Get ready for Welcome Week 2023! #SUWelcomeHome
August 23 – August 28, 2023
Welcome Week is designed to help you become acclimated with campus life, settle in and meet new people. It’s also a time to kick back and have fun! Welcome Week will run from Move-In Day on Wednesday, August 23, to the first day of classes on Monday, August 28. We can’t wait to help you discover all that SU has to offer!
Follow Shenandoah University Student Life on Instagram for upcoming posts about Welcome Week events!
Before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, you will be busy with academic sessions, a few mandatory meetings, and a few fun gatherings. If you have any questions, contact the Division of Student Affairs at (540) 665-4863 or studentlife@su.edu.
Welcome Week Schedule
New Student Move-In Day | 8 a.m.- noon
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 complete your checklist. The student center is your one-stop shop for financial aid, work-study, parking passes, books, IMlearning equipment, campus swag, and more! We look forward to seeing you and helping you navigate through the process. For more information, contact Tamiya Earley at tamiya.earley@su.edu.
New Student Convocation | 3:15-5 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center
Come one, come all! 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 3:45 p.m.
Security: PLEASE NOTE – In an effort to maintain a safe and secure environment for the entire Shenandoah University community, all persons (students, guests, leadership, faculty, staff, contractors, and vendors) will be subject to bag checks and being screened with a handheld metal detecting device prior to entry into the facility. Students will be screened by security as they enter Wilkins Athletics and Events Center. Anyone leaving the building and returning will be required to go through the security screening process again. To aid in the screening process, all items in your pockets should be removed and held in your hands while being screened. Everyone is encouraged to leave any unnecessary items securely locked inside their vehicles. Questions? Contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.
Residence Hall Meeting | 7-8:30 p.m.
This is a mandatory meeting for all new residential students. Please contact your resident assistant about your meeting location. For more information, contact reslife@su.edu.
Block Party | 8:30-11:00 p.m. | The Village Courtyard
Close out the night by getting to know your fellow classmates at the first-year block party! Relax by the fire pit, dance to music and enjoy inflatable games, tasty treats, and more under the stars. Questions? Contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.
Academic Orientations | 9 a.m.-noon | Various locations
This is a required event for first-year and new transfer students. The College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Nursing, and Conservatory will each hold individual academic orientation sessions. For more information, contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.
College of Arts & Sciences | 9 a.m. | Armstrong Concert Hall
School of Business | 9 a.m. | Stimpson Auditorium in Halpin-Harrison Hall
School of Nursing | 9 a.m. | Henkel Hall Room 105
Conservatory | 9:30 a.m. | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre
First-Year Seminar Meet & Greet | 1:30 p.m. | Intramural Field, Behind Brandt Student Center
Meet your First-Year Seminar (FYS) mentor and classmates at the Intramural Field located behind the Brandt Student Center and walk to the academic information fair together. This is a required event for all first-year students. For more information, contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.
Academic Fair | 2-4 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center
Connect with programs and services designed to support your academic journey. Bring your sweet tooth and energy for this interactive, fun experience. This is a required event for all first-year and new transfer students. For more information, contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.
SU & You: What’s the tea? Option 1 | 4:15-5:30 p.m. | Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall
This required session provides first-year students with information about Shenandoah University policies concerning alcohol and other drug use, anti-hazing, Title IX/sexual violence, and tobacco/vape products. Students will learn about university policies as well as how to access and use various campus resources to make informed decisions that feel appropriate for supporting their personal safety, as well as the safety of their community. Questions? Contact Dahlia Ashford at dahlia.ashford@su.edu. RSVP to choose your session.
SU & You: What’s the tea? Option 2 | 6-7:15 p.m. | Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall
This required session provides first-year students with information about Shenandoah University policies concerning alcohol and other drug use, anti-hazing, Title IX/sexual violence, and tobacco/vape products. Students will learn about university policies as well as how to access and use various campus resources to make informed decisions that feel appropriate for supporting their personal safety, as well as the safety of their community. Questions? Contact Dahlia Ashford at dahlia.ashford@su.edu. RSVP to choose your session.
“I am…” Cereal Party | 7-9 p.m. | Brandt Student Center – Mosaic Center
“I am…” is a series of small group conversations with current Shenandoah students and staff about how identity shapes your Shenandoah experience. This event is sponsored by the Mosaic Center. For more information, contact Malik Henry, malik.henry@su.edu.
