Welcome Week — New Student Orientation
Welcome Week is SBU’s new student orientation program. Welcome Week will take place August 14 through August 16 for Fall 2026 incoming students.
Welcome Week provides a great opportunity for new students, both freshmen and transfer students, to become better acquainted with SBU and with one another. The weekend’s events will help you meet new friends, make the transition academically, and provide opportunities for you to begin thinking about what it means to follow Christ in a collegiate environment.
Fall 2026 Welcome Week Schedule
Friday, August 14
| 8:00am - 12:00pm | Move-in and Registration (Student Union) |
| 11:30am - 1:00pm | Lunch (Marketplace) |
| 1:30-2:00pm | Meet the President (Parents & Students) |
| 2:15-3:00pm |
Meet your Welcome Week Group (Students) Supporting Your Student (Parents in Pike Auditorium) |
| 3:15-3:30pm | Say Goodbye for Now (Forum) |
| 3:30-3:45pm | Start lining up for processional (attended by faculty and staff) |
| 3:45pm | New Student Processional into Pike Auditorium |
| 4:00-4:30pm | Welcome Session (Dr. Woodyard, VP of Student Life) |
| 4:30-5:00pm | Meet your RA/Hall |
| 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 6:55-7:00pm | Capture the Flag |
| 8:00pm-Onward | Set up dorm rooms, relax, hang out with hall |
Saturday, August 15
| 8:00 am | Meet on the Forum |
| 8:00am - 9:15am | Breakfast |
| 9:30-10:30am | Worship & Devotional in Pike Auditorium |
| 10:30-11:00am | SBU Portal Training in Pike |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm | Campus Tour w/Scavenger Hunt |
| 12:00 - 1:00pm | Lunch in the Marketplace |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | Welcome Week Group Time |
| 3:30-6:00pm | Free Time |
| 6:00pm - 7:15pm | Tailgate Dinner (Location??) |
| 7:30pm | SBU Football Scrimmage |
| 8:30pm | Glow Night |
Sunday, August 16
| 8:30am | Local Church Info & Rides (Student Union) |
| 9:00am-12:00 pm | Church Services |
| 12:00pm | Lunch in the Marketplace |
Other Events
| Monday 8/17 | First Day of Class + Chapel 10:00am-11:00am (Pike Auditorium) |
| Tuesday 8/18 | Community Fair in the Intramural Gym (IM Gym - Wellness Center) |
| Thursday 8/18 | 10th Avenue North Concert (Pike Auditorium) |
| Saturday 8/23 | Convoy of Hope Service day 7:30-11:30am |
What Students Are Saying
"Welcome Week helped me feel like I was already part of a group before classes even started. It helped me see a familiar face even if I didn't know them that well." — Landree Garrison
"My Welcome Week group was basically my first friend group on campus. Having that group to live life with the first semester was incredibly impactful. My leaders reach out to me to this day and communicate with us honestly, which made the whole experience even more impactful." — Addison Palmer
"Welcome Week helped me get comfortable with SBU. It helped me get out of my shell and gave me knowledge about the new clubs I've joined. It showed me that there are people who I can go to if I need help or someone to talk to." — Angela Anderson
Photo Gallery
Check out these pictures from past Welcome Week events to get a glimpse of all the fun you will have when you come to SBU Welcome Week!
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Move-in is from 8:00am - 12:00pm.
Yes, SBU dining services will be operational. There will be Lunch and Dinner, no Breakfast.
The Goodson Student Union.
No. Check-in first at the Student Union.
Park in the Student Union lot, then after check-in fell free to drive closer to your
particular residence hall for unloading.
1460 South Pike Ave, Bolivar, MO 65613
Yes, the Campus Store (inside the Student Union) will be operational.
Yes, we will have alumni, faculty, staff, and students eager to help.
Welcome Week Steering Committee
