New Student Orientation

FALL Welcome to Ouachita's World

Friday, August 21 - Monday, August 24, 2026

The purpose of new student orientation is to introduce you to life at Ouachita and to help you make the most of the opportunities that await you.

During Welcome to Ouachita’s World (WOW), you will have the opportunity to get to know other new students, meet some of Ouachita’s outstanding faculty and staff and spend time with WOW student leaders.

New student orientation will provide you valuable information about the resources that are here for you, as well as help you get plugged in across campus.

We are committed to your success and to helping you achieve your educational and personal goals. WOW is all about you, so jump in and take advantage of all that orientation offers! Welcome to Ouachita!

Friday, Aug. 21

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. – Move In

2:00-3:15 p.m. – Cone-Bottoms Lawn Party

3:30-4:30 p.m. – New Beginnings, Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC)

The remainder of the Orientation schedule is for students only.

4:45-5:00 p.m. – WOW Opening Session, JPAC

5:15-6:00 p.m. – WOW Group Introductions

6:00-7:00 p.m. – Dinner, Ouachita Commons

8:00-9:00 p.m. – Welcome Worship, JPAC

9:00-10:30 p.m. – Optional Late-night Movie, Rec and S’mores, Village Circle

Saturday, Aug. 22

8:30-9:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast, Grant Plaza

9:00-10:00 a.m. – WOW Group Time – Community Part I

10:00-11:45 a.m. – WOW Large Group – Life at Ouachita

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m. – Living the ResHall Life, various locations

3:00-4:00 p.m. – WOW Group Time – Community Part II

4:00-4:30 p.m. – WOW Large Group – Academics, Walker

4:30-5:30 p.m. – Academic Majors Mixer, various locations

5:30-6:30 p.m. – Dinner, Ouachita Commons

7:00-8:30 p.m. – Scoops (Dessert) at Faculty/Staff Homes

9:00-10:00 p.m. – Live Music #atDrJacks

Sunday, Aug. 23

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Church with Family Groups

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch, Ouachita Commons

2:00-4:00 p.m. – Afternoon Options: ResLife & RecLife Activities

4:00-5:00 p.m. - WOW Large Group – Traditions at Ouachita, Walker

5:00-6:00 p.m. – Dinner

6:00-7:00 p.m. – WOW Group Time – Traditions

7:00-9:30 p.m. – Silent Disco, Tiger Den

Monday, Aug. 24

8:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast

9:00-10:00 a.m. – WOW Large Group – Class Starts Tomorrow, Walker

Tiger Success Orientation REMINDER

10:00-11:30 a.m. – WOW Group Time – Let’s Find Our Classes (schedule walks and tips)

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch

2:00-3:00 p.m. – Puppies and Popsicles, Cone-Bottoms Lawn

3:00-4:15 p.m. – Involvement Fair, Beginning at the Tiger Statue

5:00-6:30 p.m. – Dinner

7:00-7:45 p.m. – WOW Group Time, Coming to a Close

7:45-8:30 p.m. – Tigers4Life, JPAC

8:30-9:00 p.m. – Beanie Ceremony, Ampitheatre

9:00-10:30 p.m. – Purple and Gold Party, Walker Conference Center

What does WOW stand for?
WOW stands for “Welcome to Ouachita’s World” which is Ouachita’s New Student Orientation event.

What Ouachita traditions will we experience at WOW?
WOW itself, is the first big tradition that new students will take part in. It offers a taste of all that Ouachita has to offer!

Where should I check for WOW updates?
We will post updates on this webpage, obu.edu/wow.

Will I need money for WOW activities?
No, WOW activities are already covered in your orientation fees, so nothing will have to be out-of-pocket.

Where do I get my nametag?
Your nametag and schedule will be waiting for you when you move in your room.

Will I have time to get my student ID and pick up books from the bookstore?
Yes! If you haven’t had your ID photo taken, Student Development will be open for you have your Ouachita student ID made.

Where & when do I pick up my parking pass?
Campus Safety will be distributing and applying parking permits during move-in.

NOT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT AT WOW?

Check out this video to get a glimpse into what WOW in the fall typically looks like.