Welcome to the Hive, first-year Ambrosians! Your college journey begins here, and Welcome Week 2025 is designed just for you. From move-in day and meaningful traditions to community service, celebrations, and your first college classes, this week is full of opportunities to connect, explore, and start building your life at St. Ambrose. Here’s your full rundown of what to expect during this exciting week of new beginnings.
Move-In Day and Welcome Traditions
The energy on campus is electric as we officially welcome our newest Ambrosians!
- First-year move-in kicks off the week as new students arrive on campus, unload boxes, meet roommates, and settle into their new home. Our move-in volunteers will be ready with carts and plenty of helpful hands.
- Welcome Convocation follows in the afternoon – a meaningful chapel service rooted in reflection and community. Held for first-year students, it marks the beginning of their academic and spiritual journey at SAU.
- The SAU Clap-In is a powerful tradition you won’t forget. Faculty and staff line the sidewalks and cheer students on as they walk back into campus following Convocation – mirroring the clap-out that students receive when they cross the stage at graduation. It’s a moving moment that symbolizes your first steps as an Ambrosian.
- After the emotion and excitement, students and families are invited to a Welcome Cookout. This is a chance to gather, enjoy good food, and share one last hug before parents hit the road.
BeeComing Ambrosian Service Day
The next chapter of your Ambrosian experience begins with service.
BeeComing Ambrosian is our annual day of service for first-year students – a chance to give back and get to know the Quad Cities community that you will call home for the next four years. Students will head out in groups to various volunteer sites across both Iowa and Illinois. Projects may include:
- Organizing donations at a clothing center
- Assisting with inventory at a local food pantry
- Caring for animals at a horse rescue
- Helping residents with yard work and clean-up
It’s a hands-on introduction to St. Ambrose’s commitment to community engagement and servant leadership – and a fantastic way to bond with your new classmates.
Block Party
Before classes begin, it’s time to let loose.
Join us on Sunday evening for the SAU Block Party: a high-energy campus celebration filled with music, free food, outdoor games, inflatables, and tons of activities. It’s open to all students and the perfect way to connect with new friends and old before the semester starts.
First Day of Classes
Sharpen your pencils and charge your laptops – classes officially begin on Monday. Be sure to check your schedule, arrive a few minutes early, and don’t hesitate to ask for directions or support. Our faculty, staff, and student leaders are here to help you succeed from day one.
Student Employment Fair
Looking to gain work experience on campus? Don’t miss the Student Employment Fair.
Departments across campus will be hiring for roles in areas like the library, residence life, campus dining, IT, marketing, and more. Get ready to discover your next opportunity right here at SAU.
A Week of Meaningful Moments
Welcome Week is more than just a schedule of events – it's a launchpad for your SAU journey. You’ll meet friends, mentors, and professors who will shape your college experience. You’ll serve your community, embrace new traditions, and begin to see what it means to truly be Ambrosian.
We can’t wait to see how your story unfolds. Welcome home.
Incoming students can find out details about our Welcome Week schedule of events by checking their email.
Interested in experiencing the St. Ambrose community for yourself? Schedule a campus visit today and see what makes SAU the right fit for your future.
