Welcome Week

Schedule of Events

Please note:

• * are required sessions for ALL STUDENTS
• ^ are required sessions for Residential Students
• + are required sessions for Commuter Students

Thursday, August 18 – Connect.

*11 a.m.–1 p.m. Welcome Week Fair and Complete Your New Student Checklist
CAMPUS MALL

Visit campus resources and complete your new student checklist. Pick up your student ID, learn about BC Bucks, chat with Parkhurst Dining representatives and more.

Noon-1 p.m. Meet and Greet with the President Optional
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS, GREAT ROOM

Families, come to our meet and greet session with President and Mrs. Bushman and Dean Leslie Frere, VP of Student Life, while enjoying light refreshments.

*4-6:30 p.m. Connect. Engage. Belong.
SOAR MENTOR ROOM (LOCATION ON STICKER IN SCHEDULE) AND DINNER ROTATION

Meet your Soar Mentor and other members of your FILA-150 class for your first official meeting at Bridgewater College! You’ll go over your Welcome Week schedule, get to know one another better and begin to earn points for the BC Cup!

*6:30 p.m. Soaring to New Heights Together: Strengthening the Eagles Family in a Time of Change
Presenter: Derek Greenfield
CAMPUS MALL (RAIN LOCATION: COLE HALL)

In this engaging and exciting session, you will gain powerful insights to successfully navigating the transition to college and take advantage of this opportunity to develop into the best version of yourself. Get ready for a special experience to learn, laugh and love your decision to be at BC even more!
Sponsored by BC Student Life, the Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Natural Sciences and the School of Professional Studies.

*8:45 p.m. Hall Meeting, Commuter Connects and Smiley’s Ice Cream Social
RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS: MEET AT YOUR RESIDENCE HALL
COMMUTERS: MEET IN THE BOITNOTT ROOM

Residential students will join the RAs in their building to unwind and get to know others in their residence hall. Commuters will meet other commuting students and Soar Mentor staff who will help them navigate Welcome Week and the fall semester. Your group will end up on the Campus Mall for Smiley’s ice cream and music by DJ Dook.

Friday, August 19 – Engage.

7-8:45 a.m. Breakfast
MAIN DINING HALL

Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

*9:30-11:30 a.m. FILA-150 and Advising Session
SOAR MENTOR ROOM LOCATION ON STICKER-NOTE FRIDAY LOCATION

Meet your FILA-150 professor as you participate in your first FILA-150 class! Hear about your FILA-150 topic, ask questions and finalize your class schedule.

*11:30 a.m. Honor Council Introductions and Lunch
SOAR MENTOR ROOM LOCATION ON STICKER-NOTE FRIDAY LOCATION

Meet the chair of the Honor Council for an introduction to the Honor Code and the role the Honor Council plays at Bridgewater College. Lunch will be delivered to your room.

*Noon Department Meeting for Your Academic Major
SEE HANDOUT FROM SOAR MENTORS

Meet professors and department chairs from your major. Learn more about your major and have any questions answered.

*1:30 p.m. Class of 2026 Picture
INTRAMURAL FIELD

Meet to take the official Class of 2026 picture. Remember to wear your Class of 2026
T-shirt!

*2 p.m. Bridgewater Cup Challenge
FUNKHOUSER WELLNESS CENTER GYM

FILA-150 classes battle it out for the First-Year Championship Cup! You’ll be challenged physically, mentally and strategically through a series of activities to earn points for the BC Cup. Wear your class shirt and be prepared to move!

*4:30–8 p.m. Time with Your Soar Mentor and Dinner Rotation
MAIN DINING HALL

Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals. FILA-150 groups will spend time with their Soar Mentors, go through a dinner rotation, and check out the college campus. Use this time to ask any questions you may have and continue to get to know other members of the BC community.

7:45 p.m. Meet Your RA for Travelin’ Max
RAS WILL LET YOU KNOW WHERE TO MEET

*8-9 p.m. Travelin’ Max Mixer
CAMPUS MALL (RAIN LOCATION: MAIN DINING HALL)

Join your RA and enjoy a night of music, laughter and connection at the Travelin’ Max Mixer. Sing along to beloved songs, dance and get some fun giveaways! Make sure to grab a root beer float to enjoy during the show.

Saturday, August 20 – Engage.

8:30-9:15 a.m. Grab and Go: Welcome Week Breakfast
MAIN DINING HALL

Grab your breakfast and go hear our morning guest speakers!

