New Student Orientation

Our week-long Orientation is a great opportunity for incoming first-year and other new students to get to know Duquesne and their classmates. We also offer Parent and Family Orientation, as well as both Commuter Student and Transfer Student Orientation. Every deposited student is automatically registered for Orientation.

What Makes Our Orientation Special?

  1. Our program is developed for students by students. Our student staff is uniquely positioned to welcome you to the Duquesne family. 
  2. Since we've been through the process ourselves, we know that starting college is a thrilling yet apprehensive time.
  3. With this understanding, we have developed a program that fits the needs of our new students and will enable them to make the most of this next exciting chapter of their lives!

Even prior to Orientation, we are here to assist you in transitioning to life at Duquesne through the First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) Program, which offers you and your family essential insights and resources to prepare for your academic journey at Duquesne. Each school offers two specific days for participation, and you only need to choose one that fits your schedule. Check out the FAST Schedule!

Orientation Dates

New Student Move-In at Duquesne 2023

Move-in

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Orientation 2023 students at Duquesne

Orientation

Wednesday, August 20-24, 2025

Duquesne student and parent at FAST 2023

Parent and Family Orientation

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Move-In Day

We are so excited for the arrival of all students and hope that we can make move-in as stress-free as possible! When arriving, all vehicles will be directed into campus through McAnulty Drive where the specific route to LLCs will be identified by our Duquesne Public Safety Officers and Orientation Staff.
  • Please adhere to your move-in time slot. Any requests for for changes to your move-in time should be emailed to Student%20Housing%20and%20Residence%20Life.
  • Have all items and boxes labeled with your full name, building, and room number. 
  • You must pick up your room key from the residence life tent/tables outside of your residence hall before entering the building.
  • After your move-in is complete, visit the Orientation tent for your goodies for the week!
  • Lunch will be provided to all students and families on Move-In Day in Hogan Dining Center, free of charge.

Make sure to have the Orientation Schedule downloaded on your device in preparation for move-in! This schedule includes more detailed information about our move-in process, a schedule of events, campus resources, a to-do list before classes start, and more.

New Student Move-In Schedule

August 19, 2025 St. Ann Towers Assumption
8:00 a.m.

6 West
6 East

 17 ABC
5 ABC		 2nd Floor
9:00 a.m. 5 West
5 East

15 ABC
16 C
3 A

 3rd Floor
10:00 a.m. 4 West 14 C
6 ABC		  
11:00 a.m. 1 West
Ground East

4 B
11 A

  
12:00 p.m. 1 East

 

 1st Floor
1:00 p.m.  

8 ABC

 Ground Floor
2:00 p.m. 4 East
2 East

7 ABC

 S-Level
3:00 p.m. 3 West
3 East

9 BC
10 BC

  
4:00 p.m. 2 West

12 ABC
13 AC

  

If you are moving into a Living Learning Center other than St. Ann Hall, Towers, or Assumption Hall, you will receive your move-in time slot to your Duquesne email.

Honors College Move-In Day is August 18th for all first-year Honor College students, regardless of housing assignment. All Living Learning Centers will be open for early move-in for Honors College first-year students.

 

Move-In Day FAQs

Yes! During New Student Orientation we have 150+ student volunteers assigned to moving carts that assist all students in moving their items from their vehicles, up to their residence hall room. These volunteers are called “Team Leaders” and are members of the NSO staff. 
On move-in day, be sure to include all the essentials for residence hall living: bedding, towels, toiletries, a shower caddy, cleaning supplies, and necessary documentation (like health records and identification). Check the Packing List provided by Student Housing and Residence Life to ensure you're prepared and aware of what items are permitted or prohibited in the living learning centers. 
Resident Students will check in for NSO at the Orientation tent on move-in day (August 20) between 8AM-5PM. Commuter Students will check in for NSO during the Commuter Pre-Orientation on Wednesday, August 21. 
Move-in day is busy for our campus! You'll follow our check-in procedures, set up your residence hall room, meet your new roommate and their family, and complete any remaining administrative tasks, such as picking up your student ID if you haven't already received it. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in Hogan Dining Hall and take the opportunity to connect with various staff members throughout the day. 

New Student Orientation FAQs

All new students are expected to attend Orientation from August 21-25. There are certain events are marked as required in the schedule, and attendance at these sessions are enforced by various offices on campus. Additionally, Welcome Week is packed with fun and exciting events that you won’t want to miss! 
Our New Student Orientation schedule is available on the Guidebook App. Be sure to download the app to access a wealth of information, including the events schedule, campus resources, move-in details and more.
Parents do not attend New Student Orientation, but they are invited to participate in our special Parent and Family Orientation. Highlights of this program include a welcome address from the Senior Vice President for Student Life, breakout sessions with university staff, the Class of 2028 Matriculation ceremony, a special dinner with University President Ken Gormley and more.
Yes! Trust us, we have all been there and felt the same apprehension and feelings of anxiety that you may be feeling now. Remember, you're not alone—many of your peers are likely feeling the same way, and there are plenty of resources and support systems available to help you through the transition, especially the Office of First Year Development.
All new students are divided into teams of 20-35 members , serving as your group for th week to cover essential aspects of transitioning to life at Duquesne. You will receive a mailed letter from your Team Leader during the summer months, which includes your team number. If you forget your team number, don't worry! You'll receive a name badge at the Orientation tent during check-in that displays your team number and the locations for your team meetings throughout the week. 
All new commuter students can check-in for NSO during the Commuter Pre-Orientation program on Wednesday, August 21. Details regarding this program will be sent to your Duquesne email in July by the Office of Commuter Affairs. Additionally, new commuter students have the ability to participate in our New Commuter Orientation track during NSO. New commuter students will receive an invitation in their Duquesne email from our Commuter Chairperson to participate in this specialized track of events.
As part of NSO, we offer a dedicated track of programs and events designed for transfer students. Led by our Transfer Chairpersons, this track provides tailored programming aimed to smooth the transition to life at Duquesne and the city of Pittsburgh. Transfer students will receive an invitation in their Duquesne email to participate in this specialized track of events.

General FAQs

Anyone interested in adding this type of meal plan currency can visit the Duquesne Dining website and purchase PLUS to be added to their ID card. PLUS does not expire and will roll over every year until you graduate or no longer associated with the university. Get a 10% bonus with every purchase of PLUS! Please allow one business day for funds to be available. 
Sharing a room with another person is a common part of living on-campus. Be sure to communicate openly with your roommate about expectations and preferences regarding cleanliness, noise levels, visitors, and shared responsibilities. During Orientation Week, your Resident Assistant (RA) will help you create a Roommate Agreement to ensure a comfortable and cooperative living environment. Additionally, it's important to decorate and organize the room in a way that reflects the styles of all roommates, ensuring a welcoming space for everyone. 
Starting your college journey and moving to a new city or state can be challenging. It’s important to reach out to family, friends, or Counseling Services for support. Engage in campus activities, join clubs and organizations, and establish a routine that helps you feel connected to your new environment. The Office of First Year Development is here to assist you every step of the way! 
All new students with a Multipass can access our online hub for student organizations and activities, Campus Link! Simply log in via the DU Portal or through the CORQ app to discover 280+ student organizations, learn how to join them, and stay updated on weekly events. Keep an eye out for the 'Bluff Blast' email from the Center for Student Involvement every Sunday to preview what's happening in the week ahead. 

We're Here For You

Call us (412) 396-6641 or email the appropriate person directly.

Chrissy Bober

Director, New Student Orientation

Mary Pasternoster

Assistant Director of Orientation