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Welcome Week

If you are flying directly to BJU from your home, schedule your flight to arrive in the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (airport code GSP)

Do you need shuttle service from the airport or bus station?

Check-in

Once you move in, you’re ready to check in!

Check-in is where you can pick-up your class T-shirt, booklet with schedule information, academically check-in and complete your schedule, meet your First-year advisor, look for a job, and so much more.

Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m. at the Davis Field House and finishes at 1:30 p.m. so you and your family can attend the 4 p.m. Presidential Welcome.

Students checking in

If you need special housing accommodations, please submit an accommodations request.

Residence Hall Move-In

You will receive an email to your BJU student email account Friday morning, Aug. 23, with your room number. The residence halls will open at 8 a.m. There will be smiling faces and willing volunteers to help you move in from 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Students moving in

Meet Your Academic Advisor & Register for Classes

Your academic advisor will be at the Davis Field House on Friday, August 23 to answer any questions and guide your academic journey. You will need to see your advisor to finish registration for your classes and talk about your academic goals.

Student meeting with a faculty member

Placement Tests

Placement tests are given to determine the level of instruction that you should register for. You should take all placement tests that apply to you before registering for classes. Following each test, you will be informed which course(s) you should register for and/or waive.

If you have any questions about which placement test you need, please contact your First-year Advisor.

Auditions for Music Lessons and Groups

If you’re taking music lessons for the first time at BJU or if you want to join a music group, you’ll need to audition before you register for music lessons/groups. Music groups are open to all students, regardless of what academic program you’re in. If you’re planning to join a music group, you’ll be able to reserve space for it on your schedule in StudentCentral when you register for classes.

Students represent their society

Students at the new student activity

Society Rush

Society Rush is a crazy time of year where you’ll choose a society to get involved in for the rest of your college experience. It's good to do your research ahead of time, take advantage of all the freebies you’re offered, and have a blast meeting and hanging out with other students.

Welcome Activity

We’re glad you’ve joined the Bruin Nation! To celebrate and to get to know you a little better, our Student Engagement & Success team hosts a fun activity where you’ll meet other new students and enjoy games together.

Opening Exercises

Your official welcome as a BJU Bruin comes during this annual tradition. After you join the procession into the Founder’s Memorial Auditorium, you’ll be challenged by student leaders and hear your professors commit to supporting you through prayer and encouragement. This annual tradition not only sets the spiritual tone for the year, but also bookends your college experience. And most importantly, you’ll hear encouraging and challenging messages that will help orient your heart toward following Christ and cultivating a lasting relationship with Him.

Campus Opportunities Expo

Explore dozens of ways you can get involved in the student body at the Campus Opportunities Expo. All student organizations gather in one location and set up booths so you can find the opportunities that interest you. Make sure you talk with the student representatives and ask about openings in their group for you. Some may want you to complete your first year before you can join, but it’s good to let them know now that you’re interested.

Community Outreach Fair

Outreach in the local community is a vital part of your education at BJU. At the Community Outreach Fair you’ll have the opportunity to explore and sign up for events that will take place during the first few weeks of school.

Welcome Week introduces you to life at BJU and helps your transition to college life. We have exciting activities planned as you learn how to succeed at BJU.

Friday, Aug. 23

8 a.m.–12 p.m.

  • Residence Hall Move-In
    When you arrive on campus, head to your residence hall and move in before coming to the Davis Field House to check in. Check your student email to locate your residence hall.

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

8 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • International Student SEVIS Registration (The Hub – Student Center, 2nd Floor)
    All F-1 international students must register with SEVIS for their initial enrollment of the academic year.

9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

  • Check-in (Davis Field House)
    After moving into your residence hall room, come to the DFH to complete your academic check in, pick up your class shirt, activate your ID card, connect your laptop, and more.

9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Housing Confirmation (Student Center, 1st Floor, Student Life Office)
    Housing confirmation needs to be completed by all town students living with a relative other than a parent. You may also complete this at the Student Life table in the DFH at Check-In.

1–4 p.m.

2–4 p.m.

  • Placement Tests (Alumni 221)
    In the interest of your academic success, you may be required to complete a placement test and/or audition.

4 p.m.

  • Presidential Welcome to New Students & Parents (Rodeheaver Auditorium)
    Welcome to Bruin Nation! Bring your parents and meet the President and student body leaders as you begin your transformational journey.

4:30 p.m.

  • New Student Class Picture (Davis Field House) (front steps)
    Wear your new class T-shirt and say “Go Bruins!” It’s your first school picture… well, besides all the selfies you’ve been snapping. We’ll take class of 2028 picture in front of the Davis Field House.

6:30–8:30 p.m.

  • Women's Volleyball – Battle of the Blues (Davis Field House) (Main Court)
    Come cheer on our women’s volleyball teams as they battle each other in Battle of the Blues.

10:30 p.m.

  • Hall Meeting for Residence Hall Students

Saturday, Aug. 24

9 a.m

9:30–11:30 a.m.

  • New Student Community Service Event (Various Campus Locations)

9:30–12 p.m.

  • Parent and Family Workshops (Rodeheaver Auditorium)
    9:30–10 a.m. — Academic Success
    10–10:30 a.m. — Student Life
    10:30–11 a.m. — Snack Break
    11 a.m.–11:30 a.m. — Student Health & Safety
    11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. — Parent Q&A — Dr. Rebecca Weier and Panel

1 p.m.

