Welcome Weekend – Asbury University
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Welcome Weekend

Fall 2024
Thursday, Aug. 22 — Sunday, Aug. 25

Asbury University’s Welcome Weekend gives new and transfer students a supportive, encouraging, and informative transition to their Asbury experience. Each day is crafted intentionally with programs that empower students to take their first steps into the social, spiritual, and intellectual community here.

Asbury’s fall Welcome Weekend is scheduled for Thursday, August 22 through Sunday, August 25. All full-time new and transfer students in the traditional undergraduate program (both residential and commuter students) are expected to attend. We are excited to welcome you to campus!

 


Student Schedule 

Download a PDF (last revised: 8-22-2024)

 

Thursday, August 22

8 a.m. – Noon Residential Student Check-In and Move-In
Residence Halls

Come to the welcome tent outside your residence hall during your assigned arrival window below to check in and receive your Welcome Weekend materials and room key.  Student leaders and campus community will assist with move-in.

  • 8 – 8:30 a.m. — Group 1A: those >5 hours away (last names A-K)
  • 8:30 – 9 a.m. — Group 1B: those >5 hours away (last names L-Z)
  • 9 – 9:30 a.m. — Group 2A: those 1 – 2 hours away (last names A-K)
  • 9:30 – 10 a.m. — Group 2B: those 1 – 2 hours away (last names L-Z)
  • 10 – 10:30 a.m. — Group 3A: those 2 – 5 hours away (last names A-K)
  • 10:30 – 11 a.m. — Group 3B: those 2 – 5 hours away (last names L-Z)
  • 11 – 11:30 a.m. — Group 4A: those <1 hour away (last names A-K)
  • 11:30 a.m. – noon — Group 4B: those <1 hour away (last names L-Z)

Note these time assignments are to help alleviate congestion and provide you with a more positive and efficient experience. If you have a conflict with your assigned time, please arrive as closely as possible to it.

IMPORTANT: Please review your Asbury checklist regularly, as new items may be added, and be sure all items are completed. If you have not completed your health history form and immunization requirements, you will FIRST need to go to the Shaw Collaborative Learning Center to meet with our medical staff. AFTER receiving clearance, you will be able to enter the move-in line at your residence hall. Questions? Contact your admissions counselor or admissions@asbury.edu.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.HICCUP and HICCUP Too Open
Rader Student Center & Kinlaw Library
Complimentary coffee is available at the HICCUP Too kiosk on the main floor of the library, and specialty coffee, shakes, and smoothies are available for purchase at the HICCUP Café in the Rader Student Center.
9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.Semester Check-in: Student ID, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Health Services
Kinlaw Library, Main Floor


REQUIRED for all students who did not attend an Eagle Day or other Semester Check-in, but open to anyone with questions.
Parents should attend if they came to campus with you. Students, bring a government-issued photo ID.

Please come during your assigned window below to help alleviate congestion and provide you with a more positive and efficient experience. 

  • 9 – 10 a.m. — Group 1A
  • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. — Group 1B
  • 10 – 11 a.m.— Group 2A
  • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.— Group 2B
  • 11 a.m.– 12 p.m. — Group 3A
  • 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. — Group 3B
  • 1 – 2 p.m. — Group 4A
  • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. — Group 4B & Commuters
  • 2 – 3:45 p.m. — Archways, late arrivals & Eagle Day participants with questions
9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.Class T-shirts, Parking Stickers, Campus Employment, E-Campus Books, Eagle Outlet & Campus Post Office
Rader Student Center


ALL students, take a break sometime during the day to complete the following:

  • Pick up your class t-shirt (Renewed Class, wear yours to the President's Welcome!)
  • Pick up your parking sticker
  • Sign up to receive student employment paperwork
  • Get information from E-Campus about ordering textbooks 
  • Get your picture taken at the photo booth!
  • Receive your Campus Post Office (CPO) box assignment. Commuters, you have one too! (lower level)
  • Purchase some Asbury swag at the Eagle Outlet! (lower level)
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Complimentary Lunch
Eatery (Dining Hall)

New students and their families are invited to lunch as guests of the University.  Please follow the assigned times below to help alleviate congestion.

  • 11:30 a.m. –Groups 1A & 1B
  • 12 p.m. –Groups 2A, 4A & Commuters
  • 12:30 p.m.—Groups 2B & 4B
  • 1 p.m. –Group 3A, 3B & Archways
1 – 2:15 p.m.Commuter Student Check-in
Rader Student Center

Come to the designated check-in area and pick up your Welcome Weekend materials, then proceed with Semester Check-in (see above). 

IMPORTANT: Please review your Asbury checklist regularly, as new items may be added, and be sure all items are completed. If you have not completed your health history form and immunization requirements, you MUST meet with our medical staff in the Kinlaw Library. You will not be allowed to continue attending classes if these requirements are not met. Questions? Contact your admissions counselor or admissions@asbury.edu.

