New Student Orientation ScheduleAugust 30th - September 2nd, 2024

Friday (MOVE-IN DAY), August 30th

8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Move into your Residence Hall
Please register at the main entrance of your residence hall to receive your keys.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
New Student Check-In, Information Desk, Lower Level of Jackson Campus Center 
Gather Student ID information, advisor meeting locations, student employment assignments, orientation group, and schedule.

9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
1st Generation College Student Welcome, Center for Inclusive Excellence, Lower Level of Johnson Student Union
This ‘1st Generation college student’ informal mixer will have current 1Gen students, staff, and faculty on hand to welcome you, answer questions you may have, and hand out free swag! Join us when you are able for this ‘come and go’ event.

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Family Legacy Pictures, Tent near the north side of Old Main
The Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement wants to celebrate the Gustie legacy in your family! Stop by to take a photo with your student(s) and any alumni family members to be featured in the Gustavus magazine and online. 

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Convocation for New Students and Families, Christ Chapel
 A ceremonial welcome and presentation of the entering class. Dress is casual.

*Families should depart from campus following this event to give their students time to gather for their first orientation group event. Thank you for the support and hard work that made this day possible!

12:45 p.m.
Norelius Hall Section Meet-Up for Lunch, outside of Christ Chapel 
Join your Collegiate Fellow and other class of 2028 sectionmates to meet one another, create connections, and then head over to the Evelyn Young Dining Room together.

1:00 p.m.
Pittman Hall Floor Meet-Up for Lunch, outside of Christ Chapel 
Join your Collegiate Fellow and other class of 2028 floormates to meet one another, create connections, and then head over to the Evelyn Young Dining Room together.

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Room Set-up
Join your roommate to unpack your belongings, decorate your room, and get settled before your weekend of activities! 

4:30 p.m.
Orientation Group Meet-Up
Join your Gustie Greeter and other class of 2028 classmates to meet one another, create connections, and review the orientation schedule. Refer to your Orientation Group assignment sheet in your check-in day folder. 

5:30 p.m.
Dinner and a Show 
Groups 1-16: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room
Groups 17-33: “Can I Kiss You?”, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
“Can I Kiss You?” is an interactive presentation that provides how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault. This session will introduce you to the norms and standards at Gustavus.

6:30 p.m.
Dinner and a Show
Groups 17-33: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room
Groups 1-16: “Can I Kiss You?”, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
“Can I Kiss You?” is an interactive presentation that provides how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault. This session will introduce you to the norms and standards at Gustavus.
 
7:45 p.m.
Orientation to Community Living 
Norelius Hall Orientation, Gus Young Court, Lund Center
Pittman Hall Orientation, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union 
During this time you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Residential Life staff and your fellow floor/section residents. You will learn valuable information and discuss issues relevant to living on campus.

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Playfair, Lund Arena 
Playfair is totally unlike anything else you have ever experienced. It’s entertaining, fun, and it’s the perfect way to make new campus friendships! Playfair is a team-building experience that has a long-lasting effect on the members of your class and is a great way to get to know your peers! 

Saturday, August 31st

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Evelyn Young Dining Room open, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center 

10:00 a.m.
Wellness at Gustavus, Lund Information Desk (Optional)
Kick off your college wellness on the right foot with a tour of the Lund Center. Staff will provide an overview of the facility and highlight equipment and facilities available.

10:00 a.m.
Pilates with Izzy, Fitness Room, Lund Center 2nd Floor (Optional)
POP Pilates is an upbeat, 60-minute, full-body workout that fuses strength, flexibility, and mobility. Pilates exercises working different muscle groups are choreographed to pop songs to make it feel like a "dance on the mat." The only equipment necessary is a mat, and modifications are available to make the workout accessible to all bodies.

11:45 a.m.
Groups 1-16: Lunch with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room 
During this lunch, Greeters will discuss the topic of sustainability with their Orientation groups. This is a great time to learn a little bit about energy and waste management practices on campus and understand the responsibilities of being a Gustie. 
 
12:15 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Lunch with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room 
During this lunch, Greeters will discuss the topic of sustainability with their Orientation groups. This is a great time to learn a little bit about energy and waste management practices on campus and understand the responsibilities of being a Gustie. 

1:00 p.m.
Groups 1-16: Orientation Group Meeting 
Refer to your Orientation Group assignment sheet in your check-in day folder. 
Groups 17-33: Campus and classroom tours with your Orientation Group
Refer to your Orientation Group assignment sheet in your check-in day folder.

