Your Guide to Fall Orientation

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 (REQUIRED)

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
New Residential Student Check-In (University Center Atrium)

Welcome home to the Widener Pride! Residential students are invited to check-in for the Orientation Program, pick up their Student ID card, and receive their residence hall keys.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Optional Lunch (Pride Café)

Arrived to campus early or finished unpacking? New students and families are welcome to visit the Pride Café for lunch. Cash or card payment is available at the door. The first-year student meal plan or covered meals for commuter students will begin with dinner on August 17 at 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
International Student Orientation Session  (University Center - Room F)

All new international students will join the Center for Civic and Global Engagement for an engaging and brief orientation to the USA and Widener University. All international students will also participate in the full Pride Experience 2: Fall Orientation according to their group assignment. 

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
New Commuter Student Check-In (University Center Atrium)

Welcome home! Our commuter students are invited to check-in for the Orientation Program and pick up their Student ID card.

4:15 p.m.
Welcome Remarks (Memorial Field)

… and we’re off! The August Orientation Program officially kicks off with remarks from President Stacey M. Robertson as she welcomes you to the Widener University Community. New students are invited to join their classmates and celebrate a new beginning at the Pride Cookout held on Memorial Field located behind the Old Main building.

4:30 p.m.
Families Say Goodbye (Memorial Field)

Parents and families are encouraged to officially part ways with their students and wish them well on their new journey.

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pride Cookout: A Taste of Philly (Memorial Field)

It’s cookout time! Join fellow classmates and celebrate the beginning of your time at Widener University. Great food, games, and fun times await!

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WIDENER WELCOME SESSIONS!

Get excited and pumped about Orientation! You will hear from the Office of Student Engagement and learn more about what to expect throughout the Orientation Program. Please follow your assigned group in the schedule.

Widener Welcome: Group Chester (Alumni Auditorium)

Widener Welcome: Group Melrose (Lathem Hall)

Widener Welcome: Group Pride (109 Founders Hall)

Widener Welcome: Group Legacy (149 Kirkbride Hall)

8:00 p.m.
Residential Neighborhood Meetings (Residence Halls)

Your Resident Assistants are ready to welcome you to your new residential community. Arrive on time (with your roommate). #ResidewiththePride
 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 (REQUIRED)

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Pride Café)

9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
True Life: We Attend Widener University (Various Locations)

Join your assigned CREW Leader and learn more about Widener services and resources. This session includes an academic campus tour. Bring your schedule to learn exactly where to go on the first day of classes.
Group Assignment: Chester

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
GREEN DOT PROGRAM: Group Melrose, Pride, Legacy (Alumni Auditorium)

An engaging and interactive program aimed at combating the bystander effect and power-based violence on college campuses. Don’t miss it!

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
SESSION BREAK (Outside of Alumni Auditorium)

Enjoy a cool treat provided by your Student Government Association

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CONDUCT MATTERS!: Group Melrose, Pride, Legacy (Alumni Auditorium)

Join our Assistant Dean of Students and your fellow CREW Leaders to discuss student conduct standards at Widener University.

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
MAXIMIZE YOUR BUZZ: Group Melrose, Pride, Legacy (Alumni Auditorium)

Through comedy, multimedia, and practical advice, students will learn to make values-based choices about alcohol to change and shift perceptions.

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch (Pride Café) – Group Melrose, Pride, and Legacy

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch (Pride Café) – Group Chester

1:15 p.m.
Honors Program in General Education Meeting (109 Founders Hall)

This is an invite only event for new members of the HPGE

1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
True Life: We Attend Widener University (Various Locations)

(Please see program description provided above)
Group Assignment: Melrose, Pride, and Legacy

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
GREEN DOT PROGRAM: Group Chester (Alumni Auditorium)

(Please see program description provided above)

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SESSION BREAK (Outside of Alumni Auditorium)

Enjoy a cool treat provided by your Student Government Association

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.        
CONDUCT MATTERS!: Group Chester (Alumni Auditorium)

(Please see program description provided above)

2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
MAXIMIZE YOUR BUZZ: Group Chester (Alumni Auditorium)

(Please see program description provided above)

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner (Pride Café)

8:00 p.m.
PRIDE NIGHT: Cards Against Hypnosis with David Hall (Alumni Auditorium)

Tonight's entertainer has captivated many audiences with his truly interactive and laugh out loud funny performances. Cards Against Hypnosis gives you a front row seat to a hilarious show, but also makes you part of the mind-blowing experience of hypnotism. Prepare to be compelled by a performance that will leave you in a trance! Bring a friend because you won't want to miss this!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 (REQUIRED)

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Pride Café)

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Academic Convocation (Schwartz Athletic Center)

Academic Convocation is a joyous occasion that marks the beginning of your academic career at Widener University and formally celebrates your addition to the Widener Pride! CONVOCATION LIVESTREAM | FACULTY & STAFF EVENT RSVP

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Pride Statue and Fight Song Ceremony (Pride Statues – Founders Hall)

Join your SGA President, CREW Leaders, and others for the Pride Statue ceremony and the singing of the Widener fight song. It’s tradition!

10:30 a.m. – 12:30
First Year Student Advising Sessions (Various Locations)

Students will have an opportunity to connect with their deans, faculty advisors, and classmates in the same college, school, or program.

