DePauw First Year Orientation
Welcome Class of 2028!
We are so excited to welcome you to campus. As you stand on the threshold of this exciting new chapter, you are about to embark on a journey filled with discovery, growth, and countless opportunities. To help you navigate this new beginning, we’ve crafted an Orientation experience that will introduce you to all the resources, connections, and experiences that DePauw has to offer. To see what’s in store, please check out the schedule for Orientation in the drop-down menu below. We can’t wait to see all that you will achieve here!
DePauw Orientation Schedule
Saturday, August 17th
8 a.m.-noon
First-year opening day at residence halls
To check in and move into your residence hall, go directly to your assigned residence hall building lobby during your assigned check-in time. Go to the unloading areas in front of the building and pick up your room key at the residence hall check-in station. Volunteers will help unload your vehicles and direct you to the long-term parking lots.
• 8-10 a.m.: Humbert, Bishop Roberts and Lucy Rowland halls
• 10 a.m.-noon: Jordan and Longden halls
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Hoover Hall
Join the DePauw community for lunch. Guests will receive a meal ticket to enjoy lunch in Hoover Hall. Families and guests can pick up a meal ticket at the check-in tables at their residence halls or visit the information tables from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the lobby of the Memorial Student Union Building. Students will automatically have their meal swipe used from their student ID for lunch.
Noon-12:30 p.m.
Legacy photo
Memorial Student Union Building, front steps
12:30-1 p.m.
First-generation student photo
Memorial Student Union Building, front steps
1:45-1:50 p.m.
Class of 2028 convocation procession gathering
Students will gather at their residence halls to begin the procession to convocation. Students will receive instructions regarding the processional, which will begin promptly at 2 p.m., from their first-year residence assistants and mentors. In case of rain, meet in the lower level in the east hallway of the Green Center for the Performing Arts.
1:45-1:50 p.m.
Parents, family and friends convocation procession gathering
All guests of students are welcome to join us as we prepare for the Class of 2028 procession by gathering on Burkhart Walk, O’Hair Walk and Locust Street as our DePauw community welcomes new students.
2:30 p.m.
New students: Class of 2028 welcome convocation
Welcoming remarks and a formal address by DePauw University President Dr. Lori S. White and the DePauw community. Students will join the Class of 2028 in Kresge Auditorium and meet first-year seminar advisers following convocation.
2:30 p.m.
Parents, family and friends: Class of 2028 welcome convocation
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Family and friends may gather in the Hoover Hall main dining room for streamed viewing of the convocation. Please stay in Hoover Hall for the opening welcome for parents, family and friends.
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Student meeting with faculty advisers
Classrooms (on student portal in e-Services)
Following the Class of 2028 welcome convocation, you will meet up with your first-year mentor in Bowman Park. From there, all first-fear mentors will take you to meet your faculty adviser and first-year seminar classmates. Your faculty adviser and student mentor will share information about orientation. Following this session, you will meet back up with family and friends in Hoover Hall.
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Parents, family and friends session
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Families and friends will learn about the transition and how to support their students at DePauw. Following, students will connect with families to say farewell before starting the required orientation events.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Family and guest farewells
Use this time to say goodbye to your parents, family and friends. Parents, families and friends should plan to depart campus by 5:30 p.m. so students can promptly begin required student orientation activities.
6-11 p.m.
The rest of this program is for new students only.
6-7:30 p.m.
Mentor group dinners and team-building activities
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Your first-year mentor and students in your mentor group will be the first students you will spend time with during your time at DePauw. After dinner, your mentor will lead you through team-building activities to help you get to know one another, learn from each other, and start to make lifelong connections. Make sure to bring your student ID, as you must use a meal swipe for dinner. You also will need your student ID to enter your residence hall.
Coordinated dinner times (more details to be shared with you by your first-year mentor):
• 6-6:30 p.m.
• 6:30-7 p.m.
• 7-7:30 p.m.
7:30-8:45 p.m.
Relax and reflect
9-10 p.m.
