At a Glance Schedule
Download the Welcome Week Schedule at a Glance
Fall 2026 FYS/AES Schedule Coming Soon!
Detailed Schedule
Up-to-date as of May 22, 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
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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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TBD |
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 16, 2026 |
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| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. |
Worship Service Welcome Week Worship is held on the Sunday following move-in of new students. This Service recognizes the University’s heritage as a United Methodist institution in the tradition of John Wesley’s “Three Simple Rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.” Today, our vision is clear. We are called to: “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.” While we acknowledge the different faith traditions and no-faith traditions within our University Community, our theology and practice of inclusivity, is one of “Open minds, open hearts, open doors.” Therefore, ALL are Welcome! |
Lois Perkins Chapel |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 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 |
| 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. |
New Student Class Photo Take a group photo with the Class of ’30! |
McCombs Veranda |
| 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Adventures Pre-register for one of these exciting Pirate Adventures happening Sunday, August 16 & Sunday, August 22! 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 for Welcome week pirate adventures opens soon |
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| TBD |
Pirate Card Replacement |
Smith Library Center |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
Monday, August 17, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 10:30 - 11:30 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 |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Community Lunch Join your peers, faculty, staff, and the campus community for lunch before you head to your first class! |
Academic Mall |
| 12:30 - 2:30 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 |
| 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Training 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 |
| 7:30 - 8:30 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 18, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Student Employment Orientation | McCombs Ballrooms |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Start Building Your Network - Launch Your Pirate Plan | |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
Dean of Students Honor Code Core Values & Pirate’s Credo Title IX Safety & Security |
Various Classrooms |
| 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
Dinner with President Trombley |
McCombs Campus Center Ballrooms, 2nd Floor |
| 7:30 - 8:30 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. Time TBD:
Time TBD:
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Various Locations |
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 - 10:30 a.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! |
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| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
Choose Your Own Adventure Library Hangout (Library) 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. Tales & Traditions (McCombs Ballrooms) 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. First Ride: Pirate Bike Launch (Flagpoles outside the McCombs Campus Center) 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. |
Various Locations |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. |
Get to Know Georgetown |
Bishops Lounge |
| 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
Mabee Commons |
| 1:00 - 5:00 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 |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 6:30 - 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 Shilling Cove |
Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | President’s State of the University | |
| 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. |
Involvement Expo Meet some of our bustling Student Organizations and connect with our communities on campus! |
McCombs Ballrooms, Bishops Lounge, & Academic Mall |
| 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. |
Cove Night Mixer: 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 Shilling Cove, McCombs Campus Center |
Friday, August 21, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 - 11:00 a.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! |
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| 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. |
Bell & Brew Enjoy 50% off coffee at Java City and tunes from the Welcome Center Bell Tower! A member or group from the SU community will have their favorite playlist played from the Welcome Center Bell Tower. Grab your friends, enjoy the music, and take advantage of 50% off coffee while you unwind from the week. |
Java City at the Welcome Center |
| 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Pre-Med Advising | |
| 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | Intramural Dodgeball Tournament | |
| 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. |
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Saturday, August 22, 2026 |
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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 for Welcome week pirate adventures opens soon |
Various Locations |
| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
Sunday, August 23, 2026 |
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| 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Brunch |
Mabee Commons |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Interfaith Community 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 |
| 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 - 8:30 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 24, 2026 |
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| FIRST DAY OF CLASSES! | ||
| 7:45 - 9:45 a.m. |
DoNut Be Late Stop by on your way to class and grab a donut and a campus map! Vegan and gluten free options available. |
Academic Mall |