New Student Orientation 2025

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

New Student Orientation Check-In – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Lied Square*

The Hixson Union Building (HUB) is your first stop on your Orientation journey! Drop by to pick up your Orientation checklist, name tag and other important documents.

9 a.m.-2 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.-4p.m.

Career Center Open Hours

Meet the career center team, grab a tasty treat, and learn about job opportunities around campus!

11 a.m.-3 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, get your free bus pass and greet representatives from campus services who look forward to helping you become involved in the Whitworth community. If you have ordered a parking decal, find the security table to pick it up! At 1 p.m., join us at the main stage adjacent to the Welcome Fair for important information on what to expect over the year from different departments.

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Lunch – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

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

Noon-3 p.m.

Campus Tours – The Loop

Explore campus with an experienced tour guide, showing you all the important places you will want to be aware of during your time at Whitworth. Tours will leave on the hour by the fire pit outside the HUB, adjacent to the welcome fair.

1-4 p.m.

Parent Lounge – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Multipurpose Room (MPR)

Parents! Join us in the HUB MPR to meet with faculty and staff who can answer questions you may have regarding your student, campus life, academics and more!

3:45-4:45 p.m.

Resident Floor Meeting – Residence Halls (new students only)

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! 

5-7 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Dinner – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

6-7 p.m. 

Legacy Dessert – Hixson Union Building (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.

8-10 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.

8-10 p.m.

Crafts Ahoy! (PrimeTime) - Hixson Union Building (HUB) Multipurpose Room (MPR) (new students only)

As an alternative to Traditiation, join us for an evening of crafts, snacks and drinks in the HUB MPR. 

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 in 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.

The Dining Hall Open for Lunch – Hixson Union Building (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 of 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 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 programming.

3-5 p.m.

Loop-a-palooza! – The Loop (new students only)

All new students will gather in The Loop to be welcomed by ASWU President Abby Ruffcorn as part of the Whitworth community. After this, students will kick off a block party complete with yard games, a soda cart, crafts, a photobooth, and inflatables! This is also a chance to meet your Belonging leaders and other incoming students!

5-7 p.m.

Campus Comforts – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

Come enjoy a delicious dinner at Sodexo, complete with your favorite comfort foods and live music by Whitworth Jazz faculty and students. 

8-10 p.m.

Haul-In – Residence Halls

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

8-10 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!

7-10 a.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Breakfast – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Career Center Open Hours

Meet the Career Center team, grab a tasty treat, and learn about job opportunities around campus!

9-10 a.m.

Whitworth 101 – Cowles Auditorium*

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 the Whitworth Community that embraces and respects the intersection of identities, experience belonging, and explore faith life at Whitworth.

10:15 a.m.

Incoming Class Photo – Pine Bowl*

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Lunch – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

2:45-5:45 p.m.

Chemistry Mathematics Readiness Check – Eric Johnston Science Center 308 & 214

All students enrolled in General Chemistry I (CH 161) for Fall Term 2025 and who do not have an Introductory Chemistry college credit (CH 101) must take a Mathematics Readiness Check. This 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). Please bring a pen or pencil and your student ID to your exam.

2:45-5:45 p.m.

Mathematics Placement Exam – Eric Johnston 308 & 214

All students enrolled in Pre-Calculus (MA 150) for Fall Term 2025 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 and your student ID to your exam.

All students enrolled in Calculus 1 (MA 171) for Fall Term 2025 and 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 and your student ID 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 program and meet students and faculty in the Honors Program. For any questions, contact Honors Director Bert Emerson (dbemerson@whitworth.edu), Joy York (jyork@whitworth.edu) or your departmental honors advisor.

5-7 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Dinner – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

8-10 p.m.

Outdoor Movie Night – The Loop

Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair and join us for a drive-in style movie in The Loop! There will be free movie snacks and drinks, a shaved ice truck (the first 250 students receive a free small shaved ice with a valid student ID), a photo booth, a candy table, glow sticks and a raffle prize. The first 100 people to arrive will receive a free keepsake blanket. All students, staff, faculty and community members are welcome! Movie: Lilo and Stitch (2002)

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime – Various Residence Halls

7-9 a.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Breakfast – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

9-11:15 a.m.

Major Advising Sessions – Various Locations*

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

Meet faculty from your department to learn more about programs, classes and opportunities in your first semester. There will be two identical sessions offered during this time, each an hour long, so you can be introduced to your declared program and also explore another one that interests you! Meeting rooms will be posted when you arrive. Please make sure to pay attention to your student email to discover the location and time for the departmental sessions as well as your individual student advising session. The department sessions will run from 9-10 a.m. and 10:15-11:15 a.m. To view the department meeting locations, please click here.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Lunch – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

12-2 p.m.

Club Fair – The Loop

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

12-12:30 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.

1-2 p.m.

Pre-Med/Dental/Pharmacy/Veterinary Orientation Meeting – Weyerhaeuser Hall Room 111

Calling all pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary students! Come meet the pre-health advisors, double check that you're in the right classes for the fall, and learn about the activities you will want to be involved in as a pre-health student. Students interested in other health professions besides these should attend the health sciences department advising meetings earlier that morning. 

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 & 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).

2-6 p.m.

Chemistry Mathematics Readiness Check – Eric Johnston 308 & 214 

All students enrolled in General Chemistry I (CH 161) for Fall Term 2025 and who do not have an Introductory Chemistry (CH 101) college credit 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 that do not pass will be dropped from CH 161 and be advised to take MA 130 (College Algebra). 

Please note: This event is offered twice, but attendance is only required at one session.

2:45-3:45 p.m.

Theatre Info Social – Cowles Auditorium

If you are interested in theatre and dance (on stage 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. 

4-6 p.m.

Mandatory VA Benefits Orientation and Welcome Back BBQ – 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 that have served). If you are utilizing VA benefits, this is your mandatory VA benefit orientation meeting and you must attend.

5-7 p.m.

The Dining Hall Open for Dinner - Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall

8 p.m.

Yell-Off – The Loop

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

8-10 p.m.

PrimeTime – Residence Halls

9:45 p.m.

Hosanna Worship Service – Seeley G. Mudd Chapel

Join the Hosanna team for an evening of student-led worship.

Regular Meal Schedule Begins. Regular Class Schedule Begins.

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

Today, classes starting at 9:30 a.m. will end at 10:30 a.m. to allow time for the campus community to gather in Cowles Auditorium for our 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. 

1-3 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. 

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! 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Commuter Student Open House – Hixson Union Building (HUB) 2nd Floor Lounge 

Come tour the new commuter student lounge, meet your ASWU commuter senator, learn about student government representative opportunities and enter to win raffle prizes. Lunch will be provided! For more information, email Ken Guan (kguan@whitworth.edu) or Bennett Johnson (bjohnson27@my.whitworth.edu).

8 p.m.

Bingo – Fieldhouse

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