Bluffton University

Fall Welcome

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025

8-11 a.m.
Residential Student Check-in
Sommer Center
Welcome to your home away from home!
The Sommer Center is your first stop when you arrive on campus.  Check-in with your residence life staff at your designated time.  

8-9:30 a.m. - students living in Ropp or Hirschy Annex
9:30-11 a.m. - students living in Neufeld, Hirschy or Bren-Dell

Make sure you have completed all your Day One Ready items to ensure a smooth check-in. Additional staff and students will be available to answer questions and provide assistance.

Move in | Student-athletes, student-leaders, faculty and staff will be on hand to help move belongings into your room.

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
One Stop Center
Sommer Center
Questions for the registrar’s office, financial aid office and the business office can be answered by university staff. Payments may be made at this time. All students must be enrolled in a payment plan or have their account paid in full in order to attend classes.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Campus Store open
Marbeck Center
The campus store will be open to pick up course materials, supplies and other school gear.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Welcome Picnic
The Commons, Marbeck Center
Take a break from unpacking and enjoy a picnic lunch. Be sure to bring your Bluffton ID (and swipe in your parents for a meal together!). 

12:30 p.m.
Transfer Student Reception
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
We welcome all transfer students to this special reception. Get answers to your last-minute questions!

1:30 p.m.
Commuter Student Reception
Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
We welcome all commuting students to this special reception. Get additional information and answers to your last-minute questions on commuter life!

1:30-2 p.m.
Farewell to Families
Unpack the last box, give advice, hugs and say good bye! 

2:30 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #1
Bluffton 101: How to Be a Beaver!
Yoder Recital Hall
In this kick-off to the Fall Welcome Week activities, students learn more about each other and what it means to be a Bluffton Beaver! 

3:30-5 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #2
See list of group meeting locations listed below. Be sure to know your BaS class section number! It can be found on your class schedule.
New students will gather in small groups based upon their Becoming A Scholar (BaS) class section to discuss campus life in the first of a series of group sessions. Students will also meet informally with their BaS faculty and class mentor and be introduced to why at Bluffton “. . . it’s all about relationships.”  

Welcome Group Meeting Locations 
Your Welcome Group for the week’s activities is based upon your Becoming a Scholar class section (1-10). Your BaS section number can be found on your class schedule! Transfer students not enrolled in this class should check with their admissions counselor or at the 12:30 p.m. transfer student reception.

Group	Location
1	TBD
2	TBD
3	TBD
4	TBD
5	TBD
6	TBD
7	TBD
8	TBD
9	TBD
10	TBD

5:30 p.m.
Dinner 
The Commons, Marbeck Center

7 p.m.
Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Check signs posted on hall floors for locations or ask your RA
Resident advisors give tours of the halls and an introduction to residence life.

8 - 10 p.m.
President’s Reception and The Lantern Tour: Discover Bluffton’s History, Legends and Traditions
Bob’s Place, Marbeck Center
As twilight sets in, join Interim President Alex Sider for a dessert reception and then follow your guide’s lantern and stay close as you discover some of Bluffton’s history, legends and traditions. You may even meet a ghost!

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Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025

7-9 a.m.
Breakfast
The Commons, Marbeck Center

10 a.m.  to noon
Student Success Session - Community Living #1
Yoder Recital Hall
This is the first of the Student Success Sessions designed to prepare you for your overall success at Bluffton. Over the next few days, you will gain a better understanding of community values, your well-being and care for others, along with academic expectations and strategies for success.

This session focuses on prevention programming designed to educate, empower and support our students in creating a community free from harassment and violence. Hazing prevention training is required by the State of Ohio and Bluffton University for all students participating in athletics, performance groups or student organizations.

*Please bring a laptop or tablet with you to complete the online hazing module. (Students will need to complete the online Sexual Violence Prevention for Undergraduate Students on their own prior to the first day of class).

Noon - 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center

1-1:30 p.m.
Learn & Earn: Orientation to Campus Work
Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
If you are planning on working on campus, you will want to attend this session. Students learn about Bluffton’s dynamic work program and discover the benefits of engaging in our campus work community.

Learn and Earn | On-campus employment opportunities are open to all students. Apply for available positions through your my.Bluffton.edu account under the Student tab. 

5:30-7 p.m.
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center

7 p.m.
Welcome Week Activity – Tie Dye
Location TBA                                       
Turn your Welcome Week shirt into a colorful masterpiece! Join us for a fun tie-dye session. Get creative and personalize your shirt with vibrant colors and unique patterns. It’s the perfect way to make your mark, meet new friends and start your college experience with a splash of color.

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Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025

7-9 a.m.
Breakfast
The Commons, Marbeck Center

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center

1-4 p.m.
Student Success Sessions #2
Thursday’s Student Success sessions focuses on practices to support your success both in and out of the classroom. Sessions include vital information on academic success and supporting your own well-being. 

See below for times and locations for your Welcome Group for each of these sessions.

Achieving Academic Success
Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
This session focuses on ways to help ensure your success in the classroom and includes vital information on your academic program to help you make the most of your academic experience. 

Supporting Your Well-Being
Yoder Recital Hall
Our commitment is to foster a culture of mutual respect, empathy and holistic well-being. We believe that a thriving community is built on the principles of understanding, acceptance and care. In this session, we will focus on promoting mental, emotional and physical health, ensuring that everyone can succeed and flourish.

Course Materials - Being Day One Ready!
The Commons, Marbeck Center
Before this session, pick up your course materials from the Campus Store. Bring course materials and a laptop, tablet or preferred device to this meeting. Don’t throw away that e-boot access card! We’ll be setting up access to your course’s e-book on your device so that you are Day One Ready!

