Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011
4-8 p.m.
Residence Hall Move-in
Residence Halls
When your student checks in to his or her assigned residence hall, a resident assistant will give him or her a room assignment and key. Moving your student in before you check in for Parent Orientation is recommended.
6-8 p.m.
Parent Orientation Check-in/Information Desk
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse
Check in and receive information that will help you navigate the weekend.
6-8:30 p.m.
Pirate Feast
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
New Pirates and their parents require sustenance and nutrition for the heavy lifting that accompanies shipping off to college. The galley is open. Stop in for your evening meal.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Parent Orientation Check-in/Information Desk
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse
Check in and receive information that will help you navigate the weekend.
9:15-9:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m., 4-4:30 p.m.
Student Financial Assistance
The Wilhelmina Cullen Admission Center, Conference Room
Office of Student Financial Assistance staff explain numerous resources available for students and families. This session will help you plan financially for your student’s Southwestern University education and provide an opportunity to ask questions about a variety of options.
10-10:15 a.m.
Orientation Welcome
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Join us for an official welcome from University President Jake B. Schrum ‘68.
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Academic Life Panel: Beyond the Grade
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Degree plans. Study abroad. First-Year/Advanced-Entry Seminar. Paideia®. Faculty and academic administrators discuss the University’s educational program, academic enrichment opportunities and resources for academic success.
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
First in Texas Brunch
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Enjoy a brunch celebrating Southwestern’s rich heritage as Texas’ first institution of higher education.
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Parents of Students with Disabilities
Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Conference Room 132
Join Southwestern’s Assistant Director of Academic and Access Resources Kimele Carter to learn about the resources available to students with disabilities.
1:30-2:45 p.m.
Student Life Panel: Making the Most of the SU Experience
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Campus entertainment. Roommates. Student organizations. Healthcare. Meal plans. Security. Internships. Religious life and more. Members of the Student Life staff provide an overview of programs and services available for students when they aren’t studying!
3-3:45 p.m.
Begin with the End in Mind
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Learn about campus resources available to help students make good choices early in their careers that will pay off – figuratively and literally – in the years to come. Hear about best practices for integrating personal, academic and career interests into a productive college experience, including student success stories. We’ll touch on coaching and mentoring for optimum academic performance, internships, fellowships, and planning for jobs and grad school. Students are invited to attend this session with their parents if their schedule permits.
4-5 p.m.
Varsity Athlete and Sport Club Meetings
F.W. Olin Building
Men’s Baseball, Room 105
Men’s Lacrosse, Room 110
Women’s Softball, Room 111
Women’s Basketball, Room 207
Men’s and Women’s Swimming, Room 209
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track, Room 222
Men’s Basketball, Room 226
Men’s Soccer, Room 305
Men’s and Women’s Golf, Room 322
Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Room 323
Club Sports/SIRA, Room 324
Corbin J. Robertson Center
Women’s Volleyball, Room 245
Women’s Soccer, Room 240
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Diversity Enrichment Committee Welcome Panel Discussion
Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Mabee Lobby
Celebrate the diverse cultures that comprise the Southwestern community and connect with faculty, staff and students at this session sponsored by the Diversity Enrichment Committee. Learn about Diversity Education programs and meet student representatives from SU Allies, Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice, EBONY, Kappa Delta Chi, Latinos Unidos, SU Native, and the Pan Asian Association.
5-7:30 p.m.
Captain Ruter’s Feast
With desserts served by The Association of Southwestern University Alumni
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Meet our larger-than-life mascot, Capatin Ruter, at a dinner honoring Southwestern’s athletic achievements, past and present.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Southwestern Resource Fair
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Bishops Memorial Lounge
Southwestern welcomes all Pirates and Pirate Parents to learn about numerous campus resources! Stop by each information table, and join the community informed!
The Achievement Equation: Students + CAS = Academic Success
How can students increase their odds of academic success at Southwestern? Visit the Center for Academic Success (CAS)! The peer and professional staff members of CAS will address your questions about students making the most of their academic experience, whether it’s through academic coaching, assistance with choosing a major, finding a tutor or receiving classroom accommodations.
