New Student Orientation
Welcome to the University of Saint Francis!
As an incoming first-year or transfer student, you’re required to attend New Student Orientation, a day designed specifically for you and your parent/guardian.
New Student Orientation is where you’ll register for classes, meet your academic advisor and learn about the many resources available at Saint Francis. Additionally, it’s where you begin to meet people and feel at home.
Note: Those who attended Priority Registration during Accepted Student Day are still required to attend New Student Orientation.
Orientation 2024 Dates
may 17
Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register by May 3
june 29
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register by June 15
july 26
Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register by July 12
August 19
Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register by August 5
“Orientation is where you start making friends. Everyone is new and feeling the same way, so it’s a great starting point. By the end, you’ll know lots of new people and will feel a part of the Saint Francis family.”
Ashley Childress ’25 Orientation Leader
What to Expect at New Student Orientation
| 8:30 a.m. | Check-in North Campus |
| 9:30 a.m. | President’s Welcome University President Dr. Lance Richey North Campus Auditorium |
| 9:45 a.m. | University of Saint Francis Mission and Vision Dr. Alex Giltner North Campus Auditorium |
| 10:00 a.m. | Introduction to Academic Advising and New Student Orientation Overview Melissa Layton North Campus Auditorium |
| 11:00 a.m. | Mass/Sacred Time Oratory of St. Francis |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center |
| 12:00 p.m. | Campus Fair North Campus Gym |
| 12:00 p.m. | Academic Advising Various Locations |
| 12:00 p.m. | Information Sessions North Campus, Second Floor |
| 3:30 p.m. | Residence Hall Tours Welcome Center in North Campus Optional |
| 4:00 p.m. | Ice Cream Social Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center |
Students, at New Student Orientation you will:
- Meet student Orientation and Welcome Leaders (OWLs) as well as other new students. OWLs are a great resource for information—ask questions!
- Meet your Academic Advisor and schedule your classes.
- Learn about Student Life: clubs, activities, athletics, intramurals and leadership opportunities.
- Get to know Campus Ministry, the Justice Center and other programs that set Saint Francis apart.
Parents/Guardians, at New Student Orientation you will:
- Meet with staff from Financial Aid.
- Attend sessions on Student Wellness, Accessibility and IT Security.
- Learn about our Housing and Residential Life program.
- Friday, May 17, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.— Register by May 3
- Saturday, June 29, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.— Register by June 15
- Friday, July 26, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.— Register by July 12
- Monday, August 19, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Register by August 5
Prepare for New Student Orientation 2024
New Student Orientation is for confirmed fall 2024 students. If you are unsure of your status, sign in to My Admissions Account and submit any missing items. Once you have been admitted and have confirmed with a deposit, you can prepare for Orientation via the following steps:
1. Select a New Student Orientation date (above) and register via the “Register” link.
2. Log in to the Saint Francis student portal, My Cougar Connection, at my.sf.edu using your student/Cougar email. If you have not logged in before, set up your password by selecting “Forgot my password.” Follow steps to set up multi-factor authentication. If you don’t know your student email, contact the Office of Admissions for help. Call 260-399-8000, text 260-217-0854 or email [email protected].
3. In My Cougar Connection, visit My Sites, then Colleague Self-Service. Ensure you are able to open Self-Service. During the course registration portion of New Student Orientation, this is the area you will access to register for classes. Self-Service also houses your Financial Aid (financial aid award package, scholarships and more), the Course Catalog and Student Finance where you will make payments and more.
4. In Colleague Self-Service, select your name and person icon in the top right corner to review and complete necessary documents. Be sure to verify your User Profile, submit Emergency Information and complete Required Agreements.
- Accept the Registration Agreement (Required Agreements)
- Confirm your address, email, and phone number (User Profile)
- Confirm your emergency contact information (Emergency Information)
- Name who can access your student records (Student Records Release)
6. If you haven’t already done so, submit your SAT, ACT and AP test scores.
7. Bring information, like course codes and transcripts, for dual, transfer and AP credit to New Student Orientation.
8. Before you come to New Student Orientation, think about your ideal schedule, especially how to balance classes with extracurricular activities, practice and work.