Orientation
Two days to meet your people, explore campus, and officially begin your JCU story.
2026 Dates
Orientation Sessions
Orientation is a required two-day, overnight program where you'll register for classes, connect with your community, and prepare for life at JCU. Seven sessions are offered between June and August. Registration opens March 2 in your myJCU Gateway.
Each orientation session is a two-day, overnight experience. Registration opens March 2 in your myJCU Gateway.
Questions? Contact orientation@jcu.edu
What to Expect
Your Two Days
Day One
Welcome & Discover
- Check in and move into your residence hall for the night
- Welcome session with university leadership
- Campus Resource Fair
- Meet your orientation group and student leaders
- Meet your academic and career advisor and explore your Onward Plan
- Dinner and evening activities with members of the Class of 2030
Day Two
Connect & Prepare
- Campus resources and support services
- Meet faculty from your intended major
- Discover Onward Experiences — from research to service to internships
- One-on-one time with your academic and career advisor
- Campus tours and exploration
- Next steps to prepare for Streak Week
A detailed schedule will be available in your myJCU Gateway after you register.
See for Yourself
Life in The Heights
Transfer Students
Transfer Orientation
Transfer Transition Day
Transfer students attend a separate Transfer Transition Day (Spring or Fall, depending on your start term). Dates are being finalized — watch your email for updates from your admission counselor.
Information for Families
Parents and family members are an important part of orientation. While your student is connecting with classmates and meeting with advisors, you'll have your own programming.
Family orientation includes:
- Meet other JCU families
- Learn about campus resources and support
- Understand academic expectations
- Connect with financial aid and student accounts
- Campus tour and Q&A sessions
Get Ready
Before You Arrive
Icebreaker Generator
Meeting new people? We've got you covered.
Tap the button to get a conversation starter!
Pro tip: Save your favorites for orientation day
Packing Anxiety Meter
How stressed are you about packing?
Remember: Target is 10 minutes away. You'll be fine.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Is orientation required?
Yes. Orientation is a required part of your transition to JCU. It ensures you're prepared academically, socially, and logistically for your first semester.
Can my parents/guardians attend orientation with me?
Yes! Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. While students have their own programming, families have dedicated sessions covering academics, student life, financial aid, and more.
Do I need to stay overnight on campus?
Due to late-night activities on Day One, students are expected to stay overnight on campus. The exception is the August session: students living on campus will stay in their fall semester rooms, and commuter students will go home and return for Day Two.
What accommodations are provided for the overnight stay?
For June sessions, students stay overnight in a double occupancy residence hall on campus. Bedding and linens are provided. You'll get a taste of residential life and meet other incoming students.
Are meals provided during orientation?
Yes. All meals during orientation are included — lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2. Family members attending family programming will also have meals provided.
Where should families stay overnight?
While on campus accommodations are not available for families, there are a number of hotels located within five miles of John Carroll's campus. Explore our preferred vendor hotels and additional hotel options here.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available on campus during orientation. More specific information about parking will be emailed to students in the days leading up to their session.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, toiletries, any medications you need, a photo ID, and your completed health forms. You may also want to bring an additional blanket if you tend to get cold in air-conditioned spaces.
Do I need to bring a laptop or tablet?
No, you will not need these devices during your orientation session.
What forms do I need to complete before orientation?
You'll need to bring completed health forms to orientation. Make sure to have these filled out in advance as they're required for all JCU students. Check your myJCU Gateway for the full checklist.
Will I get my Carroll Card (student ID) at orientation?
Your Carroll Card will be available when you arrive for the fall semester, not at orientation. Before arrival, you'll need to upload a photo for your ID. Guidelines can be found at jcu.edu/carroll-card.
What's different about the August orientation session?
The two-day schedule for the August session is the same as the June sessions. The only difference is housing: students living on campus will stay in their fall semester rooms, and commuter students will go home overnight and return for Day Two.
What if I need accommodations?
If you need accessibility accommodations or have dietary restrictions, please note this during registration or contact orientation@jcu.edu in advance so we can make arrangements.
Can I schedule a financial aid appointment during orientation?
Yes, financial aid staff are available during orientation. Appointments can be scheduled through your myJCU Gateway.
Is there a checklist to help me prepare?
Yes. Students should refer to the checklist in their myJCU Gateway for all pre-orientation requirements and preparation steps.
Will Mass be offered during move-in weekend?
Yes! Mass will be offered during move-in weekend. Details on times and locations will be shared as the date approaches.
When does the two-day program begin and finish?
Check-in begins on Day One at 9:30am and most students can plan to be done with the program by 3:00pm on Day Two.
