August New Student Orientation
Starting with check-in day, we welcome new students to campus as they begin their Blue Jay journey. Many Etown traditions are a part of New Student Orientation. Peer Mentors guide students through this information-filled and fun weekend as we strive to create a home away from home where every student belongs and thrives.
Check-in/Move-in Day: August 22, 2025
New students will check-in between 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (all new first-years and new transfer students, both residential and commuting students).
Early Arrivals
- New fall athletes (cross country, field hockey, women's volleyball, women's soccer, men's soccer): TBD, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- New international students: TBD (specific times to be coordinated with Maria Petty, international student programs advisor) | New international student orientation: TBD
- New students in the Momentum or Bonner programs: TBD, 8-11 a.m. | Program orientation: TBD
- New students in the Honors program: TBD, 8-11 a.m. | Program orientation: TBD
Your program director or coach will communicate your program orientation or preseason schedule directly with you. New students in these programs are expected to participate in Convocation and New Student Orientation beginning August 22 at 3 p.m.
Check-in Procedures
Check-In Day Campus Map & Driving Directions
- All new students, residential and commuter, will check-in at Leffler Chapel at our drive-through check-in tent to get their ID card, room key, and welcome packet. Parking decals will be in student mailboxes.
- All students must do a pre-semester enrollment confirmation via Jayweb beginning August 1.
- If students have any outstanding items, there will be a hold on your account which you will see during the enrollment confirmation.
- You will also confirm your emergency contact information at this time.
- Residential students will be directed to their residence hall to unload their vehicle, move their vehicle, and then unpack and set up their room.
- Commuting students can explore campus, visit offices, and enjoy lunch before attending the Convocation Ceremony.
- All students and families are invited to enjoy lunch with us.
Convocation Ceremony: August 22, 3-4 p.m.
August Orientation begins with our Convocation ceremony which opens our academic year. This ceremony is a beloved tradition at Etown that welcomes new students; all new students should plant o attend. Families of our new students are invited to attend, as well. Convocation is also live streamed for families to watch. Families will depart campus after Convocation and new students will begin New Student Orientation with dinner on August 22.
New Student Orientation: August 22-24
Students begin making their Etown memories during this weekend, and we can't wait to have you on campus! You'll meet your peers, learn more about our resources and policies, and familiarize yourself with campus so you're ready to start classes. All new students, including new transfer students, are encouraged to participate in orientation (some sessions are mandatory). You can find the schedule below.
| August 22 | |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Residential students, check-in and move into your room | Commuter students, check-in and explore campus |
| 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. |
Visit campus offices: Business Office, Financial Aid, Academic Advising (fall schedule questions) |
|
Need a quiet space to relax? Stop by the High Library |
|
| 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lunch available for new students and families |
| 2-2:30 p.m. | Commuter student Meet & Greet |
| 2:30 p.m. | New students gather with FYS/Transfer student group and peer mentor for Convocation |
| 3 p.m. | Convocation Ceremony (families are invited to attend) |
| 4:15 pm | Family good-byes |
| 5 p.m. | Dinner with your FYS group & peer mentor |
| Evening | Student Life session* & social event |
| August 23 | |
| 10 a.m.-Noon | FYS meeting* & Your First-Year Experience* |
| 2-4 p.m. | Blue Jay Walk & Class Aerial Picture |
| 4-7 p.m. | ITS Help Desk open for wifi help |
| 7-9:30 p.m. | Student Life sessions* |
| August 24 | |
| 1 p.m. | Blue Jay Challenge |
| 2-4 p.m. | Student Life sessions* |
| 4 p.m. | First Day Prep (find your clasrooms) |
| 7 p.m. | Blue Jay Toast & First Year Mixer |
| 8-9:30 p.m. | Residence Hall floor meetings** |
*event is mandatory for all new students
**event is mandatory for all new residential students
First Year Pathway
All new students at Etown will use the First Year Pathway as a guide. Peer Mentors will utilize this Pathway during roundtable discussions.