Download the "at-a-glance" All Student Orientation Schedule.

8 a.m.–1 p.m. | Resident Student Check-in (required)
10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Commuter Student Check-in (required)
Totino Fine Arts Center
Check-in takes about an hour. During this process, students receive their ID Card, Mail Center key, and other important items. After Check-in, resident students move into their rooms and meet the Residence Life staff.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Lunch
Café Nazareth
Students use meal plan (ID Card) or cash. Pay at the register.

2–3 p.m. | Welcome to Northwestern (required)
Maranatha Hall
Parents and families will join the students to gather for worship and welcome as orientation “officially” begins.

3–4 p.m. | Meet the Faculty (required)
Each of the academic departments welcomes all new students and their parents to meet with their faculty members. Each academic department has a room location where faculty members will provide information related to the programs they provide and the preparation they require within their discipline. We strongly encourage all students and parents to take this opportunity to connect with our faculty members in this way as students begin their college experience at Northwestern.

4–5:30 p.m. | Resource Fair (required)
Blue Room
Representatives from local banks and a variety of NWC campus resources will be available to answer your questions, inform you of the services they offer, and give you a vision of how they can partner with you for the duration of your time at Northwestern and beyond. The Office of Financial Aid (until 5:30 p.m.) and Campus Bookstore (until 6 p.m.) will also be open during the Resource Fair.

5–6:45 p.m. | All-Community BBQ (required)
Totino Fine Arts Lawn
Students lead the way as families join them and their Orientation Groups for a delicious buffet supper (See check-in schedule for your Orientation Group and exact supper time).

6:45–8 p.m. | New Student Groups (required)
Totino Fine Arts Lawn
New Students gather in their New Student groups. Students will experience most orientation activities with this group of new friends.

8–9:15 a.m. | Breakfast
Café Nazareth
Students use meal plan (ID Card or cash)

9:30–11 a.m. | Student Session: Life Learning (required)
Maranatha Hall
Belonging, life-calling, and personal development are the focus of this session.

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | Campus Scramble (required)
Making friends and gathering information about life at Northwestern is the focus of this session. A time for campus exploration and lunch with your Orientation group.

2:30–5:30 p.m. | Music Auditions/Placements
Totino Fine Arts Center
Membership in music ensembles at Northwestern College is open to all students, regardless of major. Ensembles include: Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorale, College Choir, and Jazz Band. All students (including those receiving a scholarship) wishing to participate in an ensemble must audition for placement during orientation week. Students already accepted into the Music Department may contact the Music Office at 651-631-5158 or 888-878-5514, or e-mail music@nwc.edu. If you have general questions, read more about ensemble audition requirements.

2:30–6:30 p.m. | Commuter Students' Activity
Leave from Naz Chapel Steps
Connecting with fellow commuters is a key way to develop friendships at Northwestern. Commuters will gather for an afternoon of fun and opportunity to get to know one another.

4:30–9:30 p.m. | Connecting with Residence Life (required for resident students)
Residence Halls, Cafe Nazareth and Maranatha Hall
The evening begins with resident students meeting on their halls and going over to Cafe Naz for Dinner with their Resident Assistants and Hallmates. After dinner the group moves to Maranatha Hall where the Residence Life staff will share their mission and vision for our community this year. The staff will discuss ways in which all residents can come together in unity, partnership and accountability in order to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

9:45 p.m.–midnight | Late Night Student Activity
A fun way to end a great day.

10–11 a.m. | All-Campus Worship Celebration
Maranatha Hall
All new students, parents and families, faculty, staff and returning students are encouraged to join together to recall blessings of God in the past and to seek the Lord together as we begin a new year.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Sunday Brunch
Café Nazareth & Blue Room
Students use meal plan or cash; guests use tickets pre-ordered online or pay cash at Café Naz.

1–6 p.m. | Open Gym
Ericksen Center
Volleyball court, basketball and the fitness area track will be available for students to use. Also, sign up for an orientation to get certified to use the weight room. Exercise equipment and racquetball courts are open.

