Welcome Week

New Student Move-In | 8 a.m.-noon

Visit the move-in day webpage for details about moving into your residence hall. For more information, contact Residence Life at reslife@su.edu.

Navigator | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Brandt Student Center

The Brandt Student Center is your one-stop shop for financial aid and work-study information, parking passes, books, IMlearning equipment, campus swag and more! For more information, contact Tamiya Earley at tamiya.earley@su.edu.

New Student Convocation | 4-6 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center

Join us for Shenandoah University’s traditional Hornet welcome at new student convocation. Doors open for families at 3:15 p.m. Students are asked to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m.

Residence Hall Meeting | 7-8:30 p.m.

Resident Assistants (RAs) will cover the rules, expectations, and policies that go along with living in campus housing. This is also a chance to meet peers in your building and the RAs who supervise you. This is a mandatory meeting for students living on campus. Questions? Contact Residence Life at reslife@su.edu.

Block Party | 8:30-11 p.m. | The Village Courtyard

Get ready for an epic night of bonding at the first-year block party! Mingle with your classmates while indulging in delicious sweet treats and refreshing drinks from our favorite vendors. The DJ will keep the energy high with awesome tunes while you play fun games. Test your skills on the mechanical bull! For more information, reach out to Caroline Evans at fuj83@su.edu.

Navigator | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Brandt Student Center

The Brandt Student Center is your one-stop shop for financial aid and work-study information, parking passes, books, IMlearning equipment, campus swag and more! For more information, contact Tamiya Earley at tamiya.earley@su.edu.

New Student Convocation | 4-6 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center

Join us for Shenandoah University’s traditional Hornet welcome at new student convocation. Doors open for families at 3:15 p.m. Students are asked to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. 

Commuter Social | 7-8:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Game Room

Connections are important, even on day one! Meet your fellow incoming commuter students, enjoy sweet treats, and play exciting games. Review the welcome week schedule, explore options for commuters at the Brandt Student Center, and get answers to any last-minute questions. It’s the perfect way to start your campus journey and make new friends! Questions? Contact Alex Johnson at alexandra.johnson@su.edu.

Block Party | 8:30-11 p.m. | The Village Courtyard

Get ready for an epic night of bonding at the first-year block party! Mingle with your classmates while indulging in delicious sweet treats and refreshing drinks from our favorite vendors. The DJ will keep the energy high with awesome tunes while you play fun games. Test your skills on the mechanical bull! For more information, reach out to Caroline Evans at fuj83@su.edu.

Academic Orientation | 8:30 a.m.-noon | Various locations

Meet faculty and administration from your academic programs. This is a required event for all first-year and transfer students.

First Year Seminar Academic Fair | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center

Connect with Shenandoah’s programs and services that will support your academic journey. Check-in with your First-Year Seminar (FYS) mentor and meet classmates while enjoying sweet treats. Bring energy for this interactive and fun afternoon. This is a required event for all first-year and transfer students. Have questions? Your FYS mentor will reach out in advance to help you navigate this event. For more information, contact Sarah Celec at fys@su.edu.

The Prepared Hornet | 4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. | Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium

New year, new surroundings. Are you ready?

The Prepared Hornet is a mandatory safety presentation designed to give you the tools, tech, and tips to navigate campus confidently. Presented by the Department of Campus Safety, it covers everything from reporting incidents to reciving emergency alerts. Attendance at one of the sessions offered is required for all first-year and transfer students. For more information, contact the Department of Campus Safety at safety@su.edu.

Luau with Ice Cream Truck | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Village Courtyard

Spend some tropical time with your fellow new students! Enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs, and tropical drinks. Play lawn games like corn hole, Spikeball, limbo, Frisbee, and volleyball. Most of all, grab your frozen treat from our ice cream truck! Sponsored by Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM). All are welcome!

