Warriors at heart. Your campus experience may only last a few years, but your connection to Southern Wesleyan can last a lifetime. Stay connected to SWU through events, publications, and social media.

The faith-filled community at SWU is comprised of students, faculty and staff who are passionate about learning and growing, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Warrior Welcome Weekend Schedule

*Events with an asterisk are mandatory.

Friday, August 18

9 am – 2 pm: Welcome to SWU! — Admissions
When you arrive on campus report directly to the Admissions building where staff will greet you and direct you to your next destination. During this timeframe, students will move in to residence halls based on your appointment time or if you have other business to take care of we will direct you where to go.

9 am – 12 pm: Registration Tasks and Class Scheduling for Not Cleared Students* — Rickman Library
This is a critical step to be a fully-enrolled student at SWU. Take care of any final business in admissions, financial aid, student accounts, health services, and student IDs. For students who have not registered or need to make a change to their current class schedule, you will work with faculty advisors to register for classes or adjust your class schedule. You must have a schedule before you can be cleared.

11:30 am – 1 pm: Lunch — Dining Commons
Lunch is included for students with ID card and $7.65 for guests & family members.

2 pm – 3 pm: Student Athletes & Parents Meeting* — Newton Hobson
Learn about communication protocol and team community expectations.

 3 pm – 4 pm: Commuter Check-In — Rickman Library
Commuters and their guests will arrive to finalize the registration process, if you have not yet done so. If you have other business to take care of we will direct where to go.

4 pm – 5:30 pm: Commuter Community Meeting* — Rickman Library
A special gathering just for commuter students! Learn what it means to be a successful commuter and connect to your Student Government representatives as well as key resources on campus.

4 pm – 5 pm: Parent Session — Newton Hobson Auditorium
Meet with SWU leaders to learn more about the key issues and questions most parents have as well as an opportunity for Q&A.

5:30 pm – 7 pm: Welcome to SWU Dinner — Dining Commons
You are invited to join us for a special dinner to welcome you to SWU. The cost of dinner will be covered for students and guests.

6:45 pm: Legacy Photo — SWU Sign at the Fountain
Alumni parents and their students will meet up to take a photo with our Director of Alumni, Heath Mullikin.

7 pm – 9 pm: Meet and Sweets — Blue Hill
Time to have some fun! Hangout, meet new friends and enjoy snacks and games together.

7 pm – 9 pm: Parent Trivia — Founders
After saying goodnight to your students come join the President and other parents for a time of connection and fun. We’ll be giving away some fun SWU prizes.

Saturday, August 19

7:30 am – 8 am: Warrior Fun Run — Meet at Fountain in front of Library
Join President Barker and other SWU leaders for a brief charged-up run around the campus culminating with an important presentation at Freedom’s Hill Chapel

8:45 am – 10 am: Family Brunch — Dining Commons
The cost of this meal will be covered for students and guests.

10:15 am – 11:15 am: Welcome Session & Passing the Mantle Ceremony* — Newton Hobson
A special SWU tradition for families and new students that will focus on the transition into a new educational and spiritual journey as an independent young adult. Your new SWU community will be there to welcome you and pray for you.

11:15 am – 11:45 am: Parent and Guests Send-Off — Newton Hobson
Give a final hug and goodbye to families and guests and receive a special gift from SWU. Students begin the next phase of orientation by receiving their t-shirts and get ready to kick off the afternoon.

12 pm – 12:30 pm: Student Group Photo (wear your new t-shirt!) — Rickman Library Lawn

12:30 pm – 2 pm: New Student Lunch – How to Succeed at SWU* — Founders
Meet your personal Orientation Guide (one of our current students) and have the chance to connect with new friends at SWU. We will help you to be informed, equipped, and engaged in the next few days and first week of school.

2 pm – 3:30 pm: My Professor Wants What?* — Founders
Get the inside scoop about what a typical professor wants in the classroom and how you can succeed. This is also a time to get to know some faculty from your major as well as other new students who will be in your major.

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Connection Time — Blue Hill
Come and meet your SGA President and Vice President and wrap up the afternoon with a free drink at Blue Hill.

5:30 pm – 7 pm: Dinner — Dining Common

7 pm – 8:30 pm: Women’s Soccer Scrimmage & Tailgate — Child’s Field
Your Orientation Guide (student leader) will tell you all you need to know to join your first SWU athletic event and enjoy tailgating with new and returning students.

8:30 pm – 10 pm: Warrior Welcome After Party — Bryant Lodge
Join the party and meet new friends as we celebrate your new adventure in college life at SWU.

Sunday, August 20

9 am – 12 pm: Worship at Local Churches
Connect with your Orientation Guide (student leader) or grab some friends and find a local place of worship.

11 am – 1 pm: Sunday Brunch — Dining Commons

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Grocery Bingo — Blue Hill
Come join us for one of our favorite SWU events! There will be lots of great prizes and an opportunity to learn more about how to care for your mental and spiritual wellness at SWU.

5 pm – 6 pm: Dinner — Dining Commons

8:00 pm: REACH Student Worship — Dupin Amphitheater
Relax with your new friends and worship with one of SWU’s student-led ministries as you look forward to your first day of classes on Monday.