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New Raptor Orientation

New Raptor Orientation is an important process in the successful transition of new college students.

Welcome New Raptors

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) community is excited for you to begin your college career at UMR!

Admitted Student Checklist

Orientation and Welcome Leaders (Owls)

Parent and Families

Student Life

New Raptor Advising & Registration

UMR offers New Raptor Advising & Registration for first-year students during the summer months of June and July. As a step in the Admitted Students Checklist, it is required for all new students to sign up for one of the advising and registration days and visit the campus for fall class registration. Students are welcome to bring along their parents or guardians.

Apart from the registration process, there will also be informative sessions to cover the following important topics:

Curriculum Advising

Learn about curriculum and degree requirements for Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) students.
Meet with a student success coach for advising and registration guidance, review applicable college coursework and AP scores, and determine a class schedule for the fall semester.

Building Community and Prepare for the UMR Experience

Learn how to best prepare for the academic year.
Discover and learn about student support and career resources, student activities and additional opportunities for UMR students.
Meet, connect and network with staff, faculty and other new students and families.
Prepare for housing.

Summer 2026 New Raptor Advising and Registration Dates:

Tuesday, June 23 - Open to all students (Transfer Students Encouraged)
Wednesday, June 24 - Open to all students
Thursday, June 25 - Early Assurance Nursing Program ONLY
Thursday, July 9 - Open to all students
Friday, July 10 - Open to all students
Thursday, July 16 - Open to all students
Thursday, July 23 - Open to all students

Raptor Ready Week

Following move-in, all first-year students are required to participate in Raptor Ready Week, which features a variety of information sessions and engagement activities. The program is designed to foster social connection and community building, introduce students to campus resources, and prepare them for a successful transition to college.

Key Dates

New Student Move-In: Sunday, August 30
Raptor Ready Week: Sunday, August 30 - Monday, September 7
- Programming will take place throughout the week, including social events scheduled over the Labor Day weekend (September 5 - 7).
Transfer Student Orientation: Friday, September 4
- Transfer students may choose to participate in Raptor Ready Week or attend the one-day Transfer Student Orientation.
First Day of Classes: Tuesday, September 8

Welcome Week

Welcome Week takes place during the first week of classes and invites both new and returning students to celebrate the start of the academic year. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of back-to-campus activities designed to build community and connection. These events include the Raptor Reconnect celebration, residential hall and all-campus weekend programming and the Campus and Community Involvement Fair, where students can explore student clubs, organizations and opportunities to engage with the broader Rochester community.

Welcome Week activities are promoted through multiple channels, including the UMR weekly student newsletter (Raptor Report), the events calendar on RaptorLink and flyers posted across campus.

New Raptor Orientation

Welcome New Raptors

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