Close Menu

New Student Orientation 2023

Hello, incoming Pirates!

We are eagerly awaiting your arrival here on campus and are hard at work preparing for New Student Orientation Week. As the fall semester draws closer, there are a few details we think you ought to know: New Student Orientation Week starts with Move-In Day on Sept. 2. The week following will be filled with fun and exciting events that will start the process of getting to know Whitworth and each other. You will jump right into college life the moment you move in, and we are looking forward to sharing this journey with you! Keep an eye on your Whitworth email account, as we will be sending more information your way in the months to come. 

Until we see you here on campus, enjoy your summer and take a moment to read through our Orientation schedule and FAQs below while you begin preparing for your first year at Whitworth. 

Get excited! We certainly are.

– The New Student Orientation Team

Orientation Schedule Links

Click here for FAQs.

View a Move-In Day Map to see traffic and parking restrictions on Saturday, Sept. 2. 

Click here for New Student Orientation goals and objectives.

Saturday, Sept. 2 

Time Activity

8 a.m.-1 p.m. 

New Student Orientation Check-In – HUB Lied Square 

The HUB is your first stop on your Orientation journey! Drop by to pick up your Orientation checklist and name tag.  

8 a.m.-1 p.m. 
 

Move Into Your Residence Hall 

Check into your room, greet your hallmates and meet students on the leadership staff in your residence halls. 

9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Welcome Fair – The Loop 

Let us welcome you to Whitworth and Spokane! Enjoy free samples from local restaurants, get information about local businesses, pick up your free bus pass, and greet representatives from campus services who look forward to helping you become involved in the Whitworth community.  

11 a.m.-noon

Campus Tour 

Explore campus with a current student who will share their experiences and introduce you to our facilities. 

11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Dining Hall Open for Lunch – HUB Dining Hall 

Students can begin their meal plan in the dining hall. Family members may join their student for an additional cost.

 

Students Parents and Family
Time Activity Time Activity

1-2 p.m.

First Football Game of the Season – Pine Bowl 

Exhibition game against Pacific Northwest Christian. Come check out our football team and show your Pirate spirit! 


1-1:45 p.m.

Session 1: Meet Your University – Cowles Auditorium 

Parents will receive a greeting from the provost, registrar's office, student financial services, chapel, student life, and Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. 


2:15-2:45 p.m.

Transfer Student Welcome – Crow's Nest 

All transfer students are encouraged to attend this welcome event where you can hear from a panel of current transfer students. Snacks will be provided. 


2-2:45 p.m.

Session 2: Flourishing @ Whitworth – Cowles Auditorium  

Parents will hear from Whitworth Health & Counseling Services, student success services, academic support services, and the director of strategic engagement as to how their student will be cared for on campus.  


2:45-3:30 p.m.

Meet Your Orientation Belonging Group – The Loop 

Get to know the group you will be meeting with regularly throughout Orientation Week. 

3-3:45 p.m.

Session 3: Supporting Your Student – Cowles Auditorium   

Through skits, we will have some fun sharing what you can expect when your student texts, calls or comes home this year. 

 


3:45-4:45 p.m.

Resident Floor Meeting – Residence Halls 

Led by your residence hall staff, this floor meeting will give you an opportunity to learn more about your home and neighbors. You will start to determine what activities you would like to do together during the upcoming year and build hall community. Don't miss it! 

 

OR

 

Off-Campus Student Welcome – HUB Crow's Nest 

How can you stay involved while living off campus? This gathering will introduce you to the off-campus ASWU senator. You will hear about opportunities to connect with other commuters throughout the year and ways to get involved with life on campus. Snacks provided. 


4-4:45 p.m.

Session 4: Meet with Your Student's First-Year Seminar (SC125) Instructors – Various Classrooms 

Meet the instructor for your student's transition seminar (SC 125 or 325) and learn about what kinds of support will be available to support your student as they pursue their academic goals at Whitworth. Along with other parents, you will learn about FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and have the chance to ask lots of questions.


5-7 p.m.

Dinner – HUB Dining Hall 


5-5:45 p.m.

