Fall Welcome - Friday
Friday, Aug. 14, 2020
9 a.m. - noon
Residential student check-in
Residence Halls
Welcome to your home away from home! While check-in begins at 9 a.m., please be sure to arrive only at the designated
time provided for your arrival. Room keys will be distributed by your residence life
staff. Additional staff and students will be available to answer questions and provide
assistance. University services, such as the registrar, business office and financial
aid office will be open to respond questions and needs.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Student IDs
Technology Center, Ground Floor, Centennial Hall
All new students need to get their Bluffton Student ID. You will use it for many things,
but especially for meals in the Commons!
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Campus Bookstore open
Marbeck Center
The campus store will be open to pick up textbooks, supplies and other school gear.
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center
After your parents and family members depart, head over to The Commons for lunch while
keeping a safe distance from others. Be sure to bring your Bluffton ID.
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 p.m.
Commuter student meeting
Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
We welcome commuting students to this special session. Get additional information
and answers to all your last minute questions on commuter life.
1 p.m.
Residence hall floor meetings
Check signs posted on hall floors for locations
Resident advisors give tours of the halls and an introduction to residence life.
Welcome Group Meeting Locations 2020
Your Welcome Group for the weekend's activities is based upon your Becoming a Scholar class section (1-11). Transfer students not enrolled in this class should check with
their admissions counselor or at the 12:30 p.m. transfer student reception.
| Group | Classroom |
| 1 | Burcky Gym |
| 2 | Kreider Room |
| 3 | Library Reading Room |
| 4 | Room 410, College Hall |
| 5 | Bob’s Place |
| 6 | Reichenbach Room, Sommer Center |
| 7 | Gilliom Room, Mosiman Hall |
| 8 | Ropp Multipurpose Room |
| 9 | Lower Level, Hirschler Hall (Riley Court) |
| 10 | Founders Stage |
| 11 | Room 211, Centennial Hall |
1:45-3:15 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #1
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.
You will also meet informally with your BAS faculty and class mentor and be introduced
to why at Bluffton “...it’s all about relationships.”
3:20-5:30 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #2
Achieving Academic Success, Finding Your Way, Bluffton 101: How to Be a Beaver!
Welcome Groups 1-4, Sommer Center,
Welcome Groups 5-8, Burcky Gym
Welcome Groups 9 – 11, Founders Hall
In this split session, one session focuses on ways to help ensure your success in
the classroom and includes vital information on your academic program, career and
vocation exploration to help you make the most of your academic experience. Another
session involves a team scavenger hunt introduction to important university services,
locations and facts designed to assist new students in successfully navigating campus.
In the third session, students will have opportunities to learn more about each other
and participate in an entertaining and interactive introduction to being a Bluffton
Beaver!
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center
7 p.m.
Welcome Session #2 (continued)
Achieving Academic Success, Finding Your Way, Bluffton 101: How to Be a Beaver!
Welcome Groups 1-4, Founders Hall
Welcome Groups 5-8, Sommer Center
Welcome Groups 9 – 11, Burcky Gym
8:15 p.m.
Bluffton Olympic Team Preparation – Welcome Groups 9, 10 & 11 only
(Welcome Groups 1- 8 will have this session on Saturday)
Welcome Group Meeting Location - Finalize your group’s strategy for Bluffton Olympics. Learn the games and rules, and get excited for this beloved annual event!
9 p.m.
Marbeck After Dark - Movie Night!
Neufeld Lawn
Marbeck After Dark (MAD) is a series of late-night weekend events that feature different
themed entertainment on a weekly basis. The year kicks off with an appropriately social
distanced movie night. Outside on the big screen with plenty of snacks provided! Sponsored
by Marbeck Center Board (MCB).