Rocker Ready Schedule Information

Welcome to Our South Dakota Mines Family. All new students will need to attend an orientation prior to the start of the semester. Rocker Ready helps prepare you for your academic career here at South Dakota Mines. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet new people and have a lot of fun. After orientation, Rocker Launch starts with different, fun and entertaining programs and activities each night!

Fall 2023 Information:

Save the Date! Fall Rocker Ready Orientation will be August 17-20, 2023. Below is a tentative schedule.  Each student will receive their official Orientation schedule via email, and a hard copy will be available at check-in.

Thursday, August 17, 2023 (Move-In/Check-In Day)

Time   Event:  Location
7:30 am-4:00 pm Campus Offices Open 

Registrar’s: Located main level of O’Harra Bldg

Financial Aid: Located main level of O’Harra Bldg

Cashier’s Office: Located on the main level Surbeck Center

Counseling: Located on the main level Surbeck Center

Accessibility Services: Located 2nd floor Devereaux Library

Rocker Shop (Bookstore) Pick up your textbooks, last-minute supplies, or some Hardrocker Gear! Located on the main level of the Surbeck Center
Various Locations
8:00 am-4:00 pm Move Into Residence Halls Residence Life Office-Main Level of Surbeck Center

9:00 am- 3:00 pm

 Orientation Check In and Laptop Pick up. (Must have your Grubby ID to pick up laptop) (Pre-sign up on New Student Checklist)Main Level Devereaux Library
4:30 pm- 7:00 pmDinner on your Own (Dining Hall Hours 5:30 pm-8:00 pm) Meal Plans beginDining Hall/Off Campus
7:00 pmAll Hall Meeting for Residence Hall StudentsSurbeck Ballroom
8:00 pmResidence Life Welcome Event TBDSurbeck Ballroom

Friday, August 18, 2023 (Required)

Time   Event:  Location
9:00 am-10:00 am Breakfast TBD
10:15 am- 10:30 am Rocker Ready Kickoff (Students receive Beanies) O'Harra Stadium
10:30 am- 11:00 am Time with your Mentor Various Locations
11:00 am- 12:00 pm Academic Program Meetings Various Locations
12:00 pm- 1:20 pmLunch and say goodbye to familiesKing Center-Fraser Gymnasium
1:30 pm- 2:30 pmSex and the Law PresentationKing Center- Goodell Gymnasium
2:45 pm- 3:15 pmFaculty Ed TalkVarious Locations
3:25 pm- 4:25 pmCampus Scavenger Hunt CompetitionVarious Locations
3:25 pm- 4:25 pmTransfer Student Experience TBD 
4:25 pm- 5:30 pmBreak and free time
5:30 pm- 7:00 pmDinner on your OwnDining Hall/Off Campus
7:00 pm-8:00 pmResidence Hall Floor MeetingsResidence Halls
8:00 pmWelcome Week Event: TBDTBD


Saturday, August 19, 2023 

 Time  Event:  Location
8:30 am-10:00 am Breakfast on Your Own Dining Hall
10:00 am- 10:40 amCampus Life and Traditions Homebase Locations 
10:40 am- 11:10 amTech Talk with IT Homebase Locations 
11:20 am- 11:50 am Conference Style Block 1 Various Locations
12:00 pm- 1:30 pmLunch Dining Hall 
1:40 pm- 2:10 pmConference Style Block 2 Various Locations 
2:20 pm- 2:50 pm Conference Style Block 3 Various Locations 
3:00 pm- 3:30 pm Break  
3:30 pm- 6:00 pm Downtown Rapid City Food Crawl Downtown RC 
6:30 pm- 8:00 pmTentative: Rowdy Rocker Welcome Picnic King Center Parking Lot 
8:00 pm- 10:00 pmWelcome Week Event: Wellness Center Open House/ Rec Night King Center


Sunday, August 20, 2023

Time Event Location
10:00 am Non-Denominational Service (Sponsored by Campus Ministries) Surbeck Ballroom
11:00 am- 1:00 pm Lunch Dining Hall
2:00 pm- 3:00 pm Tips and Tricks to be a Successful Hardrocker Surbeck Ballroom/ CB 204 E/W
7:00 pmMass with Father Mark (Sponsored by the Newman Center) Newman Center 
8:00 pmWelcome Week Event TBD 
9:00 pm Residence Life Event: Letters from Home Residence Halls 


Additional Orientation Sessions

Orientation: Parents and Families

Fall 2023 Information coming soon!

Orientation: Athletics

Reporting/Move In dates for fall sports are as follows:

Fall 2023 Information coming soon!
Student Athletes will receive a schedule and more information from their coaches. Athletes are also required to attend the in person Rocker Ready Orientation on August 17-20.

Orientation: Veterans

Fall 2023 Information coming soon!


Orientation: International Students

Fall 2023 Information coming soon!


Office for Inclusion - Pre Orientation


Fall 2023 Information coming soon!



For additional information contact (605) 394-2336, orientation@sdsmt.edu.