All new students to Goshen College participate in on-campus orientation prior to the start of classes.
Welcome Week is our mandatory extended orientation for first-year and transfer students with 16 or fewer credits. This is an important week of transition and activities and sessions are required unless otherwise noted. Students should plan to be available beginning Sunday, August 20, through Friday, August 25, and begin to make plans accordingly. Activities are scheduled for Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, but are not required.
It is important to note that this first week is not only a week of orientation but also the first week of class. For both of those reasons, it is crucial that students are present to complete their first week of classwork and lay the foundation for success in the rest of the semester. We ask that students treat this schedule like a job schedule: your attendance is required for the work we need to do.
Students: Make sure you have registered for Welcome Week.
* = required activities for new first-year students
Saturday, August 19
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — International Student Orientation | Newcomer Center, NC 17
New international students will participate in an orientation session hosted by the International Student Advisor. This session is mandatory for all new international students to Goshen College.
Sunday, August 20
1 – 3:30 p.m. — Move-In for residential students (parents and families welcome!) | Kratz & Yoder Residence Halls *
Residential students will sign up for a designated move-in time slot to reduce the number of vehicles unloading at one time. Students should look for an email in their Goshen College email account at the end of July with instructions on selecting their time.
4 p.m. — Doors open for Campus Welcome | Church-Chapel *
Students, parents, and family members should pick up their name tags before finding a seat for the Welcome.
4:30 – 5:15 p.m. — Campus Welcome (parents and families welcome!) | Church-Chapel *
Join Dr. Rebecca Stoltzfus, president of Goshen College, and other members of the GC community, as we welcome the Class of 2027 and offer a blessing over our new students.
5:15 p.m. — Athletic Department Welcome (parents and families welcome!) | Church-Chapel, South Fellowship Hall
Student-athletes and their parents and family members are invited to gather and meet the Athletic Director and coaches for a brief welcome.
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. — Welcome Dinner (parents and families welcome!) | Westlawn Dining Hall *
All new students, parents, and family members are invited to attend the Welcome Dinner hosted by President Stoltzfus and her husband, Kevin Miller. Join Goshen College employees and their families at the dining hall, with additional seating outdoors under a tent.
Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. Everyone can walk over following the Campus Welcome. Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The dinner is complimentary for students without a meal plan or on a limited meal plan and all parents and family members.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Welcome Week Kick-Off | Umble Center *
We officially kick off Welcome Week at this exclusive event for new students. Orientation Leaders will get things started with introductions of the team. You’ll get helpful tips on what to expect for the remainder of the week, take a pre-Welcome Week survey, and spend time in your orientation groups.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Parent & Family Gatherings (parents and families welcome!)
Church-Chapel, South Fellowship Hall (English) and Church-Chapel, Koinonia Room, CC 300-301 (Spanish)
Parents and family members of new students are invited to attend an information meeting co-hosted by Student Life and the Academic Success Center (ASC). Learn more about how these two departments support our students outside the classroom. Receive a copy of College Ready (for those who didn’t receive a copy at New Student Orientation), and pick up some exclusive parent and family swag. Copies of the campus calendar will also be available. This session will be offered in both English and Spanish.
After the gathering, everyone will converge on Schrock Plaza for our Kiss & Bye Bye event.
7:30 p.m. — Kiss & Bye-Bye (parents and families welcome!)| Schrock Plaza
Students, parents, and family will meet at Shrock Plaza to say goodbye. This event is for residential and commuter students, marking the whole family’s transition into Welcome Week.
8:30 p.m. — Residence Life Meeting (residential students only)| Kratz & Yoder Residence Halls
New residential students will meet the Residence Life staff and learn what it means to live in a community.
Commuter students who opted to live on campus during Welcome Week are expected to attend the Res Life Meeting as part of their agreement to stay in a residence hall room.
Monday, August 21
7:30 – 10 a.m. — Breakfast (parents and families welcome!) | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for students without a meal plan, those on a limited meal plan, and parents and family members staying for the Check-In; sign in at the cashier’s Station. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., and a continental breakfast from 9:30 – 10 a.m.
