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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10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Pirate Card Replacement |
Smith Library Center |
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10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Brunch |
Mabee Commons |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
Dinner Either dine in at the Mabee Commons or explore the Georgetown cuisine. Such as 600 Degrees, Marisols, Mikey V’s, 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 |
| 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 |
| 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Pirate Card Replacement |
Smith Library Center |
| 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
Pirate Adventures Pre-register for one of these exciting Pirate Adventures happening Sunday, August 16 & Saturday, 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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| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. |
Observatory Night Have you ever wondered how many moons of Jupiter you can see from Georgetown? Or what kind of astronomical research opportunities exist when you can use a Hydrogen Alpha filter to image the skies? Or just if you can see where the astronauts landed on the moon? With the right telescopes and guidance, you have those opportunities and more by checking out Southwestern University’s own Fountainwood Observatory. |
Fountainwood Observatory |
Monday, August 17, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
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Meet at 9:45 a.m. Official Start: 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. Connect with your RA as they will be directing you. |
Meet at the Corbin J. Robertson Center at 9:45 a.m. |
| 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! |
Mabee Commons & Bishops Lounge |
| 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 |
| 5:00 - 7:00 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 - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
Find Your Bearings: Navigating Your Pirate Plan Your four-year Pirate Plan starts now! Whether you want to find an on-campus job, learn how to write a professional resume or just build new relationships here at SU, get tips for making the most of this first year on campus. |
McCombs Ballrooms: Lynda & Marsha |
| 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 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. |
Our Community, Our Responsibility
This interactive session introduces students to the shared values, expectations, and resources that help create a safe and respectful campus community. Through the lenses of the Honor Code, student conduct, Title IX, accountability, and advocacy, students will explore their responsibility to make informed choices, support others, speak up, and seek help when needed.
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Alma Thomas Theater |
| 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
Dinner with President Trombley |
Welcome Center |
| 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. |
JEDI Group Gathering Looking to find your community? Join us for a welcoming social event where new students can connect with peers who share similar identities, experiences, and interests. Enjoy snacks, meet new friends, and discover the communities that make Southwestern feel like home. This is a come-and-go event, so grab a snack, chat, stop by, or stay for the entire duration. Featured Communities:
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McCombs Ballroom |
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 10:00 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. |
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. |
Smith Library Center |
| 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Lunch |
Mabee Commons |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. |
Chamber Treasure Chest Discover local offers, exclusive swag, and valuable resources from the Georgetown business community, all in one treasure-filled welcome bag! |
Bishops Lounge |
| 1:30 p.m. |
New Student Class Photo Join your fellow Pirates for the official Class of 2030 group photo! |
McCombs Veranda (right outside the Bishops Lounge) |
| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
Mental Health & 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. |
F.W. Olin Building Lobby |
| 5:00 - 7:00 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 - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Mabee Commons |
| 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch | Mabee Commons |
| 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | First-Year Seminar & Advanced-Entry Seminar | Various Classrooms |
| 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. |
Bell & Brew
Fuel up with FREE coffee from Java City! Grab your friends and stop by the Welcome Center to grab a a free hot or iced coffee and enjoy music from the Welcome Center Bell Tower.
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Java City at the Welcome Center |
| 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. |
Our SU Favorites Meet our Engagement Experts as you explore some of their favorite places on campus! From the best study spots and scenic hangouts to hidden gems and essential campus resources, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on life at Southwestern. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories, discover helpful tips, and explore the spaces that will help you feel connected, confident, and at home on campus. |
Meet at Java City at the Welcome Center |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Desserts with Black Alumni Network | 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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| 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Brunch | 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 |
| 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Pre-Med Information Session | F.W. Olin Building 105 |
| 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. |
Intramural Dodgeball Tournament Jump into the action with our Intramural Dodgeball Tournament! Meet new friends, enjoy some friendly competition, and get introduced to the intramural experience at Southwestern. |
Corbin J. Robertson Center - Walzel Gym |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner | Mabee Commons |
| 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Desserts with SU Familia | 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 a.m. - 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 |
| 5:00 - 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 |
| 10:30 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. |
McCombs Concourse |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
Dinner |
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 & Involvement Expo Join us for an unforgettable evening with a DJ, delicious desserts, and great company! Enjoy the party and meet some of our bustling Student Organizations and connect with our communities on campus as new and returning students connect and kick back before classes start. |
Academic Mall |
Monday, August 24, 2026 |
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| FIRST DAY OF CLASSES! | ||
| 7:45 - 9:45 a.m. |
DoNut Be Late |
Academic Mall |