ORIENTATION Information

Welcome to Graceland University!

I am delighted you have chosen Graceland University. You may wish to mark My Graceland as your home page as you will return here often during your student days. Everything you need to know is included – an enrollment checklist to make sure you have taken care of all the details, how to select (or change) a meal plan, when to arrive, what to bring and many, many other topics.
 
Please check this checklist regularly for updates!

 Once you have paid your deposit, logging into My Graceland will allow you to see your grades and your student account. This site is to give you access to personalized and general information. Much of the information you will need can be found under the Resources Tab.
 
It is my desire to help you fulfill your dreams. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or if there are any other ways I can assist you as you transition to the university. Hopefully soon this will feel like your home away from home.
 
Welcome to Graceland!
 
Dave Schaal
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students
 

First-Year Experience

Your first year at Graceland University will be a year of exploration, both academically and socially.  In your first semester, you will learn a lot of new information about college life and how to navigate the systems that make up our institution. Our goal is to make sure that you know where to go and who to ask for help when you need it.  You should expect to be introduced to many people, places, things and ideas in your first semester.  Many of these introductions will be made in your first-seminar course.

Click HERE for more information about the First-Year Experience such as:

  • First-Year Seminar (a.k.a. Critical Thinking in the Liberal Arts and Sciences)
  • Common Reader
  • The Peer Mentor Program

Meet Your Student Government

Please click here for information about Graceland Student Government.
Agape House President
Eli Martin
 
Amici House President
Abigail Dodd
 
Aponivi House President
Dakota Jones
 
Cheville House President
Brian Guzman
 
Closson House President
Sherard Anabwani
 
Faunce House President
Hayden Morlan
 
Hanthorne House President
Andraya Sowers
 
Khiyah House President
Julie Probasco
 
Orion House President
Jared Connell
 
Paloma House President
Jillian Killpack
 
Powell House President
Kellen Noa
 
Sariah House President
Kayla Mountenay
 
Shalom House President
Casey Main
 
Solah House President
Grace Martin
 
Stewart Manor House President
Myles Smith
 
Tiona House President
Noah Wood
 
 

Belonging to something significant and worthwhile is a key component to satisfaction in college.  Your house council leaders will keep you informed of various ways that you can choose to become involved.  In addition, check out  Student Activities , Campus Ministries and a wide range of clubs and organizations !

Clubs and Organizations are primarily student initiated and student driven. It is very possible that if you have a special interest, there is already a club or organization devoted to that area.

YOU can start a group! Simply find a sponsor and contact the Student Activities Office to complete a charter form. The Council on Student Life meets weekly to approve charters.

Anyone interested in joining a club or organization can contact the sponsor or president of that group. Please call the Student Activities Office at 5230 click here  to obtain advisor information.

Meet Your Residence Life Staff

Residence Life Director
Nate Wood
641-784-5108
 
Secretary  
Jan Gray
641-784-5494
 
Area Coordinators
Graybill / Gunsolley
Alex Carr
641-784-5383
   
Tess Morgan / Walker
Brickell Dotson
641-784-5360
bdotson@graceland.edu 
  
Assistant to Hall Directors
Gunsolley/Graybill
Landon Hampton
landon1@sting.graceland.edu 
 
Tess Morgan/Walker
Nicole Fry
naf1@sting.graceland.edu 
 
Apartment Managers    
Thomas Apartments
Lauren Macali
lcm1@sting.graceland.edu 
 
Small Apartments
Kinsey Collins
kinsey1@sting.graceland.edu 

Contact Us

866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5219 
 
Pat Hoffman
Academic Advising Specialist for Transfer Students
hoffman@graceland.edu
 
 
866-GRACELAND (866-472-2352)
Ext. 5466
 
Mike Hoffman, Campus Minister
mhoffman@graceland.edu
 
Humberto Tinsman, Graduate Assistant
 
 
 
866.GRACELAND   
Ext. 5104
 
Dave Schaal, Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students
 
Sandi Swanson, Administrative Assistant
sswanson@graceland.edu
 
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5083
 
Diana Jones, Disability Services Director
 
 
 
