2026 New Student Orientation Schedule

Please note that some events and activities are subject to change.  

 

Thursday, August 20, 2026 

• • Residential Student Arrival & Check-In - 7:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. 
  • Commuter Student Arrival & Check-In – 12:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. 

Aspects of Arrival & Check-In 

First - New Student Orientation (NSO) Check-In 

Location: Outside Piper Academic Center (Building 20) – Look for the Tent

New Student Orientation staff will welcome students as they arrive on campus. Students should begin their day at the Tent to confirm NSO registration, receive materials, and obtain next-step instructions. 

 

Second - FAST Forward: Facilitating Arrival, Support, and Transition 

Location: Piper Academic Center (Building 20)

FAST Forward is designed to ensure students are fully registered and prepared for the start of the academic year. Students and any accompanying family members will visit designated locations within the Piper Academic Center to connect with representatives from key student support offices across campus. 

Additional FAST Forward: Academic Check-In, Move-In Details, and Sign-Up are available here: https://www.mckendree.edu/student-life/res-life/life/fast-forward.php 

 

Third – Resident Check-In & Key Pick-Up 

Location: Piper Academic Center (Building 20)

Following FAST Forward, residential students will complete residence hall check-in and receive their room key. Approved Commuter Students do not need to do this step, and can head to their Bookstore, 1828 Café, or Group Meetings. 

Additional move-in information is available through the Office of Residence Life: https://www.mckendree.edu/reslife 

 

Dining Options 

8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. - 1828 Café (Building 32) Opens
Water, coffee, and Bogey Bucks account additions or updates are available. 

 

12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. - Lunch on Your Own 

Students and families may dine on campus at Ames Dining Hall (Building 2) or 1828 Café (Building 32).

• • Students with a meal plan should bring their Student ID to swipe in. 
  • Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase meals using cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks. 
  • Additional dining options are available in Lebanon and the surrounding area. 
  • Working on getting sponsors or deals for McK students during NSO 

 

Sessions for the Day 

Optional Bearcat Parent-to-Parent Conversations 

• • 10:00 A.M –10:30 A.M.  
  • 12:00 P.M. –12:30 P.M.  
  • 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Audience: Parents, Guardians, Family Members 
Location: Holman Library - 2nd Floor Conference Room (Building 23)

This session helps family members support their student’s transition to college by learning how to empower them when they call home feeling overwhelmed or challenged. Families will be introduced to key campus resources.

 

2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. - Student Group Meeting 

Location: The Quad  -Rain Location: Melvin Price Convocation Center (Building 30) 

All new students will meet with their assigned group leader and orientation group. Look for your group number posted on signage in the Quad. This meeting prepares students for the Convocation Ceremony. 

 

3:00 P.M. – 3:25 P.M. - Convocation Line-Up 

Location: Stevenson House Lawn (Building 37)

All new students should report to this location to line up prior to the Opening Convocation.  Family and guests can begin seating on the front lawn (Area 19).

 

3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. - Opening Convocation 

Location: Front Lawn (Area 19)  -Rain Location: Melvin Price Convocation Center (Building 30) 

The Opening Convocation marks the official beginning of the academic year and welcomes students into the McKendree community. During this ceremony, students will participate in the signing of the Matricula, a longstanding University tradition that formally signifies the start of each student’s academic journey and lifelong connection to McKendree. 

NOTE: Students are encouraged to wear the purple McKendree shirt provided at check-in for Convocation. There is no formal dress code; however, photos will be taken during the ceremony, so please dress accordingly. A live-stream option may be available. 

 

Evening Activities 

5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. - Student Dinner & Parent Good-Byes 

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student ID to swipe in at Ames Dining Hall. 
Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase dinner using cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks.  

 

6:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. - Commuter Student Meet & Greet 

Location: Lower Deneen Center – The Lair (Building 13)

Commuter students are invited to learn more about campus involvement opportunities, resources, and ways to stay connected throughout the year. 

 

6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. - Get Settled Time 

It has been a busy day. Take some time to clean up, set up your room, or relax in the Lair. 

The Lair will be open; commuter students are welcome to stay and participate. 

 

7:00 P.M. – 7:15 P.M. - Student Group Meeting 

Students will reconvene briefly with their orientation group for evening check-in and instructions. 

 

7:15 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. - Playfair 

Location: Leemon Field (Area 28)  Rain Location: IM Gym (Building 27)

Playfair is a high-energy, interactive team-building experience designed to help students meet classmates, build community, and kick off their McKendree experience in a fun and engaging way. 

 

After 9:00 P.M. - Bearcats at Night 

Come check out the very chill activities, or get some rest from the very busy night.  

 

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025 

8:45 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. - BEARCAT WELCOME PHOTO 

Location: Leemon Field (Area 28); Rain Location: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22).  

Wear your Purple Pit shirt and check with your NSO group leader for updates.   

 

9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. - THE BEARCAT WAY - STUDENT EXPECTATIONS  

Location: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22)

What expectations do your advisor and other professors have of you as advisees and as students in class? What are the various campus policies and community standards that you need to know? Find out here! Hear from McKendree University’s Public Safety officers and local law enforcement, with insights on personal safety in the community, college life, and relationships. Learn about the campus email and text alert systems, and how to safeguard your own well-being and that of others. Following the presentation, get information on The Hett's coming attractions! 

 

11:15 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. - LUNCH AND FREE TIME 

Location: Ames Dining Hall (Building 2)

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase lunch with cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks. 

