New Student Orientation Schedule
Rooted in Purpose, Rising with Promise New Student Orientation: Fall 2025 Schedule 08/16/2025 – 08/21/2025
Saturday, August 16th 2025
9:00am – 1:00pm: Residential Life Check-In
Emilie Hall Check-in Location: Students living in Emilie Hall & Mother Joseph Hall
Argo Hall Check-in Location: Students living in Argo, Sr. Rita Mudd, Sikora Halls
** Move Crew help is available 9:00am – 1:00pm **
11:00am – 1:00pm: Lunch
Students, Parents, and Guests Welcome
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
As a young woman, and before she became Sister Emilie Gamelin, Emilie was committed to serving the poor and vulnerable of Montreal, Canada. She opened her home to provide meals to those in need. It was referred to as “Table of the King” – serving a hot meal with gracious hospitality.
9:00am – 1:00pm: New Student Campus Check-In
Make sure you are positioned for a great start at UP by checking in with these offices and services. Collect the required number of signatures to be entered into a drawing for a free Nintendo Switch. The drawing will take place following the informational sessions on Sunday morning. Must be present to win!
CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS!
O Submit outstanding documents needed for admission, i.e., final high school transcripts, proof of MMR vaccination.
Admissions Office | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
O Register for classes/make schedule changes/make an advising appointment
Academic Success Center | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
O Learn about the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and complete a FERPA release, if applicable. Learn how to access your course schedule and more.
Registrar | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
O Make a payment/set up payment plan
Student Accounts | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
O Verify that your financial aid is accurate and accepted, loan requirements met, and aid dispersed
Financial Aid | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
O Get your student I.D. and parking permit
Campus Safety | Location: Campus Safety Office
O Obtain assistance with academic or medical accommodations
TRIO SSS | Location: TRIO SSS Office, Sullivan Hall
O Learn about UP’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)
Ardeo Education Solutions | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
O Get help with securing access to UP technology
Information Services | Location: Library & Academic Success Center
9:00am – 3:00pm: ArgoStore Hours
Get your Argo gear!
Location: McLaughlin Center
1:00pm: UP Volleyball Intersquad Games
Location: McLaughlin Center
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Welcome Dinner
Location: Chapel Quad
8:00pm – 9:00pm: Resident Hall & Commuter Student Meetings – STUDENTS ONLY
Emilie Hall Residents Only
Commuter Students in Student Center
9:00pm: S’more Fun (Parents Welcome)
Join your fellow first year students for s’mores, good music, and lawn games.
Location: Emilie Hall Quad/Chapel Quad
Sunday, August 17th, 2025
9:00am – 10:00am: Breakfast
Parents will meet their students at the University Center Conference Rooms for breakfast and morning sessions.
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
9:30am – 10:00am: Welcome to University of Providence
Dr. Caroline Goulet, Interim President, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jacob Marko, Student Government President
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
10:00am – 10:15am: Evolution Orientation Activity
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
10:15am – 10:45am: Living the Mission: UP Core Values
AJ Hoy, PhD(c) Vice President for Mission Integration & Interim Vice President for Student Life
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
11:00am – 12:00pm: Sunday Morning Mass
Each Sunday the University of Providence community gathers for the celebration of our shared resurrection. This form of prayer is often called “the mass”. In so gathering and praying, we bring ourselves closer to God as we share in the meal we call “eucharist”, meaning “thanksgiving”. As a community of many faiths, the University of Providence welcomes students and guests of all faiths to participate.
Location: Trinitas Chapel
12:15pm –12:30pm: Class of 2029 Photo
Location: Argo Field (Wear Your Orientation Shirt)
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
12:30pm-1:30pm: ArgoStore Hours
Get your Argo gear!
Location: McLaughlin Center
1:30pm – 3:15pm: Get to Know Your Classmates PlayFair Style
A fun way to get to know one another with a little help from the entertainment group known as “PlayFair”.
It is important that students arrive promptly at 1:30pm in comfortable attire.
Location: Chapel Quad
1:30pm – 3:15pm: Parent and Guest Transition Session
Roy Lanham, Director of Campus Ministry
In this interactive session, we will review the interpersonal, emotional, and legal implications of the transition of parents and students. While starting a new school in a new town can be stressful for students, parents and other family members also experience significant change. We will look at the nature of this transition and consider strategies to help ease the way.
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
3:15pm – 3:45pm: Goodbye to Parents and Guests
Private time for students to say goodbye to their parents and guests.
3:45pm – 5:00pm: Orientation Group Rotation
Location: Providence Plaza
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Dinner
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
7:00pm – 9:00pm: Bowling Night @ Little Lanes
Join your fellow new students at Little Lanes, a UP-Student favorite in Downtown Great Falls.
