At a Glance Schedule
Download the Welcome Week Schedule at a Glance
Detailed Schedule
Up-to-date as of May 28, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025 |
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| 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Residence Hall Move-In by Appointment Please sign up and arrive at your assigned time. The Residence Life team and volunteers will be available to assist you during your move in time. Please ensure that at least one person stays with your vehicle at all times and no vehicles are left unattended.Once your car is unloaded, we ask that you move it from the loading zone to a parking lot. MOVE-IN DAY INFO |
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| 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Brunch |
Mabee Commons |
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4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Card Replacement |
Smith Library Center |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
Dinner Either dine in at the Mabee Commons or explore the Georgetown cuisine. Such as 600 Degrees, Dos Salsas, Namaste, Encantada, Tony & Luigi’s, or the many options on the Square! |
Georgetown Eateries or Mabee Commons |
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
First-Year Community Meetings with your Hall Meet with your RA to discover what it means to be a part of our residential community. At these meetings, you’ll learn about university policy as well as ways to keep yourself and your community safe and healthy. Community meetings are required. |
Various Locations |
Sunday, August 17, 2025 |
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| 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Brunch & Family Farewell After brunch, parents and family members can bid their students farewell since their schedules will be full going forward. |
Mabee Commons |
| 1:45 - 2:00 p.m. |
New Student Class Photo Before Pirate Training, take a group photo with the Class of ’29! |
Walzel Court |
| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
Pirate Training: Pep Rally Start off your Pirate Training with a cannon-like bang. Pirate Training teams begin their voyage via a series of upbeat interactions and games sure to shiver your timbers! |
Corbin J. Robertson Center |
| 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Card Replacement |
Smith Library Center |
| 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. |
Interfaith Prayer Service for PEACE All members of the University Community are invited to join in this Interfaith Gathering to pray for PEACE in our individual lives, in our nation, and in our global community. |
Lois Perkins Chapel |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. |
Night at the Movies! Come on down to one of our local theaters, Film Alley, in Georgetown! The buses will meet at the McCombs Campus Center parking lot at 6:00 p.m. |
Meet outside the Cove |
Monday, August 18, 2025 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. |
Matriculation Convocation The purpose of the Matriculation Convocation ceremony is to formally welcome entering students to Southwestern and to provide them with a sense of the expectations we have for members of our community. |
Lois Perkins Chapel |
| 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar Your other courses may start next week, but this one starts today. Meet your seminar professor and new student cohort! |
Various Classrooms |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
What is Your Legacy? Join us for a powerful talk with motivational speaker Freddy Shegog as he shares his journey and challenges you to define your legacy—because quitting is not an option. Plus, meet the Dean of Students, Chief of Police, and Director of Spiritual Life to hear about what keeps the SU community strong.
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Alma Thomas Theatre in Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center |
| 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Training Final Challenge A parley? How ‘bout a final challenge? A head-to-head, fun competition pitting teams against one another for all the pirate treasures. Arrg! |
Corbin J. Robertson Center |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Pirate Training Closing Ceremony & Snow Cone Social It’s time to hand out the booty (both team prizes and individual door prizes). Newly anointed Pirates who conquered the Pirate Training challenge will divide the Southwestern treasure. Also enjoy snow cones and a home run derby—sweet treats and big swings guaranteed! |
Baseball Field |
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
Smooth Sailing: Advising & Academic Support (Various Classrooms) Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss academic strategies and college transition tips to set yourself up for success in and out of the classroom! Self-Discovery (McCombs Campus Center Ballrooms) There are many new experiences to tackle in college, and understanding your strengths, interests, values and personality will help you do so. From getting along with your roommate to selecting classes and majors, to exploring your long-term purpose, learning what makes you tick is key. Meet the Center for Career & Professional Development team and use the TypeFocus tool for self-discovery. Please Note: You will be divided into two groups. During the first 1.5 hours, you’ll attend one session, and during the second 1.5 hours, you’ll switch to the other session. group assignments will be shared soon. |
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| 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. |
GROUP GATHERINGS Each of these sessions are “come and go” social gatherings. Grab a snack and chat…visit them all or stay for the entire duration of one. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.:
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.:
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Various Locations |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Travelin’ Max Show (Bishop’s Lounge) Get ready to dance, laugh, and join the fun! The Travelin’ Max Show brings high-energy games, music, and an unforgettable time. |
Bishops Lounge |
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Mental Wellbeing & Healthy Relationships Meet with members of SU’s Counseling & Health Center to explore how to best care for yourself and support each other during your time at Southwestern. |
Various Locations - Your FYS/AES Teacher Will Provide Details |
| 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. |
Involvement Expo Meet some of our bustling Student Organizations and connect with our communities on campus! |
Mabee Commons |
| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
Open Advising Need to make a change to your schedule? Have a question about incoming AP scores or transfer credit? Students can use this time to visit with their Academic Advisor about any academic questions or concerns. Stop by your Academic Advisors office for any inquiries! |
Various Locations |
| 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. |
Music Theory Placement Exam All incoming music majors are required to take the Music Theory Placement Exam to gauge their knowledge of music fundamentals. Students may potentially test out of Fundamentals of Music Theory and Fundamentals of Ear-Training. Any other students with music theory experience may take the exam to potentially get credit for those courses. |
Fine Arts Center, Room 148 |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Residence Hall Programming by your RA Activities Want to relax and get to know others throughout your hall? Come solo or bring your roommate to enjoy some fun, stress-free, end-of-the-night programming! Your RA will provide more information. |
Various Locations |
| 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. |
Fountainwood Observatory Open House Explore the night sky through high-powered telescopes at our on-campus observatory! *This event is reserved for Southwestern students only.