9 – 10:45 a.m. — Check-In for all new students (parents and families welcome!) | Church Fellowship Hall *
All new students will receive an assigned time to go through the check-in line (this includes new fall student-athletes that arrived earlier in August) and complete the final tasks and forms required to begin the fall semester. Interpreters will be available.
Tasks include: completing any missing financial aid forms, submitting your Financial Responsibility Agreement with the Accounting Office and confirming how you will pay for college (a cashier will be available for payments >$400), turning in your Confidential Health Form to Health Services, submitting your emergency contact information to Campus Safety, receiving your iPad (unless you’ve opted out), and picking up your ID card (if you didn’t already during NSO). You’ll also receive a folder with important documents for Welcome Week.
This is the last scheduled event for parents and families.
11 a.m. — Morning Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Students will sit with their orientation group — look for your Orientation Leaders when you arrive. Everyone will gather for important morning announcements before orientation groups break off. Students who arrive on time will have their names put in a drawing for awesome prizes! Attendance will be taken.
11:30 a.m. — Class Picture | Schrock Plaza *
Students will participate in the annual new student photo.
12 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch | Westlawn Dining Hall *
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
1:30 p.m. — Afternoon Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Everyone will gather for important announcements and hear from several campus organizations before splitting into orientation groups.
2 – 4 p.m. — Rotating Sessions | Various locations *
Students will rotate between “Creating a Safe Campus” co-hosted by Student Life, Residence Life, Campus Safety, and Title IX, a campus resource tour, and time with their orientation groups.
4 – 6 p.m. — Athletic Practice | Various locations
New student-athletes participating in a fall sport will report to practice. Student-athletes should be dressed for practice following lunch so they can leave right after the last session. The dining hall will be open until 7 p.m. for dinner.
4 – 5 p.m. — Taking Care of Business (optional) | Various offices
The hour before dinner is a great time for students to stop by offices and take care of any school-related business that needs to get done before classes begin. Meetings and gatherings may be scheduled during this time; students will be notified if they are invited to attend something.
4 – 10 p.m. — Open Recreation (optional) | Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC), Outdoor Courts
The Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC) is open and available for students after the required Welcome Week activities. Students can utilize the weight room on the main floor and the stationary bikes, elliptical machines, racquetball courts, and the indoor track upstairs and on the mezzanine. Beginning September 5, students can check out equipment at the front desk using their GC student ID card. Fall sports teams have priority with the weight room and gymnasium from 3 – 6 p.m.
5 – 7 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
6 – 8 p.m. — Res Life Field Day (optional) | KMY Lawn
Monday night’s main activity is a Field Day hosted by Residence Life. The evening activities are optional, but all new students are encouraged to participate.
Tuesday, August 22
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. — Breakfast | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
8:45 a.m. — Head to Class | ICC classrooms/buildings *
Orientation Leaders will be stationed around buildings where ICC classes meet to ensure everyone reaches the correct building for the first day of class. Look for Orientation Leaders holding signs with your section number.
9 – 9:50 a.m. — CORE 100: Identity, Culture, and Community (ICC) | Assigned Classrooms *
All first-year students will begin their first college course during Welcome Week: CORE 100 – Identity, Culture, and Community (ICC). ICC will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings during Welcome Week. Beginning Monday, August 28, ICC will occur Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9 – 9:50 a.m. Students will sign up for advising appointments during class on Tuesday.
10 -11 a.m. — Morning Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Everyone will gather for important morning announcements and hear from several campus organizations before splitting into orientation groups.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Rotating Sessions | Various locations *
Students will rotate through a series of academic sessions that support student learning and complement what is being shared during CORE 100. Sessions include the Library iTour hosted by the librarians, a student panel hosted by the Academic Success Center (ASC), and learning more about Moodle and accessibility co-hosted by the library and the ASC.
