Orientation

Raider Nation Orientation

Aug. 18-20, 2023

We’re eager to greet you as you arrive on campus for Raider Nation Orientation Aug. 18-20. Our orientation staff (O-Staff) are upperclassmen who love Northwestern’s unique community and can’t wait for you to experience it yourself as you prepare for the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and social growth that will happen during your years at NWC. The O-Staff will help make your transition to college life easier through a three-day orientation that includes opportunities to:

  • Meet other new freshmen and transfers
  • Get to know the students in your residence hall
  • Learn about Northwestern's programs, resources and services
  • Gain leadership and team-building skills
  • Worship with other members of the NWC community
  • Have dessert with your First-Year Seminar professor
  • Enjoy the popular O-Show (a Northwestern tradition) and other fun events

Residence halls open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18. Go directly to your assigned hall to move in between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pick up a key at the check-in station in your residence hall. After you get your key, you can proceed to move in to your room.

Commuter students should check in at the student life office on the second floor of the Ramaker Center.

We've reserved Friday morning for you to move in and get settled. Here's some helpful information to make that process easier:

If you are flying, the closest airports are in Sioux City, Iowa, (SUX) and Sioux Falls, South Dakota (FSD). We provide a free airport shuttle service for new students from these airports during orientation weekend. Please plan your travel according to this schedule. These are the only times college transportation is available:

DateSioux Falls, SDSioux City, IA
Friday, August 18 Noon 1 p.m.

To schedule airport-to-campus transportation, contact Amber DenHartog by Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 712-707-7200 or by email.


Orientation Schedule

* Orientation events for which attendance is required

FIRST= First-year students
TRNF= Transfer students
PAR= Parents or family members


Friday, Aug 18

9:00 AM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Move-In

Residence halls

Welcome to Northwestern! Once you arrive on campus, you may go directly to your assigned residence hall. If you're a commuter student or unsure of your housing assignment, check in at the Ramaker Center. Once moved in, you can do the following:

  • Get your ID card photo taken if you weren't given your card upon arrival (Ramaker Center 2nd floor)
  • Verify student employment forms (I-9). Bring two forms of ID. (Rowenhorst Student Center)
  • Visit the campus bookstore (Rowenhorst Student Center)
  • Pick up your mailroom key (Rowenhorst Student Center)

10:00 AM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Campus Tours (optional)

Meet in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons

If you haven’t already seen Northwestern’s campus—or would like another look—join this guided tour led by an admissions ambassador or counselor.

11:00 AM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Brunch

DeWitt Center Cafeteria

This meal is provided free to guests compliments of the Northwestern College advancement office.

11:00 AM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Campus Tour (optional)

Meet in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons

We’re offering a second opportunity to take part in a guided tour of campus, in case 11:00 AM works better with your schedule.

2:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Opening Ceremony*

Christ Chapel

Gather with other members of the class of 2027, transfer students and parents as we welcome you into the community of Northwestern College. We're glad you're here!

3:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Residence Hall Meetings*

Residence halls

If you're a new student transitioning from home to dorm life, this is your opportunity to meet your resident director (RD), resident assistants (RA), and the people on your wing.

3:00 PM

PAR

Parent Program

Christ Chapel

Parents and family members are invited to informational panel sessions that will provide answers to questions you may have about your student’s Northwestern College experience.

3:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Commuter Lounge Tour

Students who live off campus are invited to check out a hang-out and study space created especially for them.

4:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

O-Groups*

Campus green in front of Christ Chapel

Meet your O-Staff leader and get acquainted with other new students. Freshmen will meet with the students who will be in their First-Year Seminar (FYS) class. Transfer students will meet with other transfer students.

5:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Picnic on the Green

Campus Green

All new students and their families are invited to enjoy a free picnic on our campus green, provided compliments of Creative Dining, the college’s food service provider. Bring your own lawn chairs or blanket.

Rain location: DeWitt Fitness Center 4-court gym

6:30 PM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Legacy Photo

Christ Chapel lobby

Are you part of a Northwestern tradition? The second, third--even fourth--generation to attend NWC? Then join other legacy students and their parents for a group photo.

7:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

PAR

Commissioning Service

Christ Chapel

Join us for a time of worship, during which we will commission and dedicate you for your new role as a Northwestern College student.

Following the commissioning service, we request that parents say their goodbyes and begin their journey back home. The remainder of the schedule is designed for students only.

8:30 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Screen on the Green

Campus Green

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket as we enjoy the movie How to Train Your Dragon (PG) together on our campus green. The movie will start at sunset (weather permitting).

