ROAR Information for Families & Guests

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Check In

Student check-in will start at Albright Residence hall where you will be shown to your room. Please settle in and then proceed to the next part of your day.

11:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. | Optional Res Life Tours
Meet at Diana Fountain

Join the Residence Life team for guided tours of our residence halls and get a firsthand look at where you’ll live, learn, and connect. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, explore amenities, and envision your home away from home.

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch
Young Dining Hall in Trexler

All students, families, and guests are invited to join us for lunch.

1:00-1:20 p.m. | A Royal Welcome (All)
Sandra Levine Theater in the Gambrell Center

Welcome to Queens! Hear from Queens leadership, meet our incredible ROAR Leader Team, and witness the beginning of your student’s transition to life at Queens.

1:20-2:20 p.m. | Academic Success and Resources
Sandra Levine Theater in the Gambrell Center

This family-focused session will help you understand how your student’s academic journey is constructed. You’ll learn about key policies, degree requirements, and the resources available to support your student’s success.

2:30-3:00 p.m. | Understanding Your Student’s Area of Study

A representative from each college will provide an overview of your student’s first year, introduce the academic unit, explain faculty roles and expectations for academic rigor.

• • Blair College of Health
    McEwen 220
    Dr. Jaye Weaver, Dean, Blair College of Health & Presbyterian School of Nursing

• • College of Arts & Sciences
    Greenhoot Theater in the Gambrell Center
    Dr. Jeremiah Wills, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

• • Knight School of Communication
    McEwen 212
    Joe Cornelius, Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Programs
    Dr. Roseann Pluretti English, Assistant Professor

• • McColl School of Business
    Levine 131 – Claudia Belk
    Dr. Joseph Pieri, Senior Director, McColl School Academic Operations
    Dr. Beth Schneider, Director of Undergraduate Programs

• • Presbyterian School of Nursing
    Knight Crane Hall 233 – Sim Room
    Dr. Angie Hatley, Chief Nursing Administrator
    Dr. Peter Smith, Assistant Professor

3:10-3:40 p.m. | Breakout Sessions
See Breakout Sessions section for Locations

Choose one of the breakout sessions listed under each timeslot. Each timeslot and session are 30 minutes.

3:45-4:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions
See Breakout Sessions section for Locations

Choose one of the breakout sessions listed under each timeslot. Each timeslot and session are 30 minutes.

4:15-5:15 p.m. | Rex’s Resource Fair (All)
Levine Center

Explore many campus resources at your own pace. Travel throughout the fair and engage with members of the Queens community. Light refreshments will be provided.

4:45-5:15 p.m. | Optional Athletics Q&A

Student-athletes and families are invited to learn about the Queens student-athlete experience, including insurance and compliance. This conversation will focus on the athletic culture, resources for success, and the best ways for families to support their students.

9:00-9:30 a.m. | Morning Family Reception
Gambrell Center Lobby

Join us for a morning family reception to connect with other parents, enjoy light refreshments, and build community as you experience orientation together.

9:30-10:00 a.m. | Nuts and Bolts: What You Need to Know Before August
Sandra Levine Theater in the Gambrell Center

You don’t want to miss this session where we will cover the next critical steps before arriving in August. We’ll make sure you and your student are prepared for a smooth transition to life at Queens.

10:00-11:00 a.m. | Campus Safety & Campus Life
Sandra Levine Theater in the Gambrell Center

You will discover essential information on campus safety and strategies for supporting your student’s success during this informative session with our Campus Police and Dean of Students.

11:00-11:45 a.m. | Young Alumni Panel
Sandra Levine Theater in the Gambrell Center

Join our Queens recent graduates’ panel discussion as they share stories and experiences about their journey. This is an opportunity for families and guests to ask questions and discuss how to support your Royal during their journey.

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | See You in August Celebration Fair
Queens Hall

The See You in August Celebration Fair is a fun, come-and-go event where you can continue to connect with the Queens community. Enjoy games, music, and giveaways as you celebrate the start of your journey and get excited for the fall semester.

Choose one of the breakout sessions listed under each timeslot. Each timeslot and session are 30 minutes.

Changing Your Major
Knight Crane Hall 306

Thinking about changing your major, still undecided, or unable to meet with your Royal Advisor before ROAR? This breakout session is designed to help you prepare for a successful start at Queens University of Charlotte. You’ll explore academic interests and major options, learn about campus resources, review important registration information, and receive guidance on your next steps before registering for classes on Day 2 of ROAR. Staff will also be available to answer questions and help you feel confident and prepared for course registration.