2:30 – 3:45 p.m.President & Faculty Meet & Greet
Miller Center for Communication Arts TV Studio & Greathouse Theatre
Students and their guests are invited to meet the President, University Pastor, and faculty members from each academic department while enjoying refreshments.
4 – 5:15 p.m.President’s Welcome
Hughes Auditorium

Students and their guests are invited to this welcome service with a keynote address by President Kevin J. Brown, followed by a time of prayer dedication. Event will be livestreamed.

5:15 p.m.Beloved & Restored Student-Parent Farewell & Transfer Group Connection
Reasoner Green
Beloved (sophomore) & Restored (junior) Transfer Students and their families are dismissed to Reasoner Green to say farewell,  then students connect with their transfer group leaders for dinner.
5:15 p.m.Renewed Class Photo & Student-Parent Farewell
Hughes Auditorium Steps & Reasoner Green
Renewed Class members will line up on the steps of Hughes for their class photo. (Please wear your class t-shirt!) Following the photo, students will say farewell to their families then connect with their First Year Experience (FYE) leaders on Reasoner Green for dinner and an activity.
5:45 – 7:30 p.m.Dinner & Activity with FYE Group
Eatery (Dining Hall) & TBA
Immediately following dinner, students will go to an activity with their FYE group. (FYE leaders will communicate locations.)
7:45 p.m.Residence Hall Meeting
Residence Halls
Mandatory meeting for students living in the residence halls
7:45 p.m.Commuter Life Meeting
Rader Student Center, Lower Level
Connect with other commuters and the Commuter Life Coordinator
8:30-10:30 p.m.AU on Deck
Rader Student Center (STUCE)
Hang out at the STUCE and on the STUCE deck with music, tacos, frozen treats, Ale 8, giveaways, lawn games, and volleyball on the Green.

Friday, August 23

8 – 8:45 a.m.Breakfast
Eatery (Dining Hall)
8:45 a.m.Welcome & Worship
Hughes Auditorium
Worship with other new and transfer students and get an overview of the Welcome Weekend schedule.
9:30 – 11 a.m.Language Placement Exam
Classrooms

Taking a Language Placement Exam can be beneficial in advancing your academic progress in the Foundations requirements or majoring/minoring in a language, as well as saving you some tuition dollars. If you have previously studied one of the languages below,  you should take the exam (if you haven’t already).

  • Spanish — Kinlaw 121 (overflow in Kinlaw 122)
  • French — Hughes 141
  • Latin — Hughes 132
9:30 – 11 a.m.Thriving at AU

All students not taking the Language Placement Exam will attend their choice of two workshops designed to help them thrive at Asbury.

  • 9:30 – 10:10 a.m. — Session 1
  • 10:20 – 11 a.m. — Session 2

Workshop choices (each will be offered twice):

  • Be Immersed — Shaw 120
    The Catalyst Center offers many ways to make your AU experience transformative—from career exploration, internships, and Asbury Outreach Coalition to study abroad, travel courses, and cross-cultural engagement, this is what you need to know.

  • Be Balanced — Miller Screening Room 311
    College is an amazing time of opportunity, but it can also lead to burnout, stress and overwhelm. Find out more about self-care and healthy choices from food to sleep to group support from our Center for Wholeness & Wellness staff. 

  • Be Known — Reasoner 214 
    Ready to connect on a deeper level? Learn from Spiritual Life staff how opportunities like Gather, banded discipleship and small groups could shape your relationships. Also, hear about the Faith, Learning, & Experience (FLEX) program, including the chapel theme and additional FLEX opportunities.

  • Be Involved— Jameson Recital Hall
    Are you ready to soar with all of the many ways to get involved in AU Campus Life? Hear about Class Cabinet, Student Activities, Student Government, Intercultural Life,  Intramurals and more. 
11 a.m.Meet FYE Group
Hughes Auditorium
Students return to Hughes Auditorium and find their FYE group for transitioning to the next session.
11:15 a.m. – NoonLiberal Arts Session with Faculty
LA 100 Classrooms
Students in FYE Groups 1-20 will go to their Liberal Arts Seminar (LA 100) classroom to hear from faculty about liberal arts learning at Asbury and the LA 100 course.
Beloved & Restored Transfer Student Class Advisor Meeting
Kinlaw Library Board Room, Upper Level
Transfer students who have been approved for the LA 100 waiver will meet the Beloved (sophomore) and Restored (junior) Class Advisors.
Noon – 1:15 p.m.Lunch with FYE Group
Eatery (Dining Hall)
Music Opportunities Q&A
Eatery (Dining Hall)
Music Dept. representatives will be at a table in the dining hall to answer questions about vocal/instrumental music opportunities.
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.Academic Orientation
Hughes Auditorium
Drop/Add dates, midterms, and academic policies are all important pieces of information you will learn about in Academic Orientation.
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.Academic Advising
Various locations
Meet with a faculty advisor from your area of study for guidance on finalizing your class schedule. Locations will be announced at the end of Academic Orientation.
Snack Break
Rader Student Center
After completing your academic advising, stop by the Student Center for a snack, then enjoy free time until dinner!
5 – 6 p.m.Dinner with Resident Assistants
Eatery (Dining Hall)
Residential students go to dinner with their Resident Assistant (RA) and other students from their hall.
5 – 6 p.m.Commuter Dinner
Dougherty Room, Eatery (Dining Hall)
Commuter students, take your food into the Dougherty Dining Room (next to the main serving lines) and connect with the commuter advisor and other commuters!
6 – 7:45 p.m.Free Time
After dinner, relax in your room, continue unpacking, or join others on Reasoner Green for yard games.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.Honors Program Welcome & Ice Cream Social
Reasoner 317
For students participating in the AU Honors Program
7:45 p.m.Gather for Worship
Residential students, meet your RA on your floor or connect with friends. Commuters, meet at the commuter lounge on the lower level of the Rader Student Center (by the Campus Post Office).
8 p.m.Worship on the Green
Reasoner Green (rain location: Hughes Auditorium)
9:15 – 10:15 p.m.Late Night Breakfast
Eatery (Dining Hall)