Session 5: Meet and Greet with President Scott McQuilkin and His Wife, Janice McQuilkin The Loop

Various faculty members will also be present. Refreshments provided. 

 

Time Activity

6-6:45 p.m. 

Legacy Dessert – HUB Crow's Nest 

A gathering for alumni parents and their families. By invitation only. 

7:30 p.m. 

Residence Hall Meetings – Residence Halls (New Students Only)

Meet your fellow residents and residence hall staff, and learn about important campus-wide values. 

8:30-10:30 p.m. 

Traditiation Meetings – Residence Halls (New Students Only)

All new students are invited to join in on the fun in learning the traditions of their halls and meet their fellow hallmates. Incoming off-campus students can join Oliver Hall. 

8:30-10:30 p.m. 

Crafts Ahoy! (PrimeTime) – HUB MPR (New Students Only)

Ahoy there! As an alternative to Traditiation, join us for an evening of crafts, food and drinks in the HUB MPR. 

 

 

Sunday, Sept. 3 

Time Activity

8 a.m.
 

Catholic Mass – Seeley G. Mudd Chapel 

Join us in celebrating Mass hosted by Whitworth's Catholic Fellowship Club. 


9:30 a.m.
 

Campus Worship Service – The Loop 

Join the Whitworth community for a worship service hosted by Whitworth Campus Ministry including student-led music and a sermon given by Dean of Spiritual Life & Campus Pastor Forrest Buckner. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets to stretch out on the grass as there are a limited number of chairs. 


11 a.m.-1 p.m.
 

Lunch – HUB Dining Hall 

Families and guests are welcome to connect with their students over lunch one more time as we conclude the weekend for families, but just begin the year for our students. Family members may join their students for an additional cost. 


1-2 p.m.
 

Crossover Ceremony – The Loop 

All new students and their families congregate in The Loop for the Crossover Ceremony. Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Hibbard will present all incoming students to President Scott McQuilkin, who will formally accept these students as they are surrounded by their families and loved ones. We will sing Amazing Grace, and the new students will cross under the traditional pinecone arch, where they will be welcomed into the Whitworth community by faculty, staff and fellow students. 


2
-2:45 p.m.
 

Family Farewell 

This is students' opportunity to take pictures and spend final moments with their families before they depart. At this time, parents will leave campus and students will begin their Orientation program. 


3
-5:30 p.m.
 

Loop-a-palooza! – The Loop 

All new students will gather in The Loop to be welcomed by ASWU President Georgia Goff as part of the Whitworth community. After this, students will kick off a block party complete with inflatables, games, a soda cart, crafts and live music by Whitworth alumni band The Bedheads!  


6 p.m.
 

Fancy Feast – The HUB 

New students are encouraged to don their finest duds for a special Fancy Feast in the dining hall. Meet in your residence hall lounges and await further instruction from your residence hall leadership teams. Off-campus students, meet at Oliver Hall. 


8:30-10:30 p.m.
 

Haul-In – Residence Halls 

Face off against other residence halls and impress each other with your newly learned songs and chants. 


8:30-10:30 p.m.
 

PrimeTime – Residence Hall Lounges 

Each residence hall will have a different activity going on every night for PrimeTime. It is a great place to meet other new students! 

 

Monday, Sept. 4

Time Activity
 8-10 a.m.  Dining Hall Open For Breakfast HUB Dining Hall 
10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Returning Students Move In Residence Halls 
10-11:30 a.m. 

Whitworth 101 – The Loop 

This meeting is mandatory for all new students, and attendance will be taken. 

In this meeting, we will learn about what it means to be a Whitworth community that embraces and respects the intersection of identities, experience belonging, and explore faith life at Whitworth. 

11:30 a.m.  Incoming Class Photo Pine Bowl 
11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  Dining Hall Open for Lunch – HUB Dining Hall 
1:30-2:30 p.m. 

Whitworth 102 Cowles Auditorium 

This meeting is mandatory for all new students, and attendance will be taken.

As part of our commitment to provide a safe and welcoming campus environment for all students, and as part of our institutional compliance obligations, new students are required to attend a presentation on understanding sexual harassment and consent as they are stated in Whitworth's Title IX procedures and behavioral expectations. 


