Welcome Week

Welcome Week Schedule 

Subject to change; events are still being finalized. | Download a pdf of the schedule!

Wed. Aug. 24 | Move-In Day

New Student Move-In | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | First-Year Residence Halls

Visit the Move-In Day webpage for move-in details for your residence hall. For more information, contact Residence Life at reslife@su.edu.

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

Once you are all moved into your new residence hall come to the Brandt Student Center to pick up and complete your check list. Today, the student center will be your one stop shop for financial aid, work study, parking passes, books, campus swag and more! We look forward to seeing you and helping you navigate through the process. For more information, contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.

Convocation | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Wilkins Athletic and Events Center

Watch President Tracy Fitzsimmons greet each of Shenandoah University’s new students as they walk across the stage at New Student Convocation. Family and friends of new students are encouraged to attend this special event that marks the beginning of their college life! All new students must be seated in the Wilkins Athletics and Events Center by 3:50 p.m. This event is REQUIRED for all new students. For more information, contact Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@su.edu.

Res Hall Meetings | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | First-Year Residence Halls

This is a mandatory meeting for all new residential students. Please contact your Resident Assistant about your meeting location. For more information, please contact reslife@su.edu.

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

Come to the Village courtyard and officially kick off Welcome Week by enjoying the fire pit, music, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall and more! For more information, please contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.

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Thurs. Aug. 25 | Education

Academic Orientations | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This is a required event for first-year and new transfer students. Meet your advisor and learn more about your academic programs and the university’s academic expectation. Your advisors will communicate with you via email regarding your meeting location. For more information, email advising@su.edu.

FYS Meet & Greet | 1:30 p.m. | SU Sign

Meet your FYS mentor and classmates at the SU Sign (weather permitting) and walk to the Academic Information Fair together. For more information contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.

Academic Information Fair/FYS | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center

Join your First Year Seminar class to meet and connect with all of Shenandoah’s programs and services that support your academic journey. Bring your sweet tooth and energy for this interactive, fun experience. This is a required event. For more information contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.

The Buzz – New Student Session 1 | 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Goodson Chapel & Recital Hall

This is a REQUIRED event for all NEW students. During this mandatory session, participants learn more about topics pertaining to consensual sex, conduct, alcohol, discrimination and bias, conflicts with roommates, and much more. There are two opportunities to attend this session. The first session will be held from 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Register for Session One. The second session will be held from 6:00 p.m.-7.15 p.m. Register for Session Two. Seating is limited so please make sure you register for your preferred session. For more information, please contact Sarah Celec at scelec112@su.edu.

The Buzz – New Student Session 2 | 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. | Goodson Chapel & Recital Hall

This is a REQUIRED event for all NEW students. During this mandatory session, participants learn more about topics pertaining to consensual sex, conduct, alcohol, discrimination and bias, conflicts with roommates, and much more. There are two opportunities to attend this session. The first session will be held from 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Register for Session One. The second session will be held from 6:00 p.m.-7.15 p.m. Register for Session Two. Seating is limited so please make sure you register for your preferred session. For more information, please contact Sarah Celec at scelec112@su.edu.

Late Night in the BSC | 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Mosaic Center, Brandt Student Center 120

After a day full of information, come to the student center to relax! You are welcome to play games, participate in karaoke, and paint night (Registration for the paint night will open August 8). Also stop by the Mosaic Center in the Brandt Student Center, room 120, to enjoy a bowl of cereal, learn about the space, its fall events, and compete in a friendly game of cereal trivia! Non-dairy and gluten-free options will be available. For more information about the Mosaic Center, please contact mosaiccenter@su.edu. For more information regarding other events during Late Night in the BSC, please contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.

Harambee Gospel Choir Practice | 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Goodson Chapel Recital Hall

Did you enjoy the gospel choir at convocation? You are invited to join them for a rehearsal exclusively for first-year students! Come out to join, sing, and meet the members before the school year starts! All voice parts and instrumentalists are welcome! For more information, contact Myles Hairston, mhairsto10@su.edu.

