New Student Orientation

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. Each new student's account will be charged a $60 one-time Orientation Fee to pay for food, supplies and entertainment during the weekend.

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!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Schedule is subject to change, especially as guidance regarding COVID-19 is updated to reflect the current situation in Arkansas and Clark County. All activities will follow the most current standards for health precautions, including such measures as physical distancing, frequent hand sanitation and face coverings in certain circumstances.

* Simulcast locations around campus will be available to maximize physical distancing. Masks will be required for indoor locations.

Friday, August 14

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. By Appointment Only: Move-in, Residence Halls

To maximize physical distancing, move-in this year will be conducted by appointment only and with additional special protocols in place in light of COVID-19. Links to sign up for an appointment will be sent via email to new incoming students on July 23. See complete instructions for move-in here.

Lunch, On Your Own

Grab lunch on your own at one of our local eateries. Some of our favorite options will be included in your welcome packet when you arrive. Some local restaurants are offering take-out only, but you are welcome to bring your meal back to campus and eat picnic style or grab a table at Evans Student Center.

5:30 p.m.: Welcome Home Lawn Party, Cone-Bottoms Lawn

Join us on the lawn of Cone-Bottoms Hall for refreshments and music. Ouachita President Ben Sells would love to greet you there; he also will be around throughout the day in hopes of greeting each of you and your family members.

- - - The rest of the orientation schedule is for students only - - -

Dinner, Ouachita Commons & Evans Student Center

Use your meal plan at the Ouachita Commons cafeteria or Evans Student Center at your convenience.

7 p.m.: Welcome Worship, JPAC & Various Simulcast Locations*

Join us for an evening of worship. Simulcast locations around campus will be available to maximize physical distancing. Masks will be required for indoor locations.

8:30 p.m.: Small Group Time: Getting to Know You, Various Locations

Throughout orientation, we will spend time with our Small Groups, learning about Ouachita and each other and getting you ready to start the semester as a Tiger.

9:30 p.m.: First Night Residence Hall Events

Residence Life at Ouachita is all about community. To celebrate your first night together, games and other events will be available to continue building friendships and having fun.

Saturday, August 15

9 a.m.: Small Group Time: The Reason We’re Here, Various Locations

10 a.m.: Student Life Panel, JPAC & Various Simulcast Locations*

Hear a real take on student life at Ouachita from upperclassmen who serve in leadership roles around campus. Come ready with questions that they will answer live.

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Speed Friending // Lunch, Walker Conference Center, Ouachita Commons & Evans Student Center*

While some Small Groups eat lunch, others will participate in a “speed friending” activity to quickly make connections with even more of your fellow classmates and put names with faces.

2-6 p.m.: Lake Day & Dinner, DeGray Lake Resort State Park

We will take advantage of the natural beauty of nearby DeGray Lake Resort State Park for a time of relaxation and connections. Bring a towel, wear a swimsuit and enjoy refreshments, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, slacklines, yard games and swimming. Dinner will be available from local food trucks.

7-9 p.m.: Faculty/Staff Dessert Mixer // Trivia Night

Small Groups will take turns meeting and mingling with faculty and staff members over dessert and attending Trivia Night on Ouachita’s history, culture and lifestyle.

9 p.m.: Choose Your Own Adventure, Various Locations

A variety of activities will be available around campus, like board games, a movie screening, basketball and sand volleyball.

Sunday, August 16

9 a.m.: Worship & God’s Word, JPAC & Various Locations*

We will worship together on campus this Sunday and receive instructions for today’s activities. 

10 a.m.: Small Group Time, Various Locations

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch // Class Schedule Campus Tour

Small Groups will take turns eating lunch and exploring campus to find the locations of their classes for the fall semester.

3 p.m.: Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt

Small Groups will take on a campus-wide scavenger hunt using the Goose Chase app.

5-7 p.m.: Dinner

Small Groups will take turns eating dinner to maximize physical distancing.

7:30 p.m.: Tiger For Life Session, Cliff Harris Stadium

Take your place in Tiger history as a Tiger For Life by receiving your traditional freshman beanie. Wear your Tiger For Life T-shirt for a class photo!

8:30 p.m.: Tailgate Party, Cliff Harris Stadium Parking Lot

Enjoy dinner, music and time with friends.