Your Next Steps
Register for SOAR (required)
If you haven't already, register for SOAR (Student Orientation Advising & Registration) to meet with a faculty advisor, register for classes, learn more about student life, technology and career development and chat with your new classmates. You'll also get registered for your first semester of classes. This in-person orientation is required for new Dominican students and takes place over the summer. Spaces fill quickly, so reserve your spot today!
Schedule post-SOAR financial aid session
As you prepare for the start of the semester, you may have outstanding questions about financial aid. After SOAR, you’ll receive an email invitation to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an expert to go over your financial aid award, the billing process, required documents and more.
Apply for housing (if living on campus)
You have the option to live on campus in the La Casa Residence Hall during year one of the program. If you would like to move forward, please complete your housing application as soon as possible to provide us with the information needed to assign your room and roommate. Please note that no housing deposit is needed.
Submit your final transcript
If you haven't already, don't forget to send your final high school transcript verifying the date of your graduation. Your final transcript must be on file in order for you to start the semester. If you took classes for college credit, DU will need those official transcripts or documentation as well. Your institution can send the official electronic copies to domadmis@dom.edu.
Set up your Dominican email on your phone
Your Dominican email is where you'll receive all communication after the first day of classes. But, some important information will also be sent there as soon as you deposit, so it's important to check both your personal and Dominican accounts regularly. Follow instructions to add your Dominican email to your iPhone or Android or have your messages forwarded to your personal email so you don't miss these updates. Questions? Check the KnowledgeBase or contact the IT Help Desk.
Finalize your financial aid (required)
Review your financial aid award letter. If you have only received an estimate, please submit outstanding documents, which are needed by the Financial Aid Office to finalize your award. Don't forget, you're required to accept or decline your student loans online and complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you are accepting student loans. If your parent is interested in a Parent PLUS loan, please complete the authorization form. Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office at (708) 524-6809.
Plan ahead for tuition payments (required)
Tuition is due on the first day of class and can be paid online. A bill will not be mailed to you—you will receive an email notification sent to your Dominican email address that your e-bill is ready to be viewed. Before the first day of classes, you need to make arrangements to pay your tuition in full or to choose a monthly payment plan for a fee of $45.00 per semester. If tuition is not paid in full by the first day of class and a monthly payment plan is not elected by that date, you are subject to a $90 non-refundable deferment fee and ongoing finance charges.
Upload immunizations (required)
All students are required to comply with the University policy for Immunizations. Prior to the first day of class all students must log in to the Wellness Center Online and upload documentation of the required immunizations. The Wellness Center portal is synced with the Illinois registry so some of your immunizations may already be uploaded. If it reads “Compliant Verified” you are compliant and nothing more needs to be done. Required Immunizations include 2 MMRs, TDAP within the last 10 years, and Meningitis (if under 22 years of age). You will also need to complete the required TB screening form. Failure to comply with the immunization policy will result in a fine.
Access the Wellness Center Online (link opens in new window). You will use your DU credentials to log in. Questions can be directed to the Wellness Center at (708) 524-6229 or wellness@dom.edu.
Complete online training (required)
Dominican University requires that all new students complete online training on sexual assault prevention, hazing prevention, and creating inclusive communities. This interactive online tool will help Dominican students further their understanding of important topics like sexual harassment and bystander intervention that will not only be beneficial in the campus environment but also in the community. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Karolina Staros.
For more information about diversity, equity and inclusion, or to make a bias incident report, please visit our Office of Justice, Equity and Inclusion web page.
Move onto campus
As you plan for your first day of classes, be sure to also save the date for Move-In on Sunday, August 16, 2026, if you plan to live in La Casa Residence Hall. You’ll receive move-in instructions through your Dominican email account. In accordance with FERPA laws, we are limited in the information we can provide to parents or guardians. As such, all housing-related communications will be sent directly to students, and students should regularly check their Dominican email for updates.
Get involved with student programming
From peace circles to ticket series for sporting events to leadership opportunities, there’s a place for you. Campus events and involvement opportunities are posted on the La Casa floor bulletin boards and lobby TV screens. On-campus events will also be shared in weekly emails. Interested in creating or joining a club, or finding additional ways to connect on campus? Visit the Residence Life Office (La Casa 202.7) or email chicagohousing@dom.edu.
Attend Transitions Bridge Program (required)
The Transitions Bridge Program, Bridge to the Future, is a required, week-long academic orientation for all incoming first-year students at Dominican University. Held on Monday, August 17–Friday, August 21, 2026, this program is designed to ensure you are fully prepared for the start of college academically, socially and personally. Through focused workshops and coaching, you will build essential skills in digital literacy, time management, academic expectations and self-accountability. For a full schedule, visit the Transitions Bridge Program page.
Attend Welcome Weekend (required)
Dominican hosts an entire weekend of fun for you and your family from Friday, August 21–Sunday, August 23, 2026. Welcome Weekend includes a Create Your Own Adventure: Chicago Campus Edition on Friday for students living on campus. On Saturday, returning associate’s degree students will participate in an evening program to connect with other students, faculty and staff. Finally, on Sunday, Chicago Campus students will join the River Forest campus community for DU Fest, our university’s kickoff event. You won’t want to miss it! Visit the Welcome Weekend page for more information.