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:
| Date | Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux 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.
- NWC Class of 2027 Instagram page
- Guest registration/RSVP
- Area accommodations and Orange City restaurants and shopping
- RED Checklist
Orientation Schedule
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.