Transfer Student Social | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Pruitt Health & Life Sciences Building, Halpin Rotunda

Visit the transfer student social for a fun and relaxed event designed to help you connect with fellow transfer students, make new friends, and get to know your new home. Enjoy snacks, music, and a chance to make a new connection to help you find your footing here at Shenandoah University! Questions? Reach out to Samantha Nicholson, vif83@su.edu.

Late Night SU: Glow Foam Party | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Location TBD

Turn up the music and grab your friends –  the Giant Glow Foam Party is here!

We’re bringing the bass, the lights, and giant mountains of glowing foam for one unforgettable night of nonstop dancing and electric energy! Throw on your messy clothes and bathing suits, grab your crew, and get ready to rave under the lights as DJs spin your favorite dance tracks! Spend the evening dancing in the foam pit, snapping glowing selfies, and having an amazing time with your friends – this is the party you’ll be talking about the whole year! 

Don’t miss your chance to light up the night. Come ready to glow, dance, and make memories you’ll never forget! For more information, reach out to Caroline Evans at fuj83@su.edu

Work Study Orientation, Option 1 | 10-11 a.m. | Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium

Student Employment 101 – If you’re a work-study student, you’re required to attend one of these orientation sessions to learn more about the student employment program. This orientation will give you a solid footing as you begin employment at Shenandoah University and help you become the best employee you can be. Topics include the Work4SU online portal, paperwork for hire, time entry, and professionalism on the job. For more information, please contact studentwork@su.edu.

Work Study Orientation, Option 2 | 11 a.m.-noon| Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium

Student Employment 101 – If you’re a work-study student, you’re required to attend one of these orientation sessions to learn more about the student employment program. This orientation will give you a solid footing as you begin employment at Shenandoah University and help you become the best employee you can be. Topics include the Work4SU online portal, paperwork for hire, time entry, and professionalism on the job. For more information, please contact studentwork@su.edu.

Speed Friending | 1-2 p.m. | Smith Library, Third Floor

Looking to meet new people but tired of awkward small talk? Join Shen First Gen for speed friending, a fast-paced, low-pressure way to connect with fellow students and maybe even find your new best friend. It’s like speed dating—but for friendship! You’ll have just a few minutes to chat with each person before moving to the next, so come ready with fun questions, an open mind, and your best smile. Questions? Reach out to Samantha Nicholson, vif83@su.edu.

Escape Room | 1-3 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Rooms 114 & 118

Work together to solve puzzles before time runs out! In this game, you’ll need to communicate, think critically, problem-solve, lead, resolve conflicts, and manage your time (just what you’ll need to do to succeed as a student and in your future career). Questions? Contact Corrie Eaton at corrie.eaton@su.edu. RSVP is required for this event.

Dizzy Dash | 3-5 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Parking Lot D

Use your hands, a spoon, and even an adult tricycle to ferry your precious egg from “the party” to its warm bed back “home” – all while wearing drunk goggles at the Dizzy Dash! Be sure to bring your knowledge of alcohol safety and be ready to answer trivia questions as you navigate the course. Teams with the fastest times win prizes! Mocktails will also be provided. Questions? Contact Joseph Cooper at jcooper18@su.edu. RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ups are welcome.

Get the Scoop on Winchester | 3 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons, SOAR Center

Hop on a bike and ride downtown to get a scoop of ice cream. Get to know Winchester and cool down from the summer heat. Bikes and helmets provided. Participants purchase their own ice cream. Questions? Email suoutdoors@su.edu. Please RSVP.

Pool Party | 5:30-7 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons, Pool

Grab your bathing suits and towels and come cool off at the annual Welcome Week pool party! Dance to music, enjoy food, play games, and more. Questions? Contact Matt Levy at mlevy@su.edu.

Field Day | 6-8 p.m. | Intramural Field

Hang out behind the Brandt Student Center for an action-packed afternoon of fun, friends, and fierce (but friendly) competition! Hosted by the Shenandoah Student Leadership Academy (SULA), this event is all about welcoming new students to campus with games, field challenges, music, and more. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win big in our raffle giveaway—just by showing up, you’re entered to win awesome prizes! Cheer on your peers, make new connections, and kick off the year the right way. Questions? Contact SULA at sula@su.edu.