How we live in the community
Your residence hall floor
Meet your first-year resident assistant(s) and fellow community members to learn about the expectations we have for our communities and about residential policies.
10-11 p.m.
Residence hall social
Spend time getting to know other students from your class and building community on your floor. Your first-year resident assistants will have opportunities for you to foster connections within your residence hall.
Sunday, August 18th
All students are encouraged to take time in the morning for rest and renewal. For a list of local faith communities, visit depauw.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/center/list-of-faith-communities/ or email DePauw Center for Spiritual Life at spirituallife@depauw.edu.
7 - 9 a.m.
Breakfast
Hoover Hall, main dining room
10 - 11 a.m.
Worship in the Christian Tradition
Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Simpson St.
Join DePauw Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, John Mark Day, as he guest preaches at Gobin Church. For more information or to walk to the service with a chaplain, contact the Center for Spiritual Life at spirituallife@depauw.edu.
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Optional Mentor group meetup
Respective locations
First-year students will meet up with their mentor groups to kick-off Sunday’s activities.
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
Class of 2028 photo
All students should meet at Bowman Park for a class photo on the stairs of the Green Center for the Performing Arts (GCPA).
*Note: The rain date will be Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 12 p.m. (noon) at the GCPA.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mentor group lunch
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Coordinated lunch times (more details to be shared with you by your first-year mentor):
• 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Noon-12:30 p.m.
• 12:30-1 p.m.
1-1:45 p.m.
Freedom of expression
Green Center for the Performing Arts, Kresge Auditorium
Join Vice President of Institutional Equity Dr. Dionne Jackson and Director of the Prindle Institute of Ethics Jeff Dunn as they lead a panel discussion on understanding the importance and power of free speech in diverse communities. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, the panel will inspire attendees to harness their unique voices to positively contribute to and strengthen the campus community. By emphasizing open dialogue and mutual respect, the panel discussion will empower students to use their expression as a tool for building bridges, embracing curiosity and strengthening belonging at DePauw.
2-3:30 p.m.
Civic self-portrait
Green Center for the Performing Arts, Kresge Auditorium
First-year students will complete their civic self-portrait to learn more about themselves and the identities they hold that make them who they are. By completing this exercise, students will learn from one another’s experiences to foster connection and encourage dialogue among participants.
4-5 p.m.
Mindful yoga*
Lilly Center, Wellness Center, room 1019
Rebecca Roberts, clinical counselor and coordinator of health and wellness promotion, will facilitate this group. The session incorporates basic, foundational yoga postures to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated in this holistic practice of yoga.
4-5 p.m.
Black and Gold Student Success Initiative
Hoover Hall, Wallace-Stewart
The DePauw University Black and Gold Student Success Initiative (BGSSI) is designed to assist invited students with their first-year transition to the university. BGSSI students will participate in a series of student success-focused programming throughout the 2024-25 academic year. This session is required for students in the Black and Gold Student Success Initiative Program.
5-6:30 p.m.
Mentor group dinners
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Coordinated dinner times (more details to be shared with you by your first-year mentor):
• 5-5:30 p.m.
• 5:30-6 p.m.
• 6-6:30 p.m.
6:30-8 p.m.
Relax and reflect*
7-8 p.m.
Student-athlete orientation
Green Center for the Performing Arts, Moore Theatre
Athletics administrators, faculty athletics representatives and members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Diverse Student Athlete Association will discuss balancing the responsibility of being a student and a member of a varsity intercollegiate athletic team. Anyone participating on a varsity intercollegiate athletic team must attend this session.
8-11 p.m.
Class of 2028 social: casino night
Memorial Student Union Building
Enjoy various social events and connect with your classmates at casino night. Sponsored by Campus Activities.
Monday, August 19th
7-9 a.m.
Breakfast
Hoover Hall, main dining room
9-10 a.m.
Group advising session
Meet with your faculty adviser in the same location as the Saturday afternoon meeting.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Individual advising meetings
Meet individually with your faculty adviser to begin developing the student-adviser relationship, discuss academic goals and confirm your schedule.