*9:30 a.m. Surviving College
Presenters: Bert & Det
CAMPUS MALL

Surviving College is a hilariously entertaining and educational hip hop stage play. The play follows the journeys of two students who each deal with the real-world challenges of college in their own unique and opposing ways. It covers topics like understanding differences, why those differences make us stronger as a community, sharing concerns and perspectives, and facilitating understanding.
Session sponsored by BC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

*10:40 a.m. Informed Decisions: Real Talk on Alcohol & Other Drugs
Presenter: Bobby Gordon
CAMPUS MALL

As an incoming student, you may face pressure from peers to fit in, be coping with high levels of stress, have prior substance use or drinking history, or just have general curiosity as you experience newfound independence. This presentation challenges perceptions and clarifies myths and facts surrounding drugs beyond alcohol, including opioids, cocaine, ecstasy/molly, predatory drugs, study drugs and prescription drug abuse. Listen to real-world scenarios, facts and culturally relevant media to help you challenge your
perceptions and make informed decisions.
Session sponsored by BC’s Office of Wellness Education.

*11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. BC Cup Challenges and Lunch Rotation

Join your Soar Mentor group in taking on the rest of the incoming Class of 2026 as you take over BC’s campus to earn points for the BC Cup! New challenges will be given each day for groups to have the chance to earn points and take home the title of 2022 BC Cup champs. Take a break for lunch in the Main Dining Hall during your lunch rotation.

Noon-4 p.m. Information Technology Center
BOWMAN 200

The IT Center can be reached by calling 540-828-4357, emailing help@bridgewater.edu or visiting the IT Center in Bowman 200.

2-5 P.M. OPPORTUNITY SESSIONS

Opportunity sessions are a great chance to explore opportunities at BC. Decide which sessions spark your interest. All sessions are first come, first served, and some have limited spaces, as noted.

2-4:30 p.m. Visit Smitty’s and the Campus Store
SMITTY’S, FORRER LEARNING COMMONS
CAMPUS STORE, COLE HALL

Take a few minutes to visit BC’s on-campus café serving Starbucks drinks or swing by the campus store for new BC gear.

2-5 p.m. Open Pool Hours
NININGER HALL

Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water.

2-5 p.m. Open Gym
FUNKHOUSER CENTER

Check out our weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts. Tours of the Funkhouser Center will be offered on the hour. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk.

2-5 p.m. Explore the Forrer Learning Commons
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS

Explore the study spaces, academic resources and meeting areas of the Forrer Learning Commons. Find your place to study for the semester. Visit Smitty’s, BC’s on-campus café serving Starbucks drinks.

2-5 p.m. Meet Your Eagle Success Mentor
BOITNOTT ROOM

By invitation only. Participants in the Eagle Success program, come meet your Eagle Success Mentor! Pick up your Eagle Success T-shirt and learn more about the plans and expectations that will set you on a path for a successful year. Walk with your mentors to the IDEA Center for a guided tour.

2 p.m. Walking Tour of Bridgewater with Dr. Ben Erickson
MEMORIAL HALL FRONT STEPS

Calling all history buffs! Join Dr. Erickson in visiting the Bridgewater Historical Society and visit the Town of Bridgewater museum. Leave with a map for a self-guided tour of Bridgewater.

2 p.m. Outdoor Yard Games
EAGLE’S NEST PATIO

Join other students and compete against each other in Cornhole, Kanjam and other yard games!

2 p.m. Mini Golf
MEET AT THE KLINE CAMPUS CENTER FLAGPOLE

Limited to the first 10 people. Meet at the KCC flagpole to walk to the Town of Bridgewater’s mini golf course. Learn more about Bridgewater’s BREC program and how you can enjoy Bridgewater’s many recreational options.

2 p.m. Disc Golf Tournament
MEET AT THE FRONT OF MCKINNEY HALL

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, start with an introduction to the game, then test your skills. Take on the BC Disc Golf course and see if you can set a new course record!

2 p.m. Tips & Tricks to Surviving College
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS 217

Loose buttons? Cracked picture frames? Come learn about how to make some quick fixes to make life as a college student easier. Know any tips? Bring them with you and share them with the group!

2 p.m. Desserts with the Dean
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS FIREPLACE

Join us in the Forrer Learning Commons by the fireplace for informal conversations and desserts with our VP of Student Life, Dean Leslie Frere! Meet other members of the BC community and enjoy a sweet treat. Desserts with the Dean are held weekly throughout the semester.

2 p.m. Therapy Dogs
REBECCA QUAD (RAIN LOCATION: EAGLE’S NEST)

Come visit with some of the therapy dogs that visit our campus on a monthly basis.