All About Career Services
Begin with the end in mind! Maximize your student’s opportunities to prepare for professional life through effective career planning during the college years. Learn about building essential career skills (resume development, interviewing skills, networking skills), finding internships, and other career resources.
Civic Engagement
Explore student opportunities for civic engagement as a volunteer, activist or community-based learner in Central Texas. Get information about local organizations dealing with a variety of systemic issues and learn about tools that can help your student integrate these experiences into his/her life at Southwestern.
Healthy Living
The Office of Counseling and Health Services is available to discuss the resources available to support your student’s physical and psychological well-being while attending Southwestern.
Intercultural Learning
Learn about study abroad opportunities. Fifty percent of Southwestern students study abroad, so come see what the buzz is about.
Meet ITS: The Information Technology Staff
Mac? PC? Connecting to the Internet. Wireless hotspots. Get all of your tech-related questions answered by the Southwestern ITS staff.
University Police
University police officers answer questions about campus crime prevention programs, building and residence hall security, traffic and parking enforcement and other campus safety concerns. SUPD will be available throughout the day on the Concourse.
Business Office
Staff members from Southwestern’s Business Office answer your questions about tuition bills, payment plans, account credits and more.
Southwestern Intramural & Recreational Activities (SIRA)
Learn about your student’s opportunities for physical, social and educational development through participation in intramural sports, fitness programs, sport clubs and outdoor recreation. SIRA takes fun seriously and strives to provide students with activities that contribute to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Pirate Card Office
Stop by with your student to pick up his/her newly printed Pirate Card. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about Pirate Card capabilities and use until 7 p.m.
7:30-9 p.m.
Greetings from Georgetown!
The Williamson County Courthouse
The Greater Georgetown Association of Southwestern University Alumni invites new parents to enjoy a private event at the newly restored 100-year-old Williamson County Courthouse, located at the center of the Georgetown Square. Hear about Georgetown and Southwestern history, tour the courthouse and enjoy appetizers and drinks.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2011
9-10:30 a.m.
Partnering for Success: Parents, Students and Southwestern
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballroom
Like you, Southwestern has deep and broad aspirations for your student. For the next four years, University faculty and staff want to partner with you on how to “coach” your student in making his or her educational experience a successful one. Staff from Academic Affairs, Student Life and Parent Relations encourage your participation in this interactive session, based on materials included in your Parent Handbook. Together we can envision what it means to graduate from Southwestern as a self-sufficient adult capable of making a difference in the world. The Parent Handbook also can be read online. A Spanish-speaking facilitator will be available.
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Southwestern Traditions Brunch
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Discover some of Southwestern’s favorite traditions while enjoying a traditional Sunday brunch.
11 a.m.
Worship Service
Lois Perkins Chapel
Join us for an ecumenical service led by University Chaplain Beverly Jones and Bishop-in-Residence Joe A. Wilson ‘59.
Following the Worship Service
Chaplain’s Reception
Lois Perkins Chapel Narthex and Chapel Garden
Meet Dr. Jones and Bishop Wilson along with other families and students.
1 p.m.
Legacy Photo
Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Mabee Lobby
A Southwestern tradition. If your student is a child or relative of a Southwestern alumnus or alumna, bring him or her along to join in a group photo with other Southwestern students and alumni.
2 p.m.
Matriculation Convocation
Corbin J. Robertson Center, Robertson Courts
The defining event of Orientation Weekend, the matriculation ceremony marks the official induction of students as members of the Southwestern community. Faculty dress in academic regalia for this formal ceremony. Casual dress is encouraged for families and students. Seating begins at 1:15 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
New Student Photo
Score Quadrangle (outside of the Corbin J. Robertson Center)
Watch as your student joins his or her fellow students for a photo of all incoming Pirates.
3:15 p.m.
Parent Orientation Concludes
Thank you for coming and safe travels!
