New Student Orientation
Orientation is a time for new students 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 students and parents/guardians, as well as faculty, staff, and administrators on the expectations and perceptions of college life and the campus community.Â
Stages of New Student Orientation
- Admissions Portal: 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 students to register as soon as they confirm their enrollment to ensure they can attend their ideal date.
- Laker Launch days: Laker Launch Days give students 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.
- New Student Welcome: Starting at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, for all new students starting in August 2026. Commuters, plan to come to campus and join in on all the fun!
- iMU 101 class: Required for all incoming students, this class helps you learn more about the university and yourself for a smooth transition to college life. Learn more about our iMU class on our Freshman Year Experience webpage.
- Anchor weeks: The first six weeks of classes are jam-packed with events to ensure that students are supported and ANCHOR-ed to campus and making the most of their experience.Â
Why It Matters
By attending New Student Orientation, students 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, student support services, and student life.
- Understand the necessity of taking ownership and academic responsibility in their educational process.
- Have the opportunity to make connections with other students.
- Gain a better understanding of the personal and financial responsibilities of attending college.
- Begin to experience and embrace ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ's traditions, mission, and core values.
Laker family participation is essential to the orientation experience and ensures your student has a smooth transition to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ. We have prepared an Orientation Family Guide to help our students and families stay informed about the resources and policies related to academics, student life, finances, and technology.
Laker Launch DaysÂ
The most important part of New Student Orientation is a mandatory on-campus Laker Launch Day for students and their families.
Upcoming Dates
Summer 2026 Laker Launch Days
- Friday, June 26, 2026
- Monday, July 13, 2026
- Friday, July 31, 2026
- Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
Special Half-Day for Commuter Students (commuters may choose to attend this half-day event or any of the full-day events)
- Friday, July 17, 2026
Students who live a long 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 OrientationÂ
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 information sheets, videos, and activities. Most items can be completed at your leisure, but certain activities are required to be completed before a given deadline.
Summer 2026 Laker Launch Day Schedule
| Time | Students | Families | Location |
| 8:30 to 9 a.m. | Check in | Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) Lobby/Cummings Art Gallery | |
| 9 to 9:30 a.m. | Welcome: Prayer and Class Statistics | PAC | |
| 9:30 to 9:40 a.m. | Scheduling and Academic Resources | PAC | |
| 9:40 to 9:50 a.m. | Your First Two Weeks | PAC | |
| 9:50 to 10:10 a.m. | Your New Relationship | PAC | |
| 10:10 to 10:20 a.m. | Laker Leaders (LLs) Move Students | PAC | |
| 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. | Student Connections | Break | PAC Lobby |
| 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. | Wellness and Safety | PAC | |
| 10:50 to 11:05 a.m. | Student Financial Aid | PAC | |
| 11:05 to 11:15 a.m. | Move Students and Families | Various | |
| 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. | Academic Meeting 1/Lunch 1 | Various/Grotto | |
| 12:30 to 1:35 p.m. | Academic Meeting 2/Lunch 2 | Various/Grotto | |
| 1:40 to 1:55 p.m. | ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Dining and One Card | PAC | |
| 2 to 2:15 p.m. | You Choose: Residence Life and Housing or Commuter Services | PAC/Zurn 114 | |
| 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. | Student-Athlete Information (DI students and families ONLY) |
PAC | |
| 2 to 4 p.m. | Student Services Fair, Campus Tours, Residence Hall Tours, Academic Questions/Changes, Honors Meeting (by invitation) | Hammermill Library | |
January Laker Launch Day students and families do not need a special parking pass on the day of their event and are recommended to park in Lot P2. If Lot P2 is full, we recommend parking at P5 or P8.
Move-In Day
Move-In Day is Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. Dozens of student volunteers, the Residence Life staff, and the campus community help make the move-in process incredibly smooth. New Student Welcome events start for students only at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Families should plan to say goodbye to their students prior to this time.
New Student Welcome
New Student Welcome officially begins on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, and runs until Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. New Student Welcome is for all new incoming students, both residential and commuter!
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ New Student Welcome (NSW) marks the official start of a student’s Hurst experience! This extended welcome programming is a transition period designed to help students settle into life at MU, build connections with their fellow incoming students, and develop a sense of belonging on campus before the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
During NSW, students will have a chance to get acquainted with fellow students! Each student group will be assigned at least one Laker Leader, who is a trained student leader specifically chosen to serve as a mentor—they have been through this before and can help new students build connections and make Hurst their home!
The 2026 New Student Welcome schedule is coming soon!
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Orientation Team