Character U and Orientation

Class of 2028 and Transfer students:

To prepare for your arrival in August, please visit our online student involvement portal, BARK, for a list of events and programs during the summer of 2024.   

Make sure to follow the Character U and Campus Activities Board (CAB) Instagram pages for additional updates and information!

In-Person Summer Information Sessions

The Orientation Team is excited to announce the return of Orientation In-Person Summer Information Sessions!  This is an opportunity for members of the Class of 2028 and their families to come to campus and meet staff members from such offices as Academics, Financial Aid, Bursars Office, Residence Life, Commuter Life, Dining (Meal Plans) and the First-Year Experience (Character U and Orientation).  The bookstore will be open throughout the day.   Finally, some residence halls rooms will be available to tour afterwards.  There will be some food and drinks provided. 

These sessions are optional and will be held throughout the summer.

All events and programs are subject to change based on the offices availability. 

In-Person Summer Info Session dates for 2024:

• Thursday, June 27, 1PM-4PM
• Tuesday, July 16, 1PM-4PM
• Wednesday, July 17, 1PM-4PM
• Monday, August 5, 1PM-4PM
• Tuesday, August 6, 1PM-4PM

Academic Success Center Zoom Check-Ins

Join the Academic Success Center (ASC) for informational Zoom meetings. Any questions can be directed to advising@desales.edu.

• Wednesday, June 26, 4PM — Meet the ASC Staff
• Thursday, July 18, 4PM — First-Year Course Schedule Q&A
• Wednesday, July 31, 6:30PM — AP and Dual Enrollment Q&A

Outreach DeSales Program

The Community Service and Multicultural Engagement office will be hosting its annual pre-orientation program, Outreach DeSales this August for the Class of 2028.

Outreach DeSales introduces first-year students to the university's campus and surrounding area through community service. During Outreach DeSales, students will participate in rewarding service projects, get to know the community, and meet other first-year students with similar interests.

Outreach DeSales is a program led by upper-class students who lead different service programs throughout the academic year. Both residents and commuters are welcome to participate.  The program allows students to feel comfortable on campus and join in great events each evening. Resident students who participate are eligible to move in early.  The cost of the program is $150.

First-year students who are residents, move onto campus, Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 8:00am - 10:30am. Students will participate in all day community service activities on Thursday, August 15, 2024 and Friday, August 16, 2024.  On these days there will be activities and fun evening events to get to know their new community better!  On Saturday, August 17, 2024, the group will travel to the Jim Thorpe area for a day of whitewater rafting.  Parents, families, and supporters may return to campus on Sunday, August 18, 2024, to participate in the Orientation program.

Taking part in pre-orientation is a great way to start your time at DeSales! Please contact Jaime Gerhart at jaime.gerhart@desales.edu with any questions.

The application form due date is July 14^th at 11:59pm. Please apply online.

All events are subject to change.

Please make sure everything on the following checklist is completed by the deadlines to avoid delays at the check-in process during Orientation in August. 

As soon as possible

• Begin checking your DeSales University email every day and get familiar with MyDSU and Brightspace. If you have not received your DSU login information, please visit the HelpDesk portal.
• Please take this First-Year Course Survey. Your first-year fall semester course schedule is based on your major field of study and the course requirements for graduation. This questionnaire must be completed no later than June 15, 2024. Late submissions will be accepted only for those students who deposit after June 15. For questions, email advising@desales.edu.
  Please note, your fall 2024 class schedule and academic advisor for the upcoming year will be available on August 7, 2024.
• Consider reaching out to your roommate after housing selection.
• If you require of any kind accommodation in the area of academics, dietary, or housing, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility at accessibility@desales.edu.

By July 1, 2024

• Student Athletes only: Student athletes must complete additional health forms for the athletic department.
• Your Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling were completed at studentaid.gov for your federal student loans to be applied to your bill. Questions, please email finaid@desales.edu.

Monday, July 8, 2024

• Billing will be done on this date, so expect to have your bills by approximately Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Questions, please email treasurer@desales.edu.
• Any loans you are using to cover all or a portion of your balance due should be applied for, approved and processed through the Office of Financial Aid. Questions, please email finaid@desales.edu.

By Saturday, July 20, 2024

• All Parent Plus loan, Private student loans, or monthly payment plans to cover your remaining balance are FINALIZED. Questions, please email finaid@desales.edu.

Beginning Monday, July 29, 2024

• If you are bringing a vehicle to campus, you can begin to register online to obtain a parking permit. Please register online at desales.edu/parking.

