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2025 New Student Orientation Schedule

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025  

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

1828 Café will be available from 8:00am until 1:00 pm for water, coffee and Bogey Bucks account additions and updates.                              

 

7:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.             moving in

  1. RESIDENT STUDENTS: New Student Orientation (NSO) Check-In
          •  Outside of Piper Academic Center - Upper West Tent

The New Student Orientation staff welcomes all new residential students to McKendree!  Meet us outside of the Piper Academic Center first to confirm your NSO registration and receive necessary information.

  1. RESIDENT STUDENTS: FAST Forward (Facilitating, Arrival, Support, and Transition): 
          •  Piper Academic Center

To ensure that our students are fully registered and ready to start the year, we have arranged several touchpoints to ensure a smooth transition. Each student, and any family they have present, shall visit classrooms in the Piper Academic Center where they will have the opportunity to meet with a representative from the student support departments from across campus.

  1. RESIDENT STUDENTS: Residence Hall Check-In and Key Pick-Up: 
          •   Piper Academic Center

*Please see the Office of Residence Life web page (https://www.mckendree.edu/reslife) for further information.

 

12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.           LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

        •   Various Areas

Students and families are welcome to dine on campus at Ames Dining Hall or 1828 Café.  Students with a meal plan should bring their Student ID to swipe in.  Commuter students and students without meal plans may purchase dinner with cash, credit/debit or Bogey Bucks.  Additional dining destinations are available in Lebanon and the local area.

 

1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.            

  1. COMMUTER STUDENTS: New Student Orientation (NSO) Check-In
          • Outside of Piper Academic Center - Upper West Tent

The New Student Orientation staff welcomes all new COMMUTER students to McKendree!  Meet us outside of the Piper Academic Center confirm your NSO registration and receive necessary information.

  1. COMMUTER STUDENTS: FAST Forward (Facilitating, Arrival, Support, and Transition):  
          •  Piper Academic Center

To ensure that our students are fully registered and ready to start the year, we have arranged several touchpoints to ensure a smooth transition. Each student, and any family they have present, shall visit classrooms in the Piper Academic Center where they will have the opportunity to meet with a representative from the student support departments from across campus.

 

2:30 P.M. – 3:10 P.M              Safety at McKendree University:  FAMILY MEMBER SESSION

        •   Hettenhausen Center for the Arts

2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.           TRANSFER STUDENT MEET AND GREET  (REQUIRED)

        •   Lower Deneen Center - The Lair

Meet new first year and current transfer students!  Find out what activities and resources are available for transfer students.

 

Convocation ceremony2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.           STUDENT GROUP MEETING  (REQUIRED)

        • Please check with your Group Leader for location and your Group Number

3:00 P.M. – 3:25 P.M.             CONVOCATION LINE-UP:  ALL STUDENTS

        • Stevenson House Lawn – on the corner of Alton St. and College Rd., directly across from the campus front lawn
        • All new students will meet in this location prior to Convocation

 

3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.             OPENING CONVOCATION (Ceremony may also be available via live stream)

        • Front Lawn – South Side of Campus
        • *Student attendance requested for this event.

The opening of the academic year is of great significance, not only to students, but to staff and faculty, as well.  Here you will take part in the signing of the Matricula, an important tradition for all McKendree students.  The Matricula is an official University document that signifies the beginning of your academic career and marks your journey as part of a community of students and alums connected by their experiences and education at McKendree.  For convocation, we kindly request that students wear purple; however, we do not have a specific dress code requirement.  Rain location:  Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC).

 

4:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.           STUDENT GROUP MEETING  (REQUIRED)

 

5:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.             COMMUTER STUDENT MEET AND GREET (REQUIRED)

        • Lower Deneen Center - The Lair

Meet new first year and current commuter students!  Find out what activities and resources are available for commuter students.

 

5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.             STUDENT DINNER AND PARENT GOOD-BYES

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

 

Playfair6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.             FREE TIME

The Lair and Intramural Gym are available.  Commuter students welcome!

 

8:00 P.M. – 8:15 P.M.             STUDENT GROUP MEETING  (REQUIRED)

 

8:15 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.             PLAYFAIR (REQUIRED)

        • Leemon Field  (MPCC-Statham Gymnasium if rain)

Take part in this team-building event!  It’s fun!  It’s entertainment!  It’s the perfect way to meet your classmates and to make new campus friendships!

 

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025

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

 

8:45 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.            BEARCAT WELCOME PHOTO:  CLASS OF 2029 (REQUIRED)

        • Leemon Field Bleachers; Rain location TBA.  Check with group leader for updates.

 

9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.            THE HOOK-UP (REQUIRED)

        • Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
        • *Transfer Students and NSO Groups 1-10

This engaging discussion pulls back the covers on hook-up culture, clarifying the distinction between good, bad, and abusive sexual encounters. We give our audiences honest information about what sex is so it is easier to identify what sex isn’t.  It gets audience feedback 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 ends with a discussion on bystander intervention that goes beyond the moment of crisis and inspires and equips people to intervene in unhealthy and stereotypical cultural messaging.

 

9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.            STUDENT SERVICES FAIR/GROUP MEETING

        • Piper Academic Center Classrooms (Check with your Group Leader for location)
        • *NSO Groups 11-23
        • Group Meeting - McKendree Q&A, group icebreakers, etc., at designated meeting area.The Hook Up

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

        • Ames Dining Hall

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.

 

1:15 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.            THE HOOK-UP (REQUIRED)

        • Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
        • *NSO Groups 11-23

This engaging discussion pulls back the covers on hook-up culture, clarifying the distinction between good, bad, and abusive sexual encounters. We give our audiences honest information about what sex is so it is easier to identify what sex isn’t.  It gets audience feedback 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 ends with a discussion on bystander intervention that goes beyond the moment of crisis and inspires and equips people to intervene in unhealthy and stereotypical cultural messaging.

