First Year students will be divided into small groups led by an Orientation Leader or Community Advisor. This is an upper-class student who is trained to help support new students throughout Welcome Week and lead group discussions.

Required Sessions

For students in the Class of 2030, Welcome Week is required. If you have an absence request, be sure to submit it ahead of time utilizing the absence request process. If you have a disability or require accommodations to allow you to participate, please utilize the accommodations process.

All of Welcome Week is required and attendance is taken at several events.

Absences

Attendance at Welcome Week is expected, with the exception of pre-approved absences. Approved absences for Welcome Week include:

• Illness
• Caring for Dependents
• Military Training or Service
• Some State Fair-Related Involvements
• Family Occasions (Wedding or Funeral)

Please plan work and other activities so they do not conflict with your ability to participate during Welcome Week. 

Pre-approved absence form

Welcome, Off Campus Gophers!
Your Welcome Week experience is designed with your unique needs in mind. Here's what to know:

• You will receive a schedule tailored to help you navigate Welcome Week events.

• Free parking can be provided if you live more than a mile from campus.

• Look for a mailer arriving in late July with important information.

• Complete your Welcome Week survey to help us personalize your experience.

We’re excited to welcome you to campus soon!

If you are living on campus, you will move in prior to the start of Welcome Week sessions and events. All on-campus moving and housing information can be found on the Housing and Residence Life webpage.

If you live in an on-campus residence hall, Welcome Week meals begin with lunch on Wednesday through dinner Friday. Refer to the M Food Co. website for when full meal plans will be available for students.

If you live off-campus and do not have an M Food Co contract, you will have the opportunity to pre-register for meals offered starting with lunch on Wednesday through dinner Friday when you complete the Off-Campus Survey. Dietary restriction info has been saved from Orientation. If it has changed, please reach out to OTE.

You are responsible for getting yourself to campus.

• Walking - You will be walking a lot during Welcome Week (see Special Accommodations if you need assistance) be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
• Busing/Light Rail - Students who pay the Transportation and Safety Fee have unlimited access to the regional transit system in the Twin Cities metro area via the Universal Transit Pass on their U Card which must be activated.
• Driving - If you drive to campus you can park for free in the East River Road Garage. Bring your parking ticket to the Welcome Week Info Booth on the ground floor of Coffman Memorial Union (CMU) between 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Biking - Be sure you have a secure bike lock and helmet ready for your ride. Utilize bicycle parking and bike maps to bike around campus safely.

Learn more about commuting to campus and updates on construction from Parking & Transportation.

Welcome Week Highlights

Please check back for Welcome Week 2026 event details.

Disabilities

We value disability as an aspect of diversity and want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in all programming available to you. If you have a disability or health condition, or suspect you have one, and would like to have a confidential discussion about accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 612-626-1333 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Some accommodations may take a few weeks to arrange.

Mobility Issues

If you have a short-term disability (i.e. broken leg) and would have difficulty walking long distances during Orientation, please contact the Orientation & Transition Experiences office for accommodations at 800-234-1979.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian options will be available through all provided meals.

Dietary accommodations for Welcome Week can be indicated through Welcome Week Registration (available mid-July).

Sensory Guide and Decompression Spaces

We have created a sensory guide that will help you understand what you may experience during Welcome Week, including the number of people at events, lights, sounds, and more.