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Fri. Aug. 26 | University Resources

Shopping Shuttles | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Front Patio

Did you eat your box of fruit snacks already? Do you need some last minute items before classes start? Take advantage of the shopping shuttles that will go to Walmart and Target. Come to the Brandt Student center at 10 a.m. and shuttles of 12 people will go to those locations and be brought back to campus on multiple trips. The last trip to go to those locations will leave at 11:30 a.m. For more information, please contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.

Work Study Session 1 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Henkel Hall Hester Auditorium

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

LIFE: Self-Care & Wellness Fair | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | SU sign on QUAD

The LIFE: Self Care and Wellness Fair will be an opportunity for students to explore the various aspects of wellness that are available both on-campus and locally in the Winchester area. Vendors will be set up for students to demo, ask questions, and receive some great giveaways. During this event, the Counseling Center will have interactive games & activities that will allow students to gain a better understanding of counseling and ways to be proactive with self-care and mental health. Everyone that attends this event will be registered for great door prizes donated by our vendors and sponsoring departments. For more information please contact recsports@su.edu.

Work Study Session 2 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Henkel Hall Hester Auditorium

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

Live-Action CLUE | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Allen Dining Hall Patio

Do you have what it takes to solve this whodunit? Join Residence Life on the Allen Dining Hall Patio on Friday, August 26th at 3pm for a game of live-action Clue! Participants will be split into teams of six based on their residence hall to solve this murder mystery. Similar to the board game, each team will be escorted through various locations by a maid or butler, encountering characters and finding objects along the way, to figure out the correct location, weapon, and suspect of the crime. The first team to return to the designated crime-solving location with the correct answer will win a pizza party for their hall! For more information, contact Brittney Burton at bburton@su.edu.
*Please have the Shenandoah Connect app downloaded before arrival for quick and easy check-in.*

Commuters Creating Community | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Chasing Axe

Are you a commuting student? If so, this free event is for you! Meet us downtown at Chasing Axe for an afternoon of food and fun. Registration will open August 8. Meet other commuting students, and learn more about the Commuters Creating Community club, a resource just for you. For more information contact Ciarra Berry at can@su.edu.

Esports Tournament | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Esports Arena

This will be an open esports event for all students who want to come and hang out and play some games. We will also run a small Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament open to all incoming students that want to compete for free! Everyone is welcome to come out to the Esports Arena and compete, play, or just hang out for a while! For more information, contact Joey Gawrysiak at jgawrysiak@su.edu.

Student Support Services Murder Mystery Extravaganza | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Smith Library

In this week of SU LIFE, which dastardly suspect took things into their own hands? Join SSS staff members, tutors, and Thrive Guides for decadent desserts while you play detective. Registration opens on August 8. For more information, please contact Holli Phillips at hphillip@su.edu.

Spiritual Life Open Mic Night | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Hornet Grille

Music. Poetry. Comedy. Life has given you all sorts of gifts, and we want to celebrate them with you, together! So come to the Grill in the Brandt Student Center to strut your stuff at an Open Mic Night. We’re excited to see acts of all kinds and sorts. Have a song that you love to belt out in the shower? We want to hear it! Is there a monologue from a play that really speaks to you? Share it with us! Spoken word more your jam? Fantastic! Juggling? Street Magic? This is an event where you and your friends can share whatever gifts life has given you in a non-judgmental, completely chill atmosphere. We’ll have some A/V equipment, a keyboard, and some music stands and stools to help you out. All that we ask is that you keep your act to 5 minutes or less. Contact Ian Urriola at iurriola@su.edu for more information. Otherwise, sign up by filling out this form

S’mores Night | 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Lot D

After a couple of days of activity and information packed days, come to the Brandt Student Center Parking Lot D and decompress with some S’mores. For more information, please contact suoutdoors@su.edu.

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Sat. Aug. 27 | Fitness/Wellness

Trip to Hershey Park | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Parking Lot D

Enjoy a day at Hershey Park! Sign up quickly using the registration form as this trip is limited to 50 participants. The bus will leave the Brandt Student Center Parking Lot D at 9 a.m. and will arrive back to campus at 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided, and participants are responsible for meals at the park. For more information, contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.

