Welcome new and transfer students!

You have submitted your housing forms, and registered for your classes - the last piece of your transition to becoming a CUW Falcon is New Student Orientation Weekend! During this experience, you will:

  • Meet new friends
  • Get comfortable on campus before classes start
  • Learn about all the great activities you can take part in
  • Enjoy beautiful Lake Michigan
  • Learn about academic expectations and university conduct
  • Get ready for what could be some of the greatest years of your life
  • Have a ton of fun
  • And much more!

This year, New Student Orientation will take place August 22-25, 2024

This event is required for all incoming undergraduate new and transfer students, so mark your calendars now and get ready for an unforgettable start to your CUW career.

Schedule

Thursday, August 22
Time Event / Activities Location
9:00AM – 3:00PM

Residential Student Check-In & Move-In

Time to begin your college journey with check-in as your first stop! Head to Parking Lot B (by the lake) and stay in your car for a drive-thru check-in, where you will receive your Student ID Card and New Student Orientation information. Then you can head on over to your residence hall to receive room keys!

Please note our check-in process will not open until 9:00am. Early? Check out some of our local breakfast and coffee shops!

Parking Lot B
9:00AM – 4:30PM

CUW Offices Open

Now’s the perfect opportunity to stop by the various offices on campus to take care of any last-minute details before classes begin, including the Bookstore, Cashier’s Office, Residence Life, and more. Refer to your New Student Orientation schedule for office locations.

University Offices
11:00AM – 1:00PM

Lunch

Bring your student ID and enjoy your first lunch on campus in our brand-new dining hall!

Students will use their meal plan; guests will have the option to pay with cash or card.

Siebert Dining Hall
2:00PM – 3:00PM

Incoming Athlete Academic Meeting

Incoming student athletes, this is your chance to take time to meet with your team and coach to successfully prepare for navigating athletics and academics.

Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship (CCES) 200
3:00PM – 4:00PM

Steps To Success

  • First in your family to go to college?
  • Might benefit from some additional support as your transition to college-level academics?
  • Unable to make it to a Falcon Day to learn about how to take advantage of our campus resources to support your/your student’s success?

If you answered YES to any of the questions above, join us in this session to hear more about campus resources and learn tips for success at CUW! You will have a special opportunity to meet staff from our various offices such as the Dean of Students, Multicultural Engagement, Residence Life, the Academic Resource Center, Financial Aid, Student Wellness, Campus Ministry, and New Student Programs.

Terrace Room (AL114)
4:00PM –4:30PM

Commuter Student Check-In

Commuter students – Welcome! During this time, you’ll check in, receive your Student ID Card, sign up for commuter lockers, and receive commuter-specific information.

Welcome Center
4:30PM – 6:00PM

New Student And Family Welcome Picnic

Students and families are invited to dine and relax together, courtesy of the President’s Office and Sodexo Dining Services.

Rain Location: Siebert Dining Hall/Albrecht Lounge (AL 008)

Chapel Courtyard
6:00PM – 6:30PM

Send-Off Ceremony

Come celebrate the transition to college for both students and families with some words from our Campus Pastor and University President.

Rain Location: Chapel

Kapco Park - Moonlight Graham Field

PARENTS AND FAMILIES:

Thank you for joining us for the opening of the 2024–2025 school year at Concordia University Wisconsin. We politely ask that you say your good-byes at the Send-Off Ceremony as students and families will be going to separate events from this point. We hope to see your family back at our upcoming events, including Welcome Back Weekend, October 18th-20th, 2024!

Time Event / Activities Location
6:30PM – 8:00PM

Parent Reception

Parents are welcome to join President Ankerberg and campus leadership for snacks and refreshments.

Rain location: Lakeshore Room (ST104)

Kapco Park - Johnson Financial Group Backyard Patio
7:00PM

All Hall Meeting

Who’s my RA? Who’s my RD? Who else is living in my hall? Come and find out during this meeting with the Residence Life Staff.

Your Residence Hall
7:00PM

Commuter Student Bonfire & Games

Commuters, stop by the bluff amphitheater for a fun time of s’mores, music and games!

Rain Location Albrecht Lounge (AL008)

Bluff Amphitheater
8:30PM – 10:00PM

Bingo

Conclude the evening with BINGO! We have different themed bingos – feel free to attend both for multiple opportunities to win!

Terrace Room (AL114)
8:30PM – 10:00PM

Bingo

Conclude the evening with BINGO! We have different themed bingos – feel free to attend both for multiple opportunities to win!

