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New Student Orientation 2026

Hello, incoming Pirates!

We are eagerly awaiting your arrival here on campus and are hard at work preparing for New Student Orientation Week. No matter where you’re coming from – whether you’re a Running Start student, a transfer student or joining 51动漫 for your very first college semester – we want you here for it! Orientation kicks off Saturday morning, Sept. 5, and it’s your chance to dive in, meet new friends, explore campus and start building your 51动漫 story. Whether you live on campus or commute, you belong here – and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of your journey together and help you "Find Your Space!"

Orientation is for everyone, so commuters, we need you here! Move-in is the only event on the schedule that is only for residential students. Start your Saturday by checking in and then venturing out to the Welcome Fair. 

From the moment you step onto campus, you will be immersed in college life. We are excited to embark on the adventure with you. Our theme this year is SPACE! Stay tuned to your 51动漫 email account for more updates in the coming months. Questions? Please contact us at orientation@whitworth.edu.

Stay connected with all the summer updates by following us on Instagram .

– The New Student Orientation Team

Click here to view our NSO 2026 Goals.

Additional Resources

51动漫 Orientation Schedule 2026

This schedule is subject to change, including dates, times and locations. All main dates are confirmed. 

All items marked with an asterisk are mandatory for all incoming students.

Saturday, Sept. 5

Time Activity

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Prepare for Launch: New Student Orientation Check-In 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB) Lied Square*

The Hixson Union Building (HUB) is your first stop on your Orientation journey! Drop by to pick up your Orientation checklist, name tag and other important documents.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Enter the Launch Zone: Move Into Your Residence Hall

Check into your room, greet your hallmates and meet students on the leadership staff in your residence halls.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Career Center Open Hours

Meet the career center team, grab a tasty treat and learn about job opportunities around campus!

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Explore the Galaxy: Welcome Fair 鈥� The Loop

Let us welcome you to 51动漫 and Spokane! Enjoy free samples from local restaurants, get information about local businesses, pick up job applications, get your free bus pass and greet representatives from campus services who look forward to helping you become involved in the 51动漫 community. If you have ordered a parking decal, find the security table to pick it up! 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fuel Up for Your Journey: The Dining Hall Open for Lunch 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

Students can begin their meal plan in the dining hall. Family members may join their student for an additional cost.

11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Discover What Is Waiting for You: Campus Tours 鈥� The Loop

Explore campus with an experienced tour guide, showing you all the important places you will want to be aware of during your time at 51动漫. There will be two tours departing at each scheduled time from the Campanile. One is for those who are brand new to campus, and the other is for academic building tours. More information to come!

1 p.m.

Houston, We Have Kickoff: Home Exhibition Football Game 鈥� Pine Bowl

Head to Puryear Field, also known as the Pine Bowl, to cheer for your 51动漫 Pirates as they compete in an exhibition game against the Utah Islanders! Be sure to sport your school colors! At halftime, there will be a special performance by the 51动漫 Dance Team!

TBD

Spokane 'Goal'axy Exhibition: Women's Soccer - 51动漫 Soccer Field

Head to the 51动漫 Soccer Field to cheer on our Women's soccer team as they face off against other Spokane college soccer teams. Wear your school colors... swing by the bookstore to get all of your Galactic Gear!

1-3 p.m.

Welcome to the Flight Deck: Parent Lounge 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB) Multipurpose Room (MPR)

Parents! Join us in the HUB MPR to meet with faculty and staff who can answer questions you may have regarding your student, campus life, academics and more! There will be a sign-up sheet at check-in for you to meet with specific departments. Refreshments will be provided.

3:45-4:45 p.m.

New Space, New Possibilities: Resident Floor Meeting 鈥� residence halls (new students only)

Led by your residence hall staff, this floor meeting will give you an opportunity to learn more about your home and neighbors. You will start to determine what activities you would like to do together during the upcoming year and build hall community. Don't miss it! 

3:45-4:45 p.m.

