Fall Welcome - Saturday
Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021
7:30 - 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast
The Commons, Marbeck Center
8:30 a.m.
Bluffton Olympic Opening Ceremonies
Alumni field, Salzman Stadium
All teams gather for the ceremonial opening of this annual event. Who will carry in
the torch this year? Think you’ve got what it takes to best your peers in this traditional
Bluffton event? Compete for the highly sought after ‘Welcome Week’ shirts! Let the
games begin!
9 a.m. to noon
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #4
In this split session, students rotate through several activities designed to help
you gain a better understanding of our community values and expectations, and provide
opportunities for community building and relationship development. See schedule below
for times and locations for your Welcome Group for each of these sessions.
Bluffton Cares
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.
Bluffton Village Introduction
Shannon Theatre, Main Street
Students will be introduced to the Village of Bluffton, its services and businesses
and learn more about how they work to meet the needs of students. You’ll also have
time to explore Main Street and Bluffton’s Saturday morning Farmers Market.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion|
Yoder Recital Hall
This session will focus on creating and maintaining a sense of belonging on a multicultural
campus and takes a respectful look at the Bluffton community; understanding ways we
can include everyone.
Bluffton Cares (Community of Respect & Well-Being)
Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall
In this session, students will learn about another aspect of Bluffton’s community
of respect and care. Individual and community wellbeing is important. We all have
a role in recognizing when someone in our community, or even ourselves, is in need
and also knowing how to respond appropriately and where to find resources and assistance.
Bluffton Olympics – Part 1
Moyer Center, Bluffton University Nature Preserve
Think you’ve got what it takes to best your peers in this traditional Bluffton event?
It’s a race of team endurance out on the water. Will you paddle your team to victory?
Bluffton Olympics – Part 2
North Field (corner of Bentley and Augsburger Road, north of stadium)
The games continue in the second part of this traditional fun competition!
| Time | Bluffton Cares (Stutzman) |
Bluffton Village Introduction (Shannon Theatre) |
Bluffton Olympics 1 (Nature Preserve) |
Bluffton Olympics 2 (North Field) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9- 9:55 a.m. |
Groups 1-4 |
Groups 9-13 |
Groups 5-6 |
Groups 7-8 |
| 10- 10:55 a.m. |
Groups 5-8 |
Groups 1-4 |
Groups 9-10 |
Group 11-13 |
| 11- 11:55 a.m. |
Groups 9-13 |
Groups 5-8 |
Groups 1-2 |
Groups 3-4 |
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center
1:30-4:40 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #3, continued
| Time | Bluffton Cares (WB) (Stutzman) |
Multicultural Competence (Yoder) |
Bluffton Olympics 1 (Nature Preserve) |
Bluffton Olympics 2 (North Field) |
Break |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30- 2:25 p.m. |
Groups 3, 12 & 13 |
Groups 2 & 10 |
Groups 1,4-9,11 |
||
| 2:30- 3:25 p.m. |
Groups 7-9 |
Groups 1-3 |
Groups 4 & 11 |
Groups 5-6 |
Groups 10, 12 & 13 |
| 3:30- 4:25 p.m. |
Groups 10-13 |
Groups 4-6 |
Groups 7-8 |
Groups 1 & 9 |
Groups 2 & 3 |
5-6 p.m.
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center
6 - 8 p.m.
Student Engagement Preview Party
Lincoln Lawn (Future site of Knowlton Science Center)
Come see a preview of student groups and organizations, churches, and local businesses
and be introduced to ways to connect and find your fit at Bluffton. Free giveaways,
sweet treats and a photo booth!
8-9 p.m.
President's Reception
Outside Yoder Recital Hall
President Jane Wood invites you to a special dessert reception.
9 p.m.
Pop Culture Clash Game Show
Yoder Recital Hall
This is your chance to impress your friends with your random trivia knowledge and
win some awesome prizes!