3 p.m. Commuter Student Meet Up
CENTER FOR ENGAGED LEARNING

Calling all commuters! Join the Commuter Engagement Club for a time to decorate your own car magnets, hang out with other commuters and enjoy a chip and dip bar from El Charro.

3 p.m. Dodgeball
FUNKHOUSER CENTER GYM

Dodge, duck, dip, dive and… dodge! Come take on other members of the incoming class in some dodgeball during open hours at the Funk. Bring your student ID to access the Funkhouser Center.

3 p.m. Biking Around Bridgewater
KLINE CAMPUS CENTER INFORMATION DESK

Meet at the KCC info desk to rent a bike or ride your own around Bridgewater. If you don’t have a bike, you can borrow one through the BC Bike program.

3 p.m. Painting Pots & Succulents
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS PATIO

Come to the FLC to paint pots and give your succulent a fabulous home to live in!

4 p.m. Campus Police and Cotton Candy
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS PATIO

Get know our Campus Police and Safety officers while enjoying free cotton candy.

4 p.m. Flag Football
WALNUT TREE ON THE CAMPUS MALL

Come to the walnut tree on the mall to play some flag football! Come with a group or come by yourself!

4 p.m. Reading in the FLC
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS

Come to the FLC to relax and read with other first-year students. Share your favorite books and opinions! Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee at Smitty’s to enjoy with your book.

4 p.m. Board Games and Card Games
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS FIREPLACE
Monopoly, Uno and much more! Come check out some board games and play with friends while meeting other Eagles. Grab a drink at Smitty’s before 4:30 p.m.

*5-7 p.m. Dinner
MAIN DINING HALL

Meet with your Soar Mentor and FILA-150 group for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Talk about your option sessions, and get ready for an evening at the President’s House and First-Year Fest on the mall!

*7-9 pm Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash
PRESIDENT’S HOUSE

Dr. and Mrs. Bushman welcome you to BC as they open their home to you and your FILA- 150 group. Meet the President and enjoy games, desserts and a fun time socializing.

BACKYARD BASH ROTATION:

*6:45 Groups 1-11 Meet your Soar Mentor for Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash Rotation
SOAR MENTORS WILL LET YOU KNOW WHERE TO MEET

*7:45 Groups 12-23 Meet Your Soar Mentor for Dr. Bushman’s Backyard Bash Rotation
SOAR MENTORS WILL LET YOU KNOW WHERE TO MEET

*8-10:30 p.m. CEAT Presents: First-Year Fest
CAMPUS MALL (RAIN LOCATION: MAIN DINING HALL)

Play knockerball, enjoy outdoor lawn games, tie-dye a shirt, participate in other DIY activities and have fun with your friends. Enjoy a shaved ice from the Kona Ice truck.

Sunday, August 21 – Belong.

8:30-9:15 a.m. Grab and Go: Welcome Week Breakfast
MAIN DINING HALL

Grab your breakfast and go hear our morning guest speakers!

*9:30 a.m. Find Your Voice: Addressing Sexual Violence as a Community
Presenter: Megan Rae
CAMPUS MALL

In this presentation, Megan Rae provides foundational knowledge on the various forms of sexual violence, discusses what unhealthy and healthy relationships look like, and challenges you to embrace community change by being part of the solution, even if you are not part of the problem. Now is the time to find your voice and commit to promoting a violence-free Bridgewater College community.
Session sponsored by BC’s Office of Title IX.

*10:40 a.m. If You See Something, Say Something
SOAR MENTOR ROOM

Being a Bridgewater College Eagle means helping your fellow students and intervening when someone is at risk—whether it’s related to alcohol abuse, relationship abuse, mental health issues or academic help. Learn the tools you need to recognize a problem, how to initiate help for one another and how to be a bystander to help in our community.
Sponsored by BC’s Office of Wellness Education.

*11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. BC Cup Challenges and Lunch Rotation

Join your Soar Mentor group in taking on the rest of the incoming Class of 2026 as you take over BC’s campus to earn points for the BC Cup! New challenges will be given each day for groups to have the chance to earn points and take home the title of 2022 BC Cup champs. Take a break for lunch in the Main Dining Hall during your lunch rotation.

Noon-4:30 p.m. Information Technology Center
BOWMAN 200

The IT Center can be reached by calling 540-828-4357, emailing help@bridgewater.edu or visiting the IT Center in Bowman 200.

