New Student Orientation Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Move-In & NSO Check-In (Residential Students, Families, & Guests)

📍 Hunsaker Student Center

Welcome to campus, Bulldogs. This is your time to check in, pick up your NSO materials, and get settled into the University of Redlands. Orientation Leaders and campus staff will be there to greet you, help you move in, and answer any questions as you begin your college journey.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

NSO General Check-In (All Students)

📍 Hunsaker Student Center

Check in for New Student Orientation, pick up your materials, and get settled before the weekend officially begins. While you're here, explore campus through guided tours and stop by open houses hosted by campus departments to learn about the resources, services, and people who will support your success at Redlands.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

HSI Parent Spanish Info Session "Entre Familia" | RSVP via Navigate

📍 Valencia Room (University Hall)

Families are invited to join us for "Entre Familia", a special Spanish-language welcome designed to celebrate and support our Spanish-speaking Bulldog families. Connect with campus partners, learn about important resources, and discover how we will work together to support your student's success at Redlands.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Orientation Welcome for All Students

📍 University Quad

This is where the excitement starts. Join your fellow new Bulldogs for the official kickoff of New Student Orientation as we welcome you to campus, introduce your Orientation Leaders, and get you ready for an unforgettable first weekend at Redlands.

Orientation Welcome for Families & Guests

📍 Orton Center

Your student's college journey is beginning, and we're excited to partner with you along the way. Meet campus partners, learn about the resources available to students, and discover how families remain an important part of the Bulldog experience.

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bulldog Community Welcome Sessions & BBQ | RSVP via Navigate

📍 Dining Commons

Students and their guests will be able to attend one of two reservation blocks for the Welcome BBQ in the Dining Commons & Community Sessions. An RSVP in advance is required for attendance and must be done through the Navigate Portal. Choose from two reservation times and see an overview of what to expect below:

• Reservation time #1 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Reservation time #2 | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Welcome BBQ hosted by Chartwells (RSVP in advance)

Continue your first day as a Bulldog with a Welcome BBQ hosted by Chartwells! Enjoy a meal, connect with fellow new students and families, and celebrate the start of your Redlands journey together.

Bulldog Community Welcome (When not attending the BBQ)

Every Bulldog's journey looks a little different. Students and families are invited to choose the session that best fits their experience, whether that's living on campus, exploring the unique Johnston experience, or learning more about the broader Redlands student experience.

• Non-Residential Student Experience at Valencia Room
• Johnston Residents, Commuters, & Families at Holt Lobby
• On-Campus Housing Students at Orton Center

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Convocation 2026 (All Students, Families & Guests)

📍 Greek Theater

Join your fellow new Bulldogs for one of the University's most cherished traditions as we officially welcome you to the academic community at Redlands. Convocation marks the beginning of your journey and celebrates the exciting path that lies ahead. Your first Redlands tradition starts here.

• 5:00 p.m.: Student check-in with orientation leaders for procession. Parents, Families & Guests find seats at the Greek Theater.
• 5:30 p.m.: Convocation Procession Begins
• 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Convocation Ceremony

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunset Oct Tamale Chant/Class Photo

📍 Administration Steps

As the sun sets on your first day at Redlands, join your classmates for one of the University's favorite traditions: the Och Tamale chant and class photo. Celebrate the start of your Bulldog journey and capture a memory you'll look back on for years to come.

Note for transfer students: Transfer Student Orientation will end on this day. Follow the instructions of your Orientation Leaders for planned activities and sessions.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast (Optional)

📍 Hunsaker Lobby

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

NSO Day 2 Opening Session

📍 Currier Gym

Your Redlands story is officially underway. Hear from university leaders and get your first look at the Common Read and First Year Seminar program, two experiences designed to spark conversation, build community, and kick off your academic journey.

For Johnston Transfer Students Only

Meet with the Johnston Director & Peer Advisor (Check in with your Orientation Leader).

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

First Year Seminars (First Year Students)

📍 Various Locations

Discover what makes the First-Year Seminar experience an important part of your academic journey at Redlands. This session will introduce you to the purpose of your seminar, what to expect in the classroom, and how these courses help you build connections, explore new ideas, and develop skills that will support your success throughout your time at the University.

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Transfer Student Orientation (Transfer Students)

📍 Valencia Room (University Hall)

Your Redlands journey starts here! Transfer Student Orientation is a dedicated experience designed specifically to help transfer students make a smooth transition into the Bulldog community. Connect with fellow transfer students, meet faculty and staff, explore important campus resources through a tour, and learn what you need to know to navigate academic and student life at Redlands.

