Raider Nation Orientation
Aug. 23-25, 2024
We’re eager to greet you as you arrive on campus for Raider Nation Orientation Aug. 23-25. 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
- Find your classrooms and important campus offices
- Enjoy the popular O-Show (a Northwestern tradition) and other fun events
Residence halls open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23. 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:
Orientation Schedule
FIRST= First-year students
TRNF= Transfer students
PAR= Parents or family members
Friday, Aug 23
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)
9:15 AM
FIRST
TRNF
PAR
Student Employment
Rowenhorst Student Center (near mailroom window)
Here's your opportunity to learn about on-campus student employment opportunities and to fill out the required payroll forms. Even if you don't plan on working on campus right away, it's a smart move to have these forms filled out in advance so if you decide to--for example--play in the pep band, write an article for the student newspaper or serve as a peer tutor, you can earn some extra cash.
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.
10:00 AM
FIRST
TRNF
PAR
1st-Generation Raider
Rowenhorst Student Center (near mailroom)
A 1st-Gen Raider is a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree. If this is you, stop by the 1st-Gen Raider table between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to find out how we help you succeed. If you have questions, contact Tanya Vaas at tanya.vaas@nwciowa.edu or stop by her desk located by the south entrance of the Ramaker Center.
11:00 AM
FIRST
TRNF
PAR
Lunch
DeWitt Center Cafeteria
Help yourself to lunch anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This meal is provided free to guests compliments of the Northwestern College advancement office.
11:00 AM
FIRST
TRNF
PAR
Campus Tours (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 a.m. works better with your schedule.
2:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
PAR
Opening Ceremony*
Christ Chapel
Gather with other members of the class of 2028, transfer students and parents as we welcome you into the community of Northwestern College. We're glad you're here!
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
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.
4:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
Commuter Student Meet and Greet
Meet in front of the DeWitt Family Science Center
If you will be living off campus, you’re invited to meet other commuters and learn about the study space created especially for you.
4:00 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.
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. If your family can’t attend the picnic, you can enjoy dinner with your resident assistant (RA) and wing mates. 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 gather with 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 Pixar movie Cars together on our campus green. The movie will start at sunset (weather permitting).
Rain location: DeWitt Fitness Center 4-court gym
Saturday, Aug 24
8:40 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Breakfast
Campus Green
A grab-and-go breakfast is available between the DeWitt Learning Commons and Christ Chapel prior to the start of Saturday’s activities.
9:00 AM
FIRST
TRNF
The Ins and Outs of NWC*
Christ Chapel
Learn the importance of daily systems that help you function at NWC. This session includes information on chapel cards, campus safety, meal plans, and student activities.
9:30 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Blackboard Tutorial*
Christ Chapel
This vital session will familiarize you with the online learning platform Blackboard. Blackboard is what your professors will use to communicate with you about course assignments, expectations, study materials and more.
10:00 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Morning Break
10:15 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Thriving at Northwestern*
Christ Chapel
College can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. This session is geared toward the “unknowns” that come with starting college: study habits, deciding a major, and homesickness.
Note: “Thriving at Northwestern” is optional for transfer students.
11:00 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Lunch with O-Groups
DeWitt Center Cafeteria
To help with cafeteria traffic, your O-Group will be assigned a lunch time. Please consult with your O-Staff leaders about when you are scheduled to eat.
1:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
Major Meet and 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.
2:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
PAR
Campus Offices Open
Campus offices—business office, financial aid, registrar, human resources (student employment), and student life (ID cards)—will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
2:00 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.
3:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
Free Time
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.
Rain location: DeWitt Fitness Center 4-court gym
6:30 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. Games include cornhole, 9-square, spikeball and more!
8:00 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.
9:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
Welcome Dance
DeWitt Theatre Arts Center
Shake off any college jitters by enjoying a dance with fellow first-year students in the theatre lobby. Snacks provided.
Sunday, Aug 25
8:30 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Sunday Morning Worship at Local Churches
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
Enjoy a Sunday morning brunch anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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
Navigating Northwestern*
Christ Chapel
Navigate campus with your O-Group by locating all of your classrooms for the fall semester. Additionally, learn the locations and services of important NWC offices such as computing services, the Wellness Center, the Compass Center, and the Peer Learning Center.
3:00 PM
TRNF
Transfer Student Blue Bunny Run
Le Mars, Iowa
Visit the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” for some free ice cream! Meet at the plaza in front of the DeWitt Learning Commons.
3:00 PM
FIRST
Are You Ready?
Campus Green
Have any lingering questions? This is a great time to ask your O-Group leaders anything NWC-related so that you feel 100% ready for your first day of classes.
3:30 PM
FIRST
TRNF
Free Time
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.
Monday, Aug 26
8:00 PM
FIRST
TRNF
Mandatory All-Hall Meetings*
Various locations
Join all of the new students in your dorm to learn important information about your residence hall. Ask your RA about the specific time and location for your dorm meeting, which will take place between 8 and 10 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug 27
11:05 AM
FIRST
TRNF
Opening Convocation: Dr. Nate Phinney, vice president for academic affairs
Christ Chapel
Join other new and returning students, faculty, and staff for an opening convocation celebrating the start of a new school year.