Center for Education
Location: University Center - Webb Room

Center for Social Work Education
Location:122 Bruce Hall

College of Arts & Sciences
Location: Lathem Hall

Exploratory Studies
Location: Kapelski Learning Center – Room 1

School of Business Administration
Location: Quick Center Atrium

School of Engineering 
Location: 149 Kirkbride Hall

School of Nursing
Location: Alumni Auditorium

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch (Pride Café)

Honors Program in General Education Luncheon (Kapelski Learning Center)
This is an invite only event for new members of the HPGE

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mental Health is all CAPS! (Alumni Auditorium)

Touch base with the team in the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Department to learn more about our resources for students.
Group Assignment: Melrose, Pride, and Legacy

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
1 Reason Why Not: Mental Health is Wealth (Alumni Auditorium)

Mental health challenges are a leading obstacle facing today’s college students. Let’s join together, dispel the stigma, and learn together. Group Assignment: Melrose, Pride, and Legacy

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Mental Health is all CAPS!(Alumni Auditorium)

(See description above)
Group Assignment: Chester

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1 Reason Why Not: Mental Health is Wealth (Alumni Auditorium)

(See description above)
Group Assignment: Chester

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner (Pride Cafe)

8:00 p.m.
PRIDE NIGHT: The Sean Bott Experience – Mentalist & Magic

A Don’t Miss Event! Sean’s innovative and distinct brand of comedy mentalism has enthralled audiences worldwide – with over 1,000 performances for students. You’ll gasp, you’ll laugh, you’ll love it!
 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022 (OPTIONAL)

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Brunch (Pride Café)

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PREP TIME! FREE TIME!

Take a moment to catch your breath, prepare for classes by finding where your classes are, preparing your books and notebooks, and ensuring you have all your supplies ready. All programs today are optional but designed with fun and flexibility in mind.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
Widener University Bookstore (1440 Providence Avenue)

Need to pick up your books or grab a new Widener t-shirt? Please visit the Widener University Bookstore for all of your start of the semester needs.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Academic Campus Tours (Meet in the University Center Atrium)

Bring your class schedule and join a CREW Leader to show you the ins and outs of getting to your classes on time.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Apogee Scholars Orientation Workshop (University Center – Webb Room)

An invite only event for new members of the Apogee Scholars Program

12:00 p.m.
Campus Shuttle to Walmart (Old Main Shuttle Stop)

Forgot to bring something from home? Take advantage of the campus shuttle to Walmart to grab all your necessities. Shuttles will be available to students every 20 – 30 minutes on the hour.

12:00 p.m.
Sand Volleyball Game (UCTR Volleyball Court)

Join the CREW Leaders and your fellow classmates for a game of sand volleyball. All skills levels are welcome!

3:00 p.m. 
Widener University “Blue & Gold” Football Scrimmage (Quick Stadium)

Cheer on the Widener Pride during our first scrimmage of the year!

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
BINGO BONANZA (Lathem Hall)

Join the Pride Activities Council as they host the first exclusive bingo event of the semester just for the Class of 2026! Your Widener student ID card is required to participate and claim any prizes.

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Dinner (Pride Café)

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
RecFest! – Open Rec Night (Pride Recreation Center)

Join Pride Rec for our largest cornhole tournament yet! Our double elimination tournament will have a max of 68 teams (teams of 2), and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams! Tournament details will be emailed to all participants 1 week prior to the event. All teams must pre-register here:  Pride Recreation Center Cornhole Tournament. Students can also visit Pride Rec and participate in a facility tour, take a demo spin class, or simply enjoy a workout. Staff will be available to answer all your questions about our recreation opportunities on campus. Free giveaways and prizes!

9:00 p.m.
PRIDE NIGHT: Glow Night at The Schwartz (Schwartz Athletic Center)

Feel the adrenaline rush and join your fellow classmates for Glow Dodgeball, Laser Tag, Volleyball, Glow Wax Hands and more!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 (OPTIONAL)

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Brunch (Pride Café)

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
PREP TIME! FREE TIME!

Take a moment to catch your breath, prepare for classes by finding where your classes are, preparing your books and notebooks, and ensuring you have all your supplies ready. All programs today are optional but designed with fun and flexibility in mind.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Widener University Bookstore (1440 Providence Avenue)

Need to pick up your books or grab a new Widener t-shirt? Please visit the Widener University Bookstore for all of your start of the semester needs.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Academic Campus Tours (Meet in the University Center Atrium)

Bring your class schedule and join a CREW Leader to show you the ins and outs of getting to your classes on time.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.        
Mystery at the Library: Quest for the Holy Grail (Wolfgram Library)

In small groups, students are given a notebook page with a missing professor's notes on his Holy Grail research and a mysterious cypher. Students will follow each note on the notebook page by going to stations throughout the library in order to get a clue. Once all the clues are gathered, the students will solve the cypher. During this interactive game, students will become familiar with the library layout, understand what services the library offers, and what resources are available. Students will be entered into a raffle for amazing prizes – which could include a 30” TV, Apple Watch, or other hot college student commodities! Register here!

3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.         
Welcome Back Bash (Memorial Field)

Join the Pride Activities Council to welcome back the entire Widener University campus community for dinner, music, entertainment, and giveaways throughout the night! Dinner service will start at approximately 4:00 p.m. Don’t miss it! Bring a friend!