Whether you're coming from a community college or another university, this session is all about helping you build connections, find your place, and start your Redlands experience with confidence.

11:20 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

First Year Breakout Sessions Block #1 (First Year Students)

📍 Various Locations

Explore the academic opportunities and resources available to you at Redlands. Students will select the session that best aligns with their academic interests, goals, or needs. Additional sessions may also be available to help you start your first year informed, connected, and ready for what’s ahead. You can also choose a different path at 2:00 p.m.

• Music Orientation – Watchhorn 107
• STEM & Pre-Health Orientation – Orton Center
• Business & Accounting Orientation – Valencia Room
• Liberal Studies Orientation – Hall of Letters
• Design Your Own Education: The Johnston Center – Holt Lobby
• Registration & Placement Assistance – Armacost Library

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Bulldog Orientation Fair & Lunch

📍 Casa Loma

From clubs and organizations to campus resources and leadership opportunities, the Bulldog Orientation Fair has something for everyone. Stop by, ask questions, grab some swag, and enjoy live music as you explore all the ways to get involved at Redlands.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Transfer Student Mixer (Transfer Students)  

Wrap up Transfer Student Orientation by connecting with the people who will be part of your Redlands journey! The Transfer Student Mixer is a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to meet fellow transfer students, build new friendships, and celebrate the start of your Bulldog experience. Come connect, unwind, and end the day with your new transfer community.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

First Year Breakout Sessions Block #2 (First Year Students)

📍 Various Locations

Another opportunity to explore the academic paths and resources available to you at Redlands. Students will select the session that best aligns with their academic interests, goals, or needs. Additional sessions may also be available to help you start your first year informed, connected, and ready for what’s ahead.

• Music Orientation – Watchhorn 107
• STEM & Pre-Health Orientation – Orton Center
• Business & Accounting Orientation – Valencia Room
• Liberal Studies Orientation – Hall of Letters 100
• Design Your Own Education: The Johnston Center – Holt Lobby
• Registration & Placement Assistance – Armacost Library
• Explore the World: Study Away Opportunities – Hall of Letters 101

3:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Bulldog Essentials Sessions: Title IX & Navigate360

📍 Orton Center and Valencia Room

Build your foundation for a successful and engaged Redlands experience. During this session block, students will participate in either Title IX training or a session focused on Navigate, the University's student success platform, and civic engagement. You'll gain important information, tools, and resources to help you stay connected, supported, and engaged throughout your Bulldog journey.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Playfair: Connect, Play & Meet Your Class (First Year Students)

📍 Orton Center Lawn

Get ready to move, laugh, and meet your fellow Bulldogs! Playfair is a high-energy, interactive experience designed to bring your class together through games, activities, and plenty of opportunities to make new connections. Come ready to participate, have fun, and build community with the people who will be part of your Redlands journey.

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dinner (Optional)

📍 Dining Commons

8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

DAWGS Presents: Hunsaker After Dark (All Students)

📍 Hunsaker Student Center

Hunsaker comes alive after dark! Hosted by DAWGS, Hunsaker After Dark transforms the Student Center Plaza into a high-energy arcade and entertainment zone filled with live music, video games, arcade-style activities, and plenty of surprises. Grab your new friends, jump into the action, and enjoy a night of games, music, and Bulldog fun!

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast (Optional)

📍 Orton Center

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Sunrise Service Project hosted by CSL (First Year Students Only)

📍 Hunsaker Student Center

9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

NSO Day 3 Open Session (First Year Students Only)

📍 Orton Center and Valencia Room

As orientation comes to a close, we're looking ahead to everything that's possible during your time at Redlands. Explore the Core 4, meet campus support teams, and learn about the resources that will help you make the most of your Bulldog experience.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch (Optional)

📍 Dining Commons

1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Bulldog Essentials: Community Blocks (First Year Students Only)

📍 Orton Center and Valencia Room

Build the skills and connections that will help you thrive as a Bulldog. During this Bulldog Essentials block, students will participate in either Foundations of Community, focused on creating a welcoming, respectful, and connected campus, or a Career & Student Employment Workshop, designed to introduce career resources, professional development, and opportunities to work on campus.

3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

NSO Closing (First Year Students Only)

📍 Currier Gym

Celebrate the close of New Student Orientation with a look at what's next. Connect with student leaders, learn how Bulldog Beginnings will support your transition, and get your first taste of the spirit and traditions that bring the Redlands community together.