Bulldogs Unleashed
Lock In. Find Your Pack. Unleash Your Potential.
August 13–16, 2026
Welcome to our community! This schedule is your official roadmap for New Student Orientation. Over the next few days, you will connect with fellow classmates, meet your faculty, and get acclimated to campus life. We have designed a mix of essential informational sessions and fun social events to help you transition smoothly. This schedule is your official roadmap for getting settled at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ»ÆƬ.
Orientation Outcomes
By participating in New Student Orientation, students will:
- Connect to foster a deep sense of community and institutional pride.
- Ensure students know how to access campus resources
- Learn campus expectations and Experience One learning model.
Please Note: Orientation is required for all incoming students. Your meal plan kicks off Thursday at dinner, and you will need your Bulldog Card to get into the dining hall, so make sure to keep it on you. If you are a student athlete and will be coming to campus before the start of orientation, you are still required to attend orientation. Your coach is aware of orientation and expects you to attend so you can be successful in and out of the classroom.
We encourage you to make the most of every moment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—our staff and student leaders are here to support you. Lean into our vibrant community, introduce yourself to someone new at every session, and start building the friendships that will define your time here.
Take a look, dive in, and get ready!
We are excited about your unforgettable start to your journey.
Go Dawgs!!
Thursday Schedule: August 13
New Student Check-In (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Location: Lawn between the Student Union Building and the Short Administration Building.
Details: Students will move into their residence halls by appointment. Instructions for selecting a check-in time are sent via email from the Admissions office. Please honor your selected time slot as closely as possible.
Moving Assistance: UMW staff, athletes, and alumni wearing black shirts will be available during all move-in time slots to assist you with your move.
Step-by-Step Check-In Process
- Step 1: Orientation Table – Check in for orientation, receive your welcome packet, and get assigned to your orientation group.
- Step 2: Business Services / Financial Aid Table – Pay your bill or establish a Deferred Payment Plan (requires a 25% balance payment and a $35 processing fee).
- Step 3: Bulldog Card Table – Pay the $20 fee to receive your official Bulldog Card. You can also add funds to your card and pick up your campus parking pass.
- Step 4: Residence Life Table – Pick up your residence hall key and begin moving in.
Evening AgendaÂ
3:30 PM | Convocation Line-up
- Location: Tundra outside of the Wellness Center.
4:00 PM | Convocation / Legacy Plaza Ceremony
- Location: Straugh Gymnasium and Legacy Plaza.
5:00 PM | New Student Social / Parent Q&A Social
- Location: Students meet at Mathews Lawn; Parents meet at Lewis and Clark Room.
6:00 PM | Welcome BBQ and Bulldog Extravaganza
- Location: Mathews Lawn and Legacy Plaza.
- Who: All students, their families, and staff are invited!
- Event Details: Features interactive games, custom photo booths, live music, and a swing dancing social (instruction provided).
Friday Schedule: August 14
Theme: Officially a Bulldog – Time to Lock In
An epic Town Scavenger Hunt of Dillon, followed by Department Parties to mix and mingle with staff and student leaders. Essential informational sessions covering the Bulldog Way, Title IX, and campus safety. Finishing the day with an Evening Social Event.
Saturday Schedule: August 15
Theme: Dawg Pound – Finding Your Pack at UMW
“Choose Your Own Adventure” activities designed to match your specific interests and connect you with peers. UMW Football Scrimmage at the stadium featuring interactive games, crowd cheers, and prize giveaways. Saturday Night Trivia, bring your new group to compete for prizes.
Sunday Schedule: August 16
Theme: Off the Leash & Ready – Unleash Your Potential
Campus Tours: A stress-free opportunity to walk through your class schedule and locate your exact classrooms before Monday classes begin. Mandatory floor meetings to meet your floor mates and RAs and set community expectations.