By Thursday, August 1, 2024

• Required Health Forms completed by your physician and returned to the Wellness Center. The Health Forms Online Portal can be found on the Orientation webpage under Important Items. Questions, please email healthcenter@desales.edu.
• Please take a picture and upload it to the Paws Pass Office either through the login email, eAccounts Online, or eAccounts Mobile app. Please follow the directions that were sent to you in July. If you do not receive the email to upload your photo, please check your “Junk Mail” folder first. Questions, please email pawspass@desales.edu.
• The Financial Aid Checklist should be completed (located under "Financial Aid" on WebAdvisor Self-Service on the MyDSU portal). Questions, please email finaid@desales.edu.
• Residents only:
  • Review the “What to Bring to College” section of this page.
  • If you have not yet contacted your roommate, be sure to do so as soon as possible.
• Enroll in e2campus, the University’s emergency alert system.
• If you haven’t received your Orientation mailing from the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, please email dsuorientation@desales.edu.
• If you have changed your home address, please email dsuorientation@desales.edu.

By Monday, August 5, 2024

• Payment of your bill, payment plans, and balance reconciliation form completed and mailed to the Treasurer’s Office. Questions, please contact treasurer@desales.edu.

By Friday, August 9, 2024

• Review and update information through MyDSU under "Self Service," then "User Options."
• Sign up for electronic loan notifications.
• If you are seeking on campus employment (work study) be sure to activate your Handshake account through MYDSU. Positions will be posted on Handshake by the first week of classes. Resumes may be required for some positions, reach out to the Career Center for assistance at career@desales.edu.

By Thursday, August 15, 2024

• Complete Title IX, Alcohol, Respect, and Safety trainings online. Instructions on completing this will be sent to your DeSales email this summer.

Questions? Call 610-282-1100 plus the extension shown.

Welcome, Bulldogs! For three fun-filled days, new first-year DeSales undergrads experience an activities-packed schedule.

Driving Directions and Parking Information

DeSales University is located at 2755 Station Avenue in Center Valley, Pennsylvania: 1 mile south of Route 378; one mile from where Route 309 meets Route 378. At the intersection of Route 309 and Route 378, follow Route 378 North to Preston Lane. Make a right on campus via Preston Lane and follow the directions to the DeSales University Center (DUC).

We ask that you approach campus via Preston Lane at your designated move-in time. You will not be permitted to move in early. Vehicles will be routed by University Police and staff. All students are required to check in at the DeSales University Center prior to processing to their designated residence hall. After checking in at the DUC, you'll be directed to your residence hall. Please be prepared to unload your belongings as soon as you arrive at your assigned residence hall, as staff will assist with moving your belongings to your room. Once your vehicle is unloaded, you will be directed to a designated parking area.

Note: Please be sure all belongings are clearly labeled with your first name, last name, residence hall, and room number.

Sunday, August 18, 2024 Opening Day Schedule

All students should check in at the DeSales University Center at their designated time, as listed below:

Tocik Hall

• Tocik Floor 3: 8:00am-8:45am
• Tocik Floor 2: 8:45am-9:30am
• Tocik Floor 1: 9:30am-10:15am

Conmy Hall

• Conmy Floor 3: 10:30am-11:15am
• Conmy Floor 2: 11:15am-12:00pm
• Conmy Floor 1: 12:00pm-12:45pm

Aviat Hall

• Aviat Floor 2: 11:15am-12:00pm
• Aviat Floor 1: 12:00pm-12:45pm

Commuter Students

• All commuter students: 12:30pm-1:30pm

*Please note all fall athletes and participants in pre-orientation program Outreach DeSales who are on campus already will check in at the DeSales University Center from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.  Parents, families, and supporters of these two groups are welcome back on campus for Opening Day!

Opening Day will include the following events for students, parents, families, and supporters:

• Lunch
• Mass for the Class of 2028
• Residence Life and Commuter Life meetings
• Welcome Ceremony from the DeSales Community

The Orientation program for the Class of 2028 will continue in the evening of August 18, Monday, August 19, beginning at 8:00 a.m., and Tuesday, August 20, beginning at 8:00 a.m.  A full schedule will be emailed to students in August 2024.

All events are subject to change.  Any questions please email us at dsuorientation@desales.edu 

For a look at the full university academic schedule please visit our Academic Calendars.

To get a feel for what we have in store for you during orientation, check out these videos of previous years' orientation programs:

There will be a mandatory orientation held on Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20, 2024 for all incoming resident and commuter transfer students.

Transfer students who are living on campus may move-in on Monday, August 19 from 10am-12pm. Check in at the Dorothy Day Student Union .

The Orientation for all transfer students will begin in the Labuda Theatre at 2pm, and members of your family or guests are welcome to join you on Monday, August 19.

