New Student Orientation

Orientation is where your college experience officially begins. Throughout the week-long program, you'll get to know Duquesne as a student, parent or family member, including specialized orientations for commuters and transfer students. Our program is designed by students, for students, so you'll have everything you need to succeed.

See what to expect during your first week on campus in the New Student Guide, and in your first year at Duquesne.

First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) Program

Even before orientation, we're here to assist you in transitioning to life at Duquesne. Our First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) Program offers you and your family essential insights and resources to prepare for your academic journey at Duquesne. Learn more and view this year's FAST Schedule!

Alongside You For Success

Maia McIntyre and her roommate relax on a bench on campus on a sunny day.

"The support I first received during orientation, when I was guided through campus and the city of Pittsburgh, has continued long after. Duquesne is serious about its mission of serving God by serving students.”

A'29, Political Science student

Move-In and Orientation: August 17-23, 2026

Students stand behind a "welcome home" sign on campus.

Orientation week includes:

  • Pre-orientation: August 16-18, 2026
  • Honors College and Living Learning Communities Move-in: August 17, 2026
  • Move-in: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
  • Orientation: August 19-23, 2026
  • Parent and Family Orientation: August 19, 2026 

Move-In Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Duquesne students push their items across the parking lot on move-in day.
We know move-in day can feel like a lot, so we make it simple. When you arrive, all vehicles will be directed into campus through McAnulty Drive, with a clear and helpful route to each residence hall identified by our Duquesne Public Safety Officers and orientation staff.

Here's how to prepare to move in on Tuesday, August 18:

  • Arrive during your assigned time slot to help ensure the day moves smoothly. New student move-in time is based on floor assignments. To request any changes to your move-in time, please email%20Residence%20Life or call (412) 396-6655.
  • Please make sure a licensed driver stays with the vehicle at all times until the vehicle is parked in the garage.
  • Clearly label all items and boxes with your full name, building and room number. 
  • Download the orientation schedule in advance. This schedule includes more detailed information about our move-in process, a schedule of events, campus resources, a to-do list before classes start and more.
  • Pick up your room key from the residence life tent/tables outside of your residence hall before entering the building.
  • After your move-in is complete, visit the orientation tent for your goodies for the week!
  • Lunch will be provided to all students and families on Move-In Day in Hogan Dining Center, so you can focus on settling in and meeting people.

Move-In Day Schedule

 
Monday, Aug. 17
Honors College: Des Places
Business, Liberal Arts & Nursing Living-Learning Communities: Towers
Liberal Arts Living-Learning Community: St. Ann
12 p.m. 2nd, 11th and 12th Floors Floors 6A and 7A 6th Floor
1 p.m. 3rd and 10th Floors Floors 6B and 7C  
2 p.m. 4th and 9th Floors Floors 7B and 8A 2nd Floor
3 p.m. 5th and 8th Floors Floors 6C and 8C  
4 p.m. 6th and 7th Floors Floors 5B and 8B  
 
 
Custom Table - Vertical Headings
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Assumption
Des Places
St. Ann
Towers
8 a.m. 1st Floor   5th and 6th Floors Floors 16 and 17
9 a.m.     1st Floor Floors 14 and 15
10 a.m. Ground Floor     Floors 8 and 13
11 a.m. S-Level Floor     Floors 7 and 12
12 p.m.   2nd, 11th, and 12th Floors    
1 p.m. 2nd Floor 3rd and 10th Floors 4th Floor Floors 9, 10C and 11
2 p.m. 3rd Floor 4th and 9th Floors 3rd Floor Floors 4, 6, 10A and 10B
3 p.m.   5th and 8th Floors 2nd Floor Floors 3 and 5
4 p.m.   6th and 7th Floors    

 

New Student Orientation

Students stand behind a "welcome home" sign on campus.
Orientation is where your college experience officially begins. Throughout the week-long program, you'll get to know Duquesne as a student, parent or family member, including specialized orientations for commuters and transfer students. Our program is designed by students, for students, so you'll have everything you need to succeed. During orientation, you'll:

  • Meet other new students and your orientation leaders
  • Explore campus and resources
  • Learn what to expect in your first semester
  • Start building your Duquesne community

See what to expect during your first week on campus in the New Student Guide.