Location: Little Lanes Bowling Alley (Off-Campus/Downtown Great Falls)
Monday, August 18th, 2025
7:30am – 9:00am: Breakfast
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
9:15am – 10:15am: Well-being at UP
Dr. Michelle Hill, Associate Professor of Psychology
The Importance of Balancing Your Wellness Wheel: The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
10:30am – 11:30am: Introduction to TimelyCare: UP’s Virtual Health and Well-being Provider
Janelle Eastman, TimelyCare
Nikki Lewis-Clark, LCPC, Campus Advocate and Counselor
TimelyCare overview, app download, and account creation.
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A and B
11:30am – 1:00pm: Lunch
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
1:45pm – 2:30pm: Orientation Group Rotation
Location: Providence Plaza
3:00pm – 5:00pm: Lawn Games
Lawn games on Providence Plaza including Bucketgolf, Cornhole, Spikeball, Crossnet and more! There will be snacks and we will be giving away UP branded prizes and gear.
Location: Providence Plaza
5:00pm – 6:30pm: Dinner
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
7:30pm – 8:30pm: Faith, Worship & Sundaes
Location: Chapel Quad
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
7:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
9:30am – 11:00am: Corps of Discovery: Who We Are & Why We Serve
Presented by: Dr. Matt Pietrapoli, Dr. Sarah Spangler, Roy Lanham
Location: University Center Conference Rooms A & B
11:00am: Grab & Go Lunch
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
12:00pm – 4:30pm: Corps of Discovery: Immersion to Service Learning
Location: TBA
5:00 – 6:30pm: Dinner
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
7:00pm – 9:00pm: University of Providence Night @ The Ballpark
Join your fellow Argos at Centene Stadium, Home of the Great Falls Voyagers. The Voyagers are a member of the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League, with teams in five different states. Each year, UP sponsors two games during the Crosstown Clash Series. There will be a shuttle bus bringing students to the game at 6:30pm and returning to campus after the 3rd inning, 6th inning, and 9th inning (or end of game). Students may choose to drive themselves.
Location: Centene Stadium (Off-Campus, Great Falls Area)
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
7:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
11:00am – 4:30pm: Missouri River Float Trip (Option 1) – Stickney Creek to Prewett Creek
Bus will leave Emilie Hall @ 10:00am
Join your fellow first year students on a float trip of the mighty Missouri River, in partnership with Prairie Mountain River Adventures. This is a relatively leisurely float, with a fast current and a few riffles, but no rapids or white water. Here you can relive part of the Lewis and Clark expedition by floating the river just like the Corps of Discovery did in 1805. Much of this stretch of the Missouri remains untouched and still resembles what the Corps of Discovery would have seen when they first ventured through the canyon in the early 1800s. As you float through this dramatic canyon scenery, you will travel past sheer cliff walls of igneous rock (some over 300 vertical feet tall), beautiful forest and meadow scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic Tower Rock near the take-out point.
*We will eat lunch when we arrive at Stickney Creek Access Site and then proceed onto the river. Rafts will have a cooler of water available. The float will be about 4.5 hours on the river, including some stops to swim so wear appropriate clothing and utilize sunscreen! Stay hydrated! *
11:00am – 3:30pm: Hike @ Sluice Boxes State Park (Option 2)
Bus will leave Emilie Hall at 10:00am
Join your fellow first year students on a hike through the beautiful Sluice Boxes State Park. Following the Memorial Falls stop, you will then hike through the beautiful Sluice Boxes State Park, located a short 35 minutes from Great Falls. Soaring cliffs and precipitous ledges mark the Belt Creek Canyon as it slices out of the Little Belt Mountains and winds toward the town of Belt, Montana. Remains of mines, a railroad, and historic cabins line Belt Creek as it makes its way through the beautiful canyon, carved in limestone. This rugged area has many fishing, camping, hiking and recreational activity opportunities, with the old Barker Mines and remnants of the Montana Central Railroad being just a small part of the rich history of Sluice Boxes State Park.
*This hike will be led by Cole Irwin, TRIO SSS Counselor Advocate.*
*This hike is on a moderate trail and will be roughly 3-4 miles in total. There are parts of the trail that those with a fear of heights may find difficult. Lunch will be provided, along with water. Feel free to bring your own water bottle.*
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Dinner
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
9:00pm: Movies & Milkshakes
Location: Chapel Quad – Sponsored by Campus Ministry, BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket!)
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
7:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
9:00am – 10:00am: Yoga on the Lawn
Intro to Yoga as a Restorative Practice
Offered by habit, Yoga Studio, participate in this session for an hour of mindfulness and gentle movement. This session is for all and anybody with most of the time dedicated to a gentle morning flow to awaken the breath, relieve the muscles, and get curious about movement. Whether you consider yoga a constant among your physical activities, or you are simply wondering what it looks and feels like in your body, this session is set up to offer the time and space to explore just that. We look forward to practicing with you!
A limited number of Yoga mats will be available. Bring your own if you have one.
