Welcome Week

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@electronic-fittings.com.

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

The Brandt 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. 

New Student Convocation | 4 p.m. – 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. Residential students will walk over with their Resident Assistant (RA). Families can park in one of the parking garages (G-BSC or G-WAEC) and take a shuttle to the WAEC. Shuttles will be available prior to and following the ceremony. Have family who can’t attend? The event will be livestreamed on YouTube! View the digital program online.

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

Join the Residence Life team for your very first building meeting. Resident Assistants (RA’s) will cover the rules and expectations of the building, and also policies to keep in mind. 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. 

Commuter Connections | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Borden Student Association Center

Connections are important, even on Day One! Join us for a fun and friendly social event to kick off Welcome Week! 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!

Block Party | 8:30 p.m. – 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 mocktails from our favorite vendors. DJ Georgie will keep the energy high with awesome tunes while you play fun games. Test your skills on the mechanical bull!

Academic Orientations | 9 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. 

• College of Arts & Sciences – Armstrong Concert Hall (9 a.m.)
• Conservatory – Ohrstron Bryant Theatre (9 a.m.)
• School of Nursing – Henkel Hall 105 (8:30 a.m.)
• School of Business – Stimpson Auditorium (10:30 a.m.)
• Exploratory Studies – Smith Library 3rd Floor (9 a.m.)

First-Year Seminar Meet & Greet | 1 p.m. |Intramural Field, Behind Brandt Student Center

Meet your First-Year Seminar (FYS) mentor and classmates and walk to the academic information fair together. This is a required event for all first-year students. 

Academic Fair | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center

Connect with Shenandoah’s programs and services that will support your academic journey. Bring your sweet tooth and energy for the interactive, fun afternoon. This is a required event for all first-year and transfer students.

The Flagship Show | 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.| Ferrari Room, Brandt Student Center

The Flagship Show, from our Speak About It Group, 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. The show offers information about university policies and how to access various campus resources, so students can make informed decisions that support their personal safety, as well as the safety of their community. A debrief of the presented topics will happen after the show. RSVP today your SU email. All first-year students are required to attend one of the available sessions. 

Luau, Games, and Ice Cream Truck | 5:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.| The Village Courtyard

Spend some tropical time with your fellow new students! Enjoy grilled burgers and hotdogs with tropical drinks. Play lawn games like corn hole, spike ball, limbo, big jenga, volleyball, and kan jam. Most of all, grab your frozen treat from our Ice Cream Truck! Sponsored by Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM). All are welcome!

• Rain Location – Village Common Room

Magician John Cassidy| 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Armstrong Concert Hall

Experience the magic of John Cassidy! Join your classmates for an unforgettable show featuring a talented comedian, mesmerizing magician, and world-record holding balloon artist. John Cassidy has set several Guinness World Records® for his incredible balloon sculpting speed, including the Most Balloon Sculptures Completed in One Hour and Most Balloon Sculptures Completed in One Minute.

As a seasoned performer, John has graced television screens with his unique talents, appearing as a stand-up comedian, magician, and Guinness Book of Records® celebrity on popular shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Martha Stewart Living, The Weakest Link, NBC’s Today Show, Live With Regis and Kelly, and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.Prepare to be amazed for a magical experience! 

Green Circle Coffee Walk | 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Green Circle Trail

If you’re a coffee fanatic this is perfect for you! Walk along the Winchester Green Trail and stop at local coffee shops along the way. Meet outside of the BSC picnic area at 8:30 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bring money for coffee. We will be back at Brandt Student Center no later than 11 a.m.  RSVP today.  

Work-Study Orientation | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. & 11 a.m. – noon | Hester Auditorium, Henkel Hall

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@electronic-fittings.com.