10 a.m.-noon
Placement exams – calculus, computer science and languages
If you plan to take any of these placement tests, schedule your appointment with your faculty adviser at a different time or attend a different placement session as needed.
• Calculus placement exam – bring personal laptop computer
Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 147
Students whose last names begin with:
• A-M: 10 a.m.
• N-Z: 11 a.m.
• Computer science placement exam
Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 276
Students whose last names begin with:
• N-Z: 10 a.m.
• A-M: 11 a.m.
Students who have experience working in a programming language such as Java, Python or C++ may be eligible for placement into Principles of Software Development. The DePauw placement examination, AP test results or transfer credit from another university will determine eligibility. Students who are interested in computer science but have not had experience with a programming language should enroll in Computer Science I.
• Language placement exam
Julian Science & Mathematics Center, rooms 108 and 109
Students whose last names begin with:
• A-M: 10 a.m.
• N-Z: 11 a.m.
Students who have taken Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish in high school are required to take the placement test for that language. If you took this test online in the summer, you do not need to retake it.
For placement information on Ancient Greek, Japanese or Latin, consult the placement guides on DePauw’s first-year experience language placement website.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Student Accessibility Services accommodation meetings
Memorial Student Union Building, room 208
Students seeking accommodations from Student Accessibility Services should schedule an appointment with Meggan Johnston, director of Student Accessibility Services. Appointments may be offered at this time; to make an appointment, call 765-658-6267.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Student loan counseling
Emison Building
The Office of Financial Aid staff is available to answer financial aid questions and assist students in completing their federal direct or DePauw student loan paperwork.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch
Hoover Hall, main dining room
1-4 p.m.
DePauw centers open house
Visit different centers throughout campus to meet student leaders, faculty and staff. All of our centers are designed to enhance your learning and involvement outside the classroom.
• Eugene S. Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media
• Hartman Center for Civic Engagement
• Justin and Darrianne Christian Center for Diversity and Inclusion
• Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement
• Learning Commons
• Robert C. McDermond Center for Management & Entrepreneurship
• Tenzer Technology Center
• Ullem Center for Sustainability
• Women’s Center
1-4 p.m.
Large instrumental ensemble auditions
Green Center for the Performing Arts, room 1115
1-4 p.m.
Choir auditions
Green Center for the Performing Arts, room 0112
All information about the Institute of Music ensembles and auditions is available at depauw.edu/academics/music/prospective/degrees/ensembles/audition.
For students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, participation in ensembles may be applied toward arts and humanities requirements.
Students in the Institute of Music participate on their primary instrument (voice or band/orchestral instrument) in the large instrumental ensemble rotation or an auditioned choir. Please see the website listed above for more information regarding ensemble auditions.
3:15-4 p.m.
Pre-professional advising
In these information sessions, pre-professional advisers will provide information and answer questions about making the most of applying to medical or dental schools and other health-related fields, law school or preparing for engineering school, including 3:2 formal programs DePauw has with other universities.
• Pre-health, Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 147
• Pre-engineering, Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 151
• Pre-law, Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 157
5-6:30 p.m.
Mentor group dinners
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Coordinated dinner times (more details to be shared with you by your first-year mentor):
• 5-5:30 p.m.
• 5:30-6 p.m.
• 6-6:30 p.m.
6-9 p.m.
Party in the park
Bowman Park
End the day at the party in Bowman Park, where you can enjoy live music from DePauw’s very own student-led band, Boulder Watch! Throughout the park there will be yard games, volleyball and an ice cream social featuring Dr. White – perfect for making new friends and memories. Don’t miss this opportunity to unwind, along with the other meetups occurring this night.
6-8 p.m.
AAAS back-to-school BBQ
AAAS House, 307 E. Seminary Street
The Association of African American Students (AAAS) invites you to kick off the new school year with an unforgettable Back 2 School Bash! Get ready for an evening of celebration, connection and empowerment as we come together to embrace our community and culture.
7-9 p.m.
