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Welcome to Franciscan University!
We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Franciscan University family!
Orientation Weekend January 8-11, 2026 is strongly encouraged all new students and marks the beginning of your Franciscan journey. During these days, you’ll:
- Move into your residence hall
- Meet your roommates, classmates, and small group
- Connect with faculty, staff, and friars
- Explore academic, spiritual, and wellness resources
You and your family will also have opportunities to pray and join in the sacraments as you transition to life on campus. Our hope is to form joyful, faithful disciples—sharpening minds, enlightening hearts, and refreshing souls.
Contact: Student Life Office – [email protected] | 740-283-6441
Orientation Schedule
- 12:05 a.m.
Mass
J.C. Williams Center – Gallery Chapel
- 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
New Student Move-in: Resident students to assigned residence halls; All others to J.C. Williams Center
- 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner – Antonian Hall
- 7:30 p.m.
Opening Sessions (Parents and Students)
Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
- 8:30 p.m.
Parent and Student Social
Christ the Teacher – Lobby
- 9:00 p.m.
Small Groups
- 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Antonian Hall
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Franciscan University Campus Store Open
- 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Navigating Success: The Academic Life with the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Parents and Students)
Christ the Teacher – Room 137
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Advising and Course Changes
Christ the Teacher – Pope St. Paul VI Event Center
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Austrian Study Abroad – Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
Center for Student Success – Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
Health Forms – Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
Student Work Information – Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
Student Accounts/Financial Aid – Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
Parking Permits – Assisi Heights – Security Office
ID Photos – Christ the Teacher – Ground Floor
- 12:05 p.m.
Mass
J.C. Williams Center – Gallery Chapel
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Lunch
Antonian Hall
- 2:00 p.m.
What Every Parent and New Student Needs to Know (Parents and Students)
Christ the Teacher – Room 137
- 2:45 p.m.
Transitioning to Academics at Franciscan “Bringing Your A Game” (Students)
J.C. Williams Center – Household Commons
- 2:45 p.m.
A New Chapter for Parents (Parents)
J.C. Williams Center – Household Commons
- 3:30 p.m.
Personal Vocation (Parents and Students)
J.C. Williams Center – Household Commons
- 5:00 p.m.
University Welcome Dinner Complimentary (Parents and Students)
Christ the Teacher – Pope Paul VI Event Center
- 7:00 p.m.
Small Groups
TBA
- 8:00 p.m.
New Residents Meetings (Students)
Residence Halls
- 8:45 p.m.
Meet and Greet With Residence Life Staff (Students)
SS. Louis and Elizabeth Hall
- 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast
Antonian Hall
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Franciscan University Campus Store Open
- 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
The Scoop on Life at Franciscan (Parents and Students)
J.C. Williams Center – Household Commons
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
New Student Formation (Students)
J.C. Williams Center – Household Commons
- 11:30 a.m.
Orientation Mass
J.C. Williams Center – Gallery Chapel
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Lunch
Antonian Hall
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Shuttles to Local Shopping Areas
Rosary Circle
- 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Antonian Hall
- 7:00 p.m.
Bingo Extravaganza
J.C. Williams Center – Household Commons
- 10:00 p.m.
The After Party
SS Kolbe and Clare Hall
- 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Brunch
Antonian Hall
- 10:00 a.m.
Mass
J.C. Williams Center – Gallery Chapel
- 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Pub Open
J.C. Williams Center
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Orientation New Student Outing
Rosary Circle – Ice Skating at the Rink
- 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Antonian Hall
Tools for Success
Map & Directions
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952
Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport is an easy 30 minute drive away for those flying commercial.
Airport Pickup Service
If you are a new student attending New Student Orientation, please contact the Student Life Office to arrange to be picked up by the Orientation Transportation team at [email protected] or call 740-283-6344
Otherwise, here are some local transportation services:
- Checker Transportation: (740) 283-1757
- Airport Sedan Service: (412) 401-5466
FAQ
Parent attendance isn’t required, but it is highly recommended.
Orientation begins Thursday, January 8, 2026, with check-in running between 2-6 pm.
Yes. Shuttles are provided to and from Pittsburgh International Airport. When you RSVP for Orientation, you’ll share your travel details so we can plan for your arrival. Families staying off campus can also use shuttle service between campus and the Steubenville and Weirton hotels.
All New Student Services—financial aid, schedules, ID cards—can be handled during Orientation. ID Cards can also be processed prior to your arrival by submitting a photo through Admissions.
The University Campus Store has school supplies and essentials. Hollywood City Center (a short distance from campus) includes a Kroger and other stores. The Fort Steuben Mall area (about 10 minutes by car) has Walmart, Lowe’s, JCPenney, and more. Shuttles will take students (and families, if needed) to these locations on Saturday of Orientation.
Pack for hot summers and cold winters, always with modesty in mind.
Yes. While the University doesn’t rent refrigerators, you can purchase one locally at Walmart, Lowe’s, or similar stores.
The campus shuttle service, BaronExpress, arranges airport shuttles during breaks. These sign-ups are available via the Port and will be communicated over email prior to breaks. You can also make your own arrangements with friends or outside services for trips to the Pittsburgh International Airport.
No. The University doesn’t manage money transfers between families and students. You’ll need to use an existing bank account or open one locally. Local banks will be on campus Friday of Orientation to help students set up accounts. An ATM is available in the J.C. Williams Center. If you overpay your University account, a refund check will be issued for you to deposit at a bank.
Yes. Families are welcome in the cafeteria. However, only new students eat free during Orientation.