Welcome Week 2025

^9 a.m.-Noon First-year student move-in for residential students 

10 a.m.–12 p.m. Welcome Week Fair and New Student Checklist
Forrer Learning Commons
Discover campus resources and complete your New Student Checklist. Pick up your student ID, learn about Family Weekend and complete important college documents such as student employment or financial aid paperwork. 

*11 p.m.-12 p.m. Meet and Greet with the President (Optional)
Forrer Learning Commons, fireplace
Families, come to our meet and greet session with President Bushman and Dean Leslie Frere, VP of Student Life, while enjoying light refreshments.    

+3 p.m. Commuter Student Welcome
Bowman 101
Connect with important resources such as Campus Police and Safety, get your parking decal and your ID, and learn how you can enjoy meals in the Main Dining Hall.  

3:45 p.m. Say Goodbye to Families
Make your way to the Campus Mall to meet your Soar Mentor and CL-100 group. Your group number can be found on your printed arrival schedule. 

4-6:30 p.m. Connect. Engage. Belong.
Soar Mentor room (Location on corner of your printed arrival schedule) and dinner rotation
Meet your Soar Mentor and other members of your CL-100 class for your first official meeting at Bridgewater College! You’ll go over your Welcome Week schedule, get to know one another better and begin to earn points for the BC Cup! 

6:30 p.m. What Does It Mean to Live in the BC Community?
Cole Hall Courtyard and Surrounding Spaces
We are excited to officially welcome you to our campus. Begin by finding the flag with your residential status and get to know other members of the Class of 2029 who share the same status. Meet the student leaders who will be guiding you through your first several days on campus.   

7:30-9:30 p.m. Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash and First Year Fest
President’s House
Half of the group will attend the Backyard Bash while the other half attends First Year Fest. Dr. Bushman will welcome you to BC as he opens his home to you and your CL-100 group. Meet the President and enjoy games, desserts and a fun time socializing. At First Year Fest, play arcade games, enjoy a petting zoo, get a glitter tattoo and enjoy Smiley’s Ice Cream, and more! 

Backyard Bash/First Year Fest Rotation:
7:45 p.m. Groups 1-11: Meet your Soar Mentor for Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash rotation
Leave Cole with your Soar Mentor to receive your nametag.  

7:45 Groups 12-22: First Year Fest 

Leave Cole with your Soar Mentor to enjoy the activities of First Year Fest 

8:30 Groups 12-22: Meet your Soar Mentor for Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash rotation
Meet your Soar Mentor at the tent behind Cole Hall and enter at the assigned time 

8:30 p.m. Groups 1-11: First Year Fest 

Leave the Backyard Bash with your Soar Mentor to enjoy the activities of First Year Fest 

8-8:45 a.m. Breakfast
Main Dining Hall
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.  

9 a.m. Design Your Group Flag and Prepare for BC Cup Challenges
FILA-150 Classrooms
Please note this IS NOT required for fall athletes and Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band members 

10 a.m. BC Cup Challenges
Campus Mall (Rain Location: Funkhouser Wellness Center Gym)
CL-100 classes battle it out for the First-Year Championship Cup! You’ll be challenged physically, mentally and strategically through a series of activities to earn points for the BC Cup. Wear your class shirt and be prepared to move! The band at Karaoke Cookout will announce the winner of this weekend-long competition on Sunday night. You won’t want to miss it! 

Noon Lunch Rotations
Main Dining Hall-Your Soar Mentor will provide your meal time. 

1:30-3:15 p.m. CL-100 and Advising Session, and Honor Council Introduction
Soar Mentor Friday room location on front of your printed arrival schedule
Meet your CL-100 professor as you participate in your first CL-100 class! Hear about your CL-100 topic, ask questions and finalize your class schedule. Meet the chair of the Honor Council for an introduction to the honor code and the role the Honor Council plays at Bridgewater College.  

3:30-4:30 p.m. Department Meeting for Your Academic Major
Your Soar Mentor will have locations for these meetings
Meet professors and department chairs from your major. Learn more about your major and have your questions answered.  

4:30–7:45 p.m. Time with Your Soar Mentor and Dinner Rotation
Main Dining Hall
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals. CL-100 groups will spend time with their Soar Mentors, go through a dinner rotation, and check out the college campus. Use this time to ask any questions you may have and continue to get to know other members of the BC community. 

7:45 p.m. Meet Your RA for Patrick Holbert
RAs will let you know where to meet. Commuters, please meet Soar Mentors in the KCC Lobby. 