2:00 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Orientation Group Meeting 
Refer to your Orientation Group assignment sheet in your check-in day folder.
Groups 1-16: Campus and classroom tours with your Orientation Group 
Refer to your Orientation Group assignment sheet in your check-in day folder.

3:15 p.m.
Campus Life Kahoot with Peer Assistants, Lund Arena 
This fun, interactive session is an opportunity to understand campus norms, expectations, and resources at Gustavus related to healthy choices, policies, and implications related to alcohol use and sexual misconduct. There will be an iPad giveaway for students who attend both this event and "Who Are You?" at 4:15 p.m.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Theatre & Dance Orientation and Audition Information Session, Gardner Laboratory Theatre, Schaefer Fine Arts Center/Nobel Hall
Find out more about the many opportunities to participate in productions at Gustavus. This orientation is open to anyone interested in any aspect of theatre or dance at Gustavus.

4:15 p.m.
Who Are You? Establishing Your Identity, Lund Arena
This interactive session will introduce you to some of the resources available at Gustavus that will assist you in further developing your understanding of yourself and others as it relates to identities and intersectionality. Throughout this session student leaders, faculty, and staff will share a snapshot of how Gusties fosters inclusion and belonging. There will be an iPad giveaway for students who attend both this event and the Campus Life Kahoot at 3:15 p.m.

5:30 p.m.
Groups 1-16: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

6:00 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Dinner with Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

7:00 p.m. 
Square Dance, Lund Arena
You don’t want to miss this Gustavus TRADITION. Legend has it that you may meet your Gustie soulmate!

8:30 p.m.
Bingo!, Evelyn Young Dining Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
Traditional Bingo with extra fun and prizes! 

9:30 p.m.
Neon Dance, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union 
Join your fellow classmates for an 80s neon-themed Dance. Dress in your favorite 80s Neon-themed outfit.

10:00 p.m. 
Residence Hall Events 
Get to know the other Gusties you'll be living with this year during hall activities coordinated by your CFs. Meet on your floor/section to gather for a special event just for the residents in your building. 

Sunday, September 1st

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Evelyn Young Dining Room open, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center 

9:00 a.m.
Fun Run, Meet at Three Flags (Optional)
Meet up with some of the Gustie Greeters for a relaxed run through and around campus. The Greeters will show you some of the running routes that our students run. The route will be through the Arboretum, around campus using Jefferson Street, Broadway Ave, and Sunrise Ave. The run will be no longer than 3 miles and will be at a relaxed pace.

9:00 a.m.
Walk and Talk, Meet at Three Flags (Optional)
Meet up with some Gustie Greeters for a casual walk through and around campus. The route will be through the Arboretum and around campus.

11:00 a.m.
Groups 1-16: Lunch Evelyn Young Dining Room
Lunch with your Orientation Group.

11:30 a.m. 
Groups 17-33: Lunch, Evelyn Young Dining Room
 Lunch with your Orientation Group.

12:15 p.m. 
Orientation Group Meeting, Meet in the regular location

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Say What?!, Lund Arena
Say What?! is a social justice initiative built to provide new students with a forum to discuss the transition to college as it relates to social issues and pluralism. Catharsis Productions uses humor, interactive talk, and exercises to create an impactful and meaningful learning environment.

2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Orientation Group Debrief, Meet in the regular location

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Auditions for Technique Level Placement with the Gustavus Dance Company and Apprentice Dance Company, Kresge Studio, Schaefer Fine Arts Center
Audition for the dance companies at Gustavus. Students do not need to prepare anything in advance for the audition but should arrive at the studio dressed to take a dance class (bare feet preferred).

5:00 p.m.
Groups 17-33: Dinner with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

5:30 p.m.
Groups 1-16: Dinner with your Orientation Group, Evelyn Young Dining Room

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. 
Sunday Worship Community, Christ Chapel (Optional)
Looking for a faith community on campus? Join the Sunday Worship Community for a special worship service. We are a community of faith that proclaims, God's love wins and science is real. We believe our relationship with Jesus restores and liberates us through contemporary styles of worship. And we have snacks!

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Class of 2028 Tulip Planting and Classmate Mixer, Gustavus Arboretum
Join other first-year Gusties and the Gustie Greeters to plant your ‘Class of 2028’ tulip bulbs. This is a great time to get to know folks who are not in your orientation group!