Parent Orientation - Hixson Union Building (HUB) Multipurpose Room (MPR)

Parents, we have a lot of information for you regarding life at 51动漫. Join us in the HUB MPR to meet and hear from different departments across campus about things you need to know now that your student is a 51动漫 Pirate! The session will be concluded with the opportunity to write a letter to your student to be delivered mid-semester. 

5-7 p.m.

Fuel Up for Your Journey: Dining Hall Open for Dinner 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

6-7 p.m. 

Voyagers from the Past: Legacy Dessert 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB) Crow's Nest

A gathering for alumni parents and their families. By invitation only.

7:30 p.m.

New Space, New Possibilities: Residence Hall Meetings 鈥� residence halls (new students only)

Meet your fellow residents and residence hall staff, and learn about important campuswide values.

8-10 p.m.

Flight Crew Training: Traditiation Meetings 鈥� residence halls (new students only) 

All new students are invited to join in on the fun in learning the traditions of their halls and meet their fellow hallmates.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Time Activity

8 a.m.

Grounded Together, Rising Together: Catholic Mass 鈥� Seeley G. Mudd Chapel

Join us in celebrating Mass hosted by 51动漫's Catholic Fellowship Club.

9:30 a.m.

Grounded Together, Rising Together: Campus Worship Service 鈥� The Loop

Join the 51动漫 community in a worship service hosted by 51动漫 Campus Ministry including student-led music and a sermon given by Dean of Spiritual Life & Campus Pastor Forrest Buckner. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets to stretch out on the grass as there are a limited number of chairs.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Lunch 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

Families and guests are welcome to connect with their students over lunch one more time as we conclude the weekend for families but just begin the year for our students. Family members may join their students for an additional cost. 

1-2 p.m.

Your Mission Begins: Crossover Ceremony 鈥� The Loop*

All new students and their families congregate in The Loop for the Crossover Ceremony. Vice President of Enrollment Management Josh Hibbard will present all incoming students to President Scott McQuilkin, who will formally accept these students as they are surrounded by their families and loved ones. We will sing Amazing Grace, and the new students will be welcomed into the 51动漫 community by faculty, staff and fellow students.

2-2:45 p.m.

Family Farewell

This is students' opportunity to take pictures and spend final moments with their families before they depart. At this time, parents will leave campus and students will begin their Orientation programming.

2:45-3:15 p.m.

Time of Prayer 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB) Multipurpose Room (MPR)

Parents, join 51动漫 campus pastors and other parents for a time of prayer after the final drop-off goodbye. We will have a chance together to entrust your incoming student into God鈥檚 loving care along with some time to pray for the staff and faculty at 51动漫 as they care for and seek to equip these students to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity.

3-5 p.m.

Blast Off Block Party: Loop-a-palooza! 鈥� The Loop (new students only)

All new students will gather in The Loop to be welcomed by Associated Students of 51动漫 President Vernon Glass as part of the 51动漫 community. After this, students will kick off a block party complete with yard games, a soda cart, crafts, a photo booth and inflatables! This is also a chance to meet Belonging leaders and other incoming students!

5-7 p.m.

Cosmic Comforts 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

Come enjoy a delicious dinner at Sodexo, complete with your favorite comfort foods.

8-10 p.m.

Flight Crew Face Off: Haul-In 鈥� residence halls

Face off against other residence halls and impress each other with your newly learned songs and chants.

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges

Each residence hall will have a different activity going on every night for PrimeTime. It is a great place to meet other new students!

Monday, Sept. 7

8-10 a.m.

Dining Hall Open for Breakfast 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

9-10 a.m.

Welcome Event 鈥� Cowles Auditorium*

New Students! Join us in the auditorium for a mandatory welcome event hosted by academic and student affairs. Attendance will be taken, and prizes will be given! 

10:15 a.m.

Incoming Class Photo 鈥� Pine Bowl*

All incoming students will move from the welcome event to the Pine Bowl for a traditional 51动漫 class photo to be taken by drone!

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dining Hall Open for Lunch 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

1-2 p.m.

