Freshman Student Orientation
& Registration (SOAR)​

• • RSVP for Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR)
    * To RSVP, you MUST be admitted to the University of St. Francis and submit your $100 tuition deposit.
  • Create (and write down) your MyUSF Portal password
    After you enrolled at USF, you were provided a PIN, or temporary password, allowing you to enter the MyUSF online portal; a one stop site for accessing and administering your university resources. To access the portal, go to stfrancis.edu and click on the MyUSF link. Within the portal you are able to access your class schedule, financial aid, bill, grades, email, Canvas courses, library databases containing full text online journals and more. If you have lost or misplaced your PIN, please contact the Technology Support Center at techservices@stfrancis.edu or 815-768-8324.
  • Pay your tuition deposit
    Confirm your enrollment with a $100 deposit that will solidify your seat in our new class.
  • Complete a housing application. 
    You should live on campus! Complete a housing application and make a $50 deposit. If you are unsure about living on campus you can sign up for a live Q & A session or an overnight visit here.
  • Freshman Pre-Registration Survey
    This form should take about 10 minutes to complete.  It will give the Academic Resource Center an overview of your strengths, challenges, opportunities, and goals for the upcoming school year.
  • Writing Assessment
    Complete your assessment to determine the appropriate help you may need with your writing course at USF.
  • Math Assessment 
    Complete your assessment to determine which math course you will take while at USF.
  • Review your Financial Aid information
    Your financial aid information is available on the MyUSF portal. Look for to-do items and unsatisfied requirements in order to complete your file. For more detailed instructions, click here for an instructional flyer.  Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor or make an appointment at 815-740-3403 or bit.ly/FinAidUSFAppt.

• • Complete Online Orientation
    All new students must go through USF’s online orientation, which helps new students learn more about USF. This includes resources about academic services, campus policies, and people who can help you.
  • Mark Your Calendar for Welcome Weekend – August 18-20, 2023 
    You will meet your fellow classmates, faculty and staff, as well as learn more in your transition to becoming a college student before classes begin on Monday, August 21, 2023. See event schedules in “New Student Orientation” section below.
  • Complete the College Student Inventory Survey
    The purpose of the inventory is to get your thoughts on your first impressions of the university and what some of your concerns may be as you enter college.  During the first two weeks of the fall semester, you will meet one-on-one with an advisor to discuss ways in which you can prepare yourself to succeed.
  • Order Textbooks for Your Classes
    Each course you take may have a textbook which need to be ordered prior to the start of each semester. The USF bookstore makes the process easy for you.
  • Upload Photo for USF Student ID
    Upload a professional photo. Only white/off-white backgrounds can be used in your photo. Other color backgrounds or obstructions will not be accepted. You can pick up your ID during Welcome Weekend.
  • Submit Your Health and Medical Records
    These records must be turned in through the USF Portal by Friday, September 21, 2023 to avoid any medical holds or fees on your account. For more information, please contact Health Services at healthservices@stfrancis.edu
  • Send in Your Final, Official High School Transcripts Confirming Graduation
    Transcripts can be sent in a sealed envelope from the student, emailed from your previous school to admtranscript@stfrancis.edu, or mailed from your previous school to University of St. Francis, Admission Processing, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435. All transcripts must be received by August 18, 2023.
  • If Applicable: Send Your AP Scores or Dual Credit Transcripts

• Waive USF Student Health Insurance
  You should waive USF student health insurance if you already have health insurance and do not need it. All students are automatically enrolled in the USF health insurance policy every year. If you already have external health insurance and do NOT require USF insurance, you must complete the online health insurance waiver form through your MyUSF Portal. The deadline to complete the Health Insurance Waiver is August 31, 2023 (reminders will be sent to your USF email prior to the deadline). There is no hard copy of this form. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact USF Health Services at healthservices@stfrancis.edu
• Request your USF Parking Permit
  Please make sure you have your vehicle information available prior to visiting the website or security office (make, model, license plate #). You can pick up your permit during Welcome Weekend and for more details check out the Parking Regulations.
• First-Year Transition 
  USF’s First-Year Transition Program offers an academic experience designed to smooth your transition to college and the next chapter in your life. The program is July 31-August 4, 2023. You will earn one college credit for only $30.
• Apply to Become a Saints Ambassador (Optional) 
  Have you taken a campus tour, been to an admissions event, or seen Bernie walking around campus? Chances are, you have interacted with a Saints Ambassador before! Consider joining the Saints Ambassadors Corps family today!