• • Dr. Tourgeé D. Simpson, Jr., Director of Academic Advising
  • Debbie Gannon, Registrar
  • Shelby Washington, Academic Advisor for Undecided Students

Understanding Financial Aid and Student Accounts
Gambrell 101 – Tyson Room

Understanding financial aid and paying for college can feel overwhelming. This session will provide an overview of the MyFinancialAid and MyAccount portals, financial aid and payment options, deadlines, and financial planning at Queens University of Charlotte. Please note that this session is a general overview and will not address individual circumstances.

• • Derrick Everhart, Director of Financial Aid

Supporting Your Academic Journey: Student Accessibility Services
McEwen 110

Learn how Queens is committed to supporting every student’s academic success. In this session, we will walk you through available accommodations, how to request support, and the resources designed to help students thrive in the classroom and beyond.

• • Amanda Barrier, Director of Student Accessibility Services
  • Emily Pitman, Assistant Director for Student Accessibility Services

Living on Campus 101
McEwen 032

Living on Campus 101 is your guide to making the most of the Queens residential experience. We will talk about best practices for move-in that will help you get settled quickly. Get tips on how to create a space that feels like home.

• • Staff from Residential Life and Housing

Taking Care of your Mental Health in College
Knight Crane Hall 309

College can be an exciting yet overwhelming transition, making it essential to build habits that support your mental well-being. Our counseling staff will provide resources, focusing on strategies and how we can help you maintain and improve your mental health in college.

• • Staff from Queen’s Counseling Center

Royal Family Feud
McEwen 212

Survey says! Join Vandiver Center for Career Development for an interactive gameshow style session where you’ll learn about career resources and the internship program. Audience participation is welcome, and prizes will be awarded!

• • Staff from The Vandiver Center for Career Development

Choose one of the breakout sessions listed under each timeslot. Each timeslot and session are 30 minutes.

Understanding Financial Aid and Student Accounts
Gambrell 101 – Tyson Room

Understanding financial aid and paying for college can feel overwhelming. This session will provide an overview of the MyFinancialAid and MyAccount portals, financial aid and payment options, deadlines, and financial planning at Queens University of Charlotte. Please note this session is a general overview and will not address individual circumstances.

• • Derrick Everhart, Director of Financial Aid

Supporting Your Academic Journey: Student Accessibility Services
McEwen 110

Learn how Queens is committed to supporting every student’s academic success. In this session, we will walk you through available accommodations, how to request support, and the resources designed to help students with accommodation needs thrive in the classroom and beyond.

• • Amanda Barrier, Director of Student Accessibility Services
  • Emily Pitman, Assistant Director for Student Accessibility Services

Your Campus, Your Community: Exploring Student Life
McEwen 212

College is more than just classes — it’s about finding your place, building connections, and creating a sense of belonging. Come learn about the ways to get involved at Queens, from student organizations and leadership opportunities to campus events, traditions, and more. You will discover how student life can shape your experience, help you make lifelong friends, and set you up for success both in and out of the classroom.

• • Dr. Amber Slack, Vice President of Student Affairs
  • Madison Destefano and Tanjim Manan, ROAR Leader

The Charlotte Experience
McEwen 101

The Charlotte Experience introduces new students to the vibrant city that surrounds our campus. In this session, you’ll discover ways to explore, engage, and enjoy all that Charlotte has to offer. Learn how to make the city part of your college journey and expand your classroom beyond Queens.

• • ROAR Leaders

Community Building and Belonging at Queens
Knight Crane Hall 309

Discover how Queens fosters an inclusive campus where every student can feel seen, heard, and valued. This session will explore identity, connection, and ways to build meaningful community during a student’s time at Queens.

• • Renee Wells, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion / Chief Diversity Officer

Making the Most of Commuter Life
McEwen 202

This session allows our commuter students a chance to talk about the unique needs and challenges of commuting to campus and how to get the most out of your Queens experience.

• • Cynthia Jones, Associate Dean of Students
  • Justin Tinoco and Kayla Pennington, ROAR Leaders

Parent to Parent
McEwen 032

Parents, we invite you to hear from other Queen’s parents on navigating the parent experience. You will get great advice and insightful information in this valuable, authentic space.

• • Darryl White, Assistant Dean of Diversity Inclusion and Community Engagement