Welcome Week Schedule

Football Move-In | 9:00 am-noon

Navigator for Football & Commuters | 11:00 am-2:00 pm

Join us in the Brandt Student Center for Navigator from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! This one-stop-shop is hosted for commuting students as well as students arriving on campus on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Representatives from Academics, Campus Mail, the Department of Public Safety, Financial Aid, Hornet Central, Institutional Computing, Smith Library and Student Accounts will be available to answer any of your questions and to help you finish any last minute needs. For more information, contact Student Life at studentlife@su.edu.

New Commuter & Transfer Student Mixer | 6:00 pm

Join us at 50/50 Taphouse (29 W. Cork St., Winchester)! New first-year and new transfer students who will not be living in residence halls are invited to get to know each other as well as Vice President for Student Life Rhonda VanDyke and some Student Life staff. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you like! Student Life pays for food; each person pays for their beverages. 

New International Student Orientation | 8:30 am-5:00 pm

Navigator Helpers, IC Helpers, & Move-In Helpers Move-In | 10:00 am-noon

Required Student Life Session for Football & other fall athletes | 1:00 pm-200 pm

Student Life 411 for new fall athletes playing football, soccer, field hockey, volleyball or cross country begins at 1 p.m. in Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall. Attendance is REQUIRED for all new students currently on campus. For more information, contact Sarah Celec at scelec112@su.edu.

Shenandoah Greenworks | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cooley Hall, Room 204
The shop is full of lightly used residence hall room essentials including sheets, bed risers, white boards, room decorations, shower caddies, and more. The best part? Everything is FREE! Come check the shop for all of your last minute supplies! For more information, contact khecker@su.edu.

Move-In Day for New Residential Students / 9 a.m. – Noon
Students living in FUNKHOUSER, GORE, RACEY, or PARKER begin on campus at the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre parking lot, and you will be directed from there. Students living in EDWARDS, UNIVERSITY INN, ROMINE LIVING CENTER, or LA QUINTA go directly to those buildings to check in. Residence Life staff will greet students at their residence halls and a group of volunteers will help unload your car when you get to your residence hall. Students, families, and friends then head to the Brandt Student Center to complete all other tasks at NAVIGATOR! For more information, contact Residence Life at reslife@su.edu about Move-In Day.

Navigator –Your One-Stop Shop | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m

Brandt Student Center
Representative from Academics, Campus Mail, the Department of Public Safety, Financial Aid, Hornet Central, Institutional Computing, Smith Library and Student Accounts will be available to answer any of your questions and to help you finish any last minute needs. Students can sign up for Welcome Week activities as well!

New Student Convocation | 4 p.m.

Wilkins Athletics and Events Center
Watch President Tracy Fitzsimmons greet each of Shenandoah University’s new students as they walk across the stage during 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 new 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.

First-Night Block Party | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Brandt Student Center
All new students, including transfers, and commuters, are invited to make the party circuit. Come to the Brandt Student Center for free snacks, a live DJ and a dance party, and even indoor S’mores!

Academic Sessions | 9 a.m. – noon

Various Locations
Please check for the details on the schedule for your school – Arts & Sciences, Business, Conservatory, or Nursing. 

Navigator–Your One-Stop Shop | Noon – 3 p.m.

Brandt Student Center
Representatives from Academics, Campus Mail, the Department of Public Safety, Financial Aid, Hornet Central, Institutional Computing, Smith Library and Student Accounts will be available to answer any of your questions and to help you finish any last minute needs. Students can sign up for Welcome Week activities as well!

Work Study Orientation Option 1 | 1 p.m.- 2 p.m.

Hester Auditorium in Henkel Hall
Attendance is REQUIRED at one of the two sessions for all new students on campus who are eligible to receive work-study pay. For more information, contact Sherry Whitelaw at swhitela@su.edu.

The Buzz Option 1 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

GoodsonChapel-Recital Hall
All new undergraduate residential students and new transfer and commuter students are REQUIRED at one of the two Buzz sessions.

The Buzz Option 2 | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall
All new undergraduate residential students and new transfer and commuter students are REQUIRED at one of the two Buzz sessions.

The Q in Question | 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

At the home of DeLyn and Sarah Celec
The Q in Question is a small group discussion about Christianity, sexual orientation and gender identity. This preliminary meeting is for all those who may be interested in the small group that occurs every Tuesday in September. For the Celec’s address, arrangement of ride sharing from campus or any other information, contact dcelec@su.edu.

