Welcome Week & Parent Information

Welcome Week will be from August 13 to August 18.

It is mandatory for all incoming freshmen to be in the class photo, and attend the Cedar Point trip on Friday, August 18. 

Welcome Week Schedule PDF

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Sunday, August 13

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Move-in
 Residence Hall Lobbies

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Bulldog Academy: Resource Fair
Quad Lawn
Learn about local vendors and different campus departments including: Financial Aid, Academic Services, Housing, Student Life, Career Planning and Student Business Services, among others.

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace
Parents and Family welcome to stay for lunch.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM: Matriculation
(procession will start promptly at 1:15 PM. Please be in your seats prior to start time.)
Dawson Auditorium (casual dress)
This ceremony officially marks the entrance of the Class of 2027 into Adrian College.

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Optional Guardian Session: Supporting your College Student
Dawson Auditorium
Come learn about how to support your college student through the many ups and downs they may face as a Adrian College Bulldog!  Hear from the likes of Academic Services, Financial Aid, Student Business Services, the Registrar's Office, and the Office of Health Services.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: CIRP (FRESHMAN SURVEY)
Please look for your Welcome Week Leader holding a sign on the mall with your group number on it. You can find your group number located on your gold folder. They will escort you to your assigned classroom for the week where you will also complete the Freshman Survey (CIRP) about college expectations. Please bring a laptop to this session to complete the assessment online. If you do not have a laptop please see your Welcome Week Leader.

4:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner with the President
This is a guardian-only event. RSVP's required prior. All students will be eating in the blue gym including those whose guardian will be attending the dinner with the President and Mrs. Docking.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Student Dinner
Blue Gym 

7:30 PM:  Mandatory Athletics & Residence Hall Meeting
Dawson Auditorium 

9:00 PM: Open Skate
Arrington Ice Arena 
This optional event is a great opportunity to check out Adrian College's Arrington Ice Arena. Skate around and meet your classmates that you will spend your college years with!

Monday, August 14

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM:   Mandatory Welcome Week Opening Session
Dawson Auditorium
Hear from President Docking and Vice President Milner to get Welcome Week kicked off!  Hear a brief overview of offices that can help you navigate college: Academic Services, Career Planning, Financial Aid, Health Center, Registrar’s Office, and Student Business Services.

10:10 AM - 11:00 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace 

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM: Mandatory Session 
Assigned Classroom

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Mandatory Session 
Assigned Classroom

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Bulldog Academy: First Day of Class Prep
Academic Services
Stop by the Academic Services Office in Jones Hall to learn where your classrooms are located, how to sign up for tutoring sessions, join TRIO Excel, and receive academic support to make sure your first year is as successful as it can be. 

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Commuter/ PALs Dinner
Docking Stadium/ Thomas Pavilion
Students interested in joining the Peer Active Leaders (PALs) program, please join us under the Thomas Pavilion (next to Docking Stadium) for dinner, a raffle with prizes, mingling, and more information regarding the PALs program.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace

7:00 PM: Arcade Night
Blue Gym
Come play arcade games in the Blue Gym and interact with your new classmates!

Tuesday, August 15

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Majors on the Mall
Adrian College Mall in front of Ritchie Marketplace
Meet informally with faculty representatives from our academic departments and institutes to get information and ask questions.
*The rain site for this event will be held on the main floor of the Caine Student Center.

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: TRIO Student Panel
Jones 110
This information session will be led by current TRIO Excel Students to discuss what the TRIO Excel Program is, the eligibility requirements to be a member, and the various services offered to TRIO Excel participants (All students are encouraged to attend).

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: ROTC Information Session
Knight Auditorium
This session is for students interested in the ROTC program.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pre-Health Students Mandatory Meeting
Peelle 207
This meeting is intended to assist students interested in any pre-health studies fields such as Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Studies, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Pharmacy, etc. It is also open to students interested in careers in nursing, health care administration, and health care policy. The session is conducted by Margaret Amory, Director of the Institute for Health Studies.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Athletic Training and Exercise Science Information Session 
Jones 110
Thinking about sports medicine, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies? Many students don’t know that a major in Athletic Training and Exercise Science is a perfect springboard into a variety of health care, wellness, and performance optimization professions! We know you want to hit the ground running, and the Exercise Science & Athletic Training Department specializes in providing you with hands-on and internship experiences. Come meet our faculty and see if we are right for you!

