August New Student Orientation (NSO)
Starting with Check-In Day, we welcome new students to campus as they begin their Blue Jay journey. Many Etown traditions are a part of New Student Orientation. Peer Mentors guide students through this information-filled and fun weekend as we strive to create a home away from home where every student belongs and thrives.
Check-In/Move-In Day: August 21, 2026, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
New students will check-in between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Leffler Chapel and Performance Center (all new first-year and transfer students, both residential and commuting students).
Early Arrivals
- New fall athletes (cross country, field hockey, women's volleyball, women's soccer, men's soccer): August 14, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
- New international students: August 18 (specific times to be coordinated with Maria Petty, international student programs advisor) | New international student orientation: August 19-21
- New students in the Momentum, Bonner, or Honors programs: August 19, 9 am-1 pm | Program orientations: August 19-21
*Commuting students in an early arrival program listed above should check-in during the times listed above.
Your program director or coach will communicate your program orientation or preseason schedule directly with you. New students in these programs are expected to participate in Convocation and New Student Orientation beginning August 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Check-In Procedures
Check-In Day Campus Map & Driving Directions
- All new students, residential and commuter, will check-in at Leffler Chapel at our drive-through check-in tent to get their ID card, room key, and welcome packet. Parking decals will be in student mailboxes.
- All students must do a pre-semester enrollment confirmation via Jayweb beginning August 1.
- If students have any outstanding items, there will be a hold on your account which you will see during the enrollment confirmation.
- You will also confirm your emergency contact information at this time.
- Residential students will be directed to their residence hall to unload their vehicle, move their vehicle, and then unpack and set up their room.
- Commuting students can explore campus, visit offices, and enjoy lunch before attending the Convocation ceremony.
- All students and families are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch at the Marketplace on their check-in day.
Convocation Ceremony: August 21, 3-4 p.m.
August Orientation begins with our Convocation ceremony which opens our academic year. This ceremony is a beloved tradition at Etown that welcomes new students; all new students should plan to attend. Families of our new students are invited to attend, as well. Convocation is also live streamed for families to watch. Families will depart campus after Convocation and new students will begin New Student Orientation at that time.
New Student Orientation: August 21-23
Students begin making their Etown memories during this weekend, and we can't wait to have you on campus! You'll meet your peers, learn more about our resources and policies, and familiarize yourself with campus so you're ready to start classes. All new students, including new transfer students, are encouraged to participate in orientation (some sessions are mandatory). You can find the schedule below.
| Friday | |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Residential students, check-in and move into your room | Commuter students, check-in and explore campus (Leffler Chapel) |
| 9 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Visit campus offices: Business Office, Financial Aid, Academic Advising (to ask schedule questions) |
|
Need a quiet space to relax? Stop by the High Library |
|
| 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lunch available for new students and families |
| 2-2:30 p.m. | Commuter student Meet & Greet (Brossman Commons, Jay Lounge) |
| 2:30 p.m. | New students gather with FYS/Transfer student group, peer mentor, and FYS faculty for Convocation (Thompson Gym) |
| 3 p.m. | Convocation Ceremony (Bowers Center) (families are invited to attend) |
| 4 p.m. | Family good-byes |
| 4-7 p.m. | Blue Jay Carnival |
| 5-7 p.m. | Dinner with your FYS group & peer mentor |
| 7:30-8:15 p.m. | Blue Jay Community* |
| 8:30 p.m. | Residence Hall floor meetings** |
| Saturday | |
| 10 a.m.-Noon | Blue Jay Walk & Class Aerial Picture |
| 2-4 p.m. | Student Life sessions* |
| 4-7 p.m. | ITS Help Desk open for wifi help |
| 7-9 p.m. | New Blue Jay Mixer & Optional Activities |
| 9 p.m. | Outdoor Movie |
| Sunday | |
| 1-3 p.m. | Your First Year at Etown & FYS Meetings* |
| 3 p.m. | Blue Jay Challenge |
| 4 p.m. | First Day Prep (find your clasrooms) |
| 7 p.m. | Blue Jay Toast & Yard Games |
*event is mandatory for all new students
**event is mandatory for all new residential students
Students who cannot/do not attend mandatory events will be required to make them up.
First-Year Pathway
All new students at Etown will use the First-Year Pathway as a guide. Peer Mentors will utilize this Pathway during roundtable discussions.