New Student Move-In 2017: What You Need to Know for Aug. 19

Arriving on campus can be daunting for a college freshman. But Westminster is a family, and we’re eager to make our freshmen and transfer students feel at home in their first days on campus.

Below, learn what to expect on Move-In Day, August 19, 2017. 

• Note: Events marked with * are required activities for first-year students.
• Find the complete schedule for Saturday, Aug. 19 here, plus move-in details for returning students and athletes.
• Tag your Move-In and New Student Week photos with #WestmoMoveIn and #WestMO!

Arrival and Check-In

When students arrive on campus, they’ll be greeted by teams of returning students and student athletes ready to help them move into their dorms. The check-in station will be located in Sloss Hall’s Head Freshman Lounge. Campus information, parking stickers, and room keys will be picked up there.

Lunch will be served in Mueller Leadership Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students and families may purchase meals at the door for $8 per person.

For Parents and Family

While their students get settled, parents will have their own space to hang out at the Cool Zone in Mueller Leadership Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

From 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., while students attend the Skulls of Seven meeting, parents can meet and network with other families in Coulter Lecture Hall just before heading up to watch the Columns Ceremony.

Student Meeting: Skulls of Seven*

At 2:30 p.m., new students will meet with the Skulls of Seven, Westminster’s mystical society dedicated to upholding the traditions and ideals of the College, to receive instructions in preparation for the Columns Ceremony. Business casual attire is required for students.

Columns Ceremony and Convocation*

Immediately following the Skulls of Seven meeting, students will be escorted to The Hill for the traditional Columns Ceremony. One of Westminster’s most revered ceremonies, this tradition is one which students and alumni consider to be one of their fondest memories of Westminster. Families are welcome to gather near the Columns to take pictures as students are officially welcomed into the Westminster community.

Following the ceremony, families are to take their seats in Champ Auditorium before students process for the New Student Convocation, featuring an address by Westminster alumnus Derick Dailey ’11. Business casual attire is required for students for both the Columns Ceremony and Convocation.

After Convocation, everyone will gather in Latshaw Plaza outside of Champ Auditorium for a reception and farewell before students head off to their first orientation event and parents depart.

Orientation*

At 5:30 p.m., students will meet their mentors in the dining hall for their first meal as Westminster students! After dinner, mentors will show students their Westminster Seminar classrooms and review the New Student Week schedule. Seminar groups will also use this time to develop team cheers for the Seminar Olympics on Sunday morning.

Students will then head back to the Quad and meet their resident advisors in front of their residence halls for a 7:00 p.m. meet and greet. RAs will also cover important campus policies and emergency procedures. Commuter and off campus students are welcome to join any of the hall meetings.

Outdoor Movie*

For students’ first night on campus, we’ve planned a relaxing night with an outdoor movie (to be announced) showing on the back of the Berlin Wall in Latshaw Plaza, complete with movie theatre snacks and treats. The movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or bag chair for seating, and spend time meeting new people!

Get a head start on orientation with the Blue Jay Guide, and visit the Student Life page to learn more about life at Westminster.