Esports Last Chance Tryouts | 8-10 p.m. | Esports Arena

Are you interested in competing on an esports team? This will be your last chance to try out for a game to join a team for the fall 2026 term. Show up ready to play in the Esports Arena at 8 p.m.! Feel free to bring your own controller, mice, keyboards, etc., but there will be extras for players to borrow. Register using this Google Form. Questions? Contact Fernando Preciado-Leal at buo77@su.edu.

Games: Rocket League, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2, Street Fighter, Tekken, Sim Racing

Late Night Bingo | 10:30-11:30 p.m. | Hazel-Pruitt Armory

Experience one of Shenandoah University’s most beloved traditions for an unforgettable night of Bingo! Whether you’re looking to continue a long-standing SU legacy or just want to enjoy a high-energy evening with friends, this is the place to be. We’re giving away a massive variety of prizes, ranging from gift cards to essential room necessities and everything in between. Don’t miss your chance to win big and be part of the campus spirit. For more information, please contact the Campus Activities Network at can@su.edu.

Green Circle Coffee Walk | 9-10:30 a.m. | Meet at Brandt Student Center, Patio

If you’re a coffee fanatic this is perfect for you! Walk along the Winchester Green Circle trail and stop at local coffee shops along the way. Meet outside of the Brandt Student Center patio area at 8:30 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring money for coffee. Questions? Contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu.

Thrift Store Extravaganza | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Leadership Lawn

Do you love to shop? Do you love bargains? Do you love the earth? This event is for you! Reuse, upcycle, and combat fast fashion with this earth-friendly shopping spree to three Winchester-area thrift stores (SPCA, Goodwill, and Blue Ridge Hospice) for fun, funky looks and great prices! Meet at the Brandt Student Center’s surface lot, next to the Leadership Lawn. Sign up for your time slot!. Email dcelec@su.edu with any questions.

Water Tubing | 1-6 p.m. | River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield

Spend your day with Shenandoah University’s SOAR team on a lazy river float down the Shenandoah River. Whether you have experience paddling or not, anyone is able to go on this guided trip. After some fun in the sun, enjoy a cookout! The trip departs from the Brandt Student Center parking lot at 1 p.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Sports are limited! RSVP using this Google Form by Thursday, Aug. 20. Questions? Contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Esports Arena

Show off your competition skills in this Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournament while competing for fun prizes. During the event, meet esports staff and student leaders to learn about how to get involved further with the esports program. Attend this event as a competitor or a spectator. Sign-ups will be taken at the door. Check-in opens at 2 p.m. For any questions, email Alyssa Duran at alyssa.duran@su.edu.

Cornhole Tournament | 3-5 p.m. | Aikens Stadium

Get your partner and come out to the welcome week cornhole tournament. Register by Friday, August 28 at 5 p.m., on IMLeagues. Don’t have a partner? Register as a free agent, and we will do our best to pair you up. You might meet your new best friend! Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. All participants will be required to use Campus Recreation & Wellness bags and boards. Each member of the winning team will receive a $50 gift card. Each member of the runner-up team will receive a $25 gift card.  The tournament format will be determined based on the number of teams registered. For more information, please contact Matt Levy at mlevy@su.edu

Murder Mystery | 6-8 p.m. | Hazel Pruitt Armory, Collaboratory

Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or a first-time suspect making your investigative debut, we need your help to untangle this tale of crime and betrayal. For more information, Contact Kristy Fedyk at kristy.fedyk@su.edu.

Free Daps | 8-9:30 p.m. | Armstrong Concert Hall

Free Daps is a group of freestyle rappers and improvisers who use hip-hop to create a thrilling, one-of-a-kind musical comedy show! After bringing authentic freestyle to both Disney World, Universal Studios, and America’s Got Talent, Free Daps will visit Shenandoah University for a chill night filled with laughs, beats and entertainment! For more information, reach out to Caroline Evans at fuj83@su.edu.