OR
 
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5237
 
Marcia Core, Manager
 
 
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5083
 
Diana Jones, Director of the Intercultural Office
  
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5167
 
   
   
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5235
 
Angie  Ranney
angie1@graceland.edu 
 

866.GRACELAND

Ext. 5222

Peggy Mothershead, Registrar
peggym@graceland.edu
 
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5107
 
Nate Wood, Residence Life Director
 
Jan Gray, Secretary
 
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5230
 
Melinda Graham, Director of Student Activities
 
866.GRACELAND
Ext. 5447
 
OR
 
Ondrea Greene
ondrea2@graceland.edu
 
866.GRACELAND
   
Sherri Brenizer, Department Manager
   
Pat Hoffman, Transfer Student Advising, Special Programs
866-GRACELAND  
Ext. 5219
hoffman@graceland.edu
 
Roger Powell, Writing Center Director
866-GRACELAND
Ext. 5206
rlpowell@graceland.edu 

Handouts

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Things You Need To Do Now!

Complete your Enrollment Checklist by August 1, 2020!
Check your Graceland email account for housing placement and roommate information after July 15.
Purchase renters insurance (recommended)
Do you require special housing accommodations?   
Have you filled out the Housing Request Form to request a specific house, or roommate? 
Student Employment forms are REQUIRED if you plan to work anywhere on campus.  Each form must be completed and submitted prior to being assigned a work study position.

Please click on the following links to complete the necessary forms:
Please click here for additional information regarding student employment.

Thank you!
 Ondrea Greene
Human Resources Director 
Vehicle Registration is REQUIRED if you plan to park ANYWHERE on campus.  Please complete the Vehicle Registration Form.  You may pick up your parking permit when you get your photo taken for the University ID card upon arrival to campus (Newcom Student Union, Room 23).
 
Please click here for additional information regarding parking regulations and a map of parking areas.
 
Vehicle Registrations/Parking Permits MUST be renewed EACH ACADEMIC YEAR!!! 
Click here to learn about who is required to purchase a meal plan.
 
Click here for information regarding your meal plan options.  Then complete the Meal Plan Selection Form.  The deadline to change your meal plan choice is 4pm Friday, August 28, 2020.
 
 Please note: You will be assigned the same meal plan that you had last semester/year, unless you submit another request. If you did not have a meal plan last semester/year, you will be assigned the 14-meal plan unless you submit a request indicating otherwise.
 
Follett Bookstore                                      
GU Alert is an emergency notification system that will send a text message to a cell phone or to an email address when there is an emergency that needs to be quickly announced to campus. 
 
Messages are sent only in the event of a crisis.  Graceland encourages all employees, students and faculty to enter their cell phone number or email address to receive these notices.
 
To register your cell phone number, correct or change your GU Alert registration, please be sure you are logged into My Graceland and click here.
Do you have a computer but you don't have Microsoft Office?  Download it for free - see Full Office for FREE for Office 365 on your PC, Mac, iPad or Android tablet.
Please click here to request a quote and/or apply for College Student Property Insurance.
Please click here to familiarize yourself with Student Health 101.  This is a fantastic resource, with a searchable database with LOTS of great information at your fingertips!!
Click HERE to view the Suggesting University Housing Shopping List.

When To Arrive On Campus

Sunday, August 9

1-2pm - Football Check-In in the Shaw Center Lobby
 
2-5pm - Residence Halls open for move-in!
 
2-5pm - Obtain your Enrollment Checklist from your Hall Director.
 
Students living off campus: 
Obtain your Enrollment Checklist from the Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union). 
Parking available on the North and South sides of the Helene Center! 
 
 
PLEASE CHECK BACK IN AUGUST FOR THE WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE!
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE
IN WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!

Monday, August 10

2-5pm - Residence Halls open for move-in!
 
2-5pm - Obtain your Enrollment Checklist from your Hall Director.
 
