Undergraduate New Student Orientation Program
HPU's New Student Orientation program seeks to provide an engaging and informative experience that ensures students transition smoothly into HPU and feel welcome.
During New Student Orientation, students will receive information on: academic preparedness, student success and resources, how we build community, learn about culture and campus integration, learn about leadership opportunities and essential information about campus life, housing, Title IX, transportation, safety and more.
New students who are undergraduate: (full-time first-years, transfers, and visiting/exchange students are required to participate in the orientation program. The orientation fee is automatically placed on students’ accounts.
As the university prepares to welcome new students to campus, we will continue to review and adjust the orientation schedule. Please check back here for the most up-to-date information. Questions? Send us a message at readysetgo@hpu.edu.
residential students only - housing will be in contact with you.
Move-In Day: Thursday, January 8th (Specific times will be emailed to you based on your housing location)
For residents at Harbor Lofts located at Aloha Tower Marketplace and residents at Executive Centre, more information will be available soon. Please reserve the date. Specific details and additional information will be sent to the student’s HPU email address.
Thursday, January 8, 2026 - Residential Students Only
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Move-In
Welcome to HPU! Move into your residence hall, unpack, and meet your roommates.
Location: Housing Office – Pick up your housing packets and keys at Aloha Tower Marketplace (ATM)
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
University Business
Stop by the office you need for a financial check-in. View your eBill, understand your account balance and payment options, and receive one-on-one assistance with financial aid and payment questions. Locations: Various campus locations
Friday, January 9, 2026 - ALL NEW Students
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Check-In with Coffee and Pastries
Start the day by checking in and enjoying a light "pick-me-up."
Location: Center Atrium (outside the Learning Commons)
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome from HPU Leadership
Hear from President John Gotanda and Acting Provost Dr. Brenda Jensen as they welcome you to the Shark ‘Ohana.
Location: Sunset Ballroom
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Academic Deans Welcome
Meet the Academic Deans from HPU’s undergraduate colleges and schools:
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences
- College of Professional Studies
- College of Business
- School of Nursing
Location: Sunset Ballroom
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Break
Location: Diamond Head Lanai - healthy snacks
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
We Care: Campus Safety & Student Wellbeing
Learn about the support resources available for HPU students, including Title IX, Counseling and Behavioral Health Services, Campus Safety, and Basic Needs.
Location: Sunset Ballroom
10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break
Location: Sunset Ballroom
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Financial Literacy & Student Accounts
Learn about financial aid, billing, and payment processes with representatives from Financial Aid, the Business Office, and Accounts Payable.
Location: Sunset Ballroom
11:40 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Academic Resources
Start your semester strong by learning about HPU’s academic support services, including academic advising, accessibility services, testing, tutoring, and library resources.
Presented by the Center for Academic Success, Academic Advising, and the Libraries.
Location: Sunset Ballroom
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Box Lunch
Enjoy lunch and connect with fellow students.
Pick up at Pier 9
12:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Open House & Resources (Interactive)
Visit various offices and departments on site at Aloha Tower Marketplace to complete essential tasks and learn more about opportunities at HPU.
- Academic Advisors: Class registration assistance – MPR 1 - or make an appointment with an advisor.
- Registrar: Pick up your Student ID – Center Atrium
- Financial Aid: Learn about your financial aid portal – Learning Commons
- Business Office: How to pay your bill – Learning Commons
- Human Resources: Information for on-campus employment – MPR 2
- Off-Campus Housing: Explore off-campus housing options – Center Atrium
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session: Get Involved at HPU! (Q&A Student Panel)
Hear from current HPU students about campus life, involvement opportunities, and what it means to be part of the Shark community. Learn about the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Registered Student Organizations, Peer Mentors Program and more.
Location: Sunset Ballroom
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Optional Campus Tours
Join a guided tour to get familiar with the HPU campus and surrounding area.
Meet at Center Atrium
Welcome to the Shark ‘Ohana!
We’re excited to help you start your journey at Hawai‘i Pacific University. Stay connected, get involved, and make the most of your HPU experience!