12 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch | Westlawn Dining Hall *
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
1:30 p.m. — Afternoon Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Students will sit with their orientation group — look for your Orientation Leader when you arrive. Everyone will gather for important afternoon announcements and hear from several campus organizations before orientation groups break off for the rotating sessions. Students who arrive on time will have their names put in a drawing for awesome prizes! Attendance will be taken.
2 – 4 p.m. — Rotating Sessions: Tools for Success (continued) | Various locations *
The rotating sessions will continue in the afternoon.
4 – 6 p.m. — Athletic Practice | Various locations
New student-athletes participating in a fall sport will report to practice. Student-athletes should be dressed for practice following lunch so they can leave right after the last session. The dining hall will be open until 7 p.m. for dinner.
4 – 5 p.m. — Open House (optional) | Various locations
Campus organizations and clubs that present during the morning or afternoon gatherings will host an open house for students to meet group members and advisors. Snacks will be served. Additional information will be listed in the app.
4 – 5 p.m. — Taking Care of Business (optional) | Various offices
The hour before dinner is a great time for students to stop by offices and take care of any school-related business that needs to get done before classes begin. Meetings and gatherings may be scheduled during this time; students will be notified if they are invited to attend something.
4 – 10 p.m. — Open Recreation (optional) | Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC), Outdoor Courts
The Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC) is open and available for students after the required Welcome Week activities. Students can utilize the weight room on the main floor and the stationary bikes, elliptical machines, racquetball courts, and the indoor track upstairs and on the mezzanine. Beginning September 5, students can check out equipment at the front desk using their GC student ID card. Fall sports teams have priority with the weight room and gymnasium from 3 – 6 p.m.
5 – 7 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s Station.
6 – 8 p.m. — Slip’n’ Slide Kickball (optional) | KMY Lawn
Tuesday night’s main activity is Slip’n’Slide Kickball, hosted by the Campus Activities Council (CAC). Be prepared to get wet as you slip and slide into the bases. The evening activities are optional, but all new students are encouraged to participate.
7 p.m. — Women’s Volleyball vs. Calumet (optional) | Ruth Gunden Gymnasium
Join other students in cheering on our Women’s Volleyball team vs. Calumet.
Wednesday, August 23
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. — Breakfast | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
9 – 9:50 a.m. — CORE 100: Identity, Culture, and Community (ICC) | Assigned Classrooms *
Students will walk to their assigned ICC classroom following breakfast.
10 – 10:30 a.m. — Chapel/Convocation: Where Have I Landed? | Church-Chapel *
Every Wednesday, the campus gathers for chapels or convocations. In this session, you’ll learn about what chapel/convo is and why we do it. And you’ll experience your first convocation with several professors reflecting on what it means to them to be at a Mennonite institution. You’ll also be introduced to campus singing culture, so come ready to participate! All of the campus is invited to attend. Chapel/Convo credit will be given to all students in attendance.
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Academic Showcase | Various locations *
Academic departments will host open houses across campus. Faculty will be available to answer questions and engage with students. Students are encouraged to be curious and visit departments that spark interest beyond their intended major or program. There will be a sign-in sheet at each location. Names will be collected and added to drawings for prizes.
12 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch | Westlawn Dining Hall *
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
1:30 p.m. — Afternoon Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Students will sit with their orientation group — look for your Orientation Leader when you arrive. Everyone will gather for important afternoon announcements and hear from several campus organizations before orientation groups break off for the rotating sessions. Students who arrive on time will have their names put in a drawing for awesome prizes! Attendance will be taken.
2 -4 p.m. — Rotating Sessions | Various locations *
Students will rotate between “Advising and Preparing for Classes” hosted by the Registrar’s Office and “How to Read a College Text” hosted by the Academic Success Center (ASC).
4 – 6 p.m. — Athletic Practice | Various locations
New student-athletes participating in a fall sport will report to practice. Student-athletes should be dressed for practice following lunch so they can leave right after the last session. The dining hall will be open until 7 p.m. for dinner.
4 – 5 p.m. — Open House (optional) | Various locations
Campus organizations and clubs that present during the morning or afternoon gatherings will host an open house for students to meet group members and advisors. Snacks will be served. Additional information will be listed in the app.
