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 2025 CONNECT Orientation

New student orientation for first-year / first-time students will take place on Clarke’s campus on Thursday, August 21 through Sunday, August 24, 2025, for the fall semester. Transfer students will participate in new student orientation on Friday, August 22 only.

Any students who have not yet registered for classes will do so in the morning of Thursday, August 21, 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:

Football: Friday, August 8

Women’s & Men’s Cross Country/Soccer, Cheer & Dance, Women’s Volleyball: Saturday, August 9

All other new students moving into the residence halls for the fall 2025 semester will be able to move belongings during a pre-determined time, scheduled with Residence Life, on Thursday, August 21, 2025 between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 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 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 recognize not all students will be able to join us early, so we will host designated International Student Orientation sessions as part of the CONNECT schedule.

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.