CONNECT Orientation

Welcome to Clarke University

As the newest member of the Clarke community, you are probably excited and a bit nervous. You may also have many questions about the college and your role as a new student. Clarke has designed a special CONNECT program to ensure a smooth transition to your new college environment. You will have the chance to get acquainted with the campus, meet other new students, and learn where campus resources are located.

Fall 2026 CONNECT Orientation

New student orientation for first-year and transfer students will take place on Clarke’s campus starting Thursday, August 20 for the fall semester. All first year and transfers who will be living on campus will check in on Thursday, August 20. Transfer students who will be commuting to and from campus will check in on Friday, August 21.

Early Arrival Athletes & Residence Hall Move-In

Athletes on any of the fall athletic teams that arrive to campus early for team training will need to be registered for classes and sign up for an early check-in appointment. Impacted teams are:

Football, Women’s & Men’s Soccer and Cross Country, Women’s Volleyball, and Cheer & Dance will move in on Friday, August 7.

All other new students moving into the residence halls for the fall 2026 semester will be able to move belongings during a pre-determined time, scheduled on Thursday, August 20th, prior to the start of CONNECT orientation programming. Residence Life staff will communicate move-in details directly with students who have completed a housing contract.

International Student Orientation

While all new students are required to participate in our CONNECT orientation program, we recognize that international students have a nuanced and unique transition to college in the U.S. Therefore, international students are asked to participate in an orientation that focuses on items specific to the processes related to being on an F1 visa, as well as campus policy and cultural/social norms to those living in the U.S. and Dubuque.