8-9 p.m. An Evening with Patrick Holbert
Cole Hall
In this hilarious and educational comedy show, Patrick Holbert tells stories and jokes about his past addiction and current sobriety. “Punch Line Drunk” outlines his transformative journey from abusing substances to amusing audiences. It’s an informational “TED Talk of Shame” spanning his college years as an overachiever under the influence, his career as a TV producer, and how it all came crashing down.
Enjoy Shirley’s popcorn, including BC’s very own flavor, Crimson Crunch.
Please note that if you need to participate from a distance, feel free to enjoy your Shirley’s popcorn  in the Kline Campus Center Lobby. 

9:30 a.m. Saturday Brunch
Main Dining Hall
Grab your breakfast before you head to Cole Hall for morning speakers. 

*10:15 a.m. Meet with Your Soar Mentor 

10:30 a.m. Campus Cares
Cole Hall
In the Bridgewater College community, we all bring unique perspectives, experiences, and identities that shape who we are as a group. This session invites students to think about what makes them who they are, explore how to navigate differences and engage in meaningful conversations that foster mutual understanding, making BC a richer and stronger community. 

Please note that if you need to take a break from this session, we’d ask that you excuse yourself quietly to the Kline Campus Center Lobby.  

Noon-1:30 p.m. BC Cup Challenges and Lunch Rotation
Join your Soar Mentor group in taking on the rest of the incoming class of 2029 as you take over BC’s campus to earn points for the BC Cup! New challenges will be given each day for groups to have the chance to earn points and take home the title of this year’s BC Cup champs. Take a break for lunch in the Main Dining Hall during your lunch rotation.  

*Noon- 4:00 p.m. Information Technology Center Open
Forrer Learning Commons
The IT center can be reached by calling 540-828-4357, emailing help@bridgewater.edu or visiting the IT center in Bowman 200. 

*2-5 p.m. Recess and Refresh
Take a few moments, catch your breath and just hang out with new friends! See activities below. 

*2-5 p.m. Open gym
Funkhouser Center
Check out our weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk. 

*2-5 p.m. Open swim hours
Nininger Hall
Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water. 

*2-2:50 p.m. and 3-3:50 p.m. Campus Tours
Meet in KCC Lobby
Take a personalized campus tour led by a student leader.  

*2-5 p.m. Hang Out on the Mall
Campus Mall (rain location: FLC)
Join us on the Campus Mall for three great events! 

• Hammocking & Music on the Mall — Hammocking is a favorite BC pastime! Learn how to hang your own, relax in a hammock, and enjoy music on the mall. You’ll even walk away with a hammock of your own! 

• Therapy Dogs (2-3 pm and 4-5 pm) – Meet some of our therapy dogs and have a waggin’ good time. 

• Pups & Popsicles (3-4 p.m.) — Meet some of our therapy dogs and cool off with a popsicle while you cuddle a pup. 

• Lawn Game and Chill – Come out to play lawn game with BC United and chill out on the Mall. 

*2-5 p.m. Make and Take Activities
1st floor of the FLC
Come out to make slime, create your own buttons, and decorate pots for plants. 

5-7 p.m. Dinner
Main Dining Hall
Meet with your Soar Mentor and CL-100 group for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Your Soar Mentor will provide the time for your group to attend dinner. Talk about your option sessions and get ready for an evening with Derek Greenfield.  

8 p.m. Soaring to New Heights Together: Strengthening the Eagles Family Presenter: Derek Greenfield
Cole Hall
In this engaging and exciting session, you will gain insights to successfully navigating the transition to college and take advantage of this opportunity to develop into the best version of yourself. Get ready for a special experience to learn, laugh and love your decision to be at BC. 

Please note that if you need to take a break from this session, we’d ask that you excuse yourself quietly to the Kline Campus Center Lobby.  

10 a.m. Sunday Brunch
Main Dining Hall
Grab your breakfast before you head to Cole Hall for morning speakers. 

10:45 a.m. Meet with your Soar Mentor for the day 

11:00 a.m. Find Your Voice: Addressing Sexual Violence as a Community Presenter: Megan Rae
Cole Hall
In this presentation, Megan Rae provides foundational knowledge on the various forms of sexual violence, discusses what unhealthy and healthy relationships look like, and challenges you to embrace community change by being part of the solution, even if you are not part of the problem. Now is the time to find your voice and commit to promoting a violence-free Bridgewater College community.
Please note that if you need to take a break from this session, we’d ask that you excuse yourself quietly to the Kline Campus Center Lobby.   

Noon-1:30 p.m. Lunch Rotation
Take a break for lunch in the Main Dining Hall during your lunch rotation.  

*Noon-4 p.m. Information Technology Center Open
Bowman 200
The IT center can be reached by calling 540-828-4357, emailing help@bridgewater.edu or visiting the IT center in Bowman 200. 