Residence Hall Meeting | 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Residence Halls
Residence Hall Meetings are REQUIRED for all new residential students. The Residence Life staff will go over important information about Welcome Week and acclimating to living on campus. The meeting will take place in your building’s lobby, unless instructed otherwise. Talk to your Resident Assistant or email reslife@su.edu for more information.

Late Night SU | 10 p.m. – Midnight

Brandt Student Center
Sing karaoke in the Game Room, join the Cereal Party in the Mosaic Center, get crafty and make canvas art for your room and enjoy free food! All students – new, commuter and returning – are invited. No need to sign up in advance; simply show up and have some fun!

Late Night Fitness | 10 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Shingleton Gym
Get your heart pounding at this late night fitness class, part of Late Night in the BSC! Dance Party with De’Angelo is a full body cardio jam session, combining dance with fitness. Wear athletic shoes and please bring water. For more information, contact recsports@su.edu.

Welcome Week Shopping Shuttles | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brandt Student Center
A shuttle is provided and departs at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. from the Armstrong/Brandt Student Center Parking Lot. Store pick-up and drop-off spots are Target, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond. The van service is FREE for all students; bring your own money for shopping.

Learn Your Campus | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brandt Student Center Info Desk
Do you want to find where your classes are located on campus before school starts on Monday? Welcome Week Leaders will be available to help you find your classrooms! All new students, including transfers and commuters are welcome.

Commuter Get Together | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Gregory 114
Join fellow commuters and get to know them while enjoying free pizza and snacks!

Bash at the Bridge | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sarah’s Glen
All students – new, commuter and returning – are invited! Enjoy a giant inflatable rock wall, music and snacks, including a free snow cone courtesy of Alumni Affairs. Make Shenandoah colored tie-dyed T-shirts courtesy of Student Engagement!

Work Study Orientation Option 2 | 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Hester Auditorium in Henkel Hall
Attendance is REQUIRED at one of the two sessions for all new students on campus who are eligible to receive work-study pay. For more information, contact Sherry Whitelaw at swhitela@su.edu

Rise Against Hunger | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Shingleton Gym
First Year Seminar (FYS) students are offered an opportunity to package meals to be shipped out to feed people around the world that are in need. Help us “Rise Against Hunger” and package 15,000 meals.

Prepare to Be Amazed: Hypnotist | 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Armstrong Concert Hall
All Students – new, commuter and returning – are invited to this entertaining event. We have booked a hypnotist and master magician to perform. This event is always one of the most popular during Welcome Week. The performer’s ability to combine comedy and excitement will entertain you throughout the show. Take the chance to be the show or simply watch the show!

Bowling Night | 9:15 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Northside Lanes
Is a monthly event and a Shenandoah tradition. Bowl for free between 9:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. during Welcome Week! At 8:45 p.m., shuttles will take students from the Brandt Student Center main entrance to Northside Lanes, or students can drive themselves. Returning students are welcomed to attend if space permits.

Welcome Week Hike | 8:45 a.m. – Noon

Brandt Student Center Pickup
Participants meet at 8:45 a.m. in the Brandt Student Center/Armstrong parking lot. All students will be back on campus around noon. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen, and wear athletic clothing with closed-toed, lace-up shoes. Sign up using the Welcome Week Events form.

Mission Possible | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall
A Shenandoah tradition, first year students are invited to volunteer a few hours to get to know and serve the Winchester community through different activities such as gleaning, cleaning, organizing, building, and interacting with kids and adults. Meet in the Goodson Lobby for a brief orientation, free t-shirts, and breakfast at 8:45 a.m. before being sent out with your groups to volunteer. Afterwards, students will eat in the Allen Dining Hall, ending around 12:30 p.m. Sign up using the Welcome Week Events form by 5 p.m. on Thurs, Aug 22. For more information, contact spirituallife@su.edu.

Learn Your Campus | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brandt Student Center Info Desk
Do you want to find where your classes are located on campus before school starts on Monday? Welcome Week Leaders will be available to help you find your classrooms! All new students, including transfers and commuters are welcome.

Bubble Soccer | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Shingleton Gym
Never heard of bubble soccer? Go to YouTube and search “bubble soccer” to find thousands of videos. All students are invited to play this crazy and fun game! Make sure to wear athletic shoes–no flip flops! Advance registration is not required; simply show up and have fun! For more information, contact recsports@su.edu.

Athletics Showcase and Cookout | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Shentel Stadium
Cheer on Women’s Field Hockey and enjoy a cookout catered by Sodexo. This will be the only dining option this evening as Allen Dining Hall will be closed. Food can be purchased with a meal swipe, cash, credit, or debit. Stick around to support the Women’s Field Hockey team at 7 p.m.!