The Q in Question Meet & Greet feat. QMC | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Mosaic Center

Join the staff/faculty facilitators of the “Q in Question” group and advisors of QMC student organization to meet others who are interested in conversation about, and support for, those in the LGBTQ+ community. Do you want to connect with others by talking about topics like gender identity and expression? Queerness or pansexuality? Being a supportive ally to another person? Or simply get your vote in about the movies you want to watch with QMC  this semester? Gather at the Brandt Student Center, Mosaic Center to meet with Mannie Brown of the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, University Chaplain DeLyn Celec, and Sarah Celec from Transformative Teaching and Learning to greet others who will gather regularly during the semester. Introduce yourself, enjoy a light snack, listen to others, and feel free to share. 

Escape Room | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Room 114 & 115

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).  RSVP is required for this event.

Spiritual Life Open House | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Goodson Chapel & Recital Hall

Join us to find out about student clubs & organizations related to Religious, Secular, and Spiritual Identities (RSSI’s) and connect with others who seek to do the same. Spiritual Life staff will also be there to respond to questions about programs and other offerings, such as service trips, Chaplains in the Residence Halls, Monthly Movie Nights, and worship services. For more information, please contact spirituallife@electronic-fittings.com

Dizzy Dash | 3 p.m. – 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. RSVP’s encouraged but walk-ups welcomed. 

Murder Mystery | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Sarah’s Glen

Murderous Mystery awaits at Sarah’s Glen on Friday, Aug. 23 from 6-8 p.m. as Student Support Services hosts “Murder on the Lake.” Will the regatta take place? Will you become a suspect? Or will you solve the mystery of the body in the brush? 

* Rain location – Smith Library 

Pool Party | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Vaden Campus Commons (VCC)

Take a dip in the VCC Pool, hang out, meet new people, have some pizza, and enjoy some time by the water. 

CAN: Late Night Bingo | 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room

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@electronic-fittings.com.

Parking Permit Distribution | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.| Brandt Student Center

Department of Campus Safety will be distributing parking permits to students from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Brandt Student Center. Students can purchase the permit online prior to visiting the table or come prepared with basic information about the vehicle to purchase a permit in person. For more information, email safety@electronic-fittings.com.

Dancing & Donuts | 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.| Brandt Student Center

Join the Student Government Association (SGA) for dancing and donuts with Alum DeAngelo Wynn! DeAngelo is teaching a Zumba class and SGA is providing the donuts. Show out and show off your dancing skills and meet your SGA executive board. Questions? Contact the Student Government Association at sga@electronic-fittings.com.

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. 

Water Tubing | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Cool Spring River Campus

Spend the day with Shenandoah University’s SOAR team as we take 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, there will be a BBQ! We will depart from the Brandt Student Center parking lot at 1 p.m. and return at 6 p.m. RSVP by Thursday, August 22. Questions? Contact SOAR at suoutdoors@electronic-fittings.com.

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

Join the Shenandoah Esports’ program for a fun Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournament in the Esports Arena on campus. This is a singles tournament that is open to all skill levels and free to enter! Compete, hang out, and learn about the Esports Arena and activities that are open to all students all year round! For any questions, email Alyssa Duran at alyssa.duran@electronic-fittings.com.

Good Grief Mixer | 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Room 118

As we start college, one of the things we discover is that grief of any sort in a new context can be really challenging to process. But we hope you’ll quickly discover that you are not alone in your grief. Spiritual Life and the Counseling Center hold 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 staff from the Counseling Center and from Spiritual Life, and enjoy some free snacks in a low-stress environment!

Corn Hole Tournament | 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Intramural Field

Get your partner and come out to the Welcome Week Cornhole Tournament.  Pre-registration is required using http://www.imleagues.com/spa/portal/home.  Don’t have a partner, register as a Free Agent and we will do our best to pair you up.  Who knows, 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@electronic-fittings.com

Late Night SU | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Brandt Student Center

Join us for an incredibly fun late night at SU! You won’t want to miss the excitement of our silent disco as you dance the night away to your favorite tunes. Don’t forget to stop by our Build Your Own Bear workshop to create your very own cuddly companion to remember the night. Plus enjoy a late night buffet. There will be plenty of other surprises and activities to enjoy, so mark your calendars for a night of enjoyment and creativity at SU!  .

