Orientation for New Students
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Welcome to Roberts!
You made the right choice! We have designed New Student Orientation with you in mind. We want you to become more familiar with the campus and your new home before you start classes the next day. When you arrive on campus, feel free to ask one of the many student leaders for help.
All new freshmen and transfer students are expected to attend the New Student Orientation August 24-27. It will be very beneficial to you and your new beginnings at Roberts!
If you have questions about anything related to the New Student Orientation, please contact Student_Life@roberts.edu. We look forward to having you on campus soon!
~ Celeste Donleavy | Associate Dean of Student Leadership & Engagement
Announcement: Fall 2023 Orientation Schedule
FALL 2023 SCHEDULE - August 24-27
Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.| Administrative Office Hours

Rinker Community Service Center
- Human Resources: Student Employment
- Registration: Course Schedule Changes
- Student Life: Meal plans, Residence Life, Student Activities, Diversity & Equity (now in GCEC)
- Financial Services: Financial Aid, Billing, Loans, Cashier

Voller Athletic Center (VAC)
- Campus Safety: ID cards, Parking Permits
- Mail Room: Mailbox Information
- Bookstore: Textbooks, Redhawks Merchandise
- Wellness Center: Health Information Forms, Counseling Services
- Spiritual Life: Campus Pastor
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | RESIDENT STUDENT Check-In at the Welcome Tent
Location: Lower Rinker Community Service Center Lawn
Pick up your New Student Orientation schedule, guest meal tickets, residence hall room key, meet other parents, and enjoy a free cup of coffee!
9:00 a.m. | Residence Halls Open
Location: Your Residence Hall
Student leaders are available to help you move into your home away from home. Look for the smiling faces and volunteer shirts!
11:00 a.m. | COMMUTER STUDENT Check-In at the Welcome Tent
Location: Lower Rinker Community Service Center Lawn
Pick up your Orientation schedule, guest meal tickets, meet other parents, and enjoy a free cup of coffee!
11:30 a.m. | First Generation Student Meet & Greet
Location: Golisano Library Upstairs Fireside Room 235
This session orients new college students and families to the issues that first-gen students encounter, the notion of college culture shock, and the people and places they can go to ask questions.
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Each new student not on a meal plan will receive a complimentary meal pass. Online advance ticket sales will be available for purchase on August 1st. In addition, family members may purchase tickets on-site in Garlock on Friday.
1:00 p.m. | Parent Conversation with President Hayles
Location: Golisano Community Engagement Center, 102 (Rinker Conference Hall)
Parents! You are invited to hear a special message from President Hayles and meet other parents. Sponsored by the Office of the President and Student Life.
1:00 p.m. | First-Year Student Redhawk Guide Meet & Greet
Location: Library Courtyard
All first-year students are invited to meet their Redhawk Guide and other first-year students.
1:00 p.m. | Transfer Student Faculty Meet & Greet
Location: Golisano Library Café
All transfer students are invited to meet upper class students and faculty from their academic major.
1:30 p.m. | International Meet & Greet
Location: Garlock Lawn (Look for the flags!)
Are you an international student OR have you lived outside the US for an extended period of time (missionary kid, TCK, military parents, permanent resident, dual citizen, etc.)? The Office of International Engagement would like to meet you! Come meet the OIE staff as well as new and upper-class students who share similar international backgrounds and cross-cultural experiences.
2:15 p.m. | Alumni Legacy Photo
Location: Golisano Community Engagement Center Commons
Celebrate the Roberts Legacy with a photo of Roberts Alumni families. Sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement.
3:00 p.m. | Chapel & Commissioning for New Students and Parents!
Location: Hale Auditorium, CLC
Welcome to Roberts! Enjoy this opening tradition for all new students and parents. Parents are encouraged to depart campus following this Kick-Off.
4:00 p.m. Parents are free to depart campus at this time
5:00 p.m. | President's Dinner at the Arch
Location: Golisano Library Lawn
Enjoy dinner with President Hayles at the Arch in front of the Golisano Library. Students will then participate in the school tradition of walking through the Arch, signifying the beginning of their Roberts journey. Dress is very casual! Rain site is Garlock Dining Commons.
