New Student Orientation ScheduleAugust 29th - September 1st, 2025

*Some locations and times are subject to change.*

Friday (MOVE-IN DAY), August 29th

8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Move into your Residence Hall
Stop by the tables at your residence hall (Norelius or Pittman) for your Residential Life welcome packet/keys.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
New Student Check-In, Information Desk, Lower Level of Jackson Campus Center 
Gather Student ID, orientation schedule, and necessary information for the next 3 days!

9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
1st Generation College Student Welcome, Center for Inclusive Excellence, Lower Level of Johnson Student Union
This 鈥1st Generation college student鈥 informal mixer will have current 1Gen students, staff, and faculty on hand to welcome you, answer questions you may have, and hand out free swag! Join us when you are able for this 鈥榗ome and go鈥 event.

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Family Legacy Pictures, Tent near the north side of Old Main
The Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement wants to celebrate the Gustie legacy in your family! Stop by to take a photo with your student(s) and any alumni family members to be featured in the 麻豆视频 magazine and online. 

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Convocation for New Students and Families,
Christ Chapel
 A ceremonial welcome and presentation of the entering class. Dress is casual.

*Families should depart from campus following this event to give their students time to gather for their first orientation group event. Thank you for the support and hard work that made this day possible!

12:45 p.m.
Norelius Hall Section Meet-Up for Lunch, outside of Christ Chapel 
Join your Collegiate Fellow and other class of 2029 sectionmates to meet one another, create connections, and then head over to the Evelyn Young Dining Room together.

1:00 p.m.
Pittman Hall Floor Meet-Up for Lunch, outside of Christ Chapel 
Join your Collegiate Fellow and other class of 2029 floormates to meet one another, create connections, and then head over to the Evelyn Young Dining Room together.

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Room Set-up
Join your roommate to unpack your belongings, decorate your room, and get settled before your weekend of activities! 

4:30 p.m.
Orientation Group Meet-Up

Join your Gustie Greeter and other class of 2029 classmates to meet one another, create connections, and review the orientation schedule. Refer to your Orientation Group assignment sheet in your check-in day folder. 

5:30 p.m.
Dinner and a Show 

Groups 1-16: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room
Groups 17-33: 鈥淐an I Kiss You?鈥, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
鈥淐an I Kiss You?鈥 is one of the most inclusive and sought-after programs for providing specific how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault.

6:30 p.m.
Dinner and a Show
Groups 17-33: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room
Groups 1-16: 鈥淐an I Kiss You?鈥, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
鈥淐an I Kiss You?鈥 is one of the most inclusive and sought-after programs for providing specific how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault.
 
7:45 p.m.
Orientation to Community Living 
Norelius Hall Orientation, Gus Young Court, Lund Center
Pittman Hall Orientation, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union 
During this time you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Residential Life staff and your fellow floor/section residents. You will learn valuable information and discuss issues relevant to living on campus.

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
CAB Event TBD,
Lund Arena


Saturday, August 30th

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Evelyn Young Dining Room open, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center 

10:00 a.m.
Wellness at 麻豆视频Lund Information Desk (Optional)
Kick off your college wellness on the right foot with a tour of the Lund Center. Staff will provide an overview of the facility and highlight equipment and facilities available.

10:00 a.m.
Yoga with the 麻豆视频 Yoga Club, Lund Forum, Lund Center 1st floor (Optional)

11:45 a.m.
Groups 1-16: Lunch with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room 
During this lunch, Greeters will discuss the topic of sustainability with their Orientation groups. This is a great time to learn a little bit about energy and waste management practices on campus and understand the responsibilities of being a Gustie. 
 
12:15 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Lunch with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room 
During this lunch, Greeters will discuss the topic of sustainability with their Orientation groups. This is a great time to learn a little bit about energy and waste management practices on campus and understand the responsibilities of being a Gustie. 

1:00 p.m.
Groups 1-16: Orientation Group Meeting 
Refer to your Orientation Group meeting location. 
Groups 17-33: Campus and classroom tours with your Orientation Group
Refer to your Orientation Group meeting location.

