Rocker Ready Orientation
Welcome to the South Dakota Mines Family!
We’re thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. Before classes begin, all new students are required to attend Rocker Ready Orientation, your first step toward a successful college journey.
Rocker Ready isn’t just about learning the ropes—it’s your launchpad to academic success, campus life, and lasting friendships. You'll get essential info to thrive at South Dakota Mines and connect with fellow students through exciting activities and shared experiences.
And the fun doesn't stop there! Once orientation wraps up, we kick off Rocker Launch—a week packed with high-energy events, social gatherings, and unforgettable nights designed to help you feel right at home.
Get ready to learn, connect, and make memories. Below you will find more information about our Rocker Ready Orientation program as well as our Athletic, International, Veteran, and Multicultural Affairs pre-orientation programs.
Fall 2026 Rocker Ready Information
Below is a sample schedule. Final schedules will be emailed to students on Wednesday, August 19.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Move into Residence Halls | Residence Halls |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Rocker Ready Check-In | Devereaux Library - Main Level |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (By Appt.) | Laptop Pick Up (Grubby ID Required) | Devereaux Library - Main Level |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Dining Hall Open for Lunch (meal plans begin) | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. | Floor & Community Meetings (for residnece hall students) | Various Locations |
| 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Hardrocker Night at Summer Nights (Check out downtown Rapid City, various Mines groups and enjoy live music by Slamabama.) | 6th and Kansas City Street - Downtown Rapid City |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 9:30 a.m. | Gather for Kickoff (Walk to kickoff at 10:00 a.m.) | Surbeck Plaza (east side of building) |
| 10:05 a.m. | Rocker Ready Kickoff | Campus Quad/Goodell Gym Backup |
| 10:20 a.m. | Dismiss by Groups to Presentation | Campus Quad/Goodell Gym Backup |
| 10:35 - 11:25 a.m. | Keynote Speaker: Malcolm Chapman | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| 11:25 - 11:30 a.m. | Dismiss to Department Meetings | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Academic Program Meetings | Click Here for Locations |
| 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Lunch on your own (Dining hall hours 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.) | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe/Off Campus |
| 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Transfer Student Lunch & Social | Pearson Alumni Center - March Ballroom |
| 3:10 - 4:10 p.m. | Mentor/Mentee Activity | Homebase Locations |
| 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own (Dining hall hours 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.) | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | All-Hall Meeting & Event | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| 8:00 p.m. | Rocker Launch Event | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Unlocking Tools & Navigating Success | CBEC 2228, CB 204 E/W |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Sex, Technology & You | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| 11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. | Unlocking Tools & Navigating Success | CBEC 2228, CB 204 E/W |
| 11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. | Sex, Technology & You | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| 12:10 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch (Groups 1-6 @ 12:10 p.m., Groups 7-13 @ 12:30 p.m.) | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 1:30 - 2:10 p.m. | Conference Block 1 | Location on Your Final Schedule |
| 2:20 - 3:00 p.m. | Conference Block 2 | Location on Your Final Schedule |
| 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Connection Activities | Location on Your Final Schedule |
| 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Break | |
| 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. | Downtown Food Crawl | Downtown Rapid City |
| 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Pearson Hardrocker Cafe |
| 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Rowdy Rocker Welcome Picnic | King Center Parking Lot |
| 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Rocker Launch Event: Wellness & Recreation Night | King Center |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 a.m. | Campus Ministries Non-Denominational Service | Surbeck Center - Beck Ballroom |
| 7:00 p.m. | Mass with Father Mark | St. Carlo Acutis Catholic Student Center |
| 8:00 p.m. | Residence Life Event: Letters from Home | Residence Halls |
Athletic & Early Arrival Groups
Saturday, August 1 - Move-In
Sunday, August 2 - Student-Athlete & Parent Orientation
Monday, August 3 - Practice Begins
Friday, August 7 - Move-In and Student-Athlete & Parent Orientation
Monday, August 10 - Practice Begins
Friday, August 14 - Move-In and Student-Athlete & Parent Orientation
Monday, August 17 - Practice Begins
Wednesday, August 19, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Surbeck Center, Stevens Meeting Room
Tuesday, August 18 - Move-In & Move Night
Wednesday, August 19 - Campus Resources & Downtown Exploration
Thursday, August 20 - Move-In Crew, Mentor Pairing & Summer Nights
TBA