Late Night Bowling | 9:30-11 p.m. | Northside Lanes
After a day full of information, it’s time to have some fun at Northside Lanes during Late Night Bowling. You may drive yourself or hop onto the bus provided leaving from the Brandt Student Center – Parking Lot D at 9 p.m. and 9:25 p.m. Play a game or two or just come along and enjoy the company. Questions? Contact Myles Hairston, myles.hairston@su.edu.
Green Circle Coffee Walk | 9-10:30 a.m. | Green Circle Trail
Rise, shine, and meet us at the Brandt Student Center patio as we prepare to stroll along the Green Circle Trail, which is an easily accessible path that connects a host of Winchester attractions. Frequent stops will be made at local coffee shops so you can buy some drinks and other treats along the way! Questions? Contact Christine O’Neill at christine.oneill@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 and help you become the best employee you can be. Topics to be covered 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 and help you become the best employee you can be. Topics to be covered include the Work4SU online portal, paperwork for hire, time entry, and professionalism on the job. For more information, please contact studentwork@su.edu.
Q in Question | 11 a.m.-noon | Brandt Student Center – Mosaic Center
Join the Celecs for a conversation about gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and spirituality in the Brandt Student Center, Mosaic Center. University Chaplain DeLyn Celec, and her wife, Sarah, from Transformative Teaching and Learning, regularly 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).
Escape Room | 1-3 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Room 123
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). Hosted by Career & Professional Development. Questions? Contact Heather Bambara at heather.bambara@su.edu. RSVP required.
Dizzy Dash | 1-3 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Parking Lot D
Use your hands, a spoon, and even an adult tricycle to successfully ferry your precious egg from “the party” to its warm bed back “home” – all while wearing drunk goggles at the Dizzy Dash hosted by Residence Life and Student Conduct. Also, 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 Matthew Coats at matthew.coats@su.edu. RSVP encouraged but walk-ups welcomed.
Bubble Soccer | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Aikens Stadium
Get ready to roll! And bounce! It’s time for bubble soccer! Head over to Aikens Stadium to get into a bubble, run around, and maybe even score some goals. For more information, please contact Matt Levy, recsports@su.edu.
Spiritual Life Open House | 3-4 p.m. | Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall
Come on out and discover how you can Find Your Center during your time at Shenandoah with the Office of Spiritual Life! Meet our chaplains and learn more about how to get involved with our religious, secular, and spiritual student organizations. Free food will be provided, too! Contact Ian Urriola at iurriola@su.edu for more information.
Flying Wild Shenandoah Paper Airplane Contest | 3:30-5 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room
Can you fold a paper airplane that can go the distance with accuracy? Test (or discover) your skills in our Flying Wild Shenandoah Paper Airplane Contest! Get ready to work with the paper provided in teams of at least two to craft planes which will be judged for long distance and accuracy (different planes can be used for each category, too!) Prizes will be awarded for planes that are the most accurate, fly the longest distance and are the most creative. Come fly with us! For more information, contact counseling@su.edu.
Buzzy’s Res Hall Treasure Shop | 4-5 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Leadership Lawn
Skip the retail and visit Buzzy’s Res Hall Treasure Shop, an outdoor pop-up shop, to find one-of-a-kind, gently used items for your new room! We have a limited supply of assorted cleaning supplies, laundry necessities, kitchenware and small appliances, school supplies, and other items donated to the Center for Civic Engagement by former students during move-out last spring. First come, first served while supplies last! Questions? Contact Rebecca Gibson, rebecca.gibson@su.edu.
Discovery Island Murder Mystery | 6-7:30 p.m. | Smith Library
A party that happened 10 years ago. An unsolved mystery. An invitation from a dead man. Join Student Support Services to see if you can solve the mystery before another victim is claimed. Questions? Contact Kristy Fedyk at kristy.fedyk@su.edu. Claim your spot on the island. Limited to the first 100 who sign up!
Pool & Luau | 6-10 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons
Take a dip in the pool at VCC, test your hula hooping skills, limbo, and more, while learning about the different departments on campus (Spiritual Life, Campus Recreation & Wellness, and SOAR), and enjoy a movie from the pool deck. Free pizza provided! Contact Ian Urriola at iurriola@su.edu for more information.