2:45-5:45 p.m.

Chemistry Mathematics Readiness Check Eric Johnston 308 & 214 

All students enrolled in General Chemistry I (CH 161) for Fall Term 2023 who do not have an Introductory Chemistry college credit (CH 101) must take a Mathematics Readiness Check. This check is given before every semester and should only be taken by those enrolled in CH 161. The purpose is to verify that students have the appropriate incoming skills in scientific mathematics to succeed in the CH 161 course. Students who do not pass will be dropped from CH 161 and advised to take MA 130, College Algebra.

2:45-5:45 p.m.

Mathematics Placement Exam – Eric Johnston 308 & 214

All students enrolled in MA 150: Pre-Calculus for Fall Term 2023 must take the placement exam. This exam is used to verify that students have the appropriate math skills to be successful in MA 150. Students who do not pass will be advised to take MA 130: College Algebra.  Calculators will be provided, and you may not use your own. Please bring a pen or pencil to your exam. 

All students enrolled in MA 171: Calculus 1 for Fall Term 2023 who do not have a Pre-Calculus college level credit (MA 150 equivalent) must take the placement exam. This exam is used to verify that students have the appropriate math skills to be successful in MA 171. Students who do not pass will be advised to take MA 150: Pre-Calculus or MA 130: College Algebra, as determined by their exam score. Calculators will be provided, and you may not use your own. Please bring a pen or pencil to your exam. 

 


3-4 p.m.

Honors Program Orientation Seeley G. Mudd Chapel 

This orientation session invites all students admitted with honors to learn general information about the honors program and meet students and faculty in the program. For any questions, contact Honors Director Bert Emerson (dbemerson@my.whitworth.edu) or your departmental honors advisor. 

5-7 p.m.  Dining Hall Open for Dinner HUB Dining Hall 

7-8:30
p.m.
 

Back to School Concert – The Loop 

Enjoy an electric performance from Crash Adams!

8:30-10:30 p.m.  PrimeTime Various Residence Halls 

9-11
p.m.
 

Pattison's Skate Night Off-Campus Event

New students are invited to Pattison's North Roller-Skating Rink to skate the night away! A shuttle service will run between Whitworth's campus and Pattison's at regular intervals; shuttle pickup will occur between the HUB and Arend Hall beginning at 8:50 p.m. 

 

Tuesday, Sept. 5

Time Activity
7-9 a.m.  Dining Hall Open for Breakfast – Dining Hall 

9-11 a.m.
 

Whitworth 103 – Various Classrooms 

This meeting is mandatory for all new students, and attendance will be taken. 

Dive into your first session of First-Year Seminar, SC 125/325! You will learn what to expect from the class and get to know your fellow classmates and advisor. 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Dining Hall Open for Lunch – HUB Dining Hall 

Noon-2 p.m.
 

Club Fair – The Loop 

Check out all the clubs on campus, and find out how to get involved! 


Noon-12:30 p.m.

Young Life Interest Meeting – Seeley G. Mudd Chapel 

If you were previously involved with Young Life or are interested in finding out more about Young Life ministry here at Whitworth, then this meeting is for you. 


2-2:30 p.m.

Pre-Law Meeting – Weyerhaeuser 111 

Come meet the pre-law advisor and learn about classes and activities. We'll introduce the law & justice minor. 


2-3:30 p.m.

Music Theory and Ear Training Placement Exam – Cowles Music Center 200 

Students with previous music theory or ear training experience may take the exam for possible placement in higher-level music theory or ear training courses. The placement exam is not required for students who plan to enroll in first-semester theory or ear training courses (MU 110 / MU 111). Students may also stop by the music office during regular business hours to sign up for lessons (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday).


2-4 p.m.

Language Placement Exam – Library, Second Floor Computer Labs 

There will be one proctored test session during Orientation Week. Any student wishing to test out of the general education language requirement in French, German, Spanish or Russian must take the language placement test in a proctored setting. Students who plan to enroll in a language class but have not yet taken the online placement exam may also take the test at this time. The test takes 20-40 minutes and is all multiple choice. You must have registered for a testing session prior to your arrival on campus. This is not for students who are currently enrolled in a language class. 