Queer student hangout
Stewart Plaza
Join us at the queer student hangout at DePauw University for an evening of fun, featuring music and friendship bracelet-making! It’s a perfect opportunity to meet new friends, express yourself creatively and celebrate our vibrant community.
Tuesday, August 20th
7-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Hoover Hall, main dining room
8:30-9 a.m.
Mentor group meetup
Respective locations
First-year students will meet up with their mentor groups to kick off Tuesday’s activities.
9-10 a.m.
Green Dot overview
Green Center for the Performing Arts, Kresge Auditorium
Representatives from the DePauw Prevention Team, Heather Wright and Sarah Ryan, will lead all first-year students through an overview of Green Dot. Green Dot is a program that educates student on power-based personal violence prevention strategies that equip students with the skills and tools to reduce interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking on college campuses. This program will provide all attendees with shared skills, language and empowerment to foster a culture of safety and care at DePauw.
10:15-11:45 a.m.
Your role in community: Tigers Take Care rotations
Green Center for the Performing Arts, Kresge Auditorium
• Rotation 1 – Mental health matters
Presented by Counseling Services staff
Learn about the DePauw counseling center and available resources. This session hosted by Counseling Services will introduce first-year students to essential mental health resources and strategies for coping with the challenges of college life. This interactive session emphasizes the importance of self-care, recognizing stress and seeking support to ensure a healthy transition to university.
• Rotation 2 – Rights and responsibilities meeting
Presented by DePauw Police Department and Community Standards
Learn more about the programs in place to help keep you safe, how to respond in emergencies that could happen on campus, who to call for help, and enforcement of the DePauw student code of conduct and Indiana laws.
Noon-1 p.m.
Wellness tabling and resources
Stewart Plaza (Rain location: Hoover Hall)
Counseling Services will host tabling events with helpful information about not only the services they provide, but also the resources you can use to practice wellness and help maintain your well-being as you start the school year.
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Mentor group lunch
Hoover Hall, main dining room
Coordinated lunch times (more details to be shared with you from your first-year mentor):
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
• 12:15-1 p.m.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.
12-5 p.m.
Relax and prepare for the first day of classes
Students should use the afternoon to prepare for the first day of classes. Visit the bookstore to purchase or pick up course materials.
Noon-12:15 p.m.
Class of 2028 photo (rain date)
All students should meet at Bowman Park and then gather on the Green Center for the Performing Arts (GCPA) stairs for a class photo.
1-4 p.m.
On-campus employment advising
Memorial Student Union Building, Hubbard Center for Student Engagement
More information can be found at https://www.depauw.edu/academics/centers/hubbard/student-resources.
1:30-3 p.m.
Level UP kick-off
Memorial Student Union Building, ballroom
Level UP: your bridge to a great first year at DePauw. Join Level UP to hear from experienced students who understand the journey. Learn how to navigate DePauw and receive valuable support.
2-3 p.m.
Honors Scholar orientation
Julian Science & Mathematics Center, auditorium
3-4 p.m.
Fellows and scholar programs meetings
• Environmental Fellows – Julian Science & Mathematics Center, Prevo Library
• Media Fellows – Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media, Watson Forum
• Management Fellows – DePauw Inn, Social Center
• Rector Scholars – Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 247
• Global Fellows – Olin Biological Sciences Bulding, auditorium, room 123
• Stone Scholars, Prindle Scholars and Jordan Scholars – Hoover Hall, Wallace-Stewart
3-5 p.m.
Relax and prepare for the first day of classes
3-3:45 p.m.
Mindful yoga
Lilly Center, room 2019
Rebecca Roberts, clinical counselor and coordinator of health and wellness promotion, will facilitate this group. The session incorporates basic, foundational yoga postures to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated in this holistic practice of yoga.
4-6 p.m.
Black and Gold Student Success Initiative
Hoover Hall, Wallace-Stewart
5-7 p.m.
Dinner
Hoover Hall, main dining room
6 p.m.
Lilly Scholars welcome
Bottoms Center for Development and Alumni Engagement, 201 E. Seminary Street
8-10 p.m.