CAN: Late Night Bingo | 10:30-11:30 p.m. | BSC Hornet Grill
Come to the BSC’s Hornet Grill for a few rounds of bingo presented by the Campus Activities Network! Win great prizes like gift cards, room necessities and more! For more information, contact Campus Activities Network at can@su.edu.
Discover SU Wellness Scavenger Hunt | 10 a.m.- noon | Wilkins Wellness Center
Discover wellness places and services that SU has to offer on a scavenger hunt that includes interactive games, photo booths and prizes such as a $25 gift card to Walgreens, a $25 gift card to SU bookstore, and a $15 gift card to Tropical Smoothie. Sponsored by Wilkins Wellness & Counseling Center. Questions? Contact Izabela DiNapoli at izabela.dinapoli@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 this event hosted by Spiritual Life. Email dcelec@su.edu with any questions.
Tubing & BBQ | 2-6 p.m. | River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield
Tube on the Shenandoah River and then relax with a riverside barbecue. Transportation provided. The group will leave from the BSC parking lot at 2 p.m. and return to campus by 6 p.m. Please provide your own towel, change of clothes and bag for your items. Personal items will be secured at the River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield. Space is limited to 35 participants. Sign up for this event hosted by SOAR.
Killer Queen Showdown | 5 p.m. | Esports Arena
Shenandoah Esports will be hosting a Killer Queen tournament using our arcade machine in the Esports Arena. Bring your friends or show up and you will be assigned to a team. Prizes will be awarded to the winners! Killer Queen is the world’s only 10-player strategy arcade game. It’s easy to learn–each player has only one button and one joystick — but the game is infinitely replayable. Learn how to play!
A Time to Mourn | 6-7:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Borden Student Associations Center (aka B-SAC)
As we start college, one of the things we discover is that grief of any sort in a new place and context can be really challenging to process. But what we hope you’ll quickly discover is that you are not alone in your grief. Spiritual Life and the Counseling Center create space on a monthly basis for any students who are seeking to process grief and loss in a community of mutual support and care. Join us for our Welcome Week mixer to meet the chaplains and staff from the Counseling Center and enjoy some free snacks in a low-stress environment! Contact spirituallife@su.edu and counseling@su.edu for more information!
Late Night SU | 9-11 p.m. | Brandt Student Center
Hungry? Enjoy a wing and nacho bar sponsored by Sodexo! (Ask all of your dining questions, too!) Want to listen to music? Pick up a headset and tune in for the silent disco! Need some comfort? Come stuff a teddy bear to take to your room (while supplies last). All this and more are available during Late Night SU! Questions? Contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.
Welcome Back Chapel | 11:30 a.m.-noon | Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall
All who are looking for a Christian community to gather and worship with 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 11a.m. with free coffee, tea, and other breakfast treats. Contact spirituallife@su.edu for more information.
Quad Bash | 1-5 p.m. | Quad
Games, music, treats, prizes and more are ready for you at Quad Bash! Love gift cards and cornhole? The 2 p.m. Cornhole Tournament is just what you’re looking for! There’s a prize of a $50 gift card for each member of the winning team and a $25 gift card for each member of the runner-up team! Register your team at https://imleagues.com/spa/portal/home. Questions? Contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.
Rise Against Hunger | 2-4 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room
Rise Against Hunger is a growing national 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 2-4 p.m. in the Brandt Student Center, Ferarri Room. Sign up by August 26. For more information, contact the Center for Civic Engagement at rgibson@su.edu.
Shopping Shuttles | 5-8 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 every hour to drop off and pick up from the Brandt Student Center, Patio. Last drop off is at 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.
Learn Your Campus | 6-8 p.m. | Brandt Student Center Rotunda
Set yourself up for success! Come to the Brandt Student Center and Welcome Week leaders will walk you through campus to help you locate your first day classes! Come prepared with your schedule in hand. Questions? Contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.
Ask Me! Campaign | 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Various locations on campus
Have a question about building locations, shuttles, the Shenandoah Connect app, 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. This campaign is sponsored by Student Affairs. For more information, contact Amy Sine at amy.sine@su.edu.
Student Government Association (SGA) 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! For more information about this event, please contact the Student Government Association at sga@su.edu.
Ask Me! Campaign | 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Various locations on campus
Have a question about building locations, shuttles, the Shenandoah Connect app, 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. This campaign is sponsored by Student Affairs. For more information, contact Amy Sine at amy.sine@su.edu.