Warrior Welcome Weekend Schedule

Warrior Welcome Weekend - Spring 2026

*Events with an asterisk are mandatory

Friday, January 2nd

9:00 am – 12:00 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 your residence hall room (if applicable). If you have other business to finalize, we will direct you where to go from here.

9:00 am – 12:00 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. Please 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 to register for classes or adjust your class schedule. You must have a schedule before you can be fully cleared.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch – Dining Commons
Lunch is included for all new students with an ID card and is free for guests and family members.

1:15 pm – 2:00 pm: Welcome Session (Plus Parents!) & Passing the Mantle Ceremony* – Freedom's Hill Chapel
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.

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm: Life in Community - Beyond Academics at SWU* – Newton Hobson
Resources for your daily life at SWU and understanding expectations SWU has of each student.

3:00 pm – 4:45 pm: Preparing for Academic Success at SWU* - Newton Hobson
Get your login information and a tour of mySWU, Canvas, the Chapel attendance app and more to help you prepare for a successful start at SWU!

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner & Games – Game Room

Saturday, January 3rd

9:00 am – 10:00 am: Breakfast – Dining Commons
Breakfast is included for all new students with a current student ID.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch – Dining Commons

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Opportunities are Boundless – Central/Clemson
Take a hike to a local waterfall, explore the sidewalks of Central (and a few of their special shops – bring $$!), get some last-minute supplies from Walmart, grab a nap before classes begin. Regardless of what you would like to do, we’ll have some opportunities available led by some of our student leaders. Just let us know what you would like to do or if you are taking this time for yourself. (Length of time for each activity varies).

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Dinner – Dining Commons
Dinner is included for all new students with a current student ID.

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Off-Campus Adventure – Central/Clemson
Feeling spontaneous? We’ll see what everyone is interested in and make a plan!

Sunday, January 4th

9:30 am - 10:30 am: Continental Breakfast
If you need a bite to eat before church, here’s your opportunity (on-campus students only).

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Worship at Local Churches
Connect with your RA, upper-level students, or new roommates and start searching for your new church home. If you live local, feel free to attend your home church (invite a friend too!).

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Sunday Brunch – Dining Commons

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Your Time
Feel free to use this time any way you like!

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Dinner – Dining Commons
Returning students are probably back so head on over the Dining Commons and meet some new friends. We know it can be intimidating as a new student but show us what you’re made of!

7:00 pm – 9:00 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.

Monday, January 5th