First-year students arriving on Quincy University campus on Wednesday

QUINCY — The Quincy University campus is welcoming first-year students for move-in day and orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Designed for new students to become better acclimated to campus life, orientation is the first step to success at QU. Through a series of sessions, students are introduced to the QU House System and learn about service learning, staying healthy, resources for success in the classroom and services available on campus. The QU House System begins its fourth year, designed to transform the student experience at the university, with each QU student becoming part of a close-knit house community.

New student orientation focuses on Success by Design rotations, providing each student with opportunities to engage in various academic, social, cultural and spiritual sessions. The Success by Design initiative provides each student with an individualized success plan and a series of university- wide programs to help students graduate on time and be fully prepared for careers or further education. First-year students work with the orientation leaders who help guide them through their first week on campus.

During orientation, students will participate in team-building activities and become familiar with Franciscan values. Orientation also features the nationally-recognized organization Playfair, which provides new students a high-energy, interactive experience.

Students will be welcomed back with a variety of facility enhancements completed during the summer break. This includes classroom remodeling, computer lab updates, residence hall and cafeteria improvements, roof replacements, renovations of Greek Row housing and significant work on campus grounds, sidewalks, and the Fr. Lucien Trouy Garden.

Returning QU students will begin checking in on Saturday, Aug. 19. Classes start at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 21. Official enrollment numbers will be released following the add/drop period the week of Sept. 4.

An abbreviated schedule for move-in day and orientation is as follows:

Wednesday, August 16

• 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Check-in and move-in – Health and Fitness Center, dorms
• 3 p.m. – Inaugural Ceremony – St. Francis Solanus Church
• 7 p.m. – Playfair in Friars’ Field

Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 17-19

• Success by Design Breakout Sessions – various locations
• Residence Hall sessions
• Playfair interactive experiences
• Evening activities
• Camp Saukenauk activities

Saturday, August 20

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Returning Student Check-in

Sunday, August 21

• 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Back to School Picnic