
Welcome to the Gustie Family
Your Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ journey begins with New Student Orientation—a four-day experience designed to help you settle in, make meaningful connections, and feel right at home in your new home. Orientation is more than a schedule of events—it’s the start of your community, your support network, and making your place here on the hill.
Move-in Day
Friday, August 29, 2025
The move-in day schedule, unloading and parking instructions will be available at the end of July.
Orientation Schedule
August 29 - September 1, 2025
The Orientation schedule will be available at the end of July.
Gustie Greeters
From the moment you arrive on campus, you’ll be greeted by the unmatched energy and warmth of the Gustie Greeters—our team of upperclass student leaders dedicated to welcoming new students and making your transition to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ as smooth and fun as possible.
These student mentors are here to answer your questions, offer support, and guide you through the four-day New Student Orientation and beyond. You’ll be placed in a small Orientation Group led by a Gustie Greeter and a faculty partner, giving you an instant community to share experiences, ask questions, and start building friendships that can last a lifetime. Whether you're finding your way to your classes, attending your first campus event, or just looking for someone to talk to, your Gustie Greeter is there to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orientation
You are strongly encouraged to take part in all Orientation activities. You are a college student now, and you'll quickly find that what you get out of college is in direct correlation with what you put into the experience. You won't have to live by "the bell" or answer to roll call anymore. Attendance isn't taken at Orientation. However, you've chosen a small school with an intimate community, so you can be assured that if you miss a meeting with your Greeter, he or she will notice and will check in to make sure you're OK. The Orientation schedule is carefully laid out to maximize your first few days here socially, emotionally, and academically. We know it's a busy, stressful time and you may feel tired and overwhelmed. There will be plenty of time (more than you can imagine!) for you to arrange your room and just "hang out" once classes begin.
If you have a family wedding, 4-H exhibit at the State Fair, or something else that means you must arrive late to campus or miss a day of Orientation, you should e-mail the %20cao [at] gustavus.edu (Campus Activities Office) so we know of your planned absence.
You will form a wonderful bond with your teammates as you go through pre-school practices and (sometimes) games. However, this bond will be with a limited number of people, most often of the same gender as you. We highly encourage you to attend as much of Orientation as your athletic schedule allows, because it will offer opportunities for you to interact with your many classmates who are not your teammates. You will learn about educational initiatives and services provided which are covered exclusively during Orientation. Once classes begin the majority of your time will be spent away from your team, and getting to know others during Orientation and learning about campus resources will assist your overall transition to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.
Yes!! To showcase the Gustie community spirit, a "Move Crew" (consisting of athletic teams), will be on hand at the residence halls to assist with moving your belongings to your room.
For good or bad, parents are asked to depart around 12 p.m. on move in day. Many families accompany their student to Convocation in Christ Chapel and then depart shortly thereafter.
You need to check in at two places on move-in day. One is your residence hall, to receive your keys. The other is at the Information Desk in the Jackson Campus Center. There you will receive a packet of information that includes your Orientation group assignment and Orientation schedule, faculty advisor assignment, student employment information, and your Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ ID if you have not already obtained it. The Information Desk is a great place to stop back throughout Orientation with any questions you may have.