4 – 5 p.m. — Taking Care of Business (optional) | Various offices
The hour before dinner is a great time for students to stop by offices and take care of any school-related business that needs to get done before classes begin. Meetings and gatherings may be scheduled during this time; students will be notified if they are invited to attend something.
4 – 10 p.m. — Open Recreation (optional) | Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC), Outdoor Courts
The Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC) is open and available for students after the required Welcome Week activities. Students can utilize the weight room on the main floor and the stationary bikes, elliptical machines, racquetball courts, and the indoor track upstairs and on the mezzanine. Beginning September 5, students can check out equipment at the front desk using their GC student ID card. Fall sports teams have priority with the weight room and gymnasium from 3 – 6 p.m.
5 – 7 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s Station.
6 p.m. — Res Life Spirit Night (optional) | KMY Lawn
Wednesday night’s main activity is poster making, hosted by Residence Life. Students can make posters for the men’s soccer team before walking over as a group to attend the game. The evening activities are optional, but all new students are encouraged to participate.
7 p.m. — Men’s Soccer vs. Olivet Nazarene (optional) | GC Soccer Complex
Join other students in cheering on our Men’s Soccer team vs. Olivet Nazarene.
Thursday, August 24
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. — Breakfast | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
9 – 10 a.m. — Morning Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Students will sit with their orientation group — look for your Orientation Leader when you arrive. Everyone will gather for important morning announcements and hear from several campus organizations before orientation groups break off to do a group activity. Buses will begin loading at 10 a.m. for Merry Lea.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Outdoor Adventure | Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center *
Students will spend the day off-campus at Goshen College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Students will experience the various outdoor spaces that make up the campus, including the nature sanctuary and sustainable farm, by participating in two sessions.
For each session, students will be able to choose a guided activity that they will do in smaller groups with various Merry Lea staff, or they will be based at the farmstead, where there will be multiple self-guided or drop-in activities that they can do according to their interests and desired activity level.
Charter buses will be used for transportation. Students should dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Boxed meals will be distributed for lunch. Buses will return to campus by 3:45 p.m. Student-athletes will return in time for afternoon practice.
4 – 6 p.m. — Athletic Practice | Various locations
New student-athletes participating in a fall sport will report to practice. Student-athletes should be dressed for practice following lunch so they can leave right after the last session. The dining hall will be open until 7 p.m. for dinner.
4 – 5 p.m. — Open House (optional) | Various locations
Campus organizations and clubs that present during the morning or afternoon gatherings will host an open house for students to meet group members and advisors. Snacks will be served. Additional information will be listed in the app.
4 – 5 p.m. — Taking Care of Business (optional) | Various offices
The hour before dinner is a great time for students to stop by offices and take care of any school-related business that needs to get done before classes begin. Meetings and gatherings may be scheduled during this time; students will be notified if they are invited to attend something.
4 – 10 p.m. — Open Recreation (optional) | Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC), Outdoor Courts
The Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC) is open and available for students after the required Welcome Week activities. Students can utilize the weight room on the main floor and the stationary bikes, elliptical machines, racquetball courts, and the indoor track upstairs and on the mezzanine. Beginning September 5, students can check out equipment at the front desk using their GC student ID card. Fall sports teams have priority with the weight room and gymnasium from 3 – 6 p.m.
5 – 7 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
9 – 10:30 p.m. — Outdoor Movie and Chief Ice Cream (optional) | KMY Lawn
Thursday night’s main activity is an Outdoor Movie and ice cream from The Chief, hosted by the Campus Activities Council (CAC). The evening activities are optional, but all new students are encouraged to participate.
Thursday night’s activity will start later due to needing darkness to show an outdoor movie.
Friday, August 25
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. — Breakfast | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s Station.
9 – 9:50 a.m. — CORE 100: Identity, Culture, and Community (ICC) | Assigned Classrooms *
Students will walk to their assigned ICC classroom following breakfast.