10:30 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Community Time

Residence halls

Your resident assistant (RA) has some fun activities planned for the evening!

Saturday, Aug 19

8:50 AM

FIRST

TRNF

Breakfast

Campus Green

A grab-and-go breakfast is available prior to the start of Saturday's activities.

9:00 AM

FIRST

Navigating Northwestern (for first-year students)*

Campus green in front of Christ Chapel

Navigate campus with your O-Group and participate together in the morning orientation program. Activities will include student/faculty panels, classroom technology tutorials, and other team-building exercises with your FYS class.

10:00 AM

TRNF

Navigating Northwestern (for transfer students)*

Campus green in front of Christ Chapel

Navigate campus with your transfer student O-Group and participate together in the morning orientation program. Activities will include student/faculty panels, classroom technology tutorials, and other team-building exercises.

12:00 PM

FIRST

Lunch

DeWitt Center Cafeteria

12:00 PM

TRNF

Transfer Student Lunch

To be determined

Join fellow transfer students for lunch following the morning orientation program.

1:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Bodies, Boundaries and Bystander Intervention: Title IX at Northwestern*

Christ Chapel

In this session, you'll learn about Northwestern’s vision for sexual relationships, what we’re doing to prevent sexual assault and misconduct on campus, and what you can do to help make this a safe place to learn and grow.

2:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Major Meet & Greet*

Various locations

Academics can be the hardest part of college. This session will prepare you for a successful academic career at Northwestern and give you the opportunity to meet other students and professors from your department. Please see the back of your lanyard for your assigned room.

3:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Campus Offices Open

Campus offices (business office, financial aid, registrar, student employment and student life) will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

3:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Individual Adviser Meetings Available

Adviser's office

Your faculty adviser provides guidance throughout your college years to help you maximize your learning at Northwestern. Individual meetings can be scheduled during this time to make any last-minute schedule adjustments.

4:00 PM

FIRST

Writing Studio Placement Test

Vogel Community Room, DeWitt Learning Commons

If you didn't submit your ACT or SAT scores to Northwestern, you will be notified that you need to take this placement test during Orientation to help determine the appropriate level of courses in which to enroll.

5:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Picnic with President Christy

President Christy's home (106 Martin Dr.)

Join President Greg Christy and his wife, Michelle, at their home for a picnic dinner. Wear your lanyard. It will serve as your meal ticket. Parking is limited, so students are encouraged to ride a shuttle. Shuttle vans will depart from the plaza in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons.

7:30 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Games on the Green

Campus Green

Let off some steam by taking part in some fun lawn games on the campus green.

10:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

O-Prov

Allen Black Box Theatre, DeWitt Theatre Arts Center

Share in the fun and laughter with Northwestern’s hilarious improv group, Black V.

Sunday, Aug 20

8:30 AM

FIRST

TRNF

Sunday Morning Worship

Local churches

You're invited to join our student leaders in attending a local church. Each residence hall will have an option available for attending a church service together. If you would like to attend a different service, a list of churches and service times will be made available to you.

11:30 AM

FIRST

TRNF

Sunday Brunch

DeWitt Center Cafeteria

1:45 PM

TRNF

Transfer Student Blue Bunny Run

Meet in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons.

Visit the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” for some free ice cream! Meet at the plaza in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons to catch a ride to Le Mars.

1:45 PM

FIRST

Dessert with Your First-Year Seminar Professor*

Meet in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons

Meet with your small group and enjoy dessert together. This is a great way to get to know your FYS instructor.

3:30 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Walmart Shuttle

Rowenhorst Student Center parking lot

We will offer a complimentary shuttle to Walmart in Sioux Center, departing at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Return shuttles from Walmart back to campus are scheduled for 4:15 and 5:15 p.m.

5:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Dinner

DeWitt Center Cafeteria

7:30 PM

FIRST

TRNF

The O-Show

Christ Chapel

Get to know your college through this show about the thrills, chills and spills of life at Northwestern, starring the O-Staff.

9:00 PM

FIRST

TRNF

Praise & Worship Candlelight Service

Campus Green

Join us for the first Sunday night Praise & Worship (P&W) of the school year. There will be a prayer dedication and a special candle-lighting ceremony.

Tuesday, Aug 22

11:05 AM

FIRST

TRNF

Opening Convocation: Dr. Nate Phinney, vice president for academic affairs

Christ Chapel

On the first day of classes, join other new and returning students, faculty and staff for an opening convocation celebrating the start of a new school year.

Dr. Nathan Phinney


* Orientation events for which attendance is required

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