Student living off campus:
Obtain your Enrollment Checklist from the Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union).
Parking available on the North and South sides of the Helene Center!
 
 
 PLEASE CHECK BACK IN AUGUST FOR THE WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE!
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE
IN WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!

Tuesday, August 11
 
2-5pm - Residence Halls open for move-in!
 
2-5pm - Obtain your Enrollment Checklist from your Hall Director.
 
Student living off campus:
Obtain your Enrollment Checklist from the Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union).
Parking available on the North and South sides of the Helene Center!
  
Please check back in July in the "What To Expect When You Arrive" section
for a complete Arrival and Check-In Schedule!
 
PLEASE CHECK BACK IN AUGUST FOR THE WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE!
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE
IN WELCOME WEEK ACTIVITIES!

 **If you plan to use TransIowa Shuttle Services from the Kansas City International airport, 

please view the shuttle schedule PRIOR to making your travel arrangements!!!  
 
All new INTERNATIONAL students (optional for Canadians) are expected to arrive on
 
 
Wednesday, August 12
 
  
Preseason student-athletes are expected to arrive in accordance with athletic preseason schedules.

  

Please check back in August for the International Student Orientation Schedule and the Welcome Week schedule.
 
PLEASE CHECK BACK IN AUGUST FOR THE WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE!
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!

 **If you plan to use TransIowa Shuttle Services from the Kansas City International airport,

please view the shuttle schedule PRIOR to making your travel arrangements!!! 
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS (not arriving for preseason, or with international students)
  are expected to  arrive on
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
 
9 - 11am - Residence Halls open for move-in!
 
10am - 2pm -  Obtain Enrollment Checklist from your Hall Director.
You are to have everything completed on your checklist by 2pm! 
 
Students living off-campus: 
Please obtain your Enrollment Checklist from the Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union). 
Parking is available on the North and South sides of the Helene Center! 
 
 Welcome Week Schedule
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK  ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES! 
ALL RETURNING STUDENTS (not arriving for preseason )
are expected to arrive on
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
9 - 11am - Residence Halls open for move-in!
10am - 2pm - Obtain Enrollment Checklist from your Hall Director.
You are to have everything completed on your checklist by 2pm!
Students living off-campus:
Please obtain your Enrollment Checklist from the Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union).
Parking is available on the North and South sides of the Helene Center!

What To Expect When You Arrive

Saturday, August 8 – RETURNING YELLOWJACKETS

1-2 pm FOOTBALL CHECK-IN in the Shaw Center Lobby

2-4 pm Residence Halls Open for Move In

5-7 pm Evening Meal – Big G Lake

Sunday, August 9 – NEW YELLOWJACKETS

Sessions in RED are Mandatory Attendance  

1-2pm FOOTBALL CHECK-IN in the Shaw Center Lobby

2-5pm RESIDENCE HALLS OPEN FOR MOVE-IN!

Come to the Newcom Student Union, Student Help Desk, Room 36 to have your picture taken for your Graceland University ID card.

2-5pm SELECT OFFICES ARE OPEN TO ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING

YOUR ENROLLMENT  CHECKLIST

OBTAIN ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST FROM YOUR HALL DIRECTOR*

You are expected to have everything on your enrollment checklist completed by Monday 5pm!

*STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS, SMALL OR THOMAS APARTMENTS: Please report to Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union) to obtain your enrollment checklist. Parking is available North and South of the Helene Center!

5pm COMMUNITY LIVING EXPECTATIONS – Part I – Shaw Center Auditorium

5pm FAMILY RECEPTION – Newcom Student Union Great Room

6-7 pm Evening Meal – Floyd McDowell Commons

(Free for preseason athletes/$8.50 for family members – Credit or Debit cards accepted, No cash due to COVID-19)

7:30 pm COMPLETE YOUR VIVATURE PROFILE in theHampton Center - Athletic Training Room

8:30 pm TEAM MEETINGS in Zimmermann, room 218

 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!
 

