Welcome Week 2026

9:00 a.m. – First-Year Student Move-In for Residential Students.
Please check your email from Residence Life for your move-in slot time.

*10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Welcome Week Resource Fair and New Student Checklist * (Forrer Learning Commons)
Discover campus resources and complete your New Student Checklist. Pick up your student ID, learn about Family Weekend and complete important college documents such as student employment or financial aid paperwork.

*11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Meet and Greet with the President * (Forrer Learning Commons, Fireplace)
Join our meet and greet session with President Bushman and Dr. Leslie Frere, VP of Student Life and Dean of Students, while enjoying light refreshments.

*3:00 p.m. – Commuter Student Welcome *(Bowman 101)
Connect with important resources and learn how you can make the most out of your experience as a commuter student.

3:45 p.m. Say Goodbye to Families
Make your way to the Campus Mall to meet with your Soar Mentor and CL-100 group. Your group number can be found on your printed arrival schedule.

4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Connect. Engage. Belong.  (Soar Mentor Room. Location printed in the corner of your arrival schedule) and Dinner Rotations
Meet your Soar Mentor and other members of your CL-100 class for your first official meeting at Bridgewater College! You’ll go over your Welcome Week schedule, get to know one another better and begin to earn points for the BC Cup! Dinner rotations will also be included.

6:30 p.m. BC Community Living (Cole Hall Courtyard and Surrounding Spaces)
Start building community by finding the flag with your residence hall and getting to know other members of the Class of 2030 who share the same living space. Meet the student leaders who will be guiding you through your first days on campus.

7:45 – 9:30 p.m. Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash and First Year Fest  (President’s House and Eagle’s Nest. Soar Mentors will provide times and rotation schedule)
Half the group will attend Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash, while the rest will head to First Year Fest. At the Backyard Bash, Dr. Bushman will welcome you to BC as he opens his home to you and your CL-100 group. Meet the President and enjoy games, desserts and a fun time socializing. At First Year Fest, play arcade games, enjoy a petting zoo, get a glitter tattoo, enjoy Smiley’s Ice Cream, and more!

*8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast * (Main Dining Hall)
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

9 a.m. Design Your Group Sign and Prepare for BC Cup Challenges (CL-100 Classrooms)
(NOT required for fall athletes and Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band members)
Work together with your CL-100 group to design a sign that will represent you through the duration of the BC Cup.

10 a.m. BC Cup Challenges (Campus Mall. Rain Location: Funkhouser Wellness Center Gym)
CL-100 classes battle it out for the BC Cup! You’ll be challenged physically, mentally and strategically through a series of activities to earn points for your team. Wear your class shirt and be prepared to move! The winning team will be announced at the Wayne Hoffman show on Sunday night.

Noon Lunch Rotations (Main Dining Hall-Your Soar Mentor will provide your meal time)

1:30 – 3:15 p.m. CL-100 and Advising Session, and Honor Council Introduction (Soar Mentor Friday location. Location on front of your printed arrival schedule)
Participate in your first CL-100 class! Hear about your CL-100 topic, ask questions and finalize your class schedule. Meet the chair of the Honor Council for an introduction to the honor code and the role the Honor Council plays at Bridgewater College.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Department Meeting for Your Academic Major (Your Soar Mentor will provide locations for these meetings)
Meet professors and department chairs from your major. Learn more about your major and have your questions answered.

*4:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Time with Your Soar Mentor and Dinner Rotations * (Main Dining Hall)
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals. CL-100 groups will spend time with their Soar Mentors, go through a dinner rotation, and check out campus. Use this time to ask any questions you may have and continue to get to know other members of the BC community. 

7:45 p.m. Meet Your RA for Patrick Holbert
RAs will advise residential students where to meet. Commuters, please meet your Soar Mentors in the KCC Lobby.

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. An Evening with Patrick Holbert (Cole Hall)
In this hilarious and educational comedy show, Patrick Holbert tells stories and jokes about his past addiction and current sobriety. “Punch Line Drunk” outlines his transformative journey from abusing substances to amusing audiences. It’s an informational “TED Talk of Shame” spanning his college years as an overachiever under the influence, his career as a TV producer, and how it all came crashing down.
While you watch, enjoy Shirley’s popcorn, including BC’s very own flavor, Crimson Crunch.

Please note that if you need to participate from a distance, feel free to enjoy your Shirley’s popcorn in the Kline Campus Center Lobby.