Albrecht Lounge (AL008)
Friday, August 23
Time Event / Activities Location
6:30AM

Sunrise Devotional Over Lake Michigan

A rising tradition at CUW, come join the Crew Leaders at the bluff Friday morning to see a spectacular sunrise as you look ahead to a weekend of festivities! Receive a welcome devotional from our Campus Ministry.

Bluff Amphitheater
8:30AM – 9:15AM

Breakfast

Grab your breakfast (get used to using your meal swipes) and get ready for the day!

Siebert Dining Room
8:30AM – 9:15AM

Commuter Student Breakfast

Bring your student ID and enjoy your first lunch on campus in our brand-new dining hall!

Come meet fellow commuters and enjoy a delicious breakfast with Crew Leaders.

Albrecht Lounge (AL008)
9:30AM – 10:00AM

Who’s Who In Crew?

This is your official welcome to your Concordia Crew! Meet the fantastic upperclassmen who will be leading you through New Student Orientation and beyond.

Weather location: Todd Wehr Auditorium

Chapel Courtyard
10:15AM – 11:00AM

Crew Connection #1: Meet Your Crew!

You have been placed in a small group (your Crew!) for the duration of New Student Orientation that will be led by your Crew leader. These people may become some of your best friends at CUW, so don’t miss your 4 Crew Connections scattered throughout the weekend. The location of your Crew meetings can be found on your name tag.

Your Specified Location
11:00AM – 12:00PM

Lunch

Siebert Dining Hall
12:00PM – 12:45PM

College And Faculty Receptions

Wonder what your academic program entails and want to meet your professors? And of course, want to enjoy some Crumbl Cookies? Head to your school’s designated location to meet your program’s faculty and staff members who’ll be working with you throughout your time at CUW!

  • School of Business: Collaboratorium (RP 127)
  • School of Arts and Sciences: Terrace Room (AL 114) pre-pharm majors: attend the School of Pharmacy reception in the Pharmacy Atrium (PH 002)!
  • School of Education: Bluff (Rain Location – Albrecht Lounge AL 008)
  • School of Nursing: Friends of Concordia Room (FH034)
  • School of Health Professions: Lakeshore Room (ST 104)
  • School of Pharmacy: Pharmacy Atrium (PH 002)
  • Undeclared?: Choose a school you might be considering and attend their reception to learn more!
Various Locations
1:00PM – 2:00PM

(Re)Connect With Academic & Career Advising

Now that you’re on campus, refresh your memory about various advising practices and policies – how do I view my transcript, how many credits do I need to play athletics, who is my advisor, and much more!

Todd Wehr Auditorium
2:15PM – 3:15PM

Blanket Making & Plaque Decorating Service Project

Find out what Concordia’s mission means through action and service in the world. Get connected with other students while we make a difference as you have the opportunity to make blankets and decorate plaques for the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center.

Terrace Room (AL114)

Albrecht Lounge (AL008)

3:30PM – 4:30PM

Scavenger Hunt

Have fun exploring campus and getting to know your way around as you work in teams to complete Amazing Race style tasks and compete for prizes.

Meet in Chapel Courtyard
5:00PM – 6:00PM

Dinner

Siebert Dining Hall
6:15PM – 7:15PM

Crew Connection #2: Q & A

This is your second Crew meeting. Our Crew leaders will facilitate a Q&A session to help you learn about essential information, such as how to do laundry, what is there to do around CUW, where your mailbox is, etc.

Your Specified Location
7:30PM – 8:30PM

Student Conduct: Behaviors And Bloopers

It’s time to learn about your duty as part of the Falcon Family when it comes to making safe, informed decisions.

Todd Wehr Auditorium
9:00PM – 10:30PM

Welcome Dance

Come show off your dance moves under the stars! If dancing isn’t for you, come listen to the music and enjoy some snacks and games!

Rain Location: CCES 2nd Floor

Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship Patio (CCES)
Saturday, August 24
Time Event / Activities Location
7:30AM – 8:30AM

Breakfast

Siebert Dining Hall
8:40AM – 9:00AM

Essentials Rotations Pt 1-3

The CUW Essentials are a 3-part event. During each rotation, choose one of the sessions listed below that you would like more information about, have an interest in, etc.