2:00 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Orientation Group Meeting 
Refer to your Orientation Group meeting location..
Groups 1-16: Campus and classroom tours with your Orientation Group 
Refer to your Orientation Group meeting location.

3:15 p.m.
Acing the Undergrad, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Johnson Student Union

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Theatre & Dance Orientation and Audition Information Session,
Gardner Laboratory Theatre, Schaefer Fine Arts Center/Nobel Hall
Find out more about the many opportunities to participate in productions at 麻豆视频. This orientation is open to anyone interested in any aspect of theatre or dance at 麻豆视频.

4:15 p.m.
Playfair, Lund Arena
Playfair is totally unlike anything else you have ever experienced. It鈥檚 entertaining, fun, and it鈥檚 the perfect way to make new campus friendships! Playfair is a team-building experience that has a long-lasting effect on the members of your class and is a great way to get to know your peers!

5:30 p.m.
Groups 1-16: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

6:00 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

7:00 p.m. 
Square Dance, Lund Arena
You don鈥檛 want to miss this 麻豆视频 TRADITION. Legend has it that you may meet your Gustie soulmate!

8:30 p.m.
Bingo!, Evelyn Young Dining Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
Traditional Bingo with extra fun and prizes! 

9:30 p.m.
Neon DanceCec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union 
Join your fellow classmates for a Neon Dance. Dress in your favorite neon-themed outfit.

10:00 p.m. 
Residence Hall Events 
Get to know the other Gusties you'll be living with this year during hall activities coordinated by your CFs. Meet on your floor/section to gather for a special event just for the residents in your building. 


Sunday, August 31st

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Evelyn Young Dining Room open, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center 

9:00 a.m.
Fun Run, Meet at Three Flags (Optional)
Meet up with some of the Gustie Greeters for a relaxed run through and around campus. The Greeters will show you some of the running routes that our students run. The route will be through the Arboretum, around campus using Jefferson Street, Broadway Ave, and Sunrise Ave. The run will be no longer than 3 miles and will be at a relaxed pace.

9:00 a.m.
Walk and Talk, Meet at Three Flags (Optional)
Meet up with some Gustie Greeters for a casual walk through and around campus. The route will be through the Arboretum and around campus.

9:00 a.m.
Yoga with the 麻豆视频 Yoga Club, Lund Forum, Lund Center 1st Floor (Optional)

11:00 a.m.
Groups 1-16: Lunch Evelyn Young Dining Room
Lunch with your Orientation Group.

11:30 a.m. 
Groups 17-33: Lunch, Evelyn Young Dining Room
 Lunch with your Orientation Group.

12:15 p.m. 
Orientation Group Meeting, Orientation Group Meeting location

1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
"You. Me. We."
, Lund Arena
鈥淵ou. Me. We.鈥 is a social justice initiative built to provide new students with a forum to discuss the transition to college as it relates to social issues and pluralism. Through a performance presented by the GTC dramatic dialogues, you will have an opportunity to see how culture shapes our identities and to discuss how our common, yet varied human spirits impact the lens by which we see the world.

3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Orientation Group Debrief,
Orientation Group Meeting location

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Auditions for Technique Level Placement with the 麻豆视频 Dance Company and Apprentice Dance Company, Kresge Studio, Schaefer Fine Arts Center
Audition for the dance companies at 麻豆视频. Students do not need to prepare anything in advance for the audition but should arrive at the studio dressed to take a dance class (bare feet preferred).

5:00 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Dinner with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

5:30 p.m.
Groups 1-16: Dinner with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. 
Optional Sunday Worship Community, Christ Chapel
Looking for a faith community on campus? Join the Sunday Worship Community for a special worship service. We are a community of faith that proclaims: God's love wins and science is real! We believe our relationship with Jesus restores and liberates us. Visitors, doubters, believers, and questioners. All are welcome. And we have snacks!

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Class of 2029 Tulip Planting and Classmate Mixer
, 麻豆视频 Arboretum
Join other first-year Gusties and the Gustie Greeters to plant your 鈥楥lass of 2029鈥 tulip bulbs. This is a great time to get to know folks who are not in your orientation group!