Saturday, August 24

8 – 9 a.m.Breakfast
Eatery (Dining Hall)
9 – 10:45 a.m.Student Life Welcome & Belonging at AU
Hughes Auditorium
Meet members of the Student Life team and learn about Asbury’s community.
10:50 a.m. – NoonCampus Resources Tour
Various locations
Learn where to find and get a brief introduction to offices you will interact with — Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Center for Academic Excellence, Campus Safety, and more!
Noon – 1 p.m.Lunch with FYE Group
Eatery (Dining Hall)
1 – 2 p.m.University Assessments
LA 100 Classrooms
Students will complete an important online assessment. Additional details will be provided prior to the event.
2 – 4 p.m.Asbury's Got Talent Prep Time
FYE group meeting spot
Meet with your FYE group to prepare for the evening lip sync battle!
4 p.m.Optional Classroom Schedule Tour
FYE leaders will give a tour of classroom locations so you can be prepared to find your classes on Monday.
4 – 6:30 p.m.Textbook and Package Pickup
Campus Post Office, Rader Student Center, Lower Level
Students who had textbooks or other packages shipped to campus may pick them up at the CPO, located inside the Eagle Outlet.
5 – 6:30 p.m.Dinner
Eatery (Dining Hall}
5 – 6:45 p.m.Equine Program Meeting
Dougherty Room, Eatery (Dining Hall)
Equine majors will meet faculty and staff from the Equine Center for dinner and learn more about the program.
7 p.m.Asbury's Got Talent!
Shaw Collaborative Learning Center, Luce Auditorium
Battle it out with other FYE groups in a lip sync showdown!
First Class
Miller Center for Communication Arts, TV Studio
Following AGT, enjoy desserts and some low-key get-to-know-you fun with other new and transfer students at your first official class event!

Sunday, August 25

8 – 9 a.m.Breakfast
Eatery (Dining Hall)
Various timesWorship at Local Churches

To visit one of the churches within walking distance listed below, meet at the circular drive in front of Kinlaw Library at the designated time.

  • 9:40 a.m. for Great Commission Fellowship (10 a.m. service)
  • 10:10 a.m. for Wilmore Anglican Church (10:30 a.m. service)
  • 10:25 a.m. for Mt. Freedom Baptist Church (10:45 a.m. service)
  • 10:40 a.m. for Wilmore United Methodist Church (11 a.m. service)
Noon – 1 p.m.Lunch
Eatery (Dining Hall)
1 – 3 p.m.Free Time
3 – 4:45 p.m.Home Sweet Home
Meet at FYE group meeting spot
Gather with your FYE group at a faculty or staff member's home to become better acquainted with the Asbury community.
5 – 6:30 p.m.Dinner
Eatery {Dining Hall}
6 – 7 p.m.Honors Program Gathering
Home of Dr. Paul & Cheryl Nesselroade, 414 Akers Dr.
Students in the AU Honors Program walk to the home of Dr. Paul Nesselroade, director, for drop-in fellowship and light refreshments with upperclassmen in the Honors Program.
7 – 10 p.m.Welcome Back Bash
Reasoner Green (rain location: Rader Student Center)
Join with returning students to celebrate the beginning of a new year!

Upcoming Events

Monday, August 26

8 a.m.Classes Begin
10 a.m.Academic Convocation Chapel
Hughes Auditorium
9 p.m.All Residence Hall Meetings
Residence Hall Lobbies

REQUIRED meeting for all residential students

Tuesday, August 27

11 a.m. – NoonCommuter Information Meeting
Reasoner 214

REQUIRED meeting for all commuter students

Thursday, September 5

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.Activities Fair
Shaw Collaborative Learning Center, Luce Auditorium and Rader Student Center
Visit booths of campus clubs and community organizations to see the many ways you can get involved!

General Information

Please review the links below to further help prepare you for enrolling at Asbury:

  1. Visit the Deposited Students website and complete the checklist.
  2. Visit Move to Asbury for information about moving to Asbury.
  3. Prior to Welcome Weekend students have the option of attending Archways, a pre-orientation outdoor adventure leadership program.
  4. Parent Information
  5. Technology Orientation for New Students
  6. Registrar’s Office
  7. Financial Aid Information
  8. Student Accounts
  9. Campus Map

Our faculty, staff, and students are so excited to welcome you!

Questions can be directed to student.life@asbury.edu.