Lilly Physical Education and Recreation Center
Everyone can take part in fitness and recreation. Check out all the opportunities in the Lilly Center. Try out a fitness class, join a pick-up game, tour the Welch Fitness Center. All fitness and skill levels are welcome.
Wednesday, August 21st
Morning
Classes begin
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Academic resources and support
Julian Science & Mathematics Center, room 138
Visit the Office of the Registrar for additional assistance:
Phone: 765-658-4141
Email: registrarsoffice@depauw.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
8 a.m.-11 a.m.
First day of class photos
Join the DePauw community to take your first day of class photos in Holton Quad.
Thursday, August 22nd
3-3:45 p.m.
Mindful yoga
Lilly Center, room 2019
Rebecca Roberts, clinical counselor and coordinator of health and wellness promotion, will facilitate this group. The session incorporates basic, foundational yoga postures to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated in this holistic practice of yoga.
4-5:30 p.m.
Succulent bingo
Memorial Student Union Building, Campus Living Room
Succulent bingo offers students a fun chance to win unique succulents grown from DePauw’s very own Olin Greenhouse while learning about sustainability initiatives at DePauw. This engaging event combines plant-themed prizes with educational insights into eco-friendly practices on campus.
7-10 p.m.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion block party
Justin and Darrianne Christian Center for Diversity and Inclusion, 5 W. Hanna St.
This event provides a great opportunity to meet students, faculty and staff and learn more about Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) programs, activism and other campus inclusion resources and activities. Come and connect with student groups, organizations and community partners.
Friday, August 23rd
6 - 8 p.m.
Student organization showcase
Stewart Plaza and Memorial Student Union Building, Campus Living Room
Join your mentor group to explore all of the student organizations and community service opportunities that DePauw has to offer so that you can get involved on campus right away. Collect giveaways while you tour numerous booths. Sponsored by DePauw Student Government Association and Campus Activities Office.
6 - 8 p.m.
Spiritual Life Meet Up
Stewart Plaza and Memorial Student Union Building, Campus Living Room
Meet DePauw’s Center for Spiritual Life leaders and advisers (depauw.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/center/staff-and-advisors/), who will be tabling at the student organization showcase. This is an opportunity to engage with student groups, such as Dharma, Buddhist Club, Yoga Club, and learn about upcoming opportunities like Faith Fridays (with Jummah Prayer and Shabbat services at CSL) and Christian Chapel.
8 - 10 p.m.
Glow Greek
Memorial Student Union Building, Stewart Plaza and Bowman Park
Get to know members of the fraternity and sorority community through glow in the dark yard games. Sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life Office.
Saturday, August 24th
Morning
Students should use this time to prepare for classes, go to the bookstore to purchase or pick up course materials or take care of their well-being.
9 a.m.-noon
Greencastle Farmers’ Market
Greencastle Downtown Square
3-4 p.m.
Ullem Campus Farm and Center for Sustainability
Visit the Ullem Campus Farm’s 12-acre location, greenhouse and honeybee station. Learn how to engage in cocurricular environmental work on campus through the Sustainability Leadership Program. The building features solar panels, community learning spaces and kitchen space for exploratory cooking. Sample a variety of sustainably grown vegetables or harvest your own veggies to take home with you!
8-10:30 p.m.
Sit-in movie night
Bowman Park
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us in Bowman Park for a “sit-in” outdoor movie! The Campus Activities Team will have the popcorn machine popping!
Sunday, August 25th
10 - 11 a.m.
Worship in the Christian Tradition
Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Simpson St.
Join DePauw University President, Dr. White, as she guest preaches at Gobin Church. Following the service, a free community lunch will be provided on East College lawn. For more information or to walk to the service with a chaplain, contact the Center for Spiritual Life at spirituallife@depauw.edu.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Prindlepalooza and Academic Centers Exploration
Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics
Learn more about student opportunities at the Prindle Institute for Ethics and academic centers. Shuttles will leave from the Memorial Student Union Building each half-hour from 5:30 to 8 p.m.