8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Center for Inclusive Excellence Open House,
Center for Inclusive Excellence, Lower Level of Johnson Student Union 
Our G.A.I.N. facilitators invite you to stop by the Center for Inclusive Excellence. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the social, educational, and academic (S.E.A.) opportunities, as well as the various resources offered in, or through, the Center. Grab a snack and some swag or stick around for game night!

9:00 p.m.
Build Belonging in Beck, Beck Academic Hall
Meet Gusties who share similar hobbies and interests to you in Beck! Events offered throughout the building include an E-sports tournament, movie night, escape rooms, and a craft - paint your own mini 麻豆视频 Rock or make custom refrigerator agents. Additionally, make your way over to Olin for an open house in the observatory hosted by Dr. Darsa Donelan. 

9:30 p.m.
United Bonfire, Complex Fire Pit, near the visitor parking lot in front of the Jackson Campus Center
The United Christian organizations welcome ALL to a fellowship bonfire with s'mores, fun, and getting to know one another. The Complex Fire Pit is near the North, Gibbs, and Sorensen Halls.


Monday, September 1st

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Evelyn Young Dining Room open, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center 

Auditions
Woodwinds: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., FAM 120
Piano/Keyboard: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., FAM 319A
Handbells: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Christ Chapel
Jazz: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., FAM 103
Strings: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., FAM 308
Vocal: 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.FAM 214
Percussion: 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., FAM 106
Brass: 3:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., FAM 120

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
First Term Seminar (FTS) Meetings & Advising, Orientation group room assignment 
This session will be led by your First Term Seminar Professor. There will be a review of the goals and objectives of the FTS program and your syllabus. 

Lunch on your own, Market Place and Evelyn Dining Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
Grab lunch in the MarketPlace based on your First Term Seminar advising schedule/appointment. 

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Individual FTS Advising Meetings, Refer to the email from your Professor regarding the meeting location
Meet your FTS professor, who is also your academic advisor, and review your fall schedule before making any necessary adjustments. In the week leading up to this event, your FTS professor will send an email to your FTS section with specific details for this meeting.

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Success Sessions (Session BLOCK 1)
Classes begin tomorrow! Are you prepared? Choose one of these sessions to get you on the right track. 

  • Option 1: 鈥淗ow I Get Good Grades鈥, Three Crowns Banquet Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
    An upper-class student panel of high achievers in the classroom will share tips and answer questions on how they maintain their commendable GPAs, balance schoolwork, and personal life, and survive their transition to college-level academics.
  • Option 2: Writing Your Way to Success, President鈥檚 Dining Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
    Writing papers can be difficult and frustrating for many students throughout their college careers. The Writing Center is here to help. Meet the writing tutors, learn how to make appointments, and play games that will help you know what to expect for collegiate writing.
  • Option 3: Time Management, Konferensrum, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
    Whether you鈥檙e on a team, joining a student organization, playing in the band, finding time to study for classes, or all of these plus some, time management is an essential part of learning in college. This session will provide you with some tools and resources to effectively manage your time while at 麻豆视频 which will help you to be successful in college and beyond.
  • Option 4: How to Impress Your Profs, St. Peter Banquet Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
    Are you nervous about starting class tomorrow? Looking for some tips on meeting your professors' expectations? Attend this session to learn what professors are looking for and how your classes in college will differ from high school. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and prepare for classes!
  • Option 5: Adjustment 101: Navigating Mental Health in College, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
    Becoming a college student can be one of the most exciting and stressful periods of a person's life. While there are many "highs' with this experience, there are also often "lows" that weigh on a college student's well-being. In this workshop, 麻豆视频 Counseling Center staff will help you learn more about how mental health is impacted through this transition and develop ideas for how to build resilience in navigating this journey.

2:05 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Success Sessions Repeated (Session BLOCK 2)

2:45 p.m. OR 3:45 p.m. (Choose One)
Student Employment SessionCec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
Kicking off the year with an orientation to student employment. During this time you will learn what it means to be a student employee at 麻豆视频, pick up your name badge, connect with your supervisor to receive job-specific training information and have time to ask any remaining questions about your work placement. Pick one session and plan to spend the full hour.