student leaders at BenBeginning

Ben Beginnings & Bridge to BenU

Welcome Home!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Benedictine University community.

Ben Beginnings

Ben Beginnings is the foundation for new students to build community, learn about being a student at Benedictine, and celebrate you becoming part of Benedictine! We are excited to offer a number of unique and exciting events as part of Ben Beginnings! These are in-person events held at the beginning of the fall semester.

Lisle Campus: Thursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25

Ben Beginnings is the kick-off and community welcome for you and your family as incoming Eagles! This is an opportunity to meet your fellow students, get to know your future professors, and connect with staff members at Benedictine University.  This is also a perfect opportunity to engage with the community as a whole with fun activities and events over the weekend. View photos from last year’s event.

Ben Beginnings Schedule for Lisle

Download schedule (pdf)

10:00am: Residential Student Check-In Opens
Fireside Lounge, Krasa Student Center

10:30am to 2:00pm: Residential Student Move-In

12:00pm: Lunch Opens, Students can use their swipe cards
Benny’s, Krasa Student Center

1:30pm to 2:00pm: Catholic Mass
St. Benedict Chapel, Kindlon Hall, 4th Floor

2:15pm to 3:00pm: Residence Hall Meetings

2:30pm: 3:00pm: Commuter Student Check-In. Fireside Lounge, Krasa Student Center

3:00pm to 4:30pm: Orientation Leader Program for New Students
Main Quad

2:45pm: *Parent Check-In
Goodwin Auditorium

3:00pm to 4:30pm: *Parent Programming
Goodwin Hall, Auditorium

4:30pm: Eagle Walk Line-Up for New Students
Kindlon Hall

4:45pm: Eagle Walk. Main Quad

5:00pm: Community Welcome and Dinner
Main Quad

6:30pm: Casino Night and Bingo. Goodwin Lobby

9:00am to 10:00am: College Hour – Get to know your college! Meet in GN Lobby. Intro to: NTSC 1101, WRIT 1101, BUSN 1000

10:15am to 12:00pm: Be Impactful Day of Service
Goodwin Hall, Lobby

12:00pm: Lunch, Students can use their swipe cards.
Be lmpactful Celebration
Benny’s, Krasa Student Center

1 :30pm: Venardos Circus–Circus Tent, College and Maple

2:45pm: Muslim Student Association led Prayer
Kindlon 5th Floor

2:30pm to 4:30pm: On Campus Activities: Games in the Quad, “Find your classroom” tours, visit essential services, and more …

5:00pm to 7:00pm: Dinner, Students can use their swipe cards
Benny’s. Krasa Student Center

6:30pm: Trivia Night – Coal Ben

11:00am to 1:00pm: Belong Scholar Orientation–by invitation only
Krasa Student Center, 2nd floor dining room

1:30pm to 3:00pm: LEADS Program Orientation–by invitation only
Kindlon 5th Floor

7:00pm: Football Scrimmage at the Stadium

8:30pm: Club Ben
The Pub at Coal Ben

1:00pm to 4:00pm: Scholars Orientation–by invitation only
Kindlon Hall, 163

5:00pm: Mass in St. Benedict Chapel
4th Floor Kindlon

11:00am: Opening Interfaith Convocation
Goodwin Auditorium

Mesa Campus: Friday, August 23

Ben Beginnings is the kick-off and community welcome for you and your family as incoming Redhawks! This is an opportunity to meet your fellow students, get to know your future professors, and connect with staff members at Benedictine University. This is also a perfect opportunity to engage with the community as a whole with fun activities and events.

Ben Beginnings Schedule for Mesa

12:00pm: International Student Orientation (International Students only)

2:00pm: New Student and Family Check-in, Gillett Hall Lobby

2:30pm: Welcome, Community Room

3:00pm to 4:30pm: Parent/Family Information Sessions, Gillett Hall Classrooms

3:00 to 5:00pm: New Student Programming

4:30pm: Parent/Family Social

5:00pm: Toast and Redhawk Walk

5:15pm: Dinner and Casino Night


Bridge to BenU

The Bridge to BenU sessions offer new students the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming year. Sessions will cover important topics about writing at a college level, preparing for math and science courses, opportunities to engage in the campus community, and much more!

Monday, August 12 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bridge to BenU allows new students to get ready for their educational and engagement experiences at BenU.  Students can choose any session in three different areas. These sessions are designed to give you important information and contacts at BenU for your success as a student. 


Tuition Counseling Next Steps Virtual Sessions

Multiple Dates

Join us at Benedictine University for our Tuition Counseling Next Steps session! This informative event is designed to help you navigate the final steps in your tuition process with ease and confidence. Whether you’re considering accepting your loans, exploring financing options, setting up payment plans to address any out-of-pocket balance, or understanding the process for receiving a refund, our expert counselors are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to get personalized assistance and ensure a smooth transition into your academic journey. Reserve your spot today and take the next step towards your future at Benedictine University!


Orientation Leaders

Orientation Leaders are undergraduate student leaders selected and trained to assist new students arrival to Benedictine. They act as guides, small group leaders, mentors and resources for new incoming students and parents. They will provide answers to any questions regarding the transition to Benedictine University.