Fall Welcome - Saturday
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023
7:30 - 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast
The Commons, Marbeck Center
8:30 a.m. to noon
Welcome Group Session #3
In this split session, students rotate through several activities intentionally designed
to help you gain a better understanding of our community values and expectations,
community wellbeing and relationship development, and to give you the opportunity
to learn more about navigating campus. See schedule below for times and locations
for your Welcome Group for each of these sessions.
Bluffton Cares (Title IX)
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.
Finding Your Way
Founders Hall
This session involves a fun team scavenger hunt introduction to important university
services, locations and facts designed to assist new students in successfully navigating
campus.
Bluffton Cares (Community of Respect & Well-Being)
Yoder Recital 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.
| Time | Bluffton Cares (TIX) (Stutzman) |
Bluffton Cares (Wellbeing) (Yoder) |
Finding Your Way (Founders) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30- 9:30a.m. |
Groups 1-4 |
Groups 5-7 |
Groups 8-10 |
| 9:35-10:35a.m. | Groups 8-10 |
Groups 1-4 |
Groups 5-7 |
| 10:40-11:40a.m. | Groups 5-7 |
Groups 8-10 |
Groups 1-4 |
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch
The Commons, Marbeck Center
1:30-3:35 p.m.
Welcome Group Session #4
Achieving Academic Success and Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Sommer Center and Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennnial Hall
(Welcome Groups 1-5 will start in Sommer Center and Welcome Groups 6-10 will meet
in Stutzman Lecture 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. The other
session focuses on the importance of 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.
| Time | Achieving Academic Success (Sommer Center) |
Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Stutzman) |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30- 2:30 p.m. |
Groups 1-5 | Groups 6-10 |
| 2:35- 3:35 p.m. |
Groups 6-10 | Groups 1-5 |
4:30 p.m.
Bluffton Olympic Team Preparation
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!
5-6:30 p.m.
Dinner
The Commons, Marbeck Center
7 p.m.
Bluffton Olympics
Alumni Field, Sears Athletic Complex
Think you’ve got what it takes to best your peers in this traditional Bluffton event?
It all starts with the taking of the class picture and opening ceremonies. Come dressed
in your Welcome Group team colors, be prepared to compete and cheer on your team in
this fun competition for campus bragging rights and the highly sought after ‘Welcome
Week’ shirts
9:30 p.m.
Residence Life Activities
Residence Halls (Check with your RA on where to meet)
Join your RAs and fellow floor residents for this time together!