Southwestern University Class of 2030, new transfer students, and families of all incoming Pirates,

We are so excited to welcome you to campus to officially begin your Southwestern journey at Sprog orientation! We have an action-packed day of activities planned for students, parents, and families alike.

Ahead of Sprog, we want to pass along some important information about what to expect as you explore campus and the greater Georgetown area.

Check-In and Parking

Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center with coffee and pastries available ahead of a high-energy introduction to the day.

Parking is available in all campus lots, highlighted in yellow on the map. Special needs parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Fine Arts Parking Lot, located just east of the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center along Highway 29. If you have questions concerning special needs for Sprog, please contact studentlife@southwestern.edu.

Pardon our mess! The summer months provide a crucial time for our Facilities Management team to ensure campus is in tip-top shape. You may encounter construction areas during your visit, but rest assured, campus will be ready to shine in the fall!

Dressing for Success

Sprog is a fun, high-energy event, so we welcome all guests to dress casually! We want you to be as comfortable as possible, especially in the summer heat. That said, you may also wish to bring a sweater or a long-sleeved shirt with you, as our air conditioning can sometimes make the buildings a bit chilly.

We’ll provide everything you need for the day’s activities. There’s no need to bring anything other than yourself and whatever you would normally need for a day away from home.

In addition to coffee and pastries at check-in, lunch will be provided for all Sprog guests at Southwestern’s award-winning Mabee Commons Restaurant. If you need a quick coffee or snack during the day, The Shilling Cove will be open from 9:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m. Located inside the McCombs Campus Center, The Shilling Cove offers Starbucks coffees, ice-cold beverages, grab-and-go snacks, and a menu of boba drinks.

From Kickoff to Sendoff: Your Day at Southwestern

Your schedule for the day will be as fun and distinctive as each of you! After the welcome session and curriculum overview, all Sprog guests will have the opportunity to review course schedules, experience a mini class taught by SU faculty, tour their residence hall, learn about the Pirate Plan, and make connections.

The day continues with students embarking on their “Maiden Voyage,” a fun, interactive event with team activities and prizes designed to spark Pirate spirit and build connections among incoming students. Parents and families will attend a resource panel and Q&A featuring Southwestern’s senior leadership team. Sprog wraps up with a sendoff that includes a sweet surprise!

Your specific schedule will be shared at check-in. The Sprog schedule will also be available on the Southwestern app! We highly encourage you to download the app before Sprog.

Explore Your New Home

Before or after your action-packed day at Sprog, we encourage students and families to get out and explore Georgetown, even if it’s just a stop for dinner at one of Georgetown’s great local restaurants.

Named the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, Downtown Georgetown is home to a variety of great restaurants, local boutiques, and plenty more. You may even encounter live music in front of the historic Williamson County Courthouse or at any number of shops and restaurants. A full list of events in and around Georgetown can be found here.

If you’re looking to turn your Sprog experience into a vacation, Georgetown and the surrounding communities are home to many hotels, motels, and short-term rental properties. Southwestern discounts are available at select hotels.

Stay up to date with all things Sprog by visiting www.southwestern.edu/sprog-orientation. If you have any questions prior to the program, you can contact the Sprog leadership team at sprog@southwestern.edu.