 

1:15 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.            STUDENT SERVICES FAIR/GROUP MEETING

        • Piper Academic Center Classrooms (Check with your Group Leader for location)
        • *NSO Groups 1-10
        • Group Meeting - The Hook-Up debrief, McKendree Q&A, group icebreakers, etc., at designated meeting area.

 

1:15 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.            TRANSFER STUDENT AND FACULTY DIVISION FAIR

        • Holman Library

Welcome to McKendree!  This special event is designed just for transfer students to help you make a smooth and confident transition into campus life.  Join us for the Transfer Student and Faculty Division Fair - your opportunity to:

        • Meet faculty from your academic division and explore your major or areas of interest
        • Learn about academic expectations, advising, and resources available to support your success
        • Connect with other transfer students who are starting their journey just like you
        • Ask questions and get helpful tips from professors and staff
        • Discover opportunities to get involved in research, leadership, internships, and more

Whether you're coming from a community college or another university, this fair is a great way to start building relationships and settling into your new academic home.

 

2:45 P.M. – 4:45 P.M.          THE BEARCAT WAY - STUDENT EXPECTATIONS (REQUIRED)

        • Hettenhausen Center for the Arts

What expectations do your advisor and other professors have of you as advisees and as students in class?  What are 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!

 

4:45 PM. – 5:00 P.M.             STUDENT GROUP MEETING (REQUIRED)

*All groups will meet .  **NSO Groups 11-23 will also debrief and discuss "The Hook Up" session.

 

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

        • Quad Area

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

Christopher Carter Mentalist

 

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

        • Ames Dining Hall

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.

 

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

        • Hettenhausen Center for the Arts

Christopher Carter's show Theater of Thoughts proves to audiences why he is recognized as one of the world's most skilled, creative, and original thought readers.  Amazing? Yes.

 

8:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.            EVENING SOCIAL PROGRAMMING

        • Open Mic/Karaoke with John Rush at The Lair/Lair Pit
        • Open Gym (Basketball, Bags, Dodgeball) at The Intramural Gym
        • Chill Social: board games, video games, pool, ping pong at The Lair (free pizza while it lasts)
        • In-Hall activities

 

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Please note that some events and activities are subject to change.Into the Streets Community Service

 

7:45 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.             COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT:  INTO THE STREETS (REQUIRED)

        • Students will meet at The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at 7:45am and depart following.
        • 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

        • Ames Dining Hall (NOTE:  Ames Dining Hall opens at 11:00am and closes at 1:30pm)

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.              INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - CYBERSECURITY  (REQUIRED)

        • Hettenhausen Center for the Arts

 

3:45 P.M. – 4:45 P.M.                STUDENT GROUP MEETING (REQUIRED)therapy doghs

Campus tours, building descriptions, and campus lingo

 

4:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.              THERAPY DOG SOCIAL (OPTIONAL)

        • Quad Area

Interact with one of the visiting therapy dogs from Got Your Six Support Dogs!  *Rain location TBA.

 

 

4:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.               DINNER AND FREE TIME

        • Ames Dining Hall

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.

 

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

        • Leemon Field

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

 

9:00 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.         EVENING PROGRAMMING:  TBA

        • DJ and Dance Party/Ice Cream Social at Quad area
        • Open Gym (Basketball, Bags, Dodgeball) at The Intramural Gym
        • Chill Social: board games, video games, pool, ping pong, and photo booth at The Lair
        • Bingo Night at Ames Dining Hall

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 2025

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

 

9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.             INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

Please visit www.mckendree.edu/orientation.  Click on International Student Orientation for schedule and updates. 

 

10 A.M. – TBA            WELCOME CHAPEL SERVICE (OPTIONAL)

        • Bothwell Chapel

Join us for a special NSO Welcome Chapel service.

 

11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.            BRUNCH

        • Ames Dining Hall

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. Zoo elephants

 

12:15 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.             EXCURSION:  SHOPPING AT TARGET (OPTIONAL)

        • Supplies and shopping event.  No cost to ride the bus.  Funds required for purchases.
        • Bus will leave the circle drive at The Hett at 12:15 pm.  It will leave Target at 2:15pm
        • Only McKendree students enrolled for Fall 2025 New Student Orientation are able to attend, no guests please.  Sign up fast as seats on the bus are limited.
        • SIGN UP IS REQUIRED. VISIT:  https://forms.office.com/r/X1L2s2ccAA 
        • Excursion Registration is open NOW and will close at 9am on Friday, August 22

 

3:00 P.M. – 5:305 P.M.             EXCURSION:  ST. LOUIS ZOO (OPTIONAL)

        • There is no cost to ride the bus or enter the zoo; however, funds are required for various attractions, activities, and snacks.  Please click the link for zoo information:   https://stlzoo.org/visit/hours-and-prices 
        • Bus will leave the circle drive at The Hett at 3:00 pm.  It will leave the St. Louis Zoo at 5:30pm
        • Only McKendree students enrolled for Fall 2025 New Student Orientation are able to attend, no guests please.  Sign up fast as seats on the bus are limited.
        • SIGN UP IS REQUIRED. VISIT:  https://forms.office.com/r/X1L2s2ccAA 
        • Excursion Registration is open NOW and will close at 9am on Friday, August 22

5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.               DINNER

        • Ames Dining Hall

Students with a meal plan should bring their Student IDs to swipe in. 

 

6:45 P.M. –                 OPENING HOUSING MEETINGS  (REQUIRED FOR RESIDENT STUDENTS)

        • Residence Hall Students - Various locations