New Student Orientation

8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
First-Year Move-In: Assigned Residence Hall Lobby

• Start your DePauw experience by checking in at your new residence hall during your designated move-in time. Park in the unloading area, pick up your room key, and let our friendly volunteers help you move in and get settled on campus.

11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Community Lunch: Hoover Hall, Main Dining Room

• Enjoy a meal and connect with fellow students and families. Students can swipe in with their ID, while families and guests may pick up a meal ticket at the residence hall check-in table. Visit local food trucks for additional options.

Noon – 12:30 p.m.
Legacy Photo: Memorial Student Union Building, Front Steps

• If you have a parent, grandparent or sibling who graduated from DePauw, join the Development and Alumni Engagement team for a group photo celebrating your family’s DePauw legacy.

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
First-Generation Student Photo: Memorial Student Union Building, Front Steps

• If you are the first in your family to attend and earn a four-year college degree, come together for a group photo to mark this important milestone with your family and new peers.

1:45 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Convocation Procession Gathering: Students – Outside your Residence Hall; Families – Burkhart Walk, O’Hare Walk and Locust Street (Rain location: Green Center for the Performing Arts, Lower Level, East Hallway)

Residence assistants and mentors will guide you in gathering for the Convocation Procession.

1:50 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Convocation Procession: Throughout campus

• Students: Join your fellow new Tigers as you process together toward convocation, led by your residence assistants and mentors. As part of this memorable tradition, you’ll walk through the iconic East College gates – a symbol of your official welcome into the DePauw community
  
  Please be advised that the opening procession will involve high-volume music, cheering, and/or clapping. This environment may be challenging for those with sensory sensitivities. Attendees are welcome to bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. A designated quiet room will be available in the Green Center for Performance Arts for anyone needing a break.
• Families: Line up along the walkways to cheer on your student.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Class of 2030 Welcome Convocation: Students – Kresge Auditorium, Green Center for the Performing Arts; Families – Hoover Hall, Main Dining Room

• Join President Dr. Lori White and the DePauw community for a special welcome and formal address. Families and guests can watch the live stream together in Hoover Hall.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Student Meeting with Faculty Advisers: Location provided by Adviser/Mentor 

• Meet your faculty adviser, student mentor and first-year seminar classmates. This is your chance to learn more about your upcoming DePauw experience before rejoining your family.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Family and Friends Welcome Session & Reception: Hoover Hall

• Join us for an informative session about supporting your student’s transition to college, followed by a reception to connect with other families and DePauw community members.

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Goodbyes and Departure

• Take a moment to say goodbye to your family and take some photos. Parents and families, please plan to depart campus by 5:45 p.m. so students can begin their orientation activities.

New Student Orientation helps you feel at home, meet classmates and mentors, and discover resources that will support you from your first semester forward. 

Orientation begins on opening day and runs until the first day of class. All new students are required to attend the full program.

You'll move into your residence hall, attend welcome sessions, learn about academics and campus expectations, explore involvement opportunities and get to know your mentor group. 

Yes; International Student Affairs hosts a Welcome Week for incoming international students, and transfer students follow orientation exercises tailored to their transition.