 

1:00 P.M. – 2:50 P.M. - THE HOOK-UP (Groups 1 through 11 plus Transfers) 

Location: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22)

This engaging discussion pulls back the covers on hook-up culture, clarifying the distinction between good, bad, and abusive sexual encounters. We give our student audience honest information about what sex is, so it is easier to identify what sex isn’t or shouldn’t be. It gets students to explore societal norms surrounding language and behavior and explains how these can inadvertently contribute to a society that turns a blind eye to sexual violence. It concludes with a discussion on bystander intervention that extends beyond the moment of crisis, inspiring and equipping our students to intervene in unhealthy relationships or detrimental encounters. 

 

1:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M. – Real Talk Rotation (Groups 12 through 22) 

Location: Check with your Group Leader 

McKendree Q&A, practical advice, and campus essentials. 

 

3:00 P.M. – 4:45 P.M. - THE HOOK-UP (Group 12 through 22) 

Location: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22)

This engaging discussion pulls back the covers on hook-up culture, clarifying the distinction between good, bad, and abusive sexual encounters. We give our student audience honest information about what sex is, so it is easier to identify what sex isn’t or shouldn’t be. It gets students to explore societal norms surrounding language and behavior and explains how these can inadvertently contribute to a society that turns a blind eye to sexual violence. It concludes with a discussion on bystander intervention that extends beyond the moment of crisis, inspiring and equipping our students to intervene in unhealthy relationships or detrimental encounters. 

 

3:00 P.M. – 4:45 P.M. – Real Talk Rotation (Groups 1 through 11 plus Transfers) 

Location: Check with your Group Leader 

McKendree Q&A, practical advice, and campus essentials. 

 

5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. - DINNER AND FREE TIME 

Location: Ames Dining Hall (Building 2)

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase dinner with cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks. 

 

5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. - THERAPY DOG SOCIAL (OPTIONAL) 

Location: Quad Area. Rain location: The Lair.  

Need a relaxing moment? Interact with one of the visiting therapy dogs from Got Your Six Support Dogs!  

 

6:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. – Group Time 

Location: Check with your Group Leader 

 

7:00 P.M. - 8:15 P.M. - MENTALIST, CHRISTOPHER CARTER 

Location: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22)

Rather than traditional magic, Christopher Carter’s Theater of Thoughts uses psychology, perception, and audience interaction to create the illusion of mind-reading: an astonishing experience that has earned him global recognition for originality and skill. He’s also pretty funny. 

Doors lock at 7:00 pm. 

 

8:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. - EVENING SOCIAL PROGRAMMING (OPTIONAL) 

• • • Open Mic/Karaoke with John Rush at The Lair (Building 13)

• • • Open Gym (Basketball, Bags, Dodgeball) at The IM Gym (Building 27)

• • • Chill Social: board games, video games, pool, ping pong at The Lair (Building 13) - free food while it lasts

• • • Residence Hall Common Area Activities 

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 

7:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. - INTO THE STREETS COMMUNITY SERVICE  

Location: Students will meet at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22) at 7:45 am. This annual highlight of Orientation affords students an opportunity to serve our neighbors in our local community. In this experience, you will learn about the diverse populations in the area, deepen new college friendships, and have a lot of fun in the process. This event is sponsored by the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service. 

Clothing: Due to the nature of the work, participants should wear an old t-shirt without holes, old blue jeans or shorts, and athletic or hiking shoes. Please do not wear sandals, tank tops, or cut-off shorts. 

 

11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.- LUNCH AND FREE TIME 

Location: Ames Dining Hall (Building 2)

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase lunch with cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks. 

 

2:30 P.M. – 3:45 P.M. - McKendree Duck Hunt

Location: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22)

Students will hunt for rubber ducks hidden around campus, then bring any duck they find to the McKendree football tailgate to claim a prize. Prizes will include McK gear, gift cards, and more, while supplies last. Keep an eye out for the GOLDEN EGG: there will only be one on campus, and the student who finds it will win the ultimate prize! Please limit one duck per person.  

 

4:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. - THERAPY DOG SOCIAL (OPTIONAL) 

Location: Quad Area. Rain location: The Lair.  

Need a relaxing moment? Interact with one of the visiting therapy dogs from Got Your Six Support Dogs! 

 

5:30 P.M. – 7:00 PM – Tailgate and Dinner  

Location: Circle Drive in front of the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (Building 22)

Come experience a true McKendree tradition! This event brings students together for food, music, and Bearcat spirit as we kick off the evening on Leemon Field. This high-energy gathering is a great opportunity to get pumped, connect with classmates, and celebrate the start of the academic year. 

Please note: Tailgating with us serves as the primary dinner option for the evening. Students are strongly encouraged to attend, as no other campus dining locations will be offering dinner service during this time. 

 

7:00 P.M. – 8:30 PM McKendree Scrimmage: Football 

Location: Leemon Field (Area 28) 

Come watch a pre-season scrimmage of the McKendree Bearcat Football team! Get insights on their upcoming seasons and cheer on the Bearcats! 

 

9:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. - EVENING SOCIAL PROGRAMMING (OPTIONAL) 

• • • Chill Social: board games, video games, pool, ping pong at The Lair (Building 13)

• • • Make your Own Quesadilla Bar at The Lair (Building 13)

• • • Camp Fire, S’mores, and Music in the Quad  

• • • Residence Hall Common Area Activities 

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025 

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION 

Location: Piper Academic Center (Building 20) Room 222 

Please visit www.mckendree.edu/orientation.  

 

10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. - WELCOME CHAPEL SERVICE (OPTIONAL) 

Location: McK Bothwell Chapel (Building 9)

Join us for a special Welcome Chapel service. 

 

11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. - BRUNCH 

Location: Ames Dining Hall (Building 2)

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase lunch with cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks. 

 

5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. - DINNER 

Location: Ames Dining Hall (Building 2)

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase lunch with cash, credit/debit, or Bogey Bucks.