Location: Chapel Quad
10:45am – 11:45am: Orientation Group Rotation
Location: Providence Plaza
11:45am – 1:00pm: Lunch
Location: Student Center Dining Hall, Table of the King
1:30pm – 5:00pm: Set Yourself Up for Success
This is a great opportunity to make sure you have checked all the necessary boxes from your orientation and move in week! Have you enrolled in classes or made necessary schedule changes, ordered/acquired your textbooks, found your classrooms, gotten your academic supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.), visited Student Accounts and set up your payment plan? Utilize this free time to get some productive things done, organize your room or just take a deep breath!
5:00pm – 8:00pm: Welcome Back BBQ & Games
Please join us for a Welcome Back BBQ on the Chapel Quad. There will be music, lawn games, prizes, axe throwing, a dunk tank, a mechanical bull, great food, and much more! All University of Providence students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend and have some fun.
Location: Chapel Quad
Move-In Day Information
A Guide to Move-in Day
TBA
Helpful Tips for Move-In Day
TIP #1:
DRESS COMFORTABLY — Students and parents should dress in casual clothes for Move-In Day. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals.
TIP #2:
STAY HYDRATED — Think about bringing a water bottle that you can refill in order to stay hydrated throughout the day.
TIP #3:
EAT REGULAR MEALS — Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Move-In Day and throughout New Student Orientation to stay energized for unpacking, meeting new people, and attending programs.
TIP #4:
INTRODUCE YOURSELF — Introduce yourself to everyone you meet, sit next to in a program, or visit with while between sessions.
TIP #5:
RUN ERRANDS — Know that you will have time to shop for room supplies, toiletries and groceries. Use free time to run errands.
TIP #6:
ASK QUESTIONS — Ask any and all questions that you may have. If you need more time with a presenter, approach the speaker after a session is concluded.
TIP #7:
HAVE FUN!! — Whether you are a new student or the parent of a new student, enjoy the start of this adventure at the University of Providence!
Uniquely UP
Basecamp University
Montana is home to breathtaking views, including the Highwood, Little Belt, Big Belt, and Adel Mountain Ranges that surround Great Falls. To make things even better, the Sun River meets the mighty Missouri River with both running through the heart of Great Falls. Montana is also home to many different species of wildlife, including Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Black Bears, and Grizzly Bears, Mountain Lions, Bighorn Sheep and of course, the iconic American Buffalo (Bison). The recreational opportunities of our beautiful state are endless, and the University of Providence is blessed to be in the center of it all. The area surrounding the University of Providence boasts several state parks, along with multiple Blue-Ribbon fishing opportunities, public land access, and one of the top ski areas in the state, all within a reasonable driving distance from campus!
UP has a variety of outdoor equipment available for students to checkout, free of charge. Options include, bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and more!
You pack your bags and head to UP, you may want to consider bringing the following items so you will be well prepared to embrace all the Great Falls area has to offer.
- Hiking Shoes
- Hiking Backpack
- Camping Equipment (Tent, Camp Stove, Sleeping Bag)
- Cooler (Bear-proof recommended)
- Binoculars
- Fishing Gear (Fishing rod, tackle, waders, etc.)
- River Tubes
- Dry Bag
- Ski/Snowboard Equipment
- Winter Gear (Jacket, snow pants, winter boots, gloves, hat)
- First Aid Kit
- Bear Spray (must be held with Campus Safety)
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
Parent and Family Information
Parents, guardians, and family are welcome and encouraged to attend Orientation on the 16th and 17th. Orientation is just as important for parents, guardians, and family as it is for students. Everyone in your family is about to experience a transition and can learn how to support one another. Orientation includes a variety of sessions designed specifically for parents and guests. You can also assist your student and the university by making sure your student has completed all the items on the checklist they will receive at NSO before you leave Great Falls.
Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health
Issues related to student wellbeing, including mental illness and suicide, continue to be among the most critical concerns facing higher education institutions across the country. We care deeply about our University of Providence students and want each one to thrive at UP. If your student is currently receiving counseling or medication for a mental health issue, we highly encourage you to start planning for the continuation of these services before your student arrives on campus. Having a plan for ongoing care prior to arrival is important for all students, but such a plan is especially vital if your student has experienced significant recent concerns or has longstanding mental health concerns. If you anticipate your student will need specialized clinical services (treatment or maintenance therapies for eating disorders, substance abuse or dependence, dialectical behavioral therapies, etc.) or will need services more than every now and again, we recommend establishing mental health care with a provider in Great Falls or via Telehealth prior to the start of the semester.
Student Success Tips for Students Living Off Campus
- Join a club or organization.
- Get involved with other commuting students.
- Become friends with people who live on campus.
- Eat in the Student Center or MOJOs.
- Study on campus.
- Take advantage of all the things to do on campus including events and activities.
- Get a part-time job on campus.
- Use the Fitness Center in the McLaughlin Center.
- Volunteer and engage in service opportunities.
- If you work off campus, consider finding a work environment where you can be a student who works rather than an employee who goes to school.