Green Circle Coffee Walk | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Rotunda

The Green Circle walk is an opportunity for students to take their first SOAR trip with our leaders around the Winchester Green Trail while also stopping at local coffee shops along the way. The trip will meet at the BSC and will require that students wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire. Please contact suoutdoors@su.edu for more information.

Bear’s Den Hike | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Lot D

Shen First-Gen is hosting a hike to Bear’s Den in Bluemont, VA! Space is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to sign up using the registration form. The van will depart from the Brandt Student Center Lot D at 10:00 a.m. and will return between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Nate Tabourn at ntabourn14@su.edu with any questions or for more information.

Dizzy Dash | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Parking Lot D (Track Entrance)

Join the Dean of Students Office and Residence Life for Dizzy Dash! Participate in a relay race where you’ll use a variety of tools – your hands, a spoon, and even a tricycle – to successfully ferry your precious egg from “the party” to its warm bed back “home” – all while wearing drunk goggles! Bring your knowledge of alcohol safety, and be ready to answer trivia questions as you navigate the course. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the fastest times! Pre-registration for this event required. For more information, please contact Gina Davidson at gdavidso@su.edu.

Bubble Soccer | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Track Field

Stop out to the Track Field behind the Brandt Student Center (BSC) to take part in Bubble Soccer. Get into the bubble, run around, and maybe even score a goal. For more information, please contact recsports@su.edu.

Cornhole Tournament & Cookout | 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Sarah’s Glen

Grab a partner and come out to compete at the First Cornhole Tournament of the season. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. First prize will be a $50 gift card for each member of the winning team. Sodexo will be cooking out, so even if you aren’t playing, come cheer on your favorite team and enjoy some good food! Pre-registration is required by Friday, August 26 at 5 p.m. For more information, please contact recsports@su.edu.

Pool Party | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons

Grab your swimsuits and towels and join us for a swim in the SCC pool. Door prizes will be given away. Stick around after the Pool Party for the Movie Night. People will be permitted to float around and enjoy the movie from the water or simply sitting poolside! For more information, please contact recsports@su.edu.

Dive-in Movie Night | 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons

Come hang out with the Offices of Spiritual Life and Campus Recreation and Wellness for an outdoor movie night at the pool at 9 p.m., to keep the pool party going! Free pizza will be provided to all attendees. Contact Ian Urriola at iurriola@su.edu for more information, or fill out this form to RSVP.

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Sun. Aug. 28 | Service

Welcome Back Chapel Service | 11:30 a.m – 12 p.m. | Goodson Chapel

All who are looking for a Christian community to gather and worship with here on campus are invited to our Sunday Chapel service! Drawing on elements that are ancient and emerging, diverse and unified, safe and challenging, artful and thoughtful, and playful and profound, this dynamic worshiping community of students, faculty, and staff gathers every Sunday in the chapel at 11:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 with free coffee, tea, and other breakfast-y treats for all who attend! Contact spirituallife@su.edu for more information.

Brunch Bingo | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Allen Dining Hall

Just waking up? Come to Allen Dining Hall for brunch and enjoy a few rounds of Bingo hosted by Campus Activities Network, also known as CAN. Win great prizes and learn more about events CAN will offer throughout the school year. For more information contact Campus Activities Network at can@su.edu.

Learn Your Campus | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Rotunda

Trust us, you don’t want to get lost on your first day of classes. Come to the Brandt Student Center with your academic schedule and Welcome Week Leaders will show you how to get there! Feel free to ask them the best route from one building to another. For more information, contact Myles Hairston, mhairsto10@su.edu.

Rise Against Hunger | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Ferrari Room

Rise Against Hunger is a national growing global movement to end hunger through sustainable partnerships that empower communities and nourish lives. Participants will work collaboratively to package 10,000 meals that will be shipped to places in need. All students, staff and faculty are invited to package meals from 2pm-4pm in the Brandt Student Center Ferarri room. Pre-registration requested. For more information, contact the Center for Civic Engagement at serve@su.edu.