6:30 p.m. | First Residence Hall Meeting
Location: Residence Area
First year students can meet with their floor mates, RA and RD!
6:30 p.m. | Commuter Connect!
Location: Golisano Library Cafe
This session is specific to the commuter student experience. Learn about Student Clubs/Organizations, hear from our Commuter Student Leaders, and make connections with new students!
8:00 p.m. | Variety Show
Location: Golisano Library Front Steps
Laugh and win prizes! Limited seating available. Sponsored by the Student Association Leadership Team (SALT). Rainsite location is GCEC 102
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Each new student not on a meal plan will receive a complimentary meal pass.
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Learn Campus Basics
Location: Hale Auditorium
Learn about Spiritual Life Credits, then head over to the Golisano Library to learn about Email, Moodle, Self Service, Library Resources, The Learning Center, and student support services.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch with your FYS Section
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Have lunch with your FYS section!
1:00 p.m. | New F1 Student Meeting
Location: Golisano Library Room 134
International students are required to attend a Mandatory International Students Meeting every year. This mandatory meeting will include important updated information regarding immigration regulations, social security numbers, and bank accounts.
1:30 p.m. | Diversity & Belonging Engagement
Location: Golisano Community Engagement Center 102
Meet and connect with BIPOC faculty, staff and students. All are welcome!
3:00 p.m. | Roberts Venture Games
Location: Mersereau Lawn (next to the Hastings Building)
Watch or compete in unique games and meet your Redhawk class. Rainsite: Voller Athletic Center (VAC).
4:00 p.m. | Department Orientations
Location: See your New Student Orientation Booklet for room locations
Meet faculty, staff and students from your major, and learn valuable information that you will need to start your first semester at RWU.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Dinner with Your Major
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Dine with professors and students from your academic major! Each new student not on a meal plan will receive a complimentary meal pass.
8:30 p.m. | Late Night Adventure
Location: Golisano Library Courtyard
Enjoy a late night campus-wide adventure brought to you by SALT. Running shoes recommended.
9:15 p.m. | Party on the Patio
Location: Golisano Library Patio
Top off your evening with late night pizza and music! Sponsored by SALT.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Each new student not on a meal plan will receive a complimentary meal pass.
8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | 19th annual Roberts Day of Service
Garlock Dining Commons
Service is an important aspect of our mission. Participate, Learn, and Serve! Wear a Roberts shirt (if you have one) and durable shoes for this service activity.
12:00 p.m.| Lunch
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Each new student not on a meal plan will receive a complimentary meal pass.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Rest or Caffeine. Your choice!
Use this time to rest from the morning of service, or stop by the Library Patio for a free drink and explore the campus.
2:00 p.m. | Cold Treats at VICS
Location: Golisano Library Front Steps
Interested in joining The Global Club? Come get some ice cream and hang out with new students.
3:00 p.m. | North Chili Walking Tour
Location: Tour departs from the Library Patio
Take a walking tour of North Chili and see what the community offers including coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacy, and the post office. Tours led by knowledgeable students.
3:00 p.m. | Commuter Classroom Search
Location: Golisano Library Steps
Bring your class schedule and upper class students will help you be prepared!
4:00 p.m. Insider Guide to Campus Life
Location: Golisano Community Engagement Center 102 Event Space
Hear from upper class students how to navigate campus life including student activities, safety, accountability, Chapel requirements, and learn about the city of Rochester.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Dinner in Garlock with your floor!
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
Bring your ID and dine with your RA and floor residents! Each new student not on a meal plan will receive a complimentary meal pass. Commuters are invited to sign-in for a complimentary meal!
7:00 p.m. | Karaoke and Mingle
Location: Golisano Library Courtyard
Come try out your singing talents, meet new people and enjoy snow cones! Sponsored by SALT Multi-Ethnic Affairs Director.
