return to when your family visits our city. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket. Meet at 12:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU. You will be dropped off at the same location.
- Middle Eastern and APIDA Welcome
- 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | AMU First Floor
- Join a multicultural welcome for students from the Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) community where you can meet student organizations. Enjoy food from Asian-owned businesses, a DJ, giveaways and more.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Fiserv Forum Tour
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- Get the behind-the-scenes look at your Marquette Golden Eagles and Milwaukee Bucks arena. Students will walk to Fiserv Forum and learn the paths to take later in the year. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket and walking shoes. Meet at 1:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Fiserv Forum Tour
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- Get the behind-the-scenes look at your Marquette Golden Eagles and Milwaukee Bucks arena. Students will walk to Fiserv Forum and learn the paths to take later in the year. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket and walking shoes. Meet at 2:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU.
- Milwaukee Excursion: MKE Bus Tour
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- On this two-hour bus tour, we’ll navigate the key downtown neighborhoods, make suggestions on great places to eat and hang out and show you places to return to when your family visits our city. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket. Meet at 2:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU. You will be dropped off at the same location.
- Movie: Minions: The Rise of Gru
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Weasler Auditorium
- U-Pass Adventures
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Various locations
- Explore Milwaukee destinations conveniently and inexpensively while learning how to navigate the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). Orientation Leaders will show you the way. All you need is your U-PASS and MUID to board the bus. Registration is live starting Aug. 8.
- U-Pass Adventure: Downer Avenue
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- This stop to Downer Avenue features Boswell Book Company, BelAir Cantina, Sendik’s, Starbucks, Café Hollander, Stone Creek Coffee, Landmark’s Downer Theatre and more.
- U-Pass Adventure: East Ogden
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- This stop to East Ogden features Pick ‘n Save, Panera, Noodles and Co., Chipotle, Jamba Juice, Jersey Mikes, Starbucks and more.
- U-Pass Adventure: Prospect Ave.
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- This stop to Prospect Ave. features Whole Foods, Colectivo Coffee, Ian’s Pizza, Urban Outfitters, Landmark Oriental Theater, Beans and Barley, Yo Factory and more.
- U-Pass Adventure: Third Ward
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- This stop to the Third Ward features the Milwaukee Public Market, Café Benelux, My Yo My, Red Elephant, Colectivo Coffee, Stone Creek Coffee and more.
- Akwaaba Welcome
- 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | AMU First Floor
- Join a multicultural welcome for our Black and African students where you can meet our Black student organizations. Enjoy food from Black-owned businesses, a DJ, giveaways and more.
- Milwaukee Excursion: MKE Bus Tour
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- On this two-hour bus tour, we’ll navigate the key downtown neighborhoods, make suggestions on great places to eat and hang out and show you places to return to when your family visits our city. Don’t forget your electronic proof of your ticket. Meet at 4:45 a.m. on the east lawn of AMU. You will be dropped off at the same location.
- Milwaukee Excursion: Brewers game
- 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | American Family Insurance Field
- Join your fellow classmates as you travel to American Family Insurance Field to watch the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Chicago Cubs. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Movie: Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Weasler Auditorium
- Late Night Marquette
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Alumni Memorial Union (Mandatory)
- Each floor of the union will have different games and experiences for you and your new friends, including bingo, board games, cookie decorating, crafts, a photobooth and a screening of “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
- Orientation Celebration
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common (Mandatory)
- Celebrate the beginning of the school year with a MU Community Performance in the square. Bring a blanket and your new pals for a night of music, snacks and relaxation. This event is open to all Marquette students.
Sunday, Aug. 28
- Lunch with your group and Group Meeting No. 4
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Various dining halls (Mandatory)
- Enjoy lunch with your group and wrap up your Orientation experience.
- Honors Orientation part two
- 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. | Marquette Hall 100
- Mandatory orientation for all incoming students a part of the honors program. Please bring a water bottle.
- MKE Running Tour
- 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Ray and Kay Eckstein Common
- Sweat and sight-see with a run to the lakefront and back with Marquette University President Michael Lovell, covering about 4-5 miles. All paces are welcome and students are welcome to pick their distance in this out-and-back course. Meet on the east side of the Alumni Memorial Union at 2 p.m. to leave together.
- Native and Indigenous Welcome
- 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | AMU 111
- Join a multicultural welcome for our Native and Indigenous students. Meet our Native American Student Association and Council on Native American Affairs. Enjoy food from Native-owned businesses, music, giveaways and more.
- Men’s Soccer vs. Dixie State
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Valley Fields
- Mass of the Holy Spirit
- 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Church of the Gesu
- Bienvenidos
- 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | AMU First Floor
- Join a multicultural welcome for our Hispanic and Latinx students. Meet our Hispanic and Latinx student organizations and enjoy food from Hispanic-owned businesses, Latin music and DJ, giveaways and more.
