January Orientation
We are excited for you to join our community! Orientation will equip you for a successful university experience.
Orientation is January 11 and 12, 2025
January Orientation is an exciting opportunity to meet other incoming students and prepare for your academic journey at Northwestern. The full 2025 schedule is available below.
Attendance at Orientation is mandatory for all new students. Register using your Admitted Student Portal.
If you have questions about Orientation, email [email protected]. For other questions, reach out to your Admissions Counselor. We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!
Families and guests are encouraged to attend all morning activities with their students.
Orientation Schedule
Note: Events in the schedule may overlap or occur concurrently with one another
| 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Resident Move-In | Robertson Student | Residents, with Guests |
| 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Heritage Cafe Open | Billy Graham Commons | Optional |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Dual Enrollment Student Check-In Friendly volunteers will guide you through important steps like picking up your student ID and connecting with university services. DE Students can pickup their textbooks during Check-In. |
Billy Graham Commons, Atrium | DE Students, with Guests |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Dual Enrollment Session Our DE Advisors helped you get ready for college, and we want to help your transition into the semester also. This session includes tips for both students and parents. We’re here to support you! |
Billy Graham Commons | DE Students, with Guests |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Traditional Student Check-In Friendly volunteers will guide you through important steps like picking up your student ID and connecting with university services. |
Billy Graham Commons, Atrium | Traditional Students, with Guests |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Welcome to Northwestern!
Our President and University leadership officially welcome you to the UNW community. |
Nazareth Hall, Great Room | All Students, with Guests |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Orientation Session 1: Student Experience Student Experience is the primary support system for UNW students. We’ll introduce our department, talk about campus life, and facilitate peer-to-peer conversation. |
Nazareth Hall, Great Room | All Students |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Parent Engagement Session We want to meet you, Parents! Our Parent Engagement team will connect with you today and throughout your child’s time at UNW. |
Nazareth Hall, Youderian Lounge | Parents and Guests |
| 12:30 p.m. | Family Goodbye Students, say farewell to your parents and guests. When you’re ready, join us at the BG Commons for Lunch. |
Parents and Students | |
| 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Orientation Group Lunch Students will enjoy a meal from our Dining Center, and connect with their Orientation Group. |
Billy Graham Commons, 2nd-Floor Dining | All Students |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Involvement Fair UNW has many opportunities for you to get involved! Visit tables and talk with current students, to find what groups interest you. |
Billy Graham Commons, Atrium | All Students |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Library Session | Bernsten Library | All Students |
| 3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Orientation Session 2: Academics Prepare for classrooms and coursework, with support from our Academic Achievement office. This session includes a walking tour of key service areas around campus, led by student volunteers. |
Nazareth Hall, Great Room | All Students |
| 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Find Your Classrooms (Optional) Scout your class locations and get familiar with campus, with current students as your guide. |
Billy Graham Commons | Optional: All Students |
| 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | UNW Women’s Basketball Game (Optional) | Ericksen Center | Optional |
| 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Orientation Group Dinner Decompress and hangout with your Orientation Group, in our casual dining location- The Eagles Nest. |
Robertson Student Center, Eagles Nest | Optional: All Students |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Game Night Social & Dessert (Optional) Core (UNW’s Student Activities organization) is hosting a casual fellowship time for new students and student leaders. Join us for games, food, and new friends! |
Robertson Student Center, Lobby | Optional: All Students |
