New Student Orientation

Thursday, August 20–Sunday, August 23

Welcome to Warren Wilson College! Our four-day orientation is designed to set students up for success from day one. Families are invited to join us for several activities on August 20. We’re here to support both students and families throughout this exciting transition.

Thursday, August 20: Move-In and Welcome

  • 8:30 am–1:30 pm: New Students and Families Check In and Settle In
  • 11:30 am–1:30 pm: Lunch for Students and Families
  • 1:30–1:50 pm: Meet Your Orientation Week Leader (OWL) (Students only) 
  • 1:30–3:00 pm: Family Welcome Program (Families only) 
  • 2:00–3:00 pm: First-Year Seminar Class/Transfer Student Session (Students only)
  • 3:10–3:40 pm: Family Send-Off 
  • 4:15–5:15 pm: Convocation Program (Families welcome, but seating is limited.)
  • 5:15 pm: Families Depart
  • 5:30–6:30 pm: Dinner with OWLs
  • 6:45–7:45 pm: Resident Advisor Meetings
  • 8:10–9:10 pm: Social Activity

Day 1 Highlights for Families

WWC Welcome, New Student Check-In and Residence Hall Move-In

8:30 a.m.

Pick up your keys, finish your paperwork, gather important information, meet Student Engagement Staff and more, then head to your residence hall. Owls can do some “nesting” in their new rooms!

Lunch for Students and Families

11:30 a.m.

Enjoy lunch together while you make your lists and check them twice. Meet other students and families!

Special Family Welcome

1:30 p.m.

Hear from President Damián J. Fernández about the institution’s vision and commitment to student success. Then Student Engagement staff will share information, resources and guidance to support you as your student begins their college journey.

Family Send-off

3 p.m.

Take this opportunity for hugs and farewells, or stay for Convocation.

Convocation

4:15 p.m.

This formal welcome to new students includes remarks from the Provost and the recitation of our WWC community values. Space is limited, but families are welcome to join.

Student Weekend

Friday, August 21

Traditions Tell Us Who We Are

  • 8:30 am–9:00 am: Breakfast in the Pavillion
  • 9:00 am–3 pm: Service Day Project
  • 3:00–3:30 pm: Service Day Reflection and Ice Cream
  • 3:30–5:00 pm: Break
  • 5:00–6:30 pm: Dinner with OWLs
  • 6:30–7:30 pm: Break
  • 7:30–9:00 pm: Social Event 

Saturday, August 22

A Day In the Life @WWC

  • 8:30–9:30 am: Breakfast
  • 9:30 am–3:00 pm: Rotating Sessions and Lunch
  • 3:00–4:30 pm: Tour of Sites Students Built led by OWLs
  • 5:00– 6:30 pm: Dinner
  • 7:00–9:00 pm: Social Activity

Sunday, August 23

Local Adventures

  • 8:00–9:00 am:  Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00am: Optional Religious Service
  • 10:30 am–4:00 pm: Local Adventures 
  • 5:00–7:00 pm: Bands and BBQ for new and returning students
  • 7:00–9:00 pm: Optional activities available on campus