Parent and Family Orientation

student and parent smile while talking to student life leadership

During Parent and Family Orientation on August 19, 2026, families will  begin their Duquesne journey alongside their student. Throughout the day, families will learn what the first year of college really looks like and how they can be partners to support their student during this exciting transition. What to expect:

  • A warm introduction to life on the Bluff
  • Short breakout sessions on topics like student wellbeing, safety, academics and first-year success
  • Opportunities to connect with campus leaders, staff and other Duquesne families
  • Lunch on campus and participation in Matriculation, a ceremony that officially welcomes new students into the campus community
  • Receptions hosted by the Deans to meet your student's academic leaders
  • An optional formal Parent & Family Dinner with our University President and leadership

You will be able to choose sessions that align with your interests, so you can leave feeling informed, connected and confident as your student begins their first year at Duquesne.

Register Now for Parent and Family Orientation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026! Parents can also sign up for the Parent Portal.

 

New Student Orientation FAQs

All new students are expected to attend Orientation. There are certain events are marked as required in the schedule, and attendance at these sessions are enforced by various offices on campus. Additionally, Welcome Week is packed with fun and exciting events that you won’t want to miss! 
Our New Student Orientation schedule is available on the Guidebook App. Be sure to download the app to access a wealth of information, including the events schedule, campus resources, move-in details and more.
Parents do not attend New Student Orientation, but they are invited to participate in our special Parent and Family Orientation. Highlights of this program include a welcome address from the Senior Vice President for Student Life, breakout sessions with university staff.
Yes! Trust us, we have all been there and felt the same apprehension and feelings of anxiety that you may be feeling now. Remember, you're not alone—many of your peers are likely feeling the same way, and there are plenty of resources and support systems available to help you through the transition, especially the Office of First Year Development.
All new students are divided into teams of 20-35 members , serving as your group for th week to cover essential aspects of transitioning to life at Duquesne. You will receive a mailed letter from your Team Leader during the summer months, which includes your team number. If you forget your team number, don't worry! You'll receive a name badge at the Orientation tent during check-in that displays your team number and the locations for your team meetings throughout the week. 
All new commuter students can check-in for NSO during the Commuter Pre-Orientation program. Details regarding this program will be sent to your Duquesne email in July by the Office of Commuter Affairs. Additionally, new commuter students have the ability to participate in our New Commuter Orientation track during NSO. New commuter students will receive an invitation in their Duquesne email from our Commuter Chairperson to participate in this specialized track of events.
As part of NSO, we offer a dedicated track of programs and events designed for transfer students. Led by our Transfer Chairpersons, this track provides tailored programming aimed to smooth the transition to life at Duquesne and the city of Pittsburgh. Transfer students will receive an invitation in their Duquesne email to participate in this specialized track of events.

Move-In Day FAQs

Yes! During New Student Orientation we have 150+ student volunteers assigned to moving carts that assist all students in moving their items from their vehicles, up to their residence hall room. These volunteers are called “Team Leaders” and are members of the NSO staff. 
On move-in day, be sure to include all the essentials for residence hall living: bedding, towels, toiletries, a shower caddy, cleaning supplies, and necessary documentation (like health records and identification). Check the Packing List provided by Student Housing and Residence Life to ensure you're prepared and aware of what items are permitted or prohibited in the living learning communities. 
Resident Students will check in for NSO at the Orientation tent on move-in day between 8AM-5PM. Commuter Students will check in for NSO during the Commuter Pre-Orientation at the Orientation ten on move-in day. 
Move-in day is busy for our campus! You'll follow our check-in procedures, set up your residence hall room, meet your new roommate and their family, and complete any remaining administrative tasks, such as picking up your student ID if you haven't already received it. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in Hogan Dining Hall and take the opportunity to connect with various staff members throughout the day. 

 

We're Here For You

Call us (412) 396-6641 or email the appropriate person directly.

Mary Pasternoster

Director, New Student Orientation

Megan Caskey

Assistant, Director of Orientation