8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Center for Inclusive Excellence Open House, Center for Inclusive Excellence, Lower Level of Johnson Student Union 
Our G.A.I.N. facilitators invite you to stop by the Center for Inclusive Excellence. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the social, educational, and academic (S.E.A.) opportunities, as well as the various resources offered in, or through, the Center. Grab a snack and some swag or stick around for game night!

9:00 p.m.
Build Belonging in Beck, Beck Academic Hall
Meet Gusties who share similar hobbies and interests to you in Beck! Events offered throughout the building include an E-sports tournament, movie night, escape rooms, and a craft - paint your own mini Gustavus Rock or make custom refrigerator agents. Additionally, make your way over to Olin for an open house in the observatory hosted by Dr. Darsa Donelan. 

9:30 p.m.
United Bonfire, Complex Fire Pit, near the visitor parking lot in front of the Jackson Campus Center
The United Christian organizations welcome ALL to a fellowship bonfire with s'mores, fun, and getting to know one another. 

10:15 p.m.
Trent James Comedy Magician, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
Spend the evening laughing with comedian-magician Trent James. Trent’s fast-paced show is loaded with humor, audience participation, and mind-boggling magic that is sure to entertain all in attendance! 

Monday, September 2nd

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Evelyn Young Dining Room open, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center 

Auditions
Woodwinds: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., FAM 120
Piano/Keyboard: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., FAM 319A
Handbells: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Christ Chapel
Jazz: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., FAM 103
Strings: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., FAM 308
Vocal: 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., FAM 214
Percussion: 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., FAM 106
Brass: 3:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., FAM 120

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
First Term Seminar (FTS) Meetings & Advising, Orientation group room assignment 
This session will be led by your First Term Seminar Professor. There will be a review of the goals and objectives of the FTS program and your syllabus. 

Lunch on your own, Market Place and Evelyn Dining Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
Grab lunch in the MarketPlace based on your First Term Seminar advising schedule/appointment. 

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Individual FTS Advising Meetings, Refer to the email from your Professor regarding the meeting location
Meet your FTS professor, who is also your academic advisor, and review your fall schedule before making any necessary adjustments. In the week leading up to this event, your FTS professor will send an email to your FTS section with specific details for this meeting.

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Success Sessions (Session BLOCK 1)
Classes begin tomorrow! Are you prepared? Choose one of these sessions to get you on the right track. 

• Option 1: “How I Get Good Grades”, Three Crowns Banquet Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
  An upper-class student panel of high achievers in the classroom will share tips and answer questions on how they maintain their commendable GPAs, balance schoolwork, and personal life, and survive their transition to college-level academics.
• Option 2: Writing Your Way to Success, President’s Dining Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
  Writing papers can be difficult and frustrating for many students throughout their college careers. The Writing Center is here to help. Meet the writing tutors, learn how to make appointments, and play games that will help you know what to expect for collegiate writing.
• Option 3: Time Management, Konferensrum, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
  Whether you’re on a team, joining a student organization, playing in the band, finding time to study for classes, or all of these plus some, time management is an essential part of learning in college. This session will provide you with some tools and resources to effectively manage your time while at Gustavus which will help you to be successful in college and beyond.
• Option 4: How to Impress Your Profs, St. Peter Banquet Room, Upper Level of Jackson Campus Center
  Are you nervous about starting class tomorrow? Looking for some tips on meeting your professors' expectations? Attend this session to learn what professors are looking for and how your classes in college will differ from high school. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and prepare for classes!
• Option 5: Adjustment 101: Navigating Mental Health in College, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
  Becoming a college student can be one of the most exciting and stressful periods of a person's life. While there are many "highs' with this experience, there are also often "lows" that weigh on a college student's well-being. In this workshop, Gustavus Counseling Center staff will help you learn more about how mental health is impacted through this transition and develop ideas for how to build resilience in navigating this journey.

2:05 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Success Sessions Repeated (Session BLOCK 2)

2:45 p.m. OR 3:45 p.m. (Choose One)
Student Employment Session, Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall, Upper Level of Johnson Student Union
Kicking off the year with an orientation to student employment. During this time you will learn what it means to be a student employee at Gustavus, pick up your name badge, connect with your supervisor to receive job-specific training information and have time to ask any remaining questions about your work placement. Pick one session and plan to spend the full hour.