2-5 P.M. OPPORTUNITY SESSIONS

2-4:30 p.m. Visit Smitty’s
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS

2-5 p.m. Visit Campus Store
COLE HALL

2-5 p.m. Open Pool Hours
NININGER HALL

Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water.

2-5 p.m. Open Gym
FUNKHOUSER CENTER

Check out our weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts to get your fitness on. Tours of the Funkhouser Center will be offered on the hour. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk.

2-5 p.m. Explore the Forrer Learning Commons
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS

Explore the study spaces, academic resources and meeting areas of our new Learning Commons. Find your place to study for the semester. Grab a drink from Smitty’s, BC’s on-campus café serving Starbucks drinks.

2-5 p.m. Outdoor Water Games
MCKINNEY LAWN

Come beat the heat with a slip and slide and other fun water games. Please make sure attire is appropriate for mixing and mingling on McKinney Lawn.

2 p.m. Spiritual Life at BC
CARTER CENTER

Check out all the ways you can pursue your spiritual path at BC with Chaplain Robbie Miller and our spiritual life groups, including Brethren Student Movement, CRU, Catholic Campus Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Muslim Student Association.

2 p.m. DIY Crafts
EAGLE’S NEST PATIO

Paint, create and design some BC DIY crafts. Supplies will be provided, but are limited to 15.

2 p.m. Cycling Class in the Funk
FUNKHOUSER CENTER

Join a cycling class in the Funk to get a taste of what our classes have to offer and feel the burn!

2 p.m. Start off with Success: Time Management and Organization
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS 217

Start your BC career successfully! Learn about time management, organization and resources that can help you be a stellar college student from the start.
Sponsored by Academic Support and Disability Services

3 p.m. Cycling Class in the Funk
FUNKHOUSER CENTER

Join a cycling class in the Funk to get a taste of what our classes have to offer and feel the
burn!

3 p.m. BCSA Meet & Greet
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS FIREPLACE

Connect with the Bridgewater College Student Association! Learn about what BCSA can do for you on campus, how to get involved, and meet Dolan and Amere, BCSA’s Chair and Co-Chair! Enjoy dessert nachos.

3 p.m. Biking Around Bridgewater
KLINE CAMPUS CENTER INFORMATION DESK

Meet at the KCC info desk to rent a bike or ride your own around Bridgewater. If you don’t
have a bike, you can borrow one through the BC Bike program.

3 p.m. Friendship and Letter Bracelet Making
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS PATIO

Make a friendship bracelet for yourself or a friend, or make a letter bracelet with an encouraging statement.

3 p.m. Music Trivia
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS 217

From the Beatles to Bieber, Jay-Z to ZZ Top, show off your music memory. Test your trivia skills with a team or try it solo, and you may walk away with some fabulous BC prizes.

4 p.m. Hammock Hangout
MEET AT THE WALNUT TREE ON THE CAMPUS MALL

Come chill on the Campus Mall in your hammocks! Learn the proper technique to hang a hammock and the best places on campus to hang it. Also, you’ll have a chance to win a free hammock!

4 p.m. Creative Writing Session
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS 217

Come chill out and explore your creative side with a relaxing creative writing session.

4 p.m. Bridgewater Town Riverwalk
MEET IN THE KLINE CAMPUS CENTER LOBBY

Join us to walk to the Bridgewater town riverwalk and see how many town parks are connected and easily accessible to you.

4 p.m. Spikeball
MEET ON THE CAMPUS MALL BY THE WALNUT TREE

Join us to play some Spikeball and learn about BC’s Spikeball Club.

4 p.m. Class Officer Info Session
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS FIREPLACE

Were you involved in Associated Student Body (ASB) or Student Government in high school? Interested in stepping into a leadership position at BC? Come out to learn about being a class officer for the Class of 2026.

5-7:30 p.m. Dinner
MAIN DINING HALL

Meet with your Soar Mentor and FILA-150 group for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Talk about your option sessions and get ready for an evening of fast thinking and fun at Nerdology! Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

7:45 p.m. Meet your Soar Mentor for Nerdology
SOAR MENTORS WILL LET YOU KNOW WHERE TO MEET

*8-9:15 p.m. CEAT presents Nerdology
CAMPUS MALL (RAIN LOCATION: MAIN DINING HALL)

Join CEAT for a brain-teasing, mind-bending trivia game show: Nerdology! Come as a free agent or as a team to win cash prizes and test your trivia skills. During the game show, enjoy Shirley’s Popcorn!

Monday, August 22 – Belong.

