Fall 2024 Warrior Welcome Weekend Schedule
*Events with an asterisk are mandatory
Friday, August 16
9 AM — 2 PM – Welcome to SWU! – Clayton Welcome Center
When you arrive on campus, report directly to Admissions where staff will greet you and direct you to your next destination. During this timeframe, you will move into residence halls based on your appointment time. If you have other business to finalize, we will direct you where to go from here.
9 AM — 2 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 before moving into your residence hall. For students who have not registered or need to make a change to their current class schedule, you will work with faculty advisors over the weekend to register for classes or adjust your class schedule. You must have a schedule before you can be cleared.
10 AM — 11 AM – Military Families Open House – Warriors CARE Center
Meet your fellow veteran and military-affiliated students at an open house held in the Warriors CARE Center on the ground floor of Stuart Bennett Hall. Learn what resources and support are available to you as you connect with each other and the Warriors CARE Center directors.
11:30 AM — 1 PM – Lunch – Dining Commons
Lunch is included for students with an ID card and is $7.65 for guests and family members.
1 PM — 2 PM – Commuter Community Meeting* – Rickman Library
An important 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. If you have final registration or other business to finalize, we will direct you where to go from here.
2 PM — 3 PM – Student Athletes and Parents Meeting* – Newton Hobson
Learn about communication protocol and team community expectations.
5:30 PM — 7 PM – Welcome to SWU Dinner and SWU Leaders Meet and Greet – Dining Commons
You are invited to join us for a welcome dinner for students and their guests. The cost of dinner will be covered for all attendees, and the President and other SWU leaders will be available for conversation and to answer any questions you may have.
6:45 PM – Generations of SWU: Legacy Photo – SWU Sign at the Fountain
Alumni parents and their students will meet up to take a photo with the Director of Alumni for our SWU archives.
7PM — 9 PM – Meet and Sweets – Blue Hill
Time to have some fun! Join us at our on-campus coffee shop to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy snacks and games together.
Saturday, August 17
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 and Passing the Mantle Ceremony* – Newton Hobson
A special SWU tradition for families and new students that will dedicate the start of your Christian higher education pursuits and focus on the transition into a new educational and spiritual journey as an independent young adult. Your 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 say goodbye to families and guests. Students begin the next phase of orientation by receiving their t-shirts, taking a group photo, and getting ready to kick off the afternoon.
11:45 AM — 12 PM – Incoming Student Group Photo (wear your new t-shirt!) – Rickman Library Lawn
12 PM — 1 PM – New Student Lunch – How to Succeed at SWU* – Founders
Hear from Student Life about the many services and opportunities available to you on campus, from academic support to health services and more. We will provide you with all you need to feel informed, equipped, and engaged in the next few days and the first week of school.
1 PM — 2:30 PM – My Professor Wants What?* – Founders
Hear from current students and professors about what it takes to make the jump from high school to college successfully. Panelists will help students to understand what college is about, to calibrate expectations, to feel comfortable entering the classroom, and to know where to turn when difficulties arise.
3 PM — 4:30 PM – Meet your Major – Blue Hill
Get to know the professors and other students in your major as you learn about your program, co-curricular opportunities, and practical tips for beginning the academic year in your degree field.
5 PM — 7 PM – Dinner – Dining Commons
7 PM — 8:30 PM – Women’s Soccer Scrimmage & Tailgate – Child’s Field
Cheer on your fellow Warriors at your first SWU athletic event alongside 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 the start of your college life at SWU.
Sunday, August 18
9 AM — 12 PM – Worship at Local Churches
Connect with your RA, upperclassmen friends, or new roommates and start searching for your new church home.
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 Orientation traditions! There will be great prizes and an opportunity to enjoy fun and friendly competition with your new classmates.
5 PM — 6 PM – Dinner – Dining Commons
6:30 PM – REACH Student Worship – Alive Chapel
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.