New Student Orientation Schedule

Welcome to Orientation, New Jacks!

Your orientation day is your first step into life at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ — let’s make it count.

At your orientation day you will:

  • Register for your classes
  • Meet your advising and academic team
  • Learn key campus resources
  • Explore student life and involvement
  • Connect with fellow new Jacks

Your day-of schedule is below. Let’s get started!

Upcoming New Student Orientation Dates

Check the schedule at the right for details of your day!

Register Now!
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
  • Prior to first session
    • Check in. Light dessert provided. Interaction with orientation staff.
  • 1:15 p.m.: Welcome event
    • Get excited for your day, and learn to navigate New Student Orientation!
  • 1:30 p.m. (students): Advising and registration: Spend time building your course schedule for fall and spring with the help of academic advisors and faculty.
  • 1:30 p.m. (parents/family/guests): Take a deeper dive into the ways ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ supports your student and discuss on other transition topics.
  • 1:30-5 p.m.: Placement testing as needed
  • 2:15-4 p.m.: Campus Resource Fair

Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, 1-4 p.m.: Come back for Thumpstart! See schedule below!

Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
  • Prior to first session
    • Check in. Light dessert provided. Interaction with orientation staff.
  • 8:45 a.m.: Welcome event
    • Get excited for your day, and learn to navigate New Student Orientation!
  • 9 a.m. (students): Advising and registration: Spend time building your course schedule for fall and spring with the help of academic advisors and faculty.
  • 9 a.m. (parents/family/guests): Take a deeper dive into the ways ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ supports your student and discuss other transition topics.
  • 9-11:30 a.m.: Placement testing as needed
  • 9:45-11:30 a.m.: Campus Resource Fair
  • 1 p.m.: Thumpstart. See schedule below!
Two students holding blue and yellow SD Jacks Pennants on the campus green
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Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 | 1 p.m.
Thumpstart

What is Thumpstart?

  • Guidance toward resources and opportunities available to new students.
  • Time with your academic college to get all of your academic questions answered.
  • An opportunity to meet with other new students and current students to build a sense of community.

More information will be sent to your student account as the date approaches.

Anyone who attends an earlier New Student Orientation date will be invited back on Jan. 9, 2026 to attend Thumpstart.

Bonus! You can move into your residence hall early at no extra charge.

Contact Us
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New Student Orientation
1421 Student Union Ln.
Brookings, SD 57007
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