2–4:30 p.m. | Transfer Connection Beach Party
The Island/Lake Johanna Beach
A free Beach Party for all transfer students. Highlights include swimming, volleyball, snacks, and canoeing.

4:30–6 p.m. | Island Picnic Supper
The Island/Lake Johanna Beach
A picnic style supper will be served on the island.

7–8:30 p.m. | Student Vespers
Maranatha Hall
A celebration of God led by students.

9–11 p.m. | At the Movies
Totino Fine Arts Center Maranatha Hall
Come and relax with friends at the movies (complete with popcorn and beverages).

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast
Café Nazareth
Students use meal plan (ID Card) or cash.

9–10:30 a.m. | Student Session: Community Safety, Health & Wellness (required)
Maranatha Hall
Students will be introduced to their role, and the role of the college, as they learn how NWC fosters and encourages safety, health and wellness within the college community.

10:30–11 a.m. | Break

11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Lunch/Community Service Project (required)
This is an annual highlight of orientation. Serving God ranks among our highest priorities at Northwestern College. It is fitting that ministry be part of your initial experience at College. This is an opportunity to share the love of Christ by serving our neighbors. While serving God, you will deepen your new college friendships, see things you've never seen, and lend a helping hand to those in need.

3:15–6 p.m. | Music Auditions and Placements
Totino Fine Arts Center
Membership in music ensembles at Northwestern College is open to all students, regardless of major. Ensembles include: Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorale, College Choir, and Jazz Band. All students (including those receiving a scholarship) wishing to participate in an ensemble must audition for placement during orientation week. Students already accepted into the Music Department may contact the Music Office at 651-631-5158 or 888-878-5514, or music@nwc.edu. If you have general questions, read more about ensemble audition requirements.

3:30–4:30 p.m. | Telephone Registrants Computer Training (required – attendance will be taken)
Riley Computer Labs - Riley 1332, Riley 1340 and Riley 1344
Students who registered for classes by phone instead of attending a summer SOAR event on campus are required to complete their computer training in this special session. You will receive vital information about your login, theROCK, Moodle and other critical academic uses of technology.

5–7 p.m. | Supper
Cafe Naz

7-9 p.m. | Student Session: College Life (required)
Maranatha Hall
This session involves current students, Campus Ministries staff, Student Development staff, and alumni guests for a multifaceted presentation of college life identifying its challenges and opportunities. Relevant topics, honest input, and focused perspectives are the vital ingredients of this important session.

7:30–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast
Café Nazareth
Students use meal plan (ID Card) or cash.

9–11:30 a.m. | Student Session: Academic Life (required)
Maranatha Hall
Prepare for classes buy receiving information about academic procedures from key academic officials at Northwestern.

11:30–1:30 p.m. | All-Campus Picnic
Totino Fine Arts Lawn

11:30 a.m.–5:20 p.m. | Moodle Training Sessions (required)
Riley Hall Computer Labs
Each orientation group will attend one 50-minute session during this time. Your orientation leader will inform you of your group's time and session location.

1–10 p.m. | Recreation Options
Ericksen Center and Student Center

1:30–8 p.m. | Music Auditions/Interviews
Totino Fine Arts Center
Membership in music ensembles at Northwestern College is open to all students, regardless of major. Ensembles include: Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorale, College Choir, and Jazz Band. All students (including those receiving a scholarship) wishing to participate in an ensemble must audition for placement during orientation week. Students already accepted into the Music Department may contact the Music Office at 651-631-5158 or 888-878-5514, or music@nwc.edu. If you have general questions, read more about ensemble audition requirements.

2–4 p.m. | On-Campus Job Fair
Riley 1209
Meet the Student Employment/HR staff and some of the hiring supervisors. Learn where to look for jobs and fill out applications.

5–7 p.m. | Supper
Cafe Naz

10–11 p.m. | Residence Floor Meetings (required for residents)
Residence Halls
All resident students meet with their Resident Assistant on their respective floors.