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Fountainwood Observatory |
Thursday, August 21, 2025 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
Mabee Commons |
| 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. |
Library Hangout Take a break from the bustle of orientation and connect with fellow students in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re a strategy master or just looking to unwind, this is your chance to enjoy good company and discover the quieter side of campus life. There will be board games and other activities to enjoy. |
Library |
| 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
Student Employment Orientation |
McCombs Ballrooms |
| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
Open Advising Need to make a change to your schedule? Have a question about incoming AP scores or transfer credit? Students can use this time to visit with their Academic Advisor about any academic questions or concerns. Stop by your Academic Advisors office for any inquiries! |
Various Locations |
| 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. |
Tales and Traditions Join Student Philanthropy Council and Student Foundation as they help you learn about some of our time-honored traditions and things that are unique to Southwestern. There will be free food and chances to win some great door prizes. |
McCombs Ballrooms |
| 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. |
The First Ride: Pirate Bike Launch Are you ready for your first ride? We are excited to invite all incoming students to launch the bikes back on campus! Bikes are limited and available to ride on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Flagpoles outside the McCombs Campus Center |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Desserts with the Black Alumni Network | Mabee Commons |
Friday, August 22, 2025 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 1:30 - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Adventures Pre-register for one of these exciting Pirate Adventures happening Friday or Saturday! With a wide range of trips, Pirate Adventures offers students the chance to explore, connect, and have fun. Some of this year’s lineup includes Sky and Fly Ziplining, Inner Space Caverns, Typhoon Texas Water Park, and tubing the San Marcos River. Don’t miss out! Registration Open now! |
Various Locations |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Karaoke Night Bring the energy and your best shower-singing voice to Karaoke Night! Whether you’re ready to belt out your favorite anthem or cheer on your new friends, this is your chance to shine. No talent required—just enthusiasm! |
The Cove, McCombs Campus Center |
Saturday, August 23, 2025 |
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| 10:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Brunch | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
Pirate Adventures Pre-register for one of these exciting Pirate Adventures happening Friday or Saturday! With a wide range of trips, Pirate Adventures offers students the chance to explore, connect, and have fun. Some of this year’s lineup includes Sky and Fly Ziplining, Inner Space Caverns, Typhoon Texas Water Park, and tubing the San Marcos River. Don’t miss out! Registration Open now! |
Various Locations |
| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
Sunday, August 24, 2025 |
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| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
Interfaith Fair During brunch, join University Chaplain, Dr. Ron Swain, as we welcome various faith ministries from the Georgetown area to the Mabee Commons. This vibrant gathering fosters understanding and connections across religious boundaries, celebrating unity in diversity and enriching campus life with a spirit of acceptance and mutual respect. Students have the opportunity to connect with local faith communities to enhance their spiritual development. |
Mabee Commons |
| 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Brunch |
Mabee Commons |
| 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
“Dessert Before Dinner”: Fine Arts Ice Cream Social Join the Sarofim School of Fine Arts faculty, staff, and current students to learn more about classes, auditions, ensembles, and more. This is your opportunity to meet students, make friendships, relax before classes start, and eat some ice cream. All are welcome, majors and non-majors alike! |
Jones Lobby, Fine Arts Center |
| 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. |
Pirate Parrrty Join us for an unforgettable evening with live music, delicious food, and great company! Enjoy live music from 60’s cover band The Riffs & Chips and great food outside the McCombs Campus Center as new and returning students connect and kick back before classes start. |
Flagpole outside the McCombs Campus Center |
Monday, August 25, 2025 |
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| FIRST DAY OF CLASSES! | ||
| 7:45 - 9:45 a.m. |
Donut Get Lost Stop by on your way to class and grab a donut and a campus map! Vegan and gluten free options available. |
Academic Mall |
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 |
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| 6:00 p.m. |
Dinner with President Trombley |
McCombs Campus Center Ballrooms, 2nd Floor |