First Year Scavenger Hunt | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Location TBA

This is your opportunity to learn more about Shenandoah’s campus. Come to the Brandt Student Center Rotunda for the First-Year Scavenger Hunt. Instructions will be provided when you arrive! For more information contact Campus Activities Network, can@su.edu.

Hypnotist Show | 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Armstrong Concert Hall Auditorium

​​Laugh, participate, and experience an altered state of reality at Get Hypnotized! – The Erick Kand Comedy Hypnosis Show. Self-selecting audience volunteers will be hypnotized and become the stars of the show! During this performance, the lucky volunteers will undergo a complete transformation. The pandemonium is all great fun and will have the audience laughing non-stop from start to finish during this special performance exclusively for our group!For more information contact Myles Hairston, mhairsto10@su.edu. 

Returning Students Residence Hall Meeting | 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Residence Halls

This is a mandatory meeting for all returning residential students. Please contact your Resident Assistant about your meeting location. For more information, please contact reslife@su.edu.

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Mon. Aug. 29 | Leadership/Involvement

Fall Classes Begin

Fall Semester classes begin for Conservatory, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, and School of Nursing students on Monday, August 29. View the fall semester calendar on the Academic Calendar webpage.

Ask Me Campaign | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Tables Across Campus

Faculty and staff will be staffing tables at various locations on campus to help guide students to buildings and answer questions. We would also love for you to just say hello! Located outside of Brandt Student Center, Armstrong Concert Hall, Smith Library Plaza, and Cooley Hall. For more information, please contact Amy Sine at asine@su.edu.

It’s Hard To Say – A Survivor Support Group | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Room 118

Support groups provide a safe place for people impacted by sexual violence to learn and heal together. Every survivor of sexual violence deserves the right to live a healthy and joyful life. Our group provides a confidential, non-judgmental, sensitive, and caring environment that allows you to reach your healing goals, while providing attendants an opportunity to connect with other student survivors. The link to register will be live soon for the Survivor Lunch by 12pm on Friday, August 26th. This event is limited to the first 12 people who register. If you have any questions, please email Sarah Celec at scelec112@su.edu.

SGA Involvement Fair | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Leadership Lawn

Want to be more involved on campus? Looking for a campus work study job? Come to the Student Government Association (SGA) Involvement Fair and check out the student organizations you can join. A variety of our student organizations will be present. If you don’t find an organization that appeals to you, please connect with the Office of Student Leadership and Development and we can help you get your interest group started. For more information, please contact SGA at sga@su.edu.

Cheer Tryouts | 6:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Room 123

Come out to join the Shenandoah University Cheerleading team.  Tryouts will take place from 6pm – 10pm beginning in the Brandt Student Center, room 123 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and concluding in Shingleton Gymnasium.  All skill levels and positions are encouraged to tryout for the squad.  Those trying out will be expected to learn and perform basic stunts and cheers.  Those making the team will participate on both sideline and competition squads.  For more information please contact cheer@su.edu.

Q in Question | 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Room 123

Join the Celecs’ on Monday, August 29 for conversation about gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and spirituality in the BSAC, room 123 in the Brandt Student Center. Sarah of the [Not Just] Women’s Center and DeLyn of Spiritual Life host students who want to connect with one another, enjoy a light snack, and talk about what’s on their minds. For more information, please contact Sarah Celec (scelec112@su.edu) or DeLyn Celec (dcelec@su.edu).

Have you…

1. Met your academic advisor?
2. Bought your textbooks and other school supplies?
3. Picked up you SU I.D. card (if you don’t already have it)?
4. Bought your parking permit?
5. Submitted all health forms to the Wilkins Wellness Center?
6. Received your laptop and iPad?
7. Organized yourself and your schedule?
8. Met someone new?
9. Decorated your room?
10. Located your classrooms before classes begin?
11. Reviewed your schedule with your coach (for athletes)?
12. Finished necessary paperwork with Hornet Central and Financial Aid Office?
13. Met your work study supervisor?
14. Opened your campus mail box and given your new address to family and friends back home?
15. Gone to as many Welcome Week events as possible?

Junior, Exercise Science major

“Go to your professor’s open hours and get to know them”