This program will guide you to a successful college experience. Over the two days, you will hear from members of our faculty and staff from both Academics and Student Life. You will have time to learn of the resources on campus, meet new people, and start building connections. 

We look forward to seeing you in August!

Transfer Student Checklist

DeSales Main Phone Number: 610-282-1100, followed by the extensions below:

Before Classes Begin:

• Health Forms (available online) completed by your health care provider and returned to the Office of Student Life via Medicat. (x1232)
  
  • Student Athletes must fill out additional forms. Contact Athletics department. (x1848)
    
• Finalize any financing options needed to cover education expenses (i.e. establish loans and/or establish payment plan). (x1287)
• Payment of your bill and Balance Reconciliation Form completed and mailed to the Treasurer's Office. (x1888)
• Submit any final (most up-to-date) transcripts to the Admissions Office. (x1424)
• If you are bringing a car to campus (resident or commuter), please register your vehicle. (x1862)
• Update your contact information through MyDSU:
  • Log into MyDSU
  • Click on WebAdvisor on the right side
  • Click on User Account to update your contact information and emergency contacts
• Sign up for DeSales E2Campus emergency alerts.
• Complete the online submission for your DeSales Student ID. You will receive information via email in August. (x2273)

Optional:

• Privacy Release information updated in MyDSU.               
  • Log into MyDSU
  • Click on WebAdvisor on the right side
  • Click on Communication
  • Complete Privacy Release Information
• If accepting Federal student loans, you are required to complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov. (x1287)

Housing

1. Housing Application
   • Complete the housing application found in MyDSU
   • The portal will be open from May 20 through June 10
2. Find Your Roommate
   • Utilize the "Find your roommate" section of the portal
   • Browse the Class of 2028 social media accounts
3. Selection Time Slots
   • Indicate the date and time you will select your room
   • Time slots will be emailed on June 14
4. Room Selection
   • Return to application indicated by time slot
   • Room selection takes place June 20 & 21
5. Move In
   • Move into your new home on August 18

Dining

First-year resident students will choose from the meal plan options described below when completing their housing application.

Components of a DeSales meal plan

1. DeSales Meal Swipe: One swipe consists of 1 entrée, 3 sides, 2 fountain beverages or a bottled water, and 1 dessert.
2. Dining Dollars: Dining Dollars are part of the Meal Plan and work as a declining balance account to make purchases at your discretion. Dining Dollars are designed to give you the ala carte experience and it is suggested students use them for breakfast and lunch and save the DeSales Meal for dinner as that is the most expensive meal of the day.
   • Dining Dollars add flexibility and convenience to the meal plans and are accepted at all food venues on campus.
   • $100 of your Dining Dollars roll over from Fall to the Spring semester as long as the student is enrolled in a meal plan for the Spring Semester.
   • All Dining Dollars not spent by the end of the Spring Semester will be forfeited.

Meal plan options for resident students

• 7-meal plan: Includes $1,500.00 in dining dollars to be spent at any of our four dining venues. In addition, this meal plan includes the convenience of 7 meal swipes per week in the UC Food Court.
  $3,550 per semester
• 7-meal plan PLUS: Includes $1,500.00 in dining dollars to be spent at any of our four dining venues. In addition, this meal plan includes the convenience of 7 meal swipes per week in the UC Food Court. This plan also includes $150 Paw Bucks that can be used on campus or at off-campus locations.
  $3,700 per semester
• 5-meal plan: Includes $1,050.00 in dining dollars to be spent at any of our four dining venues. In addition, this meal plan includes the convenience of 5 meal swipes per week in the UC Food Court.
  $2,850 per semester
• 5-meal plan PLUS: Includes $1,050.00 in dining dollars to be spent at any of our four dining venues. In addition, this meal plan includes the convenience of 5 meal swipes per week in the UC Food Court. This plan also includes $150 Paw Bucks that can be used on campus or at off-campus locations.
  $3,000 per semester

Commuter Students are eligible for any of our meal plan options including the Commuter Meal Plan which is $500 Dining Dollars per semester with an added $50 signup bonus.

Additional dining questions can be directed to Dining@desales.edu.

Parents, family and friends, thank you for supporting our Bulldogs as they venture into the next chapter of their lives. Below, you will find some important links. Know what's going on at DeSales through these groups designed specifically for parents. Check back regularly for updates, events, and important information. We look forward to you visiting us!

Important Links

• Career Development Center (CDC) - Learn how DeSales can help your student get a job
• DeSales University Bookstore
• DeSales Gear
• DeSales Bulldogs Athletics Live Videos
• DeSales Act 1 Performing Arts Ticket Sales
• Discover Lehigh Valley
• Dormify 

Hotels

See a list below of hotels near DeSales University. Rooms are subject to availability.