10 a.m. — Morning Gathering | Church-Chapel *
Everyone will gather for important morning announcements before breaking into orientation groups.
10:30 – 11 a.m. — Surveys | Church-Chapel *
Following ICC, you’ll walk with your class to the Church-Chapel and take a survey administered by Justin Heinzekher from the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. You will also take the post-Welcome Week survey.
Afterward, we’ll hand out some of the gift cards that were earned throughout the week.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Student Engagement Fair | Schrock Plaza *
Students can find out what clubs and organizations are available to Goshen College students. Hosted by Student Life.
12 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch | Westlawn Dining Hall *
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
1:30 p.m. — Afternoon Gathering | Umble Center *
Everyone will gather for important announcements before breaking into orientation groups.
2 – 3 p.m. — Orientation Programs | Church-Chapel * Students will receive a gift during our closing ceremony as part of a long-standing tradition for new students.
This will conclude the required portions of Welcome Week. While the remaining Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule is optional, we encourage students to engage as much as possible.
3 – 5 p.m. — Taking Care of Business (optional) | Various offices
The hour before dinner is a great time for students to stop by offices and take care of any school-related business that needs to get done before classes begin. Meetings and gatherings may be scheduled during this time; students will be notified if they are invited to attend something.
3 – 10 p.m. — Open Recreation (optional) | Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC), Outdoor Courts
The Recreation-Fitness Center (RFC) is open and available for students after the required Welcome Week activities. Students can utilize the weight room on the main floor and the stationary bikes, elliptical machines, racquetball courts, and the indoor track upstairs and on the mezzanine. Beginning September 5, students can check out equipment at the front desk using their GC student ID card. Fall sports teams have priority with the weight room and gymnasium from 3 – 6 p.m.
4 – 6 p.m. — Athletic Practice | Various locations
New student-athletes participating in a fall sport will report to practice. Student-athletes should be dressed for practice following lunch so they can leave right after the last session. The dining hall will be open until 7 p.m. for dinner.
5 – 7 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s Station.
7 p.m. — Trivia Night (optional) | Newcomer Center, NC 19
End the week with trivia night! Students can bring a team or form one after they arrive. No need to sign up in advance. Hosted by Residence Life. The evening activities are optional, but all new students are encouraged to participate.
Saturday, August 26
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Continental Breakfast | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for new students who do not have a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s Station.
12 – 1 p.m. — Brunch | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of brunch will be covered for new students who do not have a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station. The dining hall will be open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; hot food will be served between 12 – 1 p.m.
12 – 4 p.m. — Afternoon at the Cabin (optional) | College Cabin at Witmer Woods
Participate in activities at the College Cabin. Hosted by Student Life.
5 – 6 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for new students who do not have a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
7 p.m. — Men’s Soccer vs. Lawrence Tech (optional) | GC Soccer Complex
Join other students and cheer on the men’s soccer team as they play against Lawrence Tech. The Athletics Department will host a water balloon fight during halftime.
Sunday, August 27
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Continental Breakfast | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of breakfast will be covered for new students who do not have a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
12 – 1 p.m. — Brunch | Westlawn Dining Hall
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of brunch will be covered for new students who do not have a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station. The dining hall will be open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; hot food will be served between 12 – 1 p.m.
3 – 4:30 p.m. — Guided Campus Tours (optional) | Schrock Plaza
Returning Goshen College students will offer guided campus tours for new students. New students can bring a copy of their class schedule and walk the path of their Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (MWF) schedules and Tuesday and Thursday (TR) schedules. New students can stop by Schrock Plaza, located outside the Harold & Wilma Good Library, anytime between 3- 4:30 p.m. to participate in this optional activity.
5 – 6 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn Dining Hall *
Students with meal plans will swipe their cards. The cost of dinner will be covered for new students who do not have a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan; sign in at the cashier’s station.
7 – 8:30 p.m. — Ice Cream Social (optional) | Westlawn Dining Hall *
Join other students for an ice cream social on the eve of the first day of classes. Hosted by Student Life.
Monday, August 28
First day of classes for the fall semester.