For American Sign Language (ASL), please speak to a representative of the School of Education, in Dixon Hall. 

For advanced placement in, or to test out of, Japanese or Chinese, please contact Jennifer Brown, chair of the Whitworth Department of World Languages & Cultures, in Westminster Hall.  


2:45-3:45 p.m.

Theatre Info Social – Centennial Plaza in front of Cowles Auditorium 

If you are interested in theatre and dance (onstage or backstage) come and meet the theatre and dance faculty, staff and current students. Hear about a wide variety of performance opportunities and our exciting upcoming season. This reception is for anyone who loves the arts. 

3-4 p.m. 

Pre-Health Orientation Meeting – Weyerhaeuser Room 107, Robinson Teaching Theatre  

Calling all pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-dental and health science students! Come meet the pre-health advisors, double-check that you’re in the right classes for this fall, and learn about the activities you will want to be involved in as a pre-health student. Attendance is strongly recommended for all pre-health students.  


3-5 p.m.
 

"Whodunnit?" Live Various Locations (Meet in the HUB MPR) 

Join with other new students to solve a real-time murder mystery for the chance to win up to $150 in prizes! 


4-6 p.m.
 

Mandatory VA Benefits Orientation and Welcome Back Barbecue Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC) 

This dual event is for any student using VA education benefits and any military-connected students (that is, students who are serving, have served, are currently in ROTC, or are children or spouses of people who have served). If you are utilizing VA benefits, this is your mandatory VA benefit orientation meeting that you must attend. 

5-7 p.m.  Dining Hall Open for Dinner – HUB Dining Hall 

8 p.m.
 

Yell-Off – Pirate's Cove  

Compete against the other residence halls as they perform their traditional chants and the Whitworth fight song onstage as a part of Traditiation for the chance to win the coveted Yell-Off Trophy. 

8-10 p.m.   PrimeTime – Residence Halls 

10-11:30 p.m. 

Target Night – Target at Newport Highway

Still have some last-minute residence hall shopping to do? Target Night is where it's at. Come get some great back to school deals, and the chance to win a back-to-school gift bag! There will be shuttles provided. Shuttle service will begin at 9:45 p.m. between the HUB and Arend Hall. Returning students are welcome to join at 10:45. 

 

Wednesday, Sept. 6

Time Activity
 

Regular Meal Schedule Begins Today 

Regular Class Schedule Begins Today 


Noon

New Student Employee Orientation HUB ABC Room 

This mandatory session is for first-time Whitworth student employees. We talk about student employment essentials including employment forms, web time entry, pay dates, tax information, and employee rights and responsibilities. 


6:30
p.m.
 

Neighborhood Meeting HUB MPR 

If you live in a Whitworth Neighborhood house, this will be a time to meet with other groups and start putting together your programming for the year. 


6:30-8:30
p.m.
 

Floor Values Meetings Residence Hall Lounges 

Meet your neighbors and, as a floor, determine what values will shape your floor community this semester. Learn more about Community Behavioral Standards (CBS), what role they play in your larger community, and how to make sure your voice is heard. 

8-10 p.m.  PrimeTime Residence Hall Lounges 

9:30
p.m.
 

Student-Athlete Meeting Weyerhaeuser 107 (Robinson Teaching Theatre) 

This is a mandatory meeting for returning, new and potential varsity athletes. We will cover NCAA and Whitworth requirements for participating in athletics as well as completing mandatory compliance paperwork. If you are interested in participating in varsity sports, please contact the coaching staff of your sport prior to coming to the meeting to receive information about all required meetings. Please bring a pen and your student ID number. 

 

Thursday, Sept. 7

Time Activity
  Today, classes beginning at 9:30 a.m. will end at 10:30 a.m. in order to allow time for the campus community to gather in Cowles Auditorium for Fall Convocation. Classes will resume at noon. 

11
a.m.
 

Convocation – Cowles Auditorium

This rich tradition is the formal beginning of the academic semester. Faculty will parade in their academic regalia, and President Scott McQuilkin will address the Whitworth community. 


3:30-5:30
p.m.
 