Monday, August 10

Sessions in Red are Mandatory Attendance 

8am-5pm OFFICES ARE OPEN TO ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING YOUR ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST

OBTAIN ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST FROM YOUR HALL DIRECTOR*

You are expected to have everything on your enrollment checklist completed by TUESDAY 5pm!

*STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS, SMALL OR THOMAS APARTMENTS: Please report to Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union) to obtain your enrollment checklist. Parking is available North and South of the Helene Center!

2-5pm RESIDENCE HALLS OPEN FOR MOVE-IN!

Come to the Newcom Student Union, Student Help Desk, Room 36 to have your picture taken for your Graceland University ID card.

5pm COMMUNITY LIVING EXPECTATIONS – Part I – Shaw Center Auditorium

5pm FAMILY RECEPTION – Newcom Student Union Great Room

6-7 pm Evening Meal – Floyd McDowell Commons

(Free for preseason athletes/$8.50 for family members – Credit or Debit cards accepted, No cash due to COVID-19)

7:30 pm COMPLETE YOUR VIVATURE PROFILE in theHampton Center - Athletic Training Room

8:30 pm Equipment Check-Out – See Coach for details

10 pm TEAM MEETING
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!
 
 Monday, August 10
Sessions in Red are Mandatory Attendance  

8am-5pm OFFICES ARE OPEN TO ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING YOUR ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST

OBTAIN ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST FROM YOUR HALL DIRECTOR*

You are expected to have everything on your enrollment checklist completed by TUESDAY 5pm!

*STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS, SMALL OR THOMAS APARTMENTS: Please report to Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union) to obtain your enrollment checklist. Parking is available North and South of the Helene Center!

1-2pm Women’s Soccer Check-In Shaw Center Lobby

2-5pm RESIDENCE HALLS OPEN FOR MOVE-IN!

Come to the Newcom Student Union, Student Help Desk, Room 36 to have your picture taken for your Graceland University ID card.

5pm COMMUNITY LIVING EXPECTATIONS – Part I – Shaw Center Auditorium

5pm FAMILY RECEPTION – Newcom Student Union Great Room

6-9pm Team Meal – Off Campus

ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!

Tuesday, August 11

Sessions in Red are Mandatory Attendance 

8am-5pm OFFICES ARE OPEN TO ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING YOUR ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST

OBTAIN ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST FROM YOUR HALL DIRECTOR*

You are expected to have everything on your enrollment checklist completed by WEDNESDAY, 5pm!

*STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS, SMALL OR THOMAS APARTMENTS: Please report to Student Help Desk (Newcom Student Union) to obtain your enrollment checklist. Parking is available North and South of the Helene Center!

2-5pm RESIDENCE HALLS OPEN FOR MOVE-IN!

Come to the Newcom Student Union, Student Help Desk, Room 36to have your picture taken for your Graceland University ID card.

5pm COMMUNITY LIVING EXPECTATIONS – Part I – Shaw Center Auditorium

5pm FAMILY RECEPTION – Newcom Student Union Great Room

5:30-6:30pm Returning Women’s Volleyball Equipment Checkout – Morden Center Courts 1 & 2

6-7 pm Evening Meal – Floyd McDowell Commons

(Free for preseason athletes/$8.50 for family members – Credit or Debit cards accepted, No cash due to COVID-19)

7:30 pm COMPLETE YOUR VIVATURE PROFILE in theHampton Center - Athletic Training Room

8:30 pm Equipment Check-Out – Cross Country – See Coach for place

Equipment Check-Out – New Women’s Volleyball – Morden Center Courts 1 & 2

10 pm TEAM MEETINGS

· Cross Country – See Coach for place

· Women’s Volleyball – Zimmerman, Room 216

Please check back in August for the New International Student Arrival & Check-In Schedule!
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES!
 
 
The Welcome Week Schedule will be posted here once dates and times have been solidified. Please check back frequently for updates. 
 
A link to an interactive map of the Lamoni Campus can be found below in the Helpful Links section   
 
ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN
WELCOME WEEK ORIENTATION!