Be Ready from Day One
by Erin Hoffman and Derrick Gulley
Wednesday, August 20 is Day One of your student’s campus experience at Nebraska Wesleyan University! That’s when our Prairie Wolves Welcome orientation program kicks off four full days of activity.
Your student should plan to attend from Wednesday, August 20 through Sunday, August 24. Each activity is geared to help them have a successful college experience. That’s why we expect full participation. Students should not schedule work or appointments during this time. There are also optional activities on Sunday, including our annual hypnotist program—a decades-long SMÂÛ̳ tradition—at 7 p.m.
The schedule for August 20 is especially important, with programming for students and families. Most new students living on campus will move into residence halls that morning. (Some fall student-athletes, international students, and students from 300+ miles away may arrive earlier.) Then comes an afternoon full of valuable information sessions and key university traditions—like Matriculation Convocation and First Walk.
SMÂÛ̳ offices are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for any final business students must tend to before classes start on Monday. Or you can meet with several campus departments when you arrive to check-in at Smith-Curtis Great Hall. Families can find coffee or meals at the Archway Café (in the lower level of Story Student Center, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) and Prairie Point Dining Center (on the main level of Story Student Center, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., $10.25). We can’t wait to welcome you and your student on the 20th!
Erin Hoffman is vice president for student life.
Derrick Gulley, Jr. is director of student engagement.