  • Campus Tours (Welcome Center)
    This is not your normal campus tour! Learn the ins and outs of campus, shortcuts to get from class to class, in and out of chapel, and the fastest way to lunch!

2–5 p.m.

  • We’ve intentionally kept this afternoon free for you to rest, finish unpacking, do some shopping, explore campus, or enjoy the Greenville area with family or friends.

8:15 p.m.

  • New Student Pre-Show Mixer (Rodeheaver Auditorium Plaza)
    Join us for a time of snacks and drinks before the New Student Show at 9:00 p.m. Please enjoy these outside before entering Rodeheaver when doors open at 8:50 p.m.

9–10 p.m.

10:30 p.m.

  • Discipleship Groups (Residence Halls)
    Resident Students meet with their Group Leader and Assistant Group Leader for fellowship around the Word and prayer.

Sunday, Aug. 25

  • Church Services (Greenville area)

9:30 p.m.

  • Gaston and Johnson Residence Hall Parties
    Look for an email from your Resident Assistant for more information about your residence hall party.

10:30 p.m.

  • Discipleship Groups (Residence Halls)
    Resident Students meet with their Group Leader and Assistant Group Leader for fellowship around the Word and prayer.

Monday, Aug. 26

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • International Student SEVIS Registration (The Hub – Student Center, 2nd Floor)
    All F-1 international students must register with SEVIS for their initial enrollment of the academic year.

8 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Housing Confirmation (Student Center, 1st Floor, Student Life Office)
    Housing confirmation needs to be completed by all town students living with a relative other than a parent.

9:30–10:30 a.m.

  • New Student Orientation (Stratton Hall)
    This required meeting will get you up to speed with campus life and provide a good start for your academic career. This is required meeting for all first-year students.

9:30–10:15 a.m.

  • New Transfer Student Orientation (Levinson Hall, Student Center)
    This required meeting will get you up to speed with campus life and provide a good start for your academic career as a transfer student here at BJU. This is a required meeting for all new transfer students.

11 a.m.

  • Society Preview (Stratton Hall)
    Wondering what societies are? Hearing about “Rush”? Come see what it is all about. For new students only.

12:30–4:30 p.m.

  • First-year Advisors (Academic Resource Center, Alumni 213)
    If you have questions about your schedule, your First-year advisor is in the Academic Resource Center to answer your questions.

1–4 p.m.

2–4 p.m.

  • Placement Tests (Alumni 221)
    In the interest of your academic success, you may be required to complete a placement test and/or auditions.

2 p.m.

6:40 p.m.

  • Class of 2028 Processional Meeting (Rodeheaver Auditorium)
    Your class will be presented by the student body leaders and welcomed by the president as members of the university community. The incoming freshman class processional is a tradition of the Opening Exercises each year.
    Bring your ID card to be scanned as you exit.

7 p.m.

10:30 p.m.

  • Discipleship Groups (Residence Halls)
    Resident Students meet with their Group Leader and Assistant Group Leader for fellowship around the Word and prayer.

Tuesday, Aug. 27

  • Society Rush Begins (Ends Saturday, Sept. 14)

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • International Student SEVIS Registration (The Hub – Student Center, 2nd Floor)
    All F-1 international students must register with SEVIS for their initial enrollment of the academic year.

8:30–9:45 a.m.

  • Major Meet & Greet (Locations listed in Welcome Week booklet)
    For all new students! Meet your classmates and faculty in your program. The faculty in your program of study are eager to welcome you to the family. Make connections that will help you as you face the challenges of your new pursuit.

10–10:45 a.m.

  • Student Seminar (Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium)
    Required meeting for all undergraduate students. This seminar explains how the student covenant and the code of conduct contribute to helping the whole student grow toward Christlikeness.

10:45–11:30 a.m.

  • Student Seminar Breakouts for Residence Hall Students (Various Locations)
    Required meeting for all residence hall students. Please look for an email from residence hall staff communicating your breakout session location.
  • Student Seminar Breakout for Day Student Men (Rodeheaver Auditorium)
    Required meeting for all undergraduate day student men.
  • Student Seminar Breakout for Day Student Women (Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium)
    Required meeting for all undergraduate day student women.

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

  • Campus Opportunities Expo (Palmetto Green)
    Different from the Summer Orientation’s Information Fair, this event will introduce you to opportunities on campus to get involved with different organizations, associations, and forums to enrich your college experience.

1–4 p.m.

7 p.m.

8:15–9:15 p.m.

  • Day Student Eat n’ Greet (Dining Common, Kalmbach Room)
    Enjoy refreshments and take the opportunity to meet Student Leadership Council members and the Student Life team as well as make connections with others. During the event you can enter to win $100 in Bruins Bucks for Day Students only!

9:30–10 p.m.

  • Society Prayer Meetings (Locations listed in Welcome Week booklet)
    New students may attend any society of your sex.

10:30 p.m.

  • Discipleship Groups (Residence Halls)
    Resident Students meet with their Group Leader and Assistant Group Leader for fellowship around the Word and prayer.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

  • Drop/Add Period Begins (Closes Monday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m.)
    Access under the Academics menu option in StudentCentral.

  • Classes Begin
    After completing registration, print or screenshot your class schedule. (Rooms may have changed since Summer Orientation.)

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • International Student SEVIS Registration (The Hub – Student Center, 2nd Floor)
    All F-1 international students must register with SEVIS for their initial enrollment of the academic year.

11 a.m.

7 p.m.