*9:30 a.m. Saturday Brunch * (Main Dining Hall)
Grab breakfast before you head to Cole Hall for morning speakers. Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

10:15 a.m. Meet with Your Soar Mentor (Location chosen and communicated by Soar Mentor)

10:30 a.m. Campus Cares (Cole Hall)
In the Bridgewater College community, we all bring unique perspectives, experiences, and identities that shape who we are as a group. This session invites students to think about what makes them who they are, explore how to navigate differences and engage in meaningful conversations that foster mutual understanding, making BC a richer and stronger community.

Please note that if you need to take a break from this session, we ask that you excuse yourself quietly to the Kline Campus Center Lobby. 

Noon – 1:30 p.m. BC Cup Challenges and Lunch Rotations
Join your Soar Mentor group as you take on the rest of the incoming Class of 2030 in a campus-wide competition to earn points toward the BC Cup! Climb the leaderboard and compete for the title of BC Cup Champion. During your assigned lunch rotation, take a break and enjoy lunch in the Main Dining Hall.

*2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Information Technology Center Open * (Bowman 200)
Explore the Information Technology (IT) Center and meet the people who specialize in helping you keep your computer and other devices functioning! The IT Center can be reached by calling 540-828-4357, emailing help@bridgewater.edu, or visiting Bowman 200.

 *2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Recess and Refresh *
Take a few moments, catch your breath and hang out with new friends! See activities below.

• 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Open Gym * (Funkhouser Center)
  Check out our weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk.
• 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Open Swim Hours * (Nininger Hall)
  Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water.
• 2:00 – 2:50 p.m. and 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. Campus Tours * (Meet in KCC Lobby)
  Take a personalized campus tour led by a student leader.
• 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Hang Out on the Mall * (Campus Mall. Rain location: FLC)
  Join us on the Campus Mall for three great events!
  – Hammocking & Music on the Mall
  – Therapy Dogs – Meet our therapy dogs Tucker (2:00-3:00 p.m.), Maggie and Lacey (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
  – Lawn Games and Chill
• 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Crafty Corner * (1^st floor of the FLC)
  Come out to make slime, create your own buttons, and decorate pots for plants, and more!

*5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Dinner * (Main Dining Hall)
Meet with your Soar Mentor and CL-100 group for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Your Soar Mentor will provide the time for your group to attend dinner. Take time to talk about your option sessions and get ready for an evening with Derek Greenfield. Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

7:45 p.m. Meet with Your Soar Mentor (Location chosen and communicated by Soar Mentor)

8 p.m. Soaring to New Heights Together: Strengthening the Eagles Family Presenter: Derek Greenfield (Cole Hall)
In this engaging and exciting session, you will gain insights to successfully navigating the transition to college and how to take advantage of this opportunity to develop into the best version of yourself. Get ready for a special experience to learn, laugh and love your decision to be at BC.

Please note that if you need to take a break from this session, we ask that you excuse yourself quietly to the Kline Campus Center Lobby. 

*10:00 a.m. Sunday Brunch * (Main Dining Hall)
Grab your breakfast before you head to Cole Hall for morning speakers.

10:45 a.m. Meet with your Soar Mentor for the Day (Location chosen and communicated by Soar Mentor)

11:00 a.m. Find Your Voice: Addressing Sexual Violence as a Community Presented by Megan Rae (Cole Hall)
In this presentation, Megan Rae provides foundational knowledge on the various forms of sexual violence, discusses what unhealthy and healthy relationships look like, and challenges you to embrace community change by being part of the solution, even if you are not part of the problem. Now is the time to find your voice and commit to promoting a violence-free Bridgewater College community.

Please note that if you need to take a break from this session, we ask that you excuse yourself quietly to the Kline Campus Center Lobby.  

Noon-1:30 p.m. Lunch Rotations
Take a break for lunch in the Main Dining Hall during your lunch rotation.

1:30 p.m. Moments that Matter – Bystander Intervention
Being a Bridgewater College Eagle means looking out for one another. Whether someone’s facing a serious risk like alcohol abuse, relationship violence, mental health issues or simply struggling with academics, homesickness or social pressure. In this session you’ll learn how to recognize when someone may need support, how to safely step in, and how to play an active role in building a caring and connected campus community. Sponsored by BC’s Office of Wellness Education

*2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Information Technology Center Open * (Bowman 200) 
Explore the Information Technology (IT) Center and meet the people who specialize in helping you keep your computer and other devices functioning! The IT Center can be reached by calling 540-828-4357, emailing help@bridgewater.edu, or visiting Bowman 200.

*3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Recess and Refresh *
Take a few moments, catch your breath and just hang out with new friends! See activities below.