1:30 p.m. Moments that Matter
Soar Mentor Room
Being a Bridgewater College Eagle means looking out for one another. Whether someone’s facing a serious risk like alcohol abuse, relationship violence, mental health issues or simply struggling with academics, homesickness or social pressure. In this session you’ll learn how to recognize when someone may need support, how to safely step in, and how to play an active role in building a caring and connected campus community.
Sponsored by BC’s Office of Wellness Education 

*3-5 p.m. Recess and Refresh
Take a few moments, catch your breath and just hang out with new friends! See activities below. 

*3-5 p.m. Open gym
Funkhouser Center
Check out our weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk. 

*3-5 p.m. Open swim hours
Nininger Hall
Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water. 

3-5 p.m. Eagle Success Program Kickoff Social
Center for Community Enrichment (CCE), 112 College View Drive
Look forward to new beginnings and building lasting connections as we start the academic year. This is a mandatory event for first-year students enrolled into the Eagle Success Program. Come explore the CCE, BC’s multicultural space on campus. Socialize with the Eagle Success team members and team leaders through a series of fun, interactive activities to recognize each other’s accomplishments, learn about the goals of the program and get to know one another better. 

*3-5 p.m. Field Day on Dillon Lawn
Dillon Field
Come out to play cornhole, spikeball, sand volleyball, water games, and more! 

*3-5 p.m. Cones with Campo
Dillon Field
During Field Day on Dillon Lawn, swing by and say hi to Campo, who will be handing out free snow cones! It’s a great chance to cool off, enjoy a sweet treat, and get to know the officers. 

*3-5 p.m. Hang Out in the Eagle’s Nest
Eagle’s Nest
Join us in the Eagle’s Nest for three great events! 

• Tabletop Games & Puzzles — Grab your friends and jump into a game! Will you be the first to call UNO? Or take a break and chill out with a puzzle. 

• Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot — Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or brand new to the game, stop by and join Garrett Serrels, our Mental Health Counselor, for one-shot campaigns or learn the basics of DnD! Description of the one-shot below: “Hired to deliver a wagon of supplies to Phandalin for 10 gold each, you follow your dwarf patron, Gundren Rockseeker, who’s gone ahead with his warrior escort, on a quest that promises more than just a simple delivery.” 

• Bracelet, Paracord, & Jewelry Making — Get creative and make your own bracelet — friendship, paracord, or some shiny new bling! No experience needed — just come for the fun. 

*5-7:30 p.m. Dinner
Main Dining Hall
Meet with your Soar Mentor and FILA-150 group for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Talk about your day and get ready for Karaoke Cookout.  

8:45 p.m. Meet Your Soar Mentor for Karaoke Cookout
Soar Mentors will let you know where to meet. 

9-11 p.m. CEAT presents Karaoke Cookout
Main Dining Hall
Join CEAT for the Karaoke Cookout, where you can level up your karaoke skills with a live band! Sing your heart out, watch your friends perform, and enjoy a slider bar, decadent brownies, and milkshakes. Plus, don’t miss the live announcement of the 2025 BC Cup Champions! 

7-9 a.m. Breakfast
Main Dining Hall
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.  

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All college offices open.  

9 a.m. Meet Soar Mentors for Class of 2029 Picture 

9:15 a.m. Class of 2029 Picture
Jopson Field
Meet to take the official class of 2029 picture. Remember to wear your class of 2029 T-shirt! 

9:45 a.m. Lineup for Opening Convocation 

10 a.m. Opening Convocation and Celebration
Convocation: Nininger Gym, Celebration: Rebecca Quad
Join us as we ring in the new semester and celebrate your next chapter as a BC Eagle. Following the convocation, you will be ushered through the Echelon to the Opening Celebration on Rebecca Quad, led by the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band. 

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch Rotations and Soar Mentor Time
Main Dining Hall
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.  

*1:30-5 p.m. On your own 

5-7:30 p.m. Dinner
Main Dining Hall
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals. 

^8 p.m. Community orientation for residence halls
All residence halls will meet with both new and upper-class students. You’ll discuss your Community Living Agreement, policies and procedures in the building, and prepare for the year in your hall. This meeting is for all residential students. See individual buildings for details (time and location). 

+8 p.m. Commuter Kickback
Center for Community Enrichment, CCE (112 College View Drive.)
Commuters ONLY, join us for a time to get to know other commuters, games and refreshments.  

9:20 p.m. Meet your Soar Mentor to head to Summer Sunset Bingo  

9:30 p.m. CEAT presents: Summer Sunset Bingo
Main Dining Hall
Join CEAT for Summer Sunset Bingo — where we say goodbye to summer vibes with $2,000 in prizes! Win everything from room essentials and Buc-ee’s swag to our grand prize: an iPad (A16)! While you play, enjoy a Dippin’ Dots Bar and a Candy Bar — because what’s better than sweet treats and big wins?
Please note that if you need to participate from a distance, feel free to enjoy your sweet treats in the lobby of the Kline Campus Center. 