7-9 a.m. Breakfast
MAIN DINING HALL

Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All College Offices Open

10 A.M. – 2 P.M. OPPORTUNITY SESSIONS

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Open Pool Hours
NININGER HALL

Come swim some laps or just enjoy a dip in the water.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Open Gym
FUNKHOUSER CENTER

Check out our weight room, indoor track and indoor basketball courts to get your fitness on. Please bring your valid BC ID card to access the Funk.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Explore the Forrer Learning Commons
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS

Explore the study spaces, academic resources and meeting areas of our new Learning Commons. Find your place to study for the semester.

10 a.m. Cornhole Tournament
OUTSIDE FUNKHOUSER CENTER

Take on the competition and walk away with intramural gold. . . or at least an Intramural Championship T-shirt. Bring a partner or find one here. Only one team will walk away as cornhole champs!

10 a.m. Blue Light Special with Campus Police & Safety
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS PATIO

Join the officers of Campus Police & Safety for their Blue Light Special! Share donuts with the officers while getting to know them and what they do for our campus!

10 a.m. Board Games and Card Games
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS FIREPLACE

Monopoly, Uno and much more! Come check out some board games and play with some friends while meeting other Eagles.

10 a.m. Volunteering at the Bridgewater Community Garden
MEET IN FRONT OF MCKINNEY CENTER

Join Dr. Tim Kreps and his interns at the Bridgewater Community Garden for some relaxing gardening work.

11 a.m. Sand Volleyball
SAND COURT

Check out our sand volleyball court and compete against other first-year students!

11 a.m. FLC Information Find
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS

Join the Forrer Learning Commons staff for an information find! Learn about the various resources and information that you can find in the FLC while competing against other first-year students.

11 a.m. Community Engagement and Volunteering with Dr. Ben Erickson
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS, GREAT ROOM

Join us in the Great Room to learn about all the different volunteering opportunities that the Bridgewater College community has while making some buttons!

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Parkhurst To-Go Boxes
KLINE CAMPUS CENTER LOBBY

Meet the Parkhurst Dining General Manager while picking up your green to-go box, a resuable container you can bring to the dining hall throughout the year.

Noon Trivia Kahoot
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS 217

Use your brain to compete with other first-year students!

Noon Friendship Bracelet Making
FORRER LEARNING COMMONS, PATIO

Make a gift for a friend or family member that they will cherish!

Noon Microwave Mug Cake Recipes with Parkhurst Dining
KLINE CAMPUS CENTER MAIN DINING HALL

Join Parkhurst Dining to find out more about dining at BC and learn how to make a mug cake in a microwave!

Noon Esports Game Session
EAGLE’S NEST

Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart and more! Whether you want to compete against other first-year students or play casually with your friends, join the Esports Club in the Eagle’s Nest for a video game session!

*2:30 p.m. Meet your Soar Mentor to Line Up for Opening Convocation
BOWMAN PLAZA

*3 p.m. Opening Convocation and Celebration
NININGER GYM

Join us as we ring in the new semester and celebrate your next chapter as a BC Eagle. Following the convocation, you will be ushered through the Echelon to the Opening Celebration, led by the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band.

5-7:30 p.m. Dinner
MAIN DINING HALL
Don’t forget you are required to bring your ID card with you to all meals.

*8 p.m. Community Orientation for Residence Halls
All residence halls will meet with both new and upperclass students. You’ll discuss your Community Living Agreement, policies and procedures in the building, and prepare for the year in your hall. This meeting is for all residential students. See individual buildings for details (time and location).

8:45 p.m. Meet your Soar Mentor to head to BC Bingo Bash!

*9:30-11 p.m. CEAT Presents BC Bingo Bash
CAMPUS MALL (RAIN LOCATION: MAIN DINING HALL )

At Bingo Bash, you can win more than $1,000 in prizes. Bring your friends and your good luck charms, and start your semester off by taking home a BC Bingo prize!

Tuesday, August 23

8 a.m. Classes Begin

Thursday, August 25

4-6 p.m. Parkhurst To-Go Boxes
KCC LOBBY

Didn’t get your box during Welcome Week? Don’t fret! Come out to meet the Parkhurst Dining General Manager while picking up your green to-go box, a resuable container you can bring to the dining hall throughout the year.

Saturday, August 27

9-11 p.m. CEAT presents Drive-In under the Stars
KCC PARKING LOT

Come in a vehicle or walk up to watch a blockbuster hit with your friends! Enjoy a nacho,
popcorn, and candy bar during the movie!