• 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Open Gym * (Funkhouser Center) 
  Check out the weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk.
• 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Open Swim Hours * (Nininger Hall)
  Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water.
• 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Field Day on Dillon Lawn * (Dillon Field)
  Come out to play sand volleyball, badminton, cornhole, and play catch!
• 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Cones with Campo * (Dillon Field)
  During Field Day on Dillon Lawn, swing by and say “hi” to our campus police and safety officers, who will be handing out free snow cones! It’s a great chance to cool off, enjoy a sweet treat, and get to know the officers.
  
• 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot (Counseling & Wellness Center:Three Seasons Room (101 Third St)
  Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or brand new to the game, stop by and join Garrett Serrels, one of our Mental Health Counselors, for One-Shot campaigns or learn the basics of DnD! Description of the One-Shot: “Hired to deliver a wagon of supplies to Phandalin for 10 gold each, you follow your dwarf patron, Gundren Rockseeker, who’s gone ahead with his warrior escort, on a quest that promises more than just a simple delivery.”
• 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Hang Out in the Eagle’s Nest * (Eagle’s Nest)
  Join us in the Eagle’s Nest for these great events!
  – Tabletop Games & Puzzles
  – Bracelet, Paracord, & Jewelry Making

*5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dinner * (Main Dining Hall) 
Meet with your Soar Mentor and CL-100 group for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Talk about your day and get ready for Wayne Hoffman.

8:45 p.m. Meet Your Soar Mentor for Wayne Hoffman (Your Soar Mentor will let you know where to meet) 

9:00 p.m. CEAT presents: Wayne Hoffman (Cole Hall)
Join CEAT for Wayne Hoffman, where you will experience a night full of fun and illusions! Plus, don’t miss the live announcement of the 2026 BC Cup Champions!

Wear your Class of 2030 t-shirt!

Time with Advisors: As Needed

*7:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast * (Main Dining Hall) 
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All college offices open

9:00 a.m. Meet Soar Mentors for Class of 2030 Picture (Location chosen and communicated by Soar Mentor)

9:15 a.m. Class of 2030 Picture (Jopson Field)
Meet to take the official Class of 2030 picture.

9:45 a.m. Lineup for Opening Convocation

10 a.m. Opening Convocation and Reception (Convocation: Nininger Gym, Reception: Rebecca Quad. Rain Location: KCC Lobby)
Join us as we ring in the new semester and celebrate your next chapter as a BC Eagle. Following the convocation, you will be ushered through the Echelon to the Opening Celebration on Rebecca Quad.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch Rotations and Soar Mentor Time (Main Dining Hall)
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

*1:30 – 5:00 p.m. Time On Your Own *

*5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dinner * (Main Dining Hall)
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

8:00 p.m. Community Orientation for Residence Halls [residential students only]
All residence halls will meet with both new and upper-class students. You’ll discuss your Community Living Agreement, policies and procedures in the building, and prepare for the year in your hall. This meeting is for all residential students. Speak with your RA for details (time and location).

8 p.m. Commuter Kickback [Commuters only] (KCC Lobby)
Commuters, join us for a time to get to know other commuters, games and refreshments.

*9:20 p.m. Meet your Soar Mentor to go to Out of this World Bingo *

*9:30 p.m. CEAT presents: Out of this World Bingo * (Main Dining Hall)
Join CEAT for Out of this World Bingo — where we go out of this world with new prizes worth a grand total of $2,000! Win everything from room essentials and campus swag to our grand prize: an iPad Air!

Tuesday, August 25

8 a.m. Classes Begin
Go to your classes as indicated on your class schedule.

Thursday, August 27

7-8:30 p.m. Campus Connections Fair (Campus Mall, Rain location: Kline Campus Center)
Find out how to get involved in BC’s clubs and organizations, check out student employment and volunteer opportunities, and connect with local religious organizations. Stop by tables, meet club and org leaders, and join groups that interest you!

Friday, August 28

*6:30 – 8 p.m. Eagle Connections Kickback * (Eagle’s Nest, downstairs from the KCC)
Meet your Eagle Guide and fellow first-year students, get academic success tips, play Mario Kart and other board games. Start building connections that will support your transition to Bridgewater College (while enjoying Insomnia Cookies and Domino’s pizza!

Saturday, August 29

*7-9 p.m. BC Block Party * (College View Drive, rain location: the Funk Gym)
Get ready to rock the block at BC’s Block Party on College View Drive! From Campus Police to the CCE, we’ve got it all covered – with music, inflatables, intramurals, driving simulator, caricatures, and more! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, games and good vibes!

