Spring 2026 Undergraduate New Student Orientation

Spring 2026 Undergraduate Orientation


Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Spring 2026 Undergraduate Orientation will take place January 9, 2026, welcoming new students to the Shark ‘ohana. The program begins with residence hall move-in on January 8, 2026 with various support services on site. The program on Friday will include opportunities for university business, financial check-ins, and placement testing.

Orientation Day includes a welcome from President John Gotanda and Acting Provost Dr. Brenda Jensen, introductions from academic deans, and sessions on student wellbeing, financial literacy, and academic success resources. Students will also connect with key campus partners during the interactive meeting times at various locations at Aloha Tower Market Place and enjoy opportunities to get involved through student panels and optional campus tours. The one-day event is designed to ensure a smooth transition, foster connections, and prepare students for a successful start at HPU.

NO Registration is required.

 

Thursday, January 8, 2026 - Residential Students Only for Move-in

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Campus Residents 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. – 10:10 a.m.
Break


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 University Chaplian, and Basic Needs.
Location: Sunset Ballroom

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break
Location: Diamond Head lanai - healthy snacks 

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 and the Business Office.
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 adn Navigate, accessibility services, testing, tutoring, study abroad and library resources.
Presented by the Center for Academic Success, Academic Advising, Study Abroad 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 P.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 thier experience and ask any lingering questions you still have. If you are looking for opportunities to be involved, you have come to he right place! Get more information about Peer Mentors, Study Abrod, Student Government Association and Campus Activities Board, along with Registered Student Organizations and Student Activities available for students to participate in. Also... Mini Give-aways. 

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!