Roosevelt Welcomes New Lakers to an Inclusive Campus with Opportunities for Lifelong Friends
When you join the Roosevelt University community, you’ll share a campus with students from every walk of life. International business majors, conservatory members from another state and future teachers who hail from Chicago can all become potential classmates and future professional colleagues when you enroll. We work hard to roll out the “green carpet” for all new students, and our enthusiastic Orientation Leader team reflects the University’s incredible diversity with leaders from every geographic and academic background.
“People might come to campus and assume ‘I’m just an average Roosevelt student,’” says orientation leader Millie Escumalha-Ghapson “The truth is that there is no average Roosevelt student because we come from everywhere and bring something unique. Our groups contain CCPA students, student-athletes, international students—and we all come together to build this community.”
Millie and the entire Orientation Leader team, operated through Roosevelt’s Office of Student Engagement and New Student Orientation, trained for weeks to create a day-long program designed for incoming domestic freshman (specialized orientations for incoming international students are also available). Throughout the day, you can meet with Academic Advising to review your class schedule, obtain your Roosevelt ID, tour campus and discuss tuition costs with Financial Aid Services. Most importantly, you’ll meet your future fellow classmates and experience firsthand our welcoming community.
“You’ll learn that you can make friends very easily here, and it’s our job to show you how many extracurricular and community-building opportunities are available,” says Fabio Frugere. “You don’t need to be a huge extrovert to fit in here—everyone’s working to make sure you can find your place.”
But becoming involved at Roosevelt lasts far beyond orientation. The Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Experiences oversees dozens of student-run organizations that range from Women Who Code to the Black Student Union, and Lakers are encouraged to establish their own group to reflect their background or interests. No matter your story, Roosevelt is committed to your success.
Latest University News Releases
- Roosevelt University Alumna Dorothy R. Leavell honored with 2025 Independent Journalism Award"Dorothy R. Leavell, publisher of the Chicago Crusader and Gary Crusader newspapers, will be honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the Integrity Media Independent Journalism Award on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the University Club of Chicago, 76 East Monroe Street." Leavell studied at Roosevelt University.
- Chicago College of Performing Arts Alumnus David Schmitz Named Interim Executive Director of the American Conservatory Theater"American Conservatory Theater has appointed David Schmitz as Interim Executive Director of American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) ... 'We are fortunate to have David as our Interim Executive Director,' ... 'He will help us build upon A.C.T.’s tremendous legacy within the American Theater and the Bay Area communities we serve.'" Schmitz earned his MFA from the Theater Conservatory at Roosevelt University, as well as a Certificate of Non-Profit Management.
- Heller College of Business Alumnus Chenge Chando Recognized as a Top Agent of 2025 by BestAgents.Us"Baird & Warner is proud to announce that Chenge Chando, a dedicated Broker Associate, is now serving clients throughout the Chicago area. With a robust educational background and over a decade of experience in marketing and sales, Chenge is uniquely positioned to guide both buyers and sellers through the intricate world of real estate." Chando received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Roosevelt University.
- Executive Director of the RU School of Real Estate Collete English Dixon Launches Podcast “Brick, Grass (&) Steel”"Collete English Dixon, executive director of Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University, announced the launch of “Brick, Grass (&) Steel,” a podcast exploring how the built environment can support equitable, sustainable and resilient communities. Episodes will address how physical spaces influence survival and recovery in the face of climate change and natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfire, as well as how redevelopment affects equitable rebuilding. The conversation also explores how inequities in communities were created and prolonged."
- Heller College of Business Alumnus Frank Ronis Appointed Chief of Examinations by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias"Frank Ronis will serve as Chief of Examinations, overseeing department’s efforts to examine the books, records, and sales practices of Illinois-registered investment firms to assess compliance under state and federal laws." Ronis recieved his BBA from Roosevelt University.
- Roosevelt Alumna and Women's Leadership Council Member Melissa Bean Announces Campaign for US House of Representatives"Bean was first elected to an earlier version of the 8th District in 2004, unseating longtime GOP Rep. Philip M. Crane in what was a rare bright spot for Democrats and something of a precursor for the blue shift that would sweep the Chicago suburbs in the years since." Bean received her BA from Roosevelt University.