Tuesday, September 1

Desserts with the Dean (FLC Fireplace)
Come hang out with the Student Life staff and Dr. Leslie Frere, VP of Student Life and Dean of Students, for casual chats and desserts. For the whole month of September, you can join us on Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. at the FLC Fireplace. It’s a relaxed opportunity to connect and have a sweet time with the Student Life office. Can’t make Tuesdays? No worries! Desserts with the Dean changes days/time every month between now and April, so keep an eye out for the next month’s schedule.

Wednesday, September 2

Midweek Mindfulness Community Picnic (Campus Mall)
Join us to sample the various activities students will see throughout the year during Midweek Mindfulness on Wednesdays, while enjoying food and connecting with the campus community!

*11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Residential Check-In * (required for residential students)

4:00 p.m. Transfer Welcome Session (residential and commuter) Bowman 101
Gather with other new transfer students and meet upper-class students to answer questions about Bridgewater, have time to get your BC ID and parking decal, and leave with your new BC swag.

5:00 p.m. -Transfer Dinner Boitnott Room, Kline Campus Center
Continue getting to know others over dinner and meet your Connected Learning 150 professor as well as other professional staff.

6:15 p.m. Campus Tours
Tours begin after dinner, leaving from the Boitnott Room. Get a feel for campus, where your classes are, popular hang out spots, and more.

*9:00 – 10:30 p.m. CEAT presents: Wayne Hoffman * Cole Hall
Join CEAT for Wayne Hoffman, where you will experience a night full of fun and illusions! Plus, don’t miss the live announcement of the 2026 BC Cup Champions!

Wear your t-shirt given to you at the Transfer Welcome!

9:00 a.m. Breakfast Reception Boitnott Room, Kline Campus Center
Grab breakfast and be ready to head to Opening Convocation and Celebration. We encourage you to wear the shirt you received the day before.

9:45 a.m. Join the Class of 2030 for Opening Convocation Lineup

10:00-11:30 a.m. Academic Convocation and Celebration Convocation: Nininger Gym, Celebration: Rebecca Quad
Join us as we ring in the new semester and celebrate your next chapter as a BC Eagle! Following the convocation, you will be ushered through the Echelon to the Opening Celebration on Rebecca Quad.

Noon- Opening Day Lunch with Department Representatives Boitnott Room, Kline Campus Center
This is a time to connect with faculty members from your academic areas while enjoying lunch.

8:00 p.m. Community Orientation for Residence Halls (residential students only)
All residence halls will meet with both new and upper-class students. You’ll discuss your Community Living Agreement, policies and procedures in the building, and prepare for the year in your hall. This meeting is for all residential students. See individual RAs/buildings for details (time and location).

8:00 p.m. Commuter Kickback (Commuters only)*  Eagle’s Nest
Commuters, join us for a time to get to know other commuters, games and refreshments.

* 9:30 p.m. CEAT presents: Out of this World Bingo * Main Dining Hall
Join CEAT for Out of this World Bingo — where we go out of this world with new prizes worth a grand total of $2,000! Win everything from room essentials and campus swag to our grand prize: an iPad Air!

Tuesday, August 25

8 a.m. Classes Begin

Thursday, August 27

7-8:30 p.m. Campus Connections Fair (Campus Mall, Rain location: Kline Campus Center)
Find out how to get involved in BC’s clubs and organizations, check out student employment and volunteer opportunities, and connect with local religious organizations. Stop by tables, meet club and org leaders, and join groups that interest you!

Friday, August 28

*6:30 – 8 p.m. Eagle Connections Kickback * (Eagle’s Nest, downstairs of the KCC)
Meet your Eagle Guide and fellow first-year students, get academic success tips, play Mario Kart and other board games, and start building connections that will support your transition to Bridgewater College while enjoying Insomnia Cookies and Domino’s pizza!

Saturday, August 29

7-9 p.m. BC Block Party (College View Drive, rain location: the Funk Gym)
Get ready to rock the block at BC’s Block Party on College View Drive! From Campus Police to the CCE, we’ve got it all covered – with music, inflatables, alpacas, intramurals, caricatures, raffle prizes and more! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, games and good vibes!

Tuesday, September 1

Desserts with the Dean (FLC Fireplace)
Come hang out with the Student Life staff and Dr. Leslie Frere, VP of Student Life and Dean of Students, for casual chats and desserts. For the whole month of September, you can join us on Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. at the FLC Fireplace. It’s a relaxed opportunity to connect and have a sweet time with the Student Life office. Can’t make Tuesdays? No worries! Desserts with the Dean changes days/time every month between now and April, so keep an eye out for the next month’s schedule.

Wednesday, September 2

Midweek Mindfulness Community Picnic (Campus Mall)
Join us to sample the various activities students will see throughout the year during Midweek Mindfulness on Wednesdays, while enjoying food and connecting with the campus community!