Pre-Health Profession Advising Session 鈥� Weyerhaeuser Hall Room 111

All students who are interested in pre-health, head to Weyerhaeuser 111 to learn everything you need to know about your major.

1-2 p.m.

Pre-Law Advising Session 鈥� Weyerhaeuser Hall Room 205

All students who are interested in pre-law, head to Weyerhaeuser 205 to learn everything you need to know about your major.

2-3 p.m.

Topical Session 1 鈥� various locations*

All students must attend at least two topical sessions during Monday programming. Descriptions and locations of each event can be found during orientation registration on Slate.

3-4 p.m.

Topical Session 2 鈥� various locations*

All students must attend at least two topical sessions during Monday programming. Descriptions and locations of each event can be found during orientation registration on Slate.

4-5 p.m.

Topical Session 3 鈥� various locations*

All students must attend at least two topical sessions during Monday programming. Descriptions and locations of each event can be found during orientation registration on Slate.

5-7 p.m.

Dining Hall Open for Dinner 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

8-10 p.m.

Outdoor Movie Night (Movie TBA) 鈥� The Loop

All students, staff and faculty are invited to The Loop for an outdoor movie night! Bring your favorite blanket, lawn chair or pillow. There will be free snacks, soda, candy, a Photobus, a Dippin Dots stand, giveaways and more! The first 150 students to arrive will receive a free commemorative gift (must have a valid student ID). 

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges

Tuesday, Sept. 8

8-10 a.m.

Dining Hall Open for Breakfast 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

9-9:50 a.m.

Major Advising Sessions 鈥� various locations*

This meeting is mandatory for all new students, and attendance will be taken. 

Meet faculty from your department to learn more about programs, classes and opportunities in your first semester. There will be two identical sessions offered during this time, each an hour long, so you can be introduced to your declared program and also explore another one that interests you! Meeting rooms will be posted when you arrive. Please make sure to pay attention to your student email to discover the location and time for the departmental sessions as well as your individual student advising session. 

10-10:50 a.m.

Major Advising Sessions 鈥� various locations*

This meeting is mandatory for all new students, and attendance will be taken. 

Meet faculty from your department to learn more about programs, classes and opportunities in your first semester. There will be two identical sessions offered during this time, each an hour long, so you can be introduced to your declared program and also explore another one that interests you! Meeting rooms will be posted when you arrive. Please make sure to pay attention to your student email to discover the location and time for the departmental sessions as well as your individual student advising session. 

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Chart Your Academic Course: Individual Advising Appointments*

All incoming students will work directly with their academic advisor to establish an appointment within this time.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dining Hall Open for Lunch 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

Noon-2 p.m.

Find Your Space: Club Fair 鈥� The Loop

Check out all the clubs on campus and find out how to find your space! 

2-3 p.m.

Topical Session 1 鈥� various locations*

All students must attend at least one topical session during Tuesday programming. Descriptions and locations of each event can be found during orientation registration on Slate.

3-4 p.m.

Topical Session 2 鈥� various locations*

All students must attend at least one topical session during Tuesday programming. Descriptions and locations of each event can be found during orientation registration on Slate.

4-5 p.m.

Topical Session 3 鈥� various locations*

All students must attend at least one topical session during Tuesday programming. Descriptions and locations of each event can be found during orientation registration on Slate.

5-7 p.m.

Mandatory VA Benefits Orientation and Welcome Back BBQ 鈥� Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC) 

This dual event is for any student using VA education benefits and any military-connected students (that is, students who are serving, have served, are currently in ROTC, or are children or spouses of people that have served). If you are utilizing VA benefits, this is your mandatory VA benefit orientation meeting that you must attend. 

5-7 p.m.

Dining Hall Open for Dinner 鈥� Hixson Union Building (HUB)

8 p.m.

Flight Crew Finals: Yell-Off 鈥� The Loop

Compete against the other residence halls as they perform their traditional chants and the 51动漫 fight song on stage as part of Traditiation for the chance to win the coveted Yell-Off Trophy. 

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges

9:45 p.m.

