New Student Orientation

Welcome to Ouachita's World

Friday-Monday, Aug. 19-22, 2022

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!

Friday, Aug. 19

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Move In

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – New Beginnings

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – See You Soon! Lawn Party, Cone-Bottoms Lawn

The remainder of the Orientation schedule is for students only

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – WOW Family Group Rally – then follow your new group to small group time

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

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Community Worship Celebration, JPAC

9:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Live Music #atDrJacks

Saturday, Aug. 20

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – WOW Family Time – Community

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Student Life at Ouachita, JPAC

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Residence Hall Meetings (Mandatory)

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – WOW Family Time – The Reason We’re Here

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Academic Majors Mixer, various locations

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Caribbean Night Dinner, Ouachita Commons

7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – SCOOPS with Faculty and Staff

8:30 p.m. – late – Choose your own adventure:

Board Games
Movie
Basketball
Sand Volleyball

Sunday, Aug. 21

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Church with Family Groups

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

1:30 – 5:00 p.m. – Trivia / Speed Friending / Bingo / Treats

1:30 – 3:45 p.m. – School of Fine Arts Voice Placement

3:45 – 5:30 p.m. – School of Fine Arts Non-Music Majors Choral Auditions

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Dinner

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – WOW Family Time – Traditions

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Water Games!

Monday, Aug. 22

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Student Panel – Class Starts Tomorrow!

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Non-Music Major Choral Auditions

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. – Tiger Success Orientation, Young Auditorium in Hickingbotham Hall

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Academic Success Center Fundamentals of Reading CLEP Testing (An email will be sent to your Ouachita email account with details about this testing. For questions, call 870-245-5381.)

1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – LAKE DAY!!!

7:00 – 7:30 p.m. – WOW Family Time Coming to a Close

7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Tigers4Life, JPAC

8:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Beanie Ceremony

9:00 – 10:30(ish) p.m. – Purple and Gold Dessert Party and Karaoke, Walker Conference Center

What does WOW stand for?

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

When does my family have to leave?

We understand that every family schedule is different, but we ask that parents leave campus after the "See You Soon Lawn Party" at 5:00 p.m. on Friday Aug. 19. The rest of the schedule for the weekend is for students only.

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! From live music to Tiger Traks to enjoying Lake DeGray, you ‘ll be ready for life in Arkadelphia at Ouachita Baptist University!

Where should I check for WOW updates?

We will post updates on this webpage, obu.edu/wow.

Will we get to meet current students and faculty during WOW?

Every WOW small group will be assigned current student orientation leaders. There will opportunities to meet faculty and staff as well.

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?

Stay tuned for the time and location.

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?

Stay tuned for the time and location.