  • Study Abroad | Albrecht Lounge (AL008)
  • Student Employment: Activate Your Handshake Account | Lakeshore Room (ST104)
  • The Arts | Todd Wehr Auditorium
  • Finances in College | Collaboratorium (RP 127)
  • Setting College Goals | Terrace Room (AL114)
  • Diversity in College | Courtyard Conference Room (AL109)
  • Faith in College | Alumni Heritage Room
Various Locations
9:15AM – 9:35AM
9:50AM – 10:10AM
10:25AM – 10:45AM

Wellness Rotations Pt 1-3

The Wellness Rotations are a 3-part event. During each rotation, choose one of the sessions listed below to learn how to relieve stress and stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit at CUW.

  • Yoga | CCES 200
  • Zumba | Terrace Room (AL114)
  • Healthy Eating | Culinary Lab (RP 217)
  • Power of Prayer | Lakeshore Room (ST104)
  • Physical Wellness | Outdoor Basketball Court
  • Pause and Presence | Bluff (rain location: Alumni Heritage Room)
  • Wellness Journaling | Courtyard Conference Room (AL109)
Various Locations
11:00AM – 11:20AM
11:35AM – 11:55AM
12:00PM – 1:00PM

Lunch

Siebert Dining Hall
1:15PM – 4:00PM

Sand Volleyball, Slip N Slide Kickball, And Tie-Dye

Join your Crew leaders for some slip ’n slide kickball, volleyball and giant lawn games, snacks, tie-dye, and more! Participate in some or all of these fun activities!

Rain Location: Catalyst Building

Regent's Courtyard & Catalyst Building
3:00PM – 4:00PM

Transfer Student Mini Golf

Transfer students, this one is for you! Meet us in the field house lobby and we will head to Missing Links Mini Golf!

Depart from Field House Lobby
5:00PM – 6:00PM

Dinner

Siebert Dining Hall
6:10PM – 7:15PM

Crew Connection #3: Finding Your Classes

Meet up with your small group, debrief the day, and let your leader help you find your classes so you are prepared for your first week!

Your Specified Location
7:30-9:00PM

Showing Up

What is the #1 area that incoming students are concerned about as they prepare for college? Hint: it is not academic success or managing finances.... it is: finding their people and fitting in! This is not just at CUW, this is nationally. Knowing that, we’ve brought in a program to help our student body address this very relevant topic! At this workshop, you will learn about combating loneliness and how to show up in a way that builds connections and sustains friendships.

Todd Wehr Auditorium
9:15-10:30PM

Outdoor Movie

Enjoy a movie and popcorn under the stars!

Wittenberg Lawn
Sunday, August 25
Time Event / Activities Location
8:00AM – 9:00AM

Breakfast

Siebert Dining Hall
9:00-9:45AM

Crew Connection #4: Ready, Set, Go!

This is the last time your group will be meeting this weekend! Head to your small-group location and get some last tips of how to thrive at CUW.

Your Specified Location
10:00AM – 11:00AM

Opening Service

Start the year off right with an uplifting message from university leaders. Please note: this is a special service, future Sunday Worships will return to our regular traditional services.

Chapel of Christ Triumphant
11:00AM – 12:45PM

President’s Picnic

Enjoy lunch with all CUW students!

Rain Location: Albrecht Lounge and Siebert Dining Hall

Chapel Courtyard
1:00PM – 1:15PM

Class Of 2028 Photo

Commemorate your first weekend in college and join your classmates to capture the Class of 2028!

Weather Dependent Activity

Bluff
1:15PM-1:30PM

Transfer Student Photo

We want to capture the faces of the newest incoming class of transfer students as well, so head to the Bluff for your own group photo!

Weather Dependent Activity

Bluff
1:30PM – 3:30PM

Co-Curricular Fair

Interested in getting involved on campus? Come check out what clubs/organizations Concordia has to offer! A complete list of participating groups can be found on our website.

Rain Location: Chapel Hallway

Chapel Courtyard
3:30PM – 6:30PM

International Student Orientation and Dinner

International students, this is for you! Spend this time getting to know fellow international students and staff.

Concordia International Center (CIC)
5:00PM – 6:00PM

Dinner

Siebert Dining Hall
7:00PM – 8:00PM

Haven

God draws together bands, emcees, and speakers to create a flood of student praise, fellowship, and growth. Led by Concordia students, for Concordia students. ALL students are welcome.

Terrace Room (AL 114)
8:15PM – 9:30PM

All Hall Meeting #2

Come meet the other students living in your hall!

Your Residence Hall
Monday, August 26

Have a great first day of classes! Check your class schedule for times.

Meet our Concordia Crew staff members

Staff Members

Questions?

If you have any questions about New Student Orientation, please don’t hesitate to contact Sarah Deheck at 262-243-4277 or sarah.deheck@cuw.edu.