Student on ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp

New Student Orientation

Orientation is a time for new ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps to learn more about their academic career, have meetings with advisors and counselors, review their fall course schedule, ask questions, and meet their future classmates! This programming promotes discussion among new and current ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps and parents/guardians, as well as faculty, staff, and administrators on the expectations and perceptions of college life and the campus community. 

Laker Launch Days 

The most important part of New Student Orientation is a mandatory on-campus Laker Launch Day for ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps and their families. Laker Launch Days give ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps the opportunity to receive their class schedule, meet with academic support and representatives from their academic program, and get to know fellow future Lakers, while families attend a variety of engaging workshops. 

Summer 2024 Laker Launch Day Dates: 
Monday, June 24
Tuesday, June 25
Monday, July 15
Tuesday, July 16
Friday, August 16

Students should log in to their to register, or to update their registration. All registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps to register as soon as they confirm their enrollment to ensure they can attend their ideal date. Students who live a large distance from campus are encouraged to come to the August Laker Launch Day, and will be permitted to move in at the conclusion of orientation programming. 

Virtual Orientation 

Open to all incoming ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps, Virtual Orientation can be accessed via your Admissions Portal. Virtual Orientation is designed to be engaging and flexible. It is not a one-day event, but rather a collection of virtual meetings and discussions, videos, and activities. Most items can be completed at your leisure throughout the summer, but certain activities are required to be completed before a given deadline. 

Orientation Outcomes

 By attending New Student Orientation, ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps will: 

  • Have an effective and comprehensive academic overview session followed by the completion of a class schedule in their chosen major 
  • Gain more knowledge of the academic experience, ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp support services and ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp life 
  • Understand the necessity of taking ownership and academic responsibility in their educational process 
  • Have the opportunity to make connections with other ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps 
  • Gain a better understanding of the personal and financial responsibilities of attending college 
  • Begin to experience and embrace ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp's traditions, mission and core values 

Laker Family participation is essential to the Orientation experience, and ensures your ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp has a smooth transition to ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp. We have prepared an Orientation Family Guide to help our ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps and families stay informed about the resources and policies related to academics, ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp life, finances, and technology.

Laker Launch Day Schedule

Time Families Students
8:45 to 9:15 a.m. Check-in and get your ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp ID photo taken
9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Welcome
  • Introduction to Academics, Self Service, FERPA, and Academic Support
  • Joining the Laker Community and Living Safely
  • Break
  • Student Wellness
  • Student Financial Services
  • Dining Services
12:15 to 1 p.m. Lunch
1:15 to 1:45 p.m. Family Q&A Laker Leader Group
1:45 to 2 p.m.
  • Academic Advising
  • Appointments and Lighthouse Checklist
  • Services Fair
2:30 to 4 p.m. Services Fair

Move-In Day and New Student Welcome 

New Student Welcome officially begins with Move-In Day on Saturday, August 17, 2024, starting at 9 a.m. Dozens of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp volunteers, the Residence Life staff, and the campus community help make the move-in process incredibly smooth. New Student Welcome, which begins after the conclusion of Move-In Day, is a perfect opportunity for ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps to participate in welcome sessions and workshops, take a campus tour, attend social events, and make new friends before the fall term gets hectic. Commuter ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps also begin their New Student Welcome experience this day. 

¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp New Student Welcome (NSW) marks the official start of a ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps’ Hurst experience! This extended welcome programming is a transition period designed to help ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps settle into life at MU, build connections with their fellow incoming ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps, and develop a sense of belonging on campus before the start of classes. 

During NSW, ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps will have a chance to get acquainted with their Introduction to ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp—iMU (a starter class for ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps who are new to ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp) classmates. Students will be grouped by their iMU section number, which is located on their class schedule. Each ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp group will be assigned at least one Laker Leader, who is a trained ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp leader specifically chosen to serve as a mentor—they have been through this before and can help new ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapps build connections and make Hurst their home!