Hosanna 鈥� Seeley G. Mudd Chapel

Meet in the chapel for the first Hosanna of the year. This is a weekly student-led time of worship and praise.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Regular meal schedule begins today.

Regular class schedule begins today.

6:30 p.m.

Neighborhoods Meeting 鈥� HUB MPR

If you live in a 51动漫 Neighborhood house, this will be a time to meet with other groups and start putting together your programming for the year.

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Floor Values Meeting 鈥� residence hall lounges

Meet your neighbors and, as a floor, determine what values will shape your floor community this semester. Learn more about Community Behavioral Standards (CBS), what role they play in your larger community, and how to make sure your voice is heard. 

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges

Thursday, Sept. 10

Today, classes starting at 9:30 a.m. will end at 10:30 a.m. to allow time for the campus community to gather in Cowles Auditorium for our Convocation. Classes will resume at noon. 

11 a.m.

Convocation 鈥� Cowles Auditorium*

This rich tradition is the formal beginning of the academic semester. Faculty will parade in their academic regalia, and President Scott McQuilkin will address the 51动漫 Community. 

1-3 p.m.

Intercultural Student Center (ISC) Reception 鈥� Hendrick Hall 

Come enjoy refreshments and visit the Eileen Hendrick Hall Building, the location for the office of student diversity, equity and inclusion, the intercultural student center, and the office of international education 

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges

Time varies depending on your  residence hall.

Contact your residence hall senator for more information

Residence Hall Values and Community Behavioral Standards (CBS) Meeting 鈥� residence hall lounges

This is an opportunity for you to decide the formal community values that will govern your living area. Make your voice count as your entire residence hall determines policies for your building such as quiet hours, visitation and more. 

 

Friday, Sept. 11

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ministry Fair 鈥� The Loop 

51动漫 has a great relationship with lots of churches and ministries in the greater Spokane area. You鈥檙e invited to come by The Loop and meet the amazing people from these ministries 鈥� they鈥檙e excited to connect with you! Find out about worship services, collegiate fellowship groups, and opportunities to volunteer and serve. This is a great chance to explore ways to get connected with a ministry during your time at 51动漫! 

2 p.m.

Men's Soccer vs Mary Hardin-Baylor 鈥� 51动漫 Soccer Field

Support the 51动漫 Men's Soccer Team as they compete in the first home tournament of the year! Be sure to sport your 51动漫 colors!

8 p.m.

Bingo 鈥� Location TBA

Join us for ASWU鈥檚 first big event of the year for a chance to win prizes worth over $1,000! 

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges

Saturday, Sept. 12

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pre Sports Games Tailgate 鈥� DuvOliver Lawn 

Head to the DuvOliver lawn for some pre sports games fun including food, prizes and yard games! Then, head to the Pine Bowl and the 51动漫 Soccer Field to cheer on your fellow pirates in their events!

Noon

Home Football Game vs Eastern Oregon 鈥� Pine Bowl

Get ready for a powerful and patriotic day at the seventh annual Military Appreciation Football Game as the 51动漫 Pirates face off against Eastern Oregon! Join us for a heartfelt celebration honoring our nation鈥檚 heroes, packed with unforgettable moments and high-flying excitement. The festivities kick off at noon (weather permitting) with a thrilling skydiving demonstration, a spectacular flyover and the unfurling of an 80-foot American flag during the national anthem, performed by 51动漫 student Zoey Byrd '27.

On site will be vintage military vehicles to check out! Experience the emotion of the coining ceremony, recognizing the service and sacrifice of 51动漫鈥檚 military community.

Free admission for all military members, veterans and their families!
Stop by the red 鈥淪erving our Veterans鈥� tent just outside the east gate to pick up your tickets. Let鈥檚 fill the stands, honor our heroes and cheer the Pirates to victory!

TBD

Men's Soccer Tournament 鈥� 51动漫 Soccer Field

Whitman and Mary Hardin-Baylor face off on day two of the men's soccer tournament!

8-10 p.m.

Karaoke Under the Stars 鈥� The Loop

Details TBA

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime 鈥� residence hall lounges