• On Campus Jobs
  Looking for on campus employment when you arrive. USF departments are looking to connect with students through employment. It is a great opportunity to have a flexible schedule and learn more about USF.

July: Complete the New Student Check-In Process
In order to start classes, all students are required to complete a final check-in process through the USF portal. Starting in July 2023, when you log into the portal, you will be prompted to complete these steps.

Finalize/Confirm:

1. Housing arrangements
   You will be asked to confirm if you are planning to live off campus or on campus. If you are planning to live on-campus, you will be asked to confirm your room assignment. For more information or questions, contact Cedricka Carver at ccarver@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-4293.
2. Class schedule
   Next you will be asked to confirm or change your class schedule. If you need to make changes you can reach out to advising@stfrancis.edu.
3. Financial Aid
   Then you will review your Financial Aid. The process will show you any unsatisfied requirements in order to complete your file. For questions contact 815-740-3403 or you can schedule an appointment at https://bit.ly/FinAidUSFAppt. Also you may need to Complete your Student Loan Entrance Counseling and Loan Agreement (MPN) online, if applicable.
4. Tuition payments/setting up payment plans
   Finalize your plan to pay tuition, final bill, housing, and fees with these acceptable options:
   1. Tuition payment plan of five equal installments throughout the course of the semester. The Electronic on the MyUSF Portal. A semester payment plan fee of $90 will be added once you complete this required process.
   2. Payment in full for the entire semester’s balance (total costs minus all approved financial assistance).
   3. Down payment of $500 if financial aid is not finalized.

How to complete payment options:

• Online – visit the USF Portal at myusf.stfrancis.edu.
• Mail payment to: University of St. Francis, Student Accounts Office, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435.
• For more information or questions, visit the Student Accounts FAQ page on the USF website or email businessoffice@stfrancis.edu, or call 815-740-3688.

Welcome Weekend is a series of informative sessions about USF over the weekend before classes begin in August. It provides an opportunity for new students to meet other students in their class while attending fun events. The next Welcome Weekend will take place August 18-20, and the schedule includes New Student Transfer Orientation on Friday, August 18, which provides transfers with specific information about their area of study, and allows them to build connections with other transfer students. 

• Click here for the Welcome Weekend 2023 Schedule for Freshmen & Guests (PDF) 
• Click here for the Welcome Weekend 2023 Schedule for Transfers (PDF)

Would you like to be paired with a returning USF student who has the same interests as you? Someone to show you the ropes of being a successful college student… a “go-to” person who can answer questions or attend events with you? Take advantage of our Bernie Buddies Program!

• Living on campus is an amazing opportunity and it comes with a lot of questions. Use this First Year Student FAQs hand out to answer frequently asked questions or check out each residence halls profile here for more information.
• Whether you are a resident or commuter learning about dining on campus is key. For information about the dining centers and hours check out the website here. All residents are enrolled in the 175 block meal plan. To change your meal plan email jskinner@stfrancis.edu.
• As a student you will have a flexible schedule with a great deal of time outside of the classroom. The university provides a wide variety of Clubs and organizations to connect with and for you to grow your leadership skills. If you aren’t sure how to connect on campus reach out to Student Life.
• You are getting to know USF and preparing to start classes. Connect on Social Media! to see key reminders and fun happenings.
• Wondering if and what type of Technology is best to use for USF students? Check out this great information from IT Technology at USF. If you have follow up questions here is their contact info Tech Support Center Info.
• Over 50% of our students are first generation college students, meaning you are the first in your family to attend a 4-year institution. A key support for first generation students at USF is University Success Scholars.
• As you consider your student experience studying abroad can provide a wealth of experiences. Learn more about these opportunities on our website.
• The Academic Center for Excellence is your one stop shop for academic support. Whether you want help with classes or creating a four year plan to graduation they will be here to help!
• The Office of Institutional Diversity is responsible for fostering an environment where a variety of cultural systems are acknowledged, respected and valued. USF Diversity office is here to support you!
• You may have visited campus, but if you need a refresher, check out our Virtual Campus Tour!
• Mental Health & Wellness is a key support we hope to offer you while you are a student at USF. Please check out our counseling website for more information.