Women’s Field Hockey Exhibition VS. Juniata College | 7 p.m.

Shentel Stadium

Welcome Week Intermission | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Brandt Student Center Room 123
It’s not even the first week of school and you’re already exhausted, come to the BSAC for time to unwind and relax, while getting to know other students. There will be board games, coloring books, snacks and a movie playing in the background starting at 7 p.m. Feel free to bring your laptops, phones, books and crafting projects or stay all night. Comfy clothes are encouraged.

Welcome Week Open Mic | 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Armstrong Concert Hall
All Shenandoah students – especially first-year students – are encouraged to bring their instruments and/or voices and present music, comedy, slam poetry, monologues, circus arts or whatever they love to do for this Open Mic event! Sign up using the Welcome Week Events form or in person on the edge of the stage, although first-year students are given preference everyone is welcome on the performance schedule. If you are interested in bringing your own music, please send jsmith094@su.edu a .MP3 or .WAV file, at least 24 hours before your performance.

Cool Spring Hiking, Tubing and Cookout | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cool Spring Campus
All students are invited to the Shenandoah University River Campus at Cool Spring for a cookout and lawn games. Tubing and Hiking is first come first serve and will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All participants need to have closed-toed shoes with a heel strap in order to tube! Sign up using the Welcome Week Events form. Students are also encouraged to carpool if possible. Use 1400 Parker Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135 in your GPS. . For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at khecker@su.edu.

FYS Downtown Plunge | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

BSC for Shuttles
The Downtown Plunge introduces all First-Year Seminar students to Old Town Winchester! All First-Year Seminar students will enjoy a FREE dinner with faculty at great restaurants. This event is REQUIRED for all FYS students. Buses will be at the Brandt Student Center main entrance at 4:15 p.m. and will begin transporting students to and from Shenandoah’s Feltner Building on the corner of Boscawen and Loudoun streets, continuously making the 20-minute circuit. The last bus leaves downtown heading back to main campus – at 8:30 p.m. Dinner reservations are at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Students should check their SU email for invitations from their FYS student mentors. For more information, contact Jana Mangubat at jmanguba@su.edu.

Non-FYS Dinner | 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

BSC for Shuttles
Dinner at a local Winchester restaurant! The trip is limited to 20 new transfer and international students only. Dinner and the transportation are free! New transfer and international students that sign up will meet at 5:15 p.m. at the Brandt Student main
entrance, where transportation will be provided or you may drive yourself. Sign up using the Welcome Week Events form. For more information, contact Katie Hecker at khecker@su.edu.

Heat Wave Foam Dance Party | 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Aikens Field behind Parker Hall
All students – new, commuter and returning – are invited. In addition to the foam dance pit, there will be a giant slip-and-slide and music! Make sure to wear clothes that can get wet!

First University Chapel @ Noon UCaN | Noon – 1 p.m.

Goodson Chapel/Recital Hall
All are invited to join a dynamic worshiping community of students and Shenandoah University community members EVERY Sunday. UCaN combines ancient and emerging, diverse and unified, safe and challenging, artful and thoughtful, playful and profound elements of Christian worship. For more information, contact spirituallife@su.edu.

Hang Out in the Quad, Literally. | 1:30 p.m. – to 3:30 p.m.

The Quad
All students – new, commuter and returning – are invited to relax before classes begin the next day. Come “hang out” and make some new friends. Hammocks are available all week at the BSC information desk. For more information, contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at khecker@su.edu.

Matinee Movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Alamo Drafthouse
Student Engagement invites new students to enjoy a movie in a theatre reserved just for them! This 3 p.m. matinee is limited to the first 80 students who sign up by using the Welcome Week Events form. Popcorn and drinks will be provided! Students who drive themselves must be in front of the Alamo by 2:30 p.m. Meet at the Brandt Student Center main entrance at 2 p.m. for a shuttle to the movie that leaves promptly at 2:15 p.m. All students must take SU I.D. to the Alamo.

Bingo | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Allen Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner with friends while you play along to win prizes such as gift cards and fun accessories for your room. All students are invited. Use your meal plan or pay with cash/debit/credit at the door.

Residence Hall Meeting | 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Residence Halls
Residence Hall Meetings are REQUIRED for all new and returning residential students. The Residence Life staff will share important information about living on campus and creating a safe and inclusive living environment. Meetings are held in every Residence Hall lobby, unless instructed otherwise. Talk to your Resident Assistant or email reslife@su.edu for more information.