Intercultural Student Center (ISC) Reception Hendrick Hall 

Come enjoy refreshments and visit the Eileen Hendrick Hall Building, the location for the Office of Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Intercultural Student Center, and the Office of International Education.

8-10 p.m.  PrimeTime Residence Hall Lounges 

Time varies depending on residence hall. 

Contact your residence hall senator for more information. 

Residence Hall Values and Community Behavioral Standards (CBS) Meeting Residence Hall Lounges 

This is an opportunity for you to decide the formal community values that will govern your living area. Make your voice count as your entire residence hall determines policies for your building such as quiet hours, visitation and more. 

 

Friday, Sept. 8

Time Activity


10:30
a.m.-1 p.m. 

Ministry Fair The Loop 

Whitworth University has a great relationship with lots of churches and ministries in the greater Spokane area. You're invited to come by The Loop and meet the amazing people from these ministries they're excited to connect with you! Find out about worship services, collegiate fellowship groups, and opportunities to volunteer and serve. This is a great chance to explore ways to get connected with a ministry during your time at Whitworth! 


5:30
p.m.
 

Off-Campus Student Barbecue Holmberg Park 

The Off-Campus Barbecue is an event to kick off the new school year for all off-campus students. There will be food such as burgers and hot dogs, as well as snacks and a raffle! Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to sit in and meet your off-campus friends! Email bcrittenden26@my.whitworth.edu with any questions. 


6:30
p.m.
 

Residence Hall Ice Cream Social – Duvoliver Lawn

Eat some ice cream, play some games, and have some fun with other residents in your area! 

  • BMac (Ballard and McMillan)
  • Arend and Baldwin-Jenkins 
  • Oliver and Duvall 
  • Boppell and the Neighborhood houses 
  • Stewart and The Village 
8 p.m.

Bingo Cowles Auditorium 

Join us for ASWU's first big event of the year for a chance to win prizes worth over $500! 

8-10 p.m.  PrimeTime Residence Hall Lounges 

 

Orientation FAQs

When will new students move into the residence halls?

Move-in is from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2! 

How is Orientation coming along?

The Whitworth Office of Student Activities is diligently working on planning Orientation for fall 2023, and there are several ways to stay informed. Check this webpage regularly for important updates. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @whitworthorientation for giveaways, campus introductions and inside information about Whitworth life. Finally, keep an eye on your Whitworth student email account. A newsletter containing the most important and up-to-date information will be sent out at the end of each month until Orientation begins. 

What should parents expect during Orientation?

There are a number of events that will help introduce parents, families and guests to the Whitworth community during the first two days of Orientation (Sept. 2-3). Parent & Family Orientation ends around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3.

As a transfer student, what events can I go to?

Transfer students are encouraged to attend any and all events on the New Student Orientation schedule! Our goal is to bolster community between incoming students of all backgrounds, so we encourage transfer students to participate in everything Orientation Week has in store. 

Are there any Pre-Orientation activities I can participate in?

We have two different opportunities for students to connect with their future classmates before Orientation even begins.

  • BUCS Bridge: The Building Unity & Cultivating Success (BUCS) Bridge Program is a pre-orientation program designed to serve first-year students from first-generation and/or underrepresented racial and ethnic population backgrounds. This five-day program introduces incoming students to Whitworth's faculty, resources and peers before First-Year Orientation begins. After the pre-orientation, participants may opt in to our peer mentoring program to receive ongoing support from our peer guides and staff throughout their first year. Students involved in BUCS Bridge experience the benefits of community-building, gain skills in college navigation and further develop their multicultural identity. 
  • Whitwilderness: Whitwilderness is an exciting multiday outdoor experience! Organized by Whitworth Outdoor Recreation, the trips are specifically designed for incoming first-years and transfer students at Whitworth. Whitwilderness aims to help students adjust to college life in a new and exciting way. This program is an excellent opportunity for students to connect with each other and make new friends while experiencing the beauty of nature. The trip leaders are experienced and knowledgeable and provide a safe and supportive environment for participants of all backgrounds and experience levels. 

Who should I contact if I have questions about Orientation?

Please contact orientation@whitworth.edu if you have any questions!