Nature Journaling & Mindfulness | 10-11 a.m. | Sarah’s Glen

Take a moment to disconnect from busy schedules and enjoy Sarah’s Glen, one of our campus’s natural spaces. Join Shenandoah Outdoor Adventure & Recreation (SOAR) in a mindfulness journey while we spend an hour natural journaling. Journals and art materials supplied. Questions? Email SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu.

Birthday Party for Highland Food Pantry | noon-2 p.m. | Allen Dining Hall, Patio

Join the Center for Civic Engagement in making birthday cake kits for families served by the Highland Food Pantry in Winchester. Students will pack non-perishable kits with all the necessary ingredients to make a cake at home and make birthday cards to be distributed to local families with the kits. This event allows students to serve our community by creating an accessible and fun way for families in need to celebrate birthdays!

Shopping Shuttles | 1-5 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Patio

Need some additional items for your room? Hop on the free shuttle to explore Winchester Commons (Target, T.J. Maxx, Famous Footwear, PetSmart, Dollar Tree). Vans leave the Brandt Student Center at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. and pick up at Target at 2, 3, 4, and 5 p.m. Questions? Email Alex Johnson at alexandra.johnson@su.edu.

Trip Drop Party | 3-5 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons, SOAR Center

Ready to explore? Join SOAR for the fall term launch! Discover the upcoming excursions and be the first to snag a spot. What’s in it for you? Be first in line for fall trips and score free prizes. Test your skills on a climbing wall and enjoy free food! Questions? Contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu.

Catholic Mass & New School Year’s Eve Party | 5-7 p.m. | Goodson Chapel & Recital Hall

Come to our first Catholic Sunday Mass of the year!  After 5 

Come to the first Catholic Sunday Mass of the year and celebrate new school year’s eve! Enjoy a southern BBQ feast with dessert and fizzy drinks to ring in the new school year. Everyone receives a free t-shirt and other swag. Win raffle prizes! All are welcome!

Learn Your Campus with SGA | 6-8 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Rotunda

Set yourself up for success! Come to the Brandt Student Center, where members of the Student Government Association will walk you through campus to help you locate your first day classes! Come prepared with your schedule. Questions? Contact Brooke Moses at brooke.moses@su.edu.

Opening Sunday Worship | 8-9 p.m. | Goodson Chapel & Recital Hall

Worship with your new campus community at the kick-off ecumenical (multi-denominational) service celebrating Pentecost! Tell us how you want to contribute, share, or lead while getting to know others involved with Spiritual Life. Contact spirituallife@su.edu with any questions.

Outdoor Movie Night | 8-10:30 p.m. | Sarah’s Glen

Grab your blanket, bring your friends, and enjoy a fun-filled evening under the stars with a classic movie. Relax, meet new people, and celebrate the start of a new semester. Questions? Contact Tamiya Earley at tearley@su.edu. 

Ask Me! Campaign | 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Have a question about building locations, shuttles, or anything about the Shenandoah experience? Stop by one of the Ask Me! tables set up around campus and staffed by university faculty and staff members. For more information, contact Amy Sine at asine@su.edu.

Open House – Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity | 5-6:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Mosaic Center (room 120)

Discover your community and find your ‘home away from home!’ Join the Mosaic Center for Diversity, the Lavender Lounge, and the [Not Just] Women’s Center to explore the inclusive campus resources, advocacy, and social spaces designed just for YOU. See how Shenandoah values your unique story. Stay for the whole time or drop in at your own pace—we can’t wait to meet you! For more information, contact Mannie Brown at lavenderlounge@su.edu or Dahlia Ashford at dashford@su.edu.

Involvement Fair | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Leadership Lawn

Come to the Brandt Student Center, Leadership Lawn (the grass area by Parking Lot D) to learn about and join various clubs and organizations. Students will receive an event passport to complete and enter into a drawing for an Amazon gift card! Rain location is inside the Brandt Student Center. For more information about this event, please contact the Student Government Association at sga@su.edu.