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.

Spring 2026 CONNECT Orientation

New student orientation for first-year and transfer students will take place on Clarke’s campus on Friday, January 9th for the spring semester.

Any students who have not yet registered for classes will do so in the morning, immediately prior to the start of orientation sessions. Admissions staff will coordinate registration communication between new students and advisors.

Early Arrival Athletes & Residence Hall Move-In

Athletes on any of the winter or spring athletic teams that arrive to campus early for team training will need to be registered for classes and sign up for an early move-in appointment with Residence Life. Impacted teams are:

Women’s & Men’s Basketball: Saturday, December 27

Baseball and Track: Sunday, January 4

Men’s Volleyball & Cheer/Dance: Tuesday, January 6

All other new students moving into the residence halls for the spring 2026 semester will be able to move belongings during a pre-determined time, scheduled with Residence Life, on Friday, January 9th, 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.

We will host designated International Student Orientation sessions during CONNECT orientation on January 9.

Travel Tip: International students are encouraged to fly into Chicago O’Hare and utilize the Denver Air connecting flight between O’Hare and the Dubuque Regional Airport.