The mission of New Student Orientation is to prepare first-year and transfer students for a successful transition to Westminster College. The program works to ensure that new students have an awareness of campus resources relating to academic success, student engagement, and wellness support. Further, we are deliberate in our integration of dialogues around inclusivity, justice, and shared responsibility for upholding an affirming and respectful campus community.
If you have remaining questions about financial aid, student account and payment plans, meal plans, technology, academics, family engagement, or if you need community resources that support your health and well-being, visit the following campus and community partners:
New students and their families are invited to a light buffet lunch.
McKelvey Campus Center, TUB, First Level
Capture memories from past and present with this special blast from the past photo area. New students and their families are welcome to stop into the Alumni Association welcome tent. Once inside, peruse our extensive collection of yearbooks sharing campus over time or identify a past photo of mom, dad, grandma or grandpa and pose with them on our photo screen.
No previous Titans in your family, no problem — we’ll have lots of other photo ops including a Titan cutout and signage to capture the perfect snapshot.
Campus Quad (Tent behind McKelvey Campus Center)
The traditional Opening Convocation is a time of academic celebration that signals the start of the new academic year. All new students will sit as a class in the first few rows on the left and right sections near the stage and families may fill in the back rows.
Patterson Hall, Orr Auditorium
We ask you to take a few minutes following Opening Convocation to say farewell before we begin the sessions dedicated to new students. Students will be called to follow orientation leaders to their afternoon sessions.
Campus Quad
Playfair will lead community building activities with all new students, then Orientations will lead students to their Orientation groups.
Old 77
Various Campus Locations
President's Manse
Dancing, mocktails, and giveaways!
McKelvey Campus Center, Berlin Lounge
McKelvey Campus Center, TUB
Various Campus Locations
This is your very first Westminster class where you will meet your WST 101 instructor, Peer Success Coach, and classmates.
Various Campus Locations
McKelvey Campus Center, TUB
McKelvey Campus Center, Cultural Center
McKelvey Campus Center, Club Room
During this time, you will engage important topics on interpersonal violence prevention, healthy relationships, campus policies, identity and more with the following campus offices and resources: ARISE (Advocates for Relationship Intervention, Survivor Support, and Education), Diversity and Inclusion, Public Safety, and Student Affairs.
McKelvey Campus Center, Maple Room, Lakeview Room, & Berlin Lounge
Take time to engage in self-care practices. Recharging looks different for everyone. You may want to go for a walk, take a quick power nap, or participate in a self-guided meditation. Additionally, there will be a yoga class offered down by Brittain Lake and yard games on the campus quad!
Various Campus Locations
McKelvey Campus Center, Cultural Center
McKelvey Campus Center, TUB
Meet members of Fraternity and Sorority Life! Enjoy free waffles, and leave with a free t-shirt!
McKelvey Campus Center, Club Room
Orientation Leaders present their annual comedy skit.
McKelvey Campus Center, Berlin Lounge
Meet with Office of Faith and Spirituality staff members, and transportation will be provided to worship locations.
Old Main, Wallace Memorial Chapel
McKelvey Campus Center, TUB
McKelvey Campus Center, Cultural Center
Various Campus Locations
Students will review the “8 dimensions of Wellness”, develop a wellness plan, and learn about campus resources that support students’ health and wellness.
McKelvey Campus Center, Maple
Travel your class schedule, find your classrooms & important campus locations.
Various Campus Locations
Students will participate in a service project that will support a community organization, and they will learn about ways to participate in service-learning opportunities.
McKelvey Campus Center, Lakeview
Patterson Hall, Orr Auditorium
Memorial Field House
Galbreath Dining Hall and McKelvey Campus Center, TUB
The Office of Faith and Spirituality will host a picnic outside of Wallace Memorial Chapel followed by a Ministry Fair where you will learn about the worship services and opportunities offered off campus.
Old Main, Wallace Memorial Chapel
Sunday evenings are set aside for the Westminster community to gather for a non-denominational worship service in Wallace Memorial Chapel.
Old Main, Wallace Memorial Chapel
This concludes your Orientation Schedule. Please check out advertising and be sure to take advantage of Welcome Week activities.
Schedule is subject to change. Stay connected to your WC email.