UPIKE First Week is held during the week prior to the start of the fall semester and begins when first-year students move into their residence halls. This intensive five-day program includes sessions and activities allowing you the opportunity to learn more about what your college experience will entail. Some key events include interacting with classmates and instructors for First-Year Seminar, a first-year welcome ritual called “The Climb,” an introduction to some of our fall sports with tailgating, a day of service and a non-denominational worship service.

2023 First Week Schedule

Quick Schedule

Click HERE to see last year’s schedule.

2023 First Week Orientation Guide


MOVE-IN

You will receive information in your UPIKE email with your scheduled day and time to move-in. When you arrive on campus, check-in will be located in the parking lot of the Health Professions Education Building. From there, you’ll be directed to your residence hall.  You’ll be greeted by faculty, staff and students there to help you carry your belongings to your room. Later that evening, you’ll get the opportunity to meet your Resident Assistant (RA) and some of your hall-mates as you begin to get oriented to life on campus!

SERVICE DAY

During this time, we’ll break into teams of 8-12 and, under the guidance of a faculty or staff member, venture out to give back to our community.  Each year, first year students travel all across the region to lend a hand to local churches, shelters, schools, retirement centers, nursing homes, animal shelters and more!  This is a great opportunity to meet and interact with even more of your classmates and members of the campus community while giving back to our wonderful community that supports the university.  You’ll want to make sure you have an outfit of old and comfortable clothes (don’t forget shoes!) that you wouldn’t mind getting a little dirty (or speckled with paint).

THE CLIMB

This is the signature event of UPIKE First Week.  During this ceremony, you’ll be officially welcomed to campus by our President, Provost, many of our faculty and staff, students, alumni and more!  This is an evening you’ll remember for years to come. Be sure to dress nice for all the photos!

WELCOME WEEK

Events are held each evening during UPIKE First Week so you can preview the types of events held throughout the year and meet new people on campus. The highlight of the week is the Street Fair featuring local businesses and organizations on campus.


FAQ

This intensive five-day program includes sessions and activities that allow students the opportunity to learn more about what their college experience will entail. Some key events include interacting with classmates and instructors for First-Year Seminar, a first-year welcome ritual called “The Climb,” a day of service and a non-denominational worship service.

No. During GROWL, students meet their advisors, plan their first-semester schedules and complete necessary first steps to becoming a UPIKE Bear. UPIKE First Week is held during the week prior to the start of the fall semester and begins when first-year students move into their residence halls.

Yes. Please do your best to schedule any necessary appointments prior to the move-in date located on the flyer in the materials you received. The orientation sessions are critical to a smooth and successful transition into UPIKE.

Yes. All students are required to participate in Service Day.

Students are grouped the morning of Service Day and paired with a project leader. All first-year students gather outside the gym before heading out to their project destination.