Tuesday, August 26

8 a.m. Classes Begin

Saturday, August 30

7-9 p.m. BC Block Party
College View Drive (rain location: the Funk Gym)
Get ready to rock the block at BC’s Block Party on College View Drive! From Campus Police to the CCE, we’ve got it all covered – with music, inflatables, alpacas, intramurals, caricatures, raffle prizes and more! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, games and good vibes!

Monday, September 1

1-2 p.m. Desserts with the Dean
FLC Fireplace
Come hang out with the Student Life staff and Dean Frere for casual chats and desserts. It’s a relaxed opportunity to connect and have a sweet time with our office.

Thursday, September 4

7-8:30 p.m. Campus Connections Fair
Campus Mall (Rain location: Kline Campus Center)
Find out how to get involved in BC’s clubs and orgs, check out student employment opportunities and volunteer opportunities, and connect with local religious organizations. Stop by tables, meet club and org leaders, and join groups that interest you!

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Residential check-in*
Residential students required 

4 p.m.-First Transfer Gathering (residential and commuter)
Bowman 101
Gather with other new transfer students and meet upper-class students to answer questions about Bridgewater, have time to get your BC ID and parking decal. And, leave with your new BC swag. 

5 p.m. -Group Dinner
Boitnott Room, Kline Campus Center
Continue getting to know others over dinner and meet your Connected Learning 150 professor.  

6:15 p.m. Campus Tours 

Tours begin after dinner leaving from the Boitnott Room. Get a feel for campus, where your classes are, popular hang out spots, and more.  

8 p.m.  Karaoke Cookout*
Main Dining Hall
Join CEAT for the Karaoke Cookout, where you can level up your karaoke skills with a live band! Sing your heart out, watch your friends perform, and enjoy a slider bar, decadent brownies, and milkshakes.  

9 a.m. Breakfast Reception
Boitnott Room 
Grab breakfast and be ready to head to Opening Convocation and Celebration. We encourage you to wear the shirt you received the day before. 

9:45 a.m. Join the Class of 2029 for the Opening Convocation

10-11:30 a.m. Academic Convocation and Celebration
Convocation: Nininger Gym, Celebration: Rebecca Quad
Join us as we ring in the new semester and celebrate your next chapter as a BC Eagle. Following the convocation, you will be ushered through the Echelon to the Opening Celebration on Rebecca Quad, led by the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band. 

Noon-Welcome Lunch
Boitnott Room, Kline Campus Center
This is a time to connect with faculty members from your academic areas.  

^8 p.m. Community orientation for residence halls
All residence halls will meet with both new and upper-class students. You’ll discuss your Community Living Agreement, policies and procedures in the building, and prepare for the year in your hall. This meeting is for all residential students. See individual buildings for details (time and location). 

+8 p.m. Commuter Kickback
Eagles Nest, Kline Campus Center
Commuters ONLY, join us for a time to get to know other commuters, play games and enjoy refreshments.  

9:30 p.m. CEAT presents: Summer Sunset Bingo
Main Dining Hall
Join CEAT for Summer Sunset Bingo — where we say goodbye to summer vibes with $2,000 in prizes! Win everything from room essentials and Buc-ee’s swag to our grand prize: an iPad (A16)! While you play, enjoy a Dippin’ Dots Bar and a Chip Bar — because what’s better than sweet treats and big wins?
Please note that if you need to participate from a distance, you can enjoy your sweet treats in the lobby of the Kline Campus Center. 

Please note: all events without an asterisk are required. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact orientation@bridgewater.edu. 

Tuesday, August 26

8 a.m. Classes Begin

Wednesday, August 27

9 p.m. Residence hall community meeting
Residential students required 

Saturday, August 30

7-9 p.m. BC Block Party
College View Drive (rain location: the Funk Gym)
Get ready to rock the block at BC’s Block Party on College View Drive! From Campus Police to the CCE, we’ve got it all covered – with music, inflatables, alpacas, intramurals, caricatures, raffle prizes and more! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, games and good vibes!

Monday, September 1

1-2 p.m. Desserts with the Dean
FLC Fireplace
Come hang out with the Student Life staff and Dean Frere for casual chats and desserts. It’s a relaxed opportunity to connect and have a sweet time with our office.

Thursday, September 4

7-8:30 p.m. Campus Connections Fair
Campus Mall (Rain location: Kline Campus Center)
Find out how to get involved in BC’s clubs and orgs, check out student employment opportunities and volunteer opportunities, and connect with local religious organizations. Stop by tables, meet club and org leaders, and join groups that interest you!