New Student Orientation & Welcome Week
The University of South Dakota is excited to welcome the Class of 2029 to campus this fall!
New Student Orientation is your official welcome to USD! It's designed for all new, incoming undergraduate students and kicks off with Move-In Day, running through the Sunday before classes start. Get ready to meet your Pack, explore campus, and start your journey strong.
Welcome Week is for all USD students—whether you're new to campus or back after summer break. It's your chance to reconnect, meet new people, and jump into the semester with plenty of fun.
Schedule of Events
Friday, Aug. 22, 2025
7 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Move-In
Check-in at Dome, then Residence Halls
4 p.m. | Class of 2029 Coyote Welcome, SCSC
Kick off your college journey with the whole Class of 2029! Meet on your floor at 3:45 p.m. to walk over to the SCSC together—don’t forget to rock your class t-shirt. Living off-campus? Just head straight to the SCSC and join the fun!
5-7 p.m. | Welcome Dinner, MUC First Floor
Join us for a welcome meal with your Pack Leader groups.
5-7 p.m. Community Resource Fair, MUC First Floor
Explore what Vermillion has to offer! Meet local businesses and discover resources that’ll make your life easier.
8:00 p.m. | One Crazy Welcome, SCSC
Join the Coyote Crazies and other student leaders in a welcome tradition.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
10 a.m. | Classes: Wait, I Have to Go To Classes?!
Faculty will share their top tips for succeeding in the classroom and making the most of your college experience. Don't miss this, after all - you're here for a degree.
11 a.m. | Small Group #1/Brunch - Meet Pack Leaders at the Designated Location
Your pack leaders will discuss how to make USD your home. You'll learn about getting connected and take your first trip to residential dining.
1:30 p.m. | Sex Rules: Real Talk on Relationships, Consent & Safety
Start college feeling confident, informed, and connected. This mandatory session isn't a lecture—it's a real conversation about relationships, consent, and looking out for each other. You'll hear about setting boundaries, respecting others, and navigating college life with empathy, resilience, and clear communication. Whether you're in a relationship or not, this is for everyone.
2:30 p.m. | Small Group #2
Your pack leaders will review keeping each other safe with bystander intervention strategies, the safety app, and university policies.
5-7 p.m. | Dinner
After Dinner | Social Activities
Check back in July for more details about the exciting events in the works.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Morning | Community Churches Welcome You
Searching for community in Vermillion? Local churches invite you to join them for worship, connection, and support.
Afternoon
Check back in July for more details about the exciting events in the works.
3-5 p.m. | Student Organization Fair
Explore student organizations, meet new people, and find your campus community! Visit tables to learn what each group is all about—and check in for a chance to win a prize pack.
5-7 p.m. | Dinner
Evening | Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Meet your neighbors, get the inside scoop on hall life, and learn the do’s and don’ts of living on campus. Check with your RA for time and location.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
3-5 p.m. | Student Organization Fair
Explore student organizations, meet new people, and find your campus community! Visit tables to learn what each group is all about—and check in for a chance to win a prize pack.
Monday, Aug. 25
7 p.m. | Sorority Recruitment Early Bird Orientation
8 p.m. | CAB Presents: Singlo
Join your Campus Activities Board (CAB) for Singlo—a glow-in-the-dark twist on bingo, where the songs are the clues and the fun never stops!
Tuesday, Aug. 26
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Opportunity Center Resource Fair
6:30 p.m. | SGA Senate Meeting
7:30 p.m. | Open Mic and Game Night hosted by Black Student Union
Wednesday, Aug. 27
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Part-time / Work-study Job and Volunteer Fair
Thursday, Aug. 28
6-8 p.m. | Coyote Crazies Present: Crazy Crash Course
Join the Coyote Crazies for their first all-member meeting of the year!
8 p.m. | OMA House Party
Friday, Aug. 29
All Day | Wear Red Friday
7-9 p.m. | Sorority Recruitment Orientation, Aalfs Auditorium
8 p.m. | CAB Presents: Outdoor Movie on MUC West Lawn
Saturday, Aug. 30
All Day | Sorority Recruitment House Tours
Sunday, Aug. 31
All Day | Sorority Recruitment Rounds 2 & 3
Monday, Sept. 1
12 p.m. | Sorority Recruitment Bid Day
4-5 p.m. | Fraternity Recruitment Orientation
5-9 p.m. | Fraternity Recruitment Chapter Events
Tuesday, Sept. 2
5-9 p.m. | Fraternity Recruitment Chapter Events
Wednesday, Sept. 3
5-9 p.m. | Fraternity Recruitment Chapter Events
7 p.m. | Connect with CAB: Learn more about Campus Activities Board & meet more people!
Thursday, Sept. 4
5-9 p.m. | Fraternity Recruitment Chapter Events & Bid Day
