Spartan Start

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

First-Year Student Move-In
August 18, 2024
&
Spartan Start
August 19 and 20, 2024

Sunday, August 18, 2024 - Move-In Day

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. --- Residence Hall Check-In
Arrive at Heritage Center, 2255 Bennet Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 for required check-in tasks and to pick up your keys. To better assist with traffic and congestion at the residence halls, students assigned to Donnell Hall will move-in from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and students assigned to Cassat Hall will move-in from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students assigned to Aitchison Hall and other campus housing will move-in from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
*Students who are running late and not able to arrive by 2:00 p.m. are encouraged to contact Residence Life at ResidenceLife@dbq.edu for instruction on picking up keys and completing check-in.

5:00 p.m. --- University Welcome Dinner
Families are invited and encouraged to attend.

7:00 p.m. --- Evening Entertainment
Families are asked to depart campus at 7:00 p.m. Meet new friends, Residence Assistants, and Orientation Leaders and enjoy some music, activities, and light refreshments during this time.

8:30 p.m. --- Residence Hall Meeting
For students living on campus, this required session will cover important policies.

Monday, August 19, 2024 - Spartan Start

8:00 a.m. --- Spartan Start Check-In and Breakfast

9:00 a.m. --- Welcome

9:25 a.m. --- Orientation Group Photo

9:55 a.m. --- Student Success Commitment Signing

10:30 a.m. --- Campus Resource Sessions and Lunch

5:00 p.m. ---- Dubuque Community Night
Includes dinner.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Spartan Start

8:00 a.m. --- Breakfast and Check-In

8:45 a.m. --- Campus Resource Sessions and Lunch

2:30 p.m. --- Experiential Learning

5:00 p.m. --- Unity Barbecue
Campus-wide cookout event to unite the Spartan Community.

What to Expect

Attending UD will be a brand new experience for you. While starting at a new college is exciting, it can also be a little stressful. Spartan Start is designed to help you settle in and get comfortable with campus life. During the program you can expect to:

Meet a lot of other new students who, like you, don't know a lot of people on campus and are feeling a bit nervous. It is possible that you may even feel overwhelmed at times. That's normal; just reach out to an orientation leader or Spartan Start staff member, and they can help.
Learn about a lot of resources and opportunities. There are tons of ways to get involved on campus, and a lot of helpful, free services you can utilize. Even if you think something may not be of interest to you, keep an open mind. You may find that you need the information later. Plus, college is a great time to try something new.
Take responsibility for your education. How you participate and what and how much you learn is up to you. As a college student, you'll need to make decisions about what classes to take, how often to study, when to ask for help, and more. Spartan Start will give you a chance to learn and practice those skills, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity by being fully engaged and asking lots of questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I move in early?

We're glad you are ready to join us on campus! Our staff needs time to make sure everything is just right for you when you arrive, so unfortunately, we cannot allow early move-ins. If you have extenuating circumstances that you need to discuss, you may contact Residence Life at 563.589.3128 or Dillon Wager at DWagner@dbq.edu.

Do I have to attend Spartan Start?

Yes. Studies show that orientation programs contribute to a positive transition to college. Because we care about your success and want you to have every advantage possible, Spartan Start is a required component of your first week at UD. We work hard to build a fun and useful program you will not want to miss.

For more information, please contact:

Nelson Edmonds
Vice President of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics
NEdmonds@dbq.edu
563.589.3867