Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2009
4-8 p.m.
Residence Hall Move-in
Residence Halls
When your student checks in to her/his residence hall, a resident assistant will give her/him 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 the information that will help you navigate Parent Orientation 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 15, 2009
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Check-in/Information Desk
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse
Check in and receive the information that will help you navigate Parent Orientation Weekend.
10-10:15 a.m.
Orientation Welcome
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Jones Theater
Join us for an official welcome from University President Jake B. Schrum '68 and other members of the Southwestern family, and receive an introduction to Southwestern's learning and living philosophy.
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Academic Life Panel: Beyond the Grade
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Jones Theater
Degree plans. Study abroad. First-Year Seminar. Paideia®. Faculty and academic administrators discuss the University's educational program, academic enrichment opportunities and resources for academic success.
10:30 a.m.-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.
1:30-2:45 p.m.
Student Life Panel: Making the Most of the SU Experience
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Jones 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.
Parents of Students with Disabilities
A. Frank Smith Jr. Library Center, Prothro Room
Join Southwestern's Assistant Director for Academic & Access Resources Kimele Carter to learn about the resources available to students with disabilities.
3-3:45 p.m.
Begin with the End in Mind
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Jones Theater
Your student is just beginning college, but you are probably already interested in the impact of the significant investment that is college on your student's future. Hear from current students about their best practices for integrating personal, academic and career interests into a productive college experience that spans all four years, and 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. This session will be repeated.
3-3:45 p.m.
Student Financial Assistance
The Wilhelmina Cullen Admission Center, Conference Room
Meet the staff of the Office of Student Financial Assistance and learn about the resources available for students and families. Information will be provided to help you plan financially for the future years of your student's Southwestern University education. This session will be repeated.
4-4:45 p.m.
Begin with the End in Mind
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Jones Theater
See description above.
4-4:45 p.m.
Student Financial Assistance
The Wilhelmina Cullen Admission Center, Conference Room
See description above.
4-5 p.m.
Varsity Athlete and Sport Club Meetings
F.W. Olin Building
Men's Baseball, Room 105
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
Men's Lacrosse, Room 110
Corbin J. Robertson Center
Women's Volleyball, Room 245
Women's Soccer, Room 240
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Diversity Enrichment Committee Welcome Reception
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballroom
Celebrate the diverse cultures that comprise the Southwestern community and connect with faculty, staff and students at this reception sponsored by the Diversity Enrichment Committee. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about Diversity Education programs and meet representatives from student organizations.
5-7:30 p.m.
Southwestern Tailgate Dinner
(with dessert served by The Association of Southwestern University Alumni)
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Seize the Pirate spirit at a dinner honoring Southwestern's athletic achievements, past and present.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Southwestern Tailgate Bazaar
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Bishops Memorial Lounge
Southwestern welcomes all rookie Pirates to the team! Stop by each table for information and treats. Join the community informed!
The Achievement Equation: You + Us = Academic Success
How can you increase your 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 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 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 good internships, and other career resources. Take some time to meet the Career Services staff and let them answer any questions you might have.
Civic Engagement
Explore 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 her/his life at Southwestern.
Diversity Enrichment
Learn more about diversity enrichment programs, celebrations and workshops.
Healthy Living
The Offices of Health Services and Counseling Services are 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.
Religious Life
As an expression of Southwestern's historic commitment that faith and learning belong together, the Office of Religious Life assists students in nurturing their spiritual lives and enhancing the religious dimension of their education. Learn about the Office of Religious Life, student-led religious organizations and area houses of worship that provide Southwestern students with opportunities for involvement and growth.
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.
7:30-8:30 p.m.
SU Family Mixer
Red and Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballroom
Meet and mingle with other first-year Southwestern families. Enjoy refreshments, get to know others from your city or region, and win some fabulous Southwestern door prizes!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009
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 this educational experience a successful one of her/his own. Staff from Academic Affairs, Student Life and Parent Relations encourage your participation in this interactive session, based on materials included in your Parent Handbook, so that 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 found online at http://www.southwestern.edu/parents.
10:30 a.m.-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.
11-11:45 a.m.
Worship Service
Lois Perkins Chapel
Join us for an ecumenical service led by University Chaplain, Dr. Beverly Jones and Bishop-in-Residence, Bishop Joe A. Wilson '59.
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Chaplain's Reception
Lois Perkins Chapel Narthex and Chapel Garden
Meet Dr. Jones and Bishop Wilson along with other families and students coming to Southwestern. Punch will be served.
1 p.m.
Legacy Photo
F.W. Olin Building, Lobby
A Southwestern tradition. If your student is a child or relative of a Southwestern alumnus/a, bring her/him 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.
Class Photo
Score Quadrangle (outside of the Corbin J. Robertson Center)
Watch as your student joins her/his entering classmates for an official class photo.
3 p.m.
Parent Orientation Concludes
Thank you for coming and safe travels!