5:30 – 7 p.m. 
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center

8:30-10:30 p.m.
Bluffton Spash Bash
Bluffton Community Swimming Pool (205 Snider Road, Bluffton) Just one mile from campus!
Bring your swimming suit and dive into fun at our poolside party! Join us for an unforgettable evening of swimming, pool-themed snacks and games. Take a dip, vibe to the music, snap some pics at the photo booth and make memories (and new friends!)

Make your own fun | No need to wait for an organized event. Find some friends and take advantage of recreational opportunities across campus.

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Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

7-9 a.m.
Breakfast
The Commons, Marbeck Center

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center

1-4 p.m.
Student Success Sessions #3
Friday’s Student Success sessions continue to focus on practices to support your success both in and out of the classroom.

See below for times and locations for your Welcome Group for each of these sessions.

The Honor Code in a Community of Respect & Discovering Musselman Library
Musselman Library
Musselman Library
This session invites students to take a respectful look at the Bluffton community in maintaining personal integrity through Bluffton’s honor system. A second half of the session engages students in interactive discovery of Musselman Library’s essential services, tips, tricks and tools for scholarly success.

Bluffton Cares: (Consent)
Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
In this session, students will learn about one aspect of Bluffton’s community of care and respect. Bluffton’s sexual conduct and Title IX policies and definitions will be introduced along with understanding the important role we all share in respecting one another.
Information shared in this session is required for all new students.

Starting Strong
Yoder Recital hall
In this session, students will look inward and outward as they identify their strengths and challenges as learners. They will then apply some time-management tools to help them start their first week of classes strong. We will also identify and locate campus resources that students will utilize as they continue beyond the first week.

4 p.m.
Bluffton Olympic Team Preparation
Welcome Group Meeting Locations - see signs posted in Marbeck Center and in residence halls
Finalize your group’s strategy for Bluffton Olympics – make your team flag, learn the games, the rules and get excited for this beloved annual event!

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center

7 p.m.
Bluffton Olympics
Alumni Field, Sears Athletic Complex
Compete. Conquer. Celebrate. Think you’ve got what it takes to best your peers in this traditional Bluffton event? Before the action-packed Bluffton Olympics begin, we’ll gather on the field for the Class of ’29 group photo followed by the opening ceremonies. Then, it’s time to get competitive! Come dressed in your Welcome Group team colors, cheer on your team and work together in this fun competition for campus bragging rights! 

Bluffton Olympics | 

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Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025

9:30-11 a.m.
Breakfast
The Commons, Marbeck Center

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center

1-4 p.m.
Student Success Sessions #4
The final day of Student Success sessions focus on the practical use of classroom technologies in achieving success, creating a sense of belonging and living with one another in a community of respect.

See below for times and locations for your Welcome Group for each of these sessions.

Belonging – Finding Your Place
Yoder Recital Hall
This session focuses on the importance of creating and maintaining a sense of belonging on our campus; working to ensure that all students feel connected, included and valued.

Community Living
Welcome Group Meeting Location - see signs in Marbeck Center, residence halls
This session focuses on alcohol and cannabis prevention, designed to educate and empower students to make informed choices, promoting wellness and responsible behavior. In this session, we will highlight the university’s policy on substance use as well as identify some of the risks associated with alcohol and cannabis use. This time is designated for all students to complete the required online Cannabis and Alcohol Education modules.

How to Moodle and More!
Stutzman Lecture Hall
During this session, students will be introduced to Bluffton University’s learning management system, Moodle! Through guided activities, students will familiarize themselves with the most common functions of Moodle used on our campus. They will also have the opportunity to set up Microsoft on their devices and practice some basics for using OneDrive and Outlook.

5:30 – 7 p.m. 
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center

7 -9 p.m.
Beaver Block Party
Bren-Dell Lawn
Kick back with great music, tasty Beaver Tail pastries and lawn games for all to enjoy. Cool off on the giant slip and slide and get a chance to win one of eight prize baskets! It’s the perfect way to hang out, have fun and make memories with friends. Don’t miss out!

Giant Slip and Slide | A staple of the annual Beaver Block Party on Bren-Dell lawn.

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sunday, Aug. 17, 2025

11 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship
Prayer Labyrinth, near the Sauder Visual Arts Lawn
Rain location: Yoder Recital Hall
New students are extended a special invitation to the first on campus Sunday worship service. Come worship with us! 

Opening worship | The first worship of the year is traditionally held at the Prayer Labyrinth.

Noon- 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center

6– 7 p.m. 
Picnic
Library Field
Join faculty, staff, new and returning students for a picnic dinner on the Library Field. Dinner will be served for all students.

7 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #5
Welcome Group Meeting Locations - see signs posted in Marbeck Center and in residence halls
This is the last of the formal Welcome Group sessions. It's a chance to process your first few days and ensure your readiness for classes on Monday! 

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First day of class | Classes begin Monday, Aug. 18.

Monday, Aug. 18, 2025

8 a.m.
Classes begin!

9:30 p.m.
Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Check signs for locations
Resident advisors welcome all residential students.

10:30 p.m.
All Hall Meetings
Residence hall lobbies
Hall directors will introduce residence life staff, hall custodians and hall chaplains, and share expectations for the year

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025

10:45 a.m. - noon
Opening convocation
Yoder Recital Hall
This formal assembly marks the official opening of the academic year. First-year students will be named and formally welcomed.

Report to the location as instructed by your Becoming a Scholar instructor. Note: 9:30 a.m. classes will end at 10:20 a.m.

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