New Student Orientation 2026

Hello, incoming Pirates!

We are eagerly awaiting your arrival here on campus and are hard at work preparing for New Student Orientation Week. No matter where you’re coming from – whether you’re a Running Start student, a transfer student or joining Whitworth for your very first college semester – we want you here for it! Orientation kicks off Saturday morning, Sept. 5, and it’s your chance to dive in, meet new friends, explore campus and start building your Whitworth story. Whether you live on campus or commute, you belong here – and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of your journey together and help you "Find Your Space!"

Orientation is for everyone, so commuters, we need you here! Move-in is the only event on the schedule that is only for residential students. Start your Saturday by checking in and then venturing out to the Welcome Fair.

From the moment you step onto campus, you will be immersed in college life. We are excited to embark on the adventure with you. Our theme this year is SPACE! Stay tuned to your Whitworth email account for more updates in the coming months. Questions? Please contact us at orientation@whitworth.edu.

Stay connected with all the summer updates by following us on Instagram @whitworthorientation.

– The New Student Orientation Team

Click here to view our NSO 2026 Goals.

Additional Resources

Whitworth Orientation Schedule 2026

This schedule is subject to change, including dates, times and locations. All main dates are confirmed.

All items marked with an asterisk are mandatory for all incoming students.

Orientation Schedule Links

Saturday, Sept. 5

Time	Activity
9 a.m.-2 p.m.	Prepare for Launch: 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.	Enter the Launch Zone: 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.-3p.m.	Career Center Open Hours Meet the career center team, grab a tasty treat and learn about job opportunities around campus!
11 a.m.-2 p.m.	Explore the Galaxy: Welcome Fair – The Loop Let us welcome you to Whitworth and Spokane! Enjoy free samples from local restaurants, get information about local businesses, pick up job applications, 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!
11 a.m.-1 p.m.	Fuel Up for Your Journey: 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.
11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.	Discover What is Waiting for You: 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. There will be two tours departing at each scheduled time from the Campanile. One is for those who are brand new to campus, and the other is for academic building tours. More information to come!
1-3 p.m.	Welcome to the Flight Deck: 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! There will be a sign-up sheet at check-in for you to meet with specific departments. Refreshments will be provided.
3:45-4:45 p.m.	New Space, New Possibilities: 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.	Fuel Up for Your Journey: The Dining Hall Open for Dinner – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall
6-7 p.m.	Voyagers from the Past: Legacy Dessert – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Crow's Nest A gathering for alumni parents and their families. By invitation only.
7:30 p.m.	New Space, New Possibilities: 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.	Flight Crew Training: 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.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Time	Activity
8 a.m.	Grounded Together, Rising Together: Catholic Mass – Seeley G. Mudd Chapel Join us in celebrating Mass hosted by Whitworth's Catholic Fellowship Club.
9:30 a.m.	Grounded Together, Rising Together: 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.	Your Mission Begins: 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.	Blast Off Block Party: Loop-a-palooza! – The Loop (new students only) All new students will gather in The Loop to be welcomed by Associated Students of Whitworth University President Vernon Glass 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 Belonging leaders and other incoming students!
5-7 p.m.	Cosmic Comforts – Hixson Union Building (HUB) Dining Hall Come enjoy a delicious dinner at Sodexo, complete with your favorite comfort foods.
8-10 p.m.	Flight Crew Face Off: 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!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday schedules to be released soon!