Hyatt Place Allentown - Lehigh Valley
621 Grange Road
Allentown, PA 18106
610-387-1000

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
3800 West Drive
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-709-9797

Homewood Suites by Hilton
3350 Center Valley Parkway
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-351-6400

Join DeSales Alumni and Friends on Facebook and Instagram.

The below lists are suggested items to bring to campus if you are a resident student. Please review the list and coordinate with your roommate as there is no need to bring multiple appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, televisions, and coffee pots.

Personal

• Clothing appropriate for the season
• Identification (license/photo ID)
• Checkbook/debit/credit card
• Insurance card
• Room safe
• Sports equipment/bicycle/bike lock

Academic (All items available in campus store)

• Notebooks
• Binder
• Folder
• Pens/pencils
• Highlighters/markers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Stapler
• Planner/calendar
• Dictionary/Thesaurus

Bedding & Bath

• Pillows/pillowcases
• XL twin sheets
• Comforter
• Egg crate or mattress pad
• Blanket
• Bath towels
• Washcloths
• Shower caddy
• Flip-flops
• Bathrobe
• First-aid kit/medication
• Hygiene products as needed

Household

• Flashlight/batteries
• Erasable message board
• Desk lamp or approved torch lamp
• Reusable dishes (microwave safe), glassware, utensils, storage containers
• Refillable water filter pitcher
• Can opener
• Dishwashing liquid/sponge
• Cleaning supplies
• Paper towels/napkins
• Trash can/Recycle can
• Fan
• Umbrella
• Storage crates
• Area rug (6' x 9' or 8' x 10' suggested)
• Coffee pot (single brew w/ auto-shutoff only)
• Refrigerator (4.7 cubic feet or less)**
• Microwave (700 watts or less)**
• Collapsible snow shovel and window scraper (if bringing a vehicle)

** Energy efficient combination microwave/refrigerator units can be rented at mymicrofridge.com.

Laundry

• Laundry bag/hamper
• Detergent/fabric softener
• Drying rack
• Clothes hangers
• Iron w/ auto-shutoff (used only in laundry room)

Electronics

• Computer, charger, laptop lock (Please review the minimum technology requirements for online learning)
• Ethernet cable (min. 25' in length)
• Music player/speakers (Stereo/MP3)
• TV/coaxial cable (min. 10' in length)
• DVD/Blu-ray player
• Video game system
• Camera
• Alarm clock
• Cell phone/charger
• Power strip(s) with surge protection
• UL approved extension cord(s)

Decorations

• Photos/pictures/posters
• Removable hanging strips/hooks (3M)
• Blue painter's tape
• Poster tack putty (White only)***

*** Nails, thumb tacks, hooks, and duct tape are discouraged. Students are responsible for holes/marks on walls at end of the year.

PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME

• Pets (other than fish in 10-gallon or smaller tanks)
• candles, incense, halogen lamps
• hot plates, Foreman grills, toasters
• space heaters, or any other appliances with exposed heating elements
• bed risers, over-the-door hangers
• alcohol and drugs
• guns, weapons
• drones, hoverboards
• personal bathroom wipes (even if branded "flushable")
• A full list of prohibited items is available at desales.edu/studenthandbook

• Bookstore
• Financial Aid
• Housing
• Meal Plans
• Microfridge Rental Information
• Online Learning
• Staff Directory
• Student Handbook
• Student IDs/Paws Pass/Paw Bucks
• Student Resources
• Trexler Library

Instagram Accounts to Follow

• DeSales University: @desalesuniversity
• President Fr. Jim Greenfield: @desalesufrjim
• CharacterU Orientation: @dsucharacteru
• Student Activities/Campus Activities Board (CAB): @desalescab
• DeSales Multicultural Office: @dsumulticultural
• Career Development Center: @dsucareer
• DeSales Campus Environment: @desalesucampus
• Office of Community Service and Advocacy: @dsuservice
• Wellness Center: @dsuwellnesscenter
• Residence Life: @lifeatdesales
• Academic Success Center (ASC): @desales_asc
• Veteran Services: @desalesveterans
• Trexler Library: @desales_trexler
• DeSales Dining: @desalesdining
• Athletics: @dsubulldogs
• Frankie the Bulldog Mascot: @dsubulldog
• Student Government Association (SGA): @desalesusga

Additional Links

• DeSales Gear
• DeSales Bulldogs Athletics Live Videos
• DeSales Act 1 Performing Arts Ticket Sales
• Discover Lehigh Valley