First Day of Classes!

Enjoy your year at SU!

For events throughout the year check out the Events Calendar.

Wednesday, August 21

College of Arts and Sciences Academic Welcome | 9:00-10:00 am

Armstrong Concert Hall

REQUIRED for all first year students. Please bring your Macbook and Student ID. You will get a chance to meet Dean Jeffrey Coker and College of Arts & Sciences faculty. Meeting as one group in the beginning, you will then break into smaller groups to learn about career planning, advising and other important topics relating to settling in at Shenandoah and college life.

Contact the Office of Advising at 540-665-5546 or jstrader@su.edu.

Departmental Meetings |10:00 am-2:00 pm

Armstrong Concert Hall

After the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Welcome, you will then break into smaller groups to learn about career planning, advising and other important topics relating to settling in at Shenandoah and college life.

Contact the Office of Advising at 540-665-5546 or jstrader@su.edu.

Wednesday, August 21

Welcome Week for nursing and respiratory care students consists of informative and social gatherings at both the Winchester and Leesburg campuses. You will meet with instructors and spend time learning about your program. Welcome Week events for nursing and respiratory care are listed below, and you’ll also receive a printed copy when you check-in.

New First-Year, Sophomores Starting Nursing Classes, Transfer & ASD Nursing Student Orientation |8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Health & Life Science Building Lobby

New First-Year, Sophomores Starting Nursing Classes, Transfer & ASD Nursing Student Orientation begins with check-in at 8 a.m. in the Health & Life Science Building lobby. Attendance is REQUIRED for first-year, transfer, sophomores starting nursing classes and ASD nursing students attending class in Winchester. Orientation, which includes lunch with assigned advisors, ends at 1:30 p.m. Students should attend the “Navigator” one-stop shop in the afternoon on main campus as needed and participate in all other Welcome Week events. For more information, contact Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of Nursing Janice Smith at 540/665-5504 or jsmith9@su.edu.

Thursday, August 22

New Graduate Nursing Student Orientation | 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Health & Life Science Building Lobby

New Graduate Nursing Student Orientation begins with check-in at 8 a.m. in the Health & Life Science Building lobby and includes lunch with assigned advisors. Attendance is REQUIRED for all new graduate-level nursing students. Please bring personal laptop computers for an Institutional Computing assessment to check compatibility with the SU interface and to assist students as they sign in for the first time. Orientation ends at 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of Nursing Janice Smith at 540/665-5504 or jsmith9@su.edu.

Thursday, August 22

New ASD Nursing Student Orientation | 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Northern Virginia Campus-Scholar Plaza in Leesburg

New ASD Nursing Student Orientation is for students attending class at the Northern Virginia site begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m. at the Northern Virginia Campus-Scholar Plaza in Leesburg. Attendance is REQUIRED for all new ASD nursing students in Leesburg. Computers will be distributed during this orientation. Orientation, which includes lunch, ends at 3 p.m. For more information, contact Assistant Professor of Nursing Kathleen Eid Heberle at keidhebe@su.edu or Administrative Assistant Lynn Bonaventure at 540/535-3402 or lbonaven@su.edu.

Wednesday, August 21

Orientation for New Conservatory Freshmen and Transfer Students | 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Welcome from Dean Stepniak, Ting-Yu Chen and Sarah Fisher-Burke, facilitators. REQUIRED.

Student Performance Week Overview | 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

All New Conservatory Freshmen. REQUIRED

New Conservatory Transfer Student Q & A | 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Glaize Studio Theatre

REQUIRED

Meetings of New Conservatory Freshmen and Transfer Students with Advisors Composition | 11a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ruebush 139

Dance: Shingleton Hall, Ewing Studio

Theatre: Glaize Studio Theatre

Music Education: Ruebush 209

Keyboard Performance: Ruebush 200

Vocal Performance: Ruebush 148

Instrumental Performance: Armstrong 39

Music Prod/Recording Tech & Jazz Studies: Ruebush 128

Music Therapy: Ruebush 207

Conservatory Luncheon for New Freshmen and Transfer Students | 12:15 p.m.

Ruebush 128

Performance Season and Capital Performances Presentation

Wednesday, August 21

Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business Orientation | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium Lobby

Attendance is REQUIRED for first-year and transfer students. Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business Orientation begins with check-in at 9 a.m. in the Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium Lobby. Orientation, which includes a student panel presentation and lunch with assigned advisors, ends at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Theresa Golding at 540/665-5428 or tgolding08@su.edu.