9:00 p.m. | Glow Games
Location: Carpenter Lawn (rain site VAC Arena)
Glow Games. Need we say more? Get ready to have a blast and celebrate the beginning of the school year! Sponsored by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
9:30 a.m. | Worship Service
Location: Pearce Church
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Brunch
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Bookstore Open
Location: Bookstore, Upper VAC
Stop by the Bookstore on this day before classes begin.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Bus to Chili-Plaza: Target and Wegmans
Departure Location: Garlock/upper Rinker parking loop
Need to pick up a few essentials? A bus to the Chili-Paul Plaza will depart every 30 minutes from the Garlock/upper Rinker parking loop starting at 1:00 p.m. with the last bus departing the Chili-Paul Plaza at 4:45 p.m. Limited seating is available.
1:00 p.m. | Explore Rochester Bus Tour
Departure Location: Garlock/upper Rinker parking loop
Take a bus tour of Rochester and see what the city offers. Tours led by knowledgeable students.
4:00 p.m. | Resident Student Classroom Search
Location: Library Patio. Bring your class schedule and upper class students will help you be prepared!
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Chorale Auditions
Location: Cox Hall 207
To see the audition requirements visit www.roberts.edu/chorale. For more information, contact Dr. Adam Potter (Potter_Adam@roberts.edu)
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner
Location: Garlock Dining Commons
7:00 p.m. | Outdoor Worship Event
Location: Golisano Library Courtyard
Join us for this student-led worship event. Rain site is GCEC 102. Sponsored by SALT and the Office of Spiritual Life.
8:00 p.m. | Residence Hall Meetings
Location: Your Residence Hall
Connect with your RA and enjoy meeting others on your residence floor!
MONDAY, AUGUST 28
Classes begin – Consult your class schedule
7:45 a.m. | New Student "Stop & Go" Coffee & Donuts
Location: Student Financial Services in Rinker (Lower Level)
Looking for some last-minute directions and inspiration for your first day of class? Join the staff from Student Financial Services for a quick bite and a coffee to go!
*Special Note to International Students:
International students are required to attend a Mandatory International Students Meeting every year. This mandatory meeting will include important updated information regarding immigration regulations, social security numbers, and bank accounts. All new F-1 students must attend this meeting to be scheduled by the Office of International Engagement. Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting should contact the Office of International Engagement at OIE@roberts.edu.
Campus Tour Video
Want another look at campus before the semester starts? Join former student and current Admissions Counselor Becca Gartland for a 15 minute walk through campus.
VIRTUAL ORIENTATION OPPORTUNITY
Campus Tour Video
Want another look at campus before the semester starts? Join former student and current Admissions Counselor Becca Gartland for a 15 minute walk through campus.
Online Resources
https://rwc.roberts.edu/online-resources-for-students/
As you prepare to take your classes online, the following information should help! We will be updating this site as more questions arise and more tutorials become available.
Student Accounts and Self Service
To help you better understand your Student Account and Self Service, watch this video by Patrick Glantz, Director of Instructional Technology & Training. He’ll help you access your Roberts login and complete information forms. Self Service is the online student information system, located on the Roberts Intranet site (rwc.roberts.edu). This is the place where you can access your class schedule, grades, an unofficial copy of your transcript, interact with your Advisor, register for classes, and view your financial and other student account information. For help in navigating this important lifeline, visit https://rwc.roberts.edu/it-services/training/r-serve.aspx.
Financial Aid and Student Bills
Our Executive Director of Student Financial Services, Amy Schmalfuss, will walk you through our financial aid and billing process in this video.
Learning Center
Curious about academic support and resources available? Hear the answer from Ashley Cooper in our Learning Center.
College Success Tips
Want to know the secret in succeeding in college? Here’s another video with Ashley Cooper who serves as an adjunct professor and a staff member in our Learning Center.
FIRST 40 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS
Check out the Campus Calendar at www.roberts.edu/calendar for information on events and activities occurring during the First 40 Days of the semester!
For more information, contact...
Celeste Donleavy
Associate Dean of Student Leadership and Engagement
Donleavy_Celeste@Roberts.edu
Office of Student Life
Phone: 585-594-6567
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11