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: History Majors/Minors Information Session
Jones 307
This session is for students curious about the History major/minor as well as students who want to know how History can support another major/minor. Talk to one of the History faculty and discuss how History can help you prepare for a career.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chemistry Majors/Minors Information Session 
Peelle 207
This session is intended to assist students interested in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Professors from the department will be available to discuss program requirements, course schedules, career options, and any other questions you may have.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Communication Majors Mandatory Meeting
Rush 116
This session is required for any student who is interested in majoring in Broadcasting, Film, or Public Relations. Professors from the department will discuss program requirements, career options, and on campus options for professional development.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Business Majors Mandatory Meeting
Jones 110
This session is for any student interested in majoring in any Business degree, including all specialties within the Bachelor in Business Administration degree. Professors from the department will discuss program requirements, important course sequencing, career options, and success in the workforce.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Music Ensembles Information Session
Spencer Rehearsal Hall
This session is for any student interested in playing or singing in the choir, orchestra, band, women’s a cappella, and jazz ensembles. All levels of experience are welcome.

 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Hypnotist 
Dawson Auditorium
Keith Karkut has been practicing hypnosis for over 28 years. He creates an “on-stage party” fueled by water and something more powerful than any drug or alcohol: the student’s own mind. The result is an inspiring message with some real - yet entertaining - moments for the audience.

Wednesday, August 16

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch 
Ritchie Marketplace

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Teacher Education Majors Mandatory Meeting
Jones 110
This session is required for students majoring in Teacher Education and those interested in careers in education. Learn more about the program and hear from faculty and current students. Information will be presented on the certification requirements for Michigan.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Computer Science Information Session
Peele 207
Join us for the Computer Science information session to learn more about the Computer Science majors and minors: our courses, program requirements, career options, and more.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pre-Law Advising Session
Knight Auditorium
This is a session for any student interested in becoming a lawyer. It will focus on developing academic skills for law school, pre-law opportunities and programming, and the law school application process.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Biology Majors/Minors Information Session
Peelle 207
Come learn about the requirements for our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Biology, our Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, and our Minor in Biology. We will also touch on our areas of research, career options, and, time permitting, answer questions about your schedule.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Art & Design Mandatory Meeting
Hickman Art Gallery, Mahan
Join us for an engaging and interactive Department of Art and Design info session! Unleash your creativity as you screen print your own department t-shirts, showcasing your artistic flair. Discover valuable insights about our department, its programs, and the exciting opportunities it offers. Meet our esteemed faculty members, who will provide guidance and answer any questions you may have. Don't miss this chance to explore your passion for art and design and embark on an inspiring educational journey with us.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Mathematics Majors/Minors Information Session
Peelle 215
This session is for students interested in a major or minor within the Department of Mathematics, including students interested in teacher education and those with general inquiries about their mathematics requirements.

7:00 PM: Movie on the Mall
Adrian College Mall 
Come to the Adrian College Mall to sit back, relax and watch a movie! A movie will be shown on a jumbo screen with Wesco popcorn provided. 

Thursday, August 17

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Community Plunge (Required for all Students)
Merillat Sport and Fitness Center Parking Lot
Plunge into community service with your classmates. Students will volunteer at a variety of different service locations throughout the community, both inside and outside. Dress according to the weather! Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. (Closed Toe Shoes)

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: First Day of Class Preparation 
Academic Services Office 
Stop by the Academic Services Office in Jones Hall to learn where your classrooms are located, how to sign up for tutoring sessions, join TRIO Excel, and receive academic support to make sure your first year is as successful as it can be. 

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Social Work Majors Information Session
Valade 233
This session is for any student interested in pursuing Social Work as a major or minor. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Social Work program, recent career outlook for the profession, and explore how social work values and skills align with other disciplines.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Physics & Engineering Information Session
Peelle 214
This session is for any student interested in the Physics major/minor or the Engineering dual-degree programs. Dr. Thompson from the Department of Physics will discuss the various programs offered and answer any questions you might have.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Modern Languages & Cultures Information Session
Goldsmith 114
The department will discuss its various prerequisites, advancement placement options, available programs, and the need for second language acquisition across all specializations.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Political Science & International Studies Information Session 
Jones 307
Join us for the Political Science and International Studies information session to learn more about our majors and minors, our courses, career options, international study at Adrian College, and the relationship between political science and politics.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Geology & Environmental Science Majors/Minors Information Session
Jones 103
If you are interested in a major or minor in Geology or a major in Environmental Science, this session is for you. Get an overview of the department and career options in these sciences. You will meet with faculty, get schedule advice, and have a chance for lab tours (time permitting).

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: English Majors and English/Journalism Minors Information Session 
Valade 125
This session is for any student interested in pursuing one of these majors/minors. Students interested in any creative writing class are also welcome.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Food Truck Rally and Quad Mingle 
Adrian College Mall
Spend the evening relaxing with multiple options of local food trucks while playing yard games, winning prizes, listening to music, and getting to know your classmates. We will have cornhole, volleyball, can jam, and much more! Not into games? Don’t worry! We will have customizable street signs, too! 

Friday, August 18

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Mandatory Class Photo (please wear your class shirt)
Caine Student Center Terrace 

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM: Cedar Point 
Meet your Welcome Week Leader in the Merillat Parking Lot to check-in before getting on the bus. 
Enjoy the day at Cedar Point! A meal voucher and all day drink

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