Parking Permit Distribution | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.| Brandt Student Center

Department of Campus Safety will be distributing parking permits to students from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Brandt Student Center. Students can purchase the permit online prior to visiting the table or come prepared with basic information about the vehicle to purchase a permit in person. For more information, email safety@electronic-fittings.com.

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 11 a.m. with free coffee, tea, and other breakfast treats. 

Chaplain in Allen Dining Hall | 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Allen Dining Hall

Immediately following Sunday Chapel, please join Chaplain Celec and her family at the Allen Dining Hall. If you do not have a meal plan, Spiritual Life is happy to cover the cost of your lunch. Contact spirituallife@electronic-fittings.com for more information.

Shopping Shuttles | 1 p.m. – 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 every hour to drop off and pick up from the Brandt Student Center, Patio. Last drop off is at 4 p.m. 

Rise Against Hunger | 2 p.m. – 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, Ferrari Room. Please sign up by August 24. 

Catholic Mass & New School Year’s Eve Party | 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Goodson Chapel & Recital Hall

Come to our first Catholic Sunday Mass of the year! After Mass, in the Goodson Chapel Lobby, we will celebrate New School Year’s Eve! Enjoy pizza, dessert, and fizzy drinks to ring in the new year! Everyone receives a free t-shirt and other swag. Win raffle prizes and meet fellow new students and CCM members. Sponsored by Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM). All are welcome!

Learn Your Campus | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Rotunda

Set yourself up for success! Come to the Brandt Student Center where Welcome Week leaders will walk you through campus to help you locate your first day classes! Come prepared with your schedule. 

Trip Drop Party | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | SOAR Center at Vaden Campus Commons 

Find out what trips SOAR has planned for the Fall semester and be the first to sign up! We will be giving away free trips and prizes AND there will be free food for all! Questions? Contact SOAR at suoutdoors@electronic-fittings.com. RSVP today!

Adventure Awaits Outdoor Movie Night | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Sarah’s Glen

Enjoy a movie under the stars (weather permitting) and remember “adventure is out there!” 

*Rain Location – Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room

Ask Me! Campaign | 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Various locations on campus

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. This campaign is sponsored by Student Affairs. For more information, contact Amy Sine at amy.sine@electronic-fittings.com.

Student Government Association (SGA) Involvement Fair | 6:30 p.m. – 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@electronic-fittings.com.

Navigator | Noon – 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! Make sure that you stop by to get important items and questions answered before the first day of classes! Parking is available for students and families in the Brandt Student Center garage and surface lot.

New Student Convocation | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.| Wilkins Athletic & Events Center

All new students are invited to attend Shenandoah University’s traditional Hornet welcome at new student convocation. Doors open for families at 3:30 p.m. Students are asked to arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. A Welcome Week leader will be Brandt Student Center at 3 p.m. to walk over to the WAEC with commuter students and families.

Campus Eats | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.| Allen Dining Hall

Looking for a place to eat? Fill your plate with an array of options from the all-you-can-eat buffet located in Allen Dining Hall. This bustling campus eatery offers a diverse menu to satisfy every craving and dietary need. Swipe in with your meal plan or pay at the door for a meal in a lively student atmosphere.

Commuter Connections | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.| Brandt Student Center – Borden Student Association Center (Room 123)

Connections are important, even on day one! Join us for a fun and friendly social event to kick off Welcome Week! 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!

Block Party | 8:30 p.m. – 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 mocktails from our favorite vendors. DJ Georgie will keep the energy high with awesome tunes while you play fun games. Test your skills on the mechanical bull! A Welcome Week leader will walk students to the Village Courtyard from Commuter Connections.