Welcome Week & Parent Information
Welcome Week will be from August 14 to August 19.
It is mandatory for all incoming freshmen to be in the class photo, and attend the Cedar Point trip on Friday, August 19.
Click here for a printable PDF schedule.
Sunday, August 14
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Move-in
Residence Hall Lobbies
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Resource Fair
Quad Lawn
Learn about local vendors and different campus departments including: Financial Aid, Academic Services, Housing, Student Life, Chaplain, Career Planning and Student Business Services, among others.
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace, Parents and Family welcome for move-in
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM: Matriculation
Dawson Auditorium (casual dress)
This ceremony officially marks the entrance of the Class of 2026 into Adrian College.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: CIRP
Please look for your Welcome Week Leader holding a sign on the mall with your group number on it. You can find your group number located on your gold folder. They will escort you to your assigned classroom for the week where you will also complete the Freshman Survey (CIRP) about college expectations. Please bring a laptop to this session to complete the assessment online. If you do not have a laptop please see your Welcome Week Leader.
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner with the President and Mrs. Docking
This event is for the parents of incoming students. RSVPs required prior. All students will be eating in the blue gym including those whose parents will be attending the dinner with the President and Mrs. Docking.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
Blue Gym
Tonight’s dinner will be held in the blue gym to accommodate the Dinner with the President and Mrs. Docking.
7:30 PM Mandatory Hall Meeting
Dawson Auditorium
9:00 PM Open Skate
Arrington Ice Arena
This optional event is a great opportunity to check out Adrian’s Arrington Ice Arena. Skate around and meet your classmates that you will spend your college years with!
Monday, August 15
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PALs/Commuter Dinner
Thomas Pavilion
Students that may be interested in joining the Peer Active Leaders (PALs) program please join us under the Thomas Pavilion (Next to Docking Stadium) for dinner, a raffle with prizes, mingling, and more information regarding the PALs Program!
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace
7:00 PM Bowling & Cornhole
Lenawee Recreation and ZZ’s Bar & Grill
Enjoy some bowling and cornhole at one of hottest spots in town. Buses will pick up students and transport you to ZZ’s. Buses will pick up and drop off students from the Merrilat Sports Center parking lot. Please do not leave any personal belongings on the bus. Students are welcome to carpool as well.
Tuesday, August 16
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Majors on the Mall
Adrian College Mall in front of Ritchie Marketplace
Meet informally with faculty representatives from our academic departments and institutes to get information and ask questions.
*The rain site for this event will be held on the main floor of the Caine Student Center.
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
3:00 PM - 4:00 TRIO Student Panel
Jones 110
This information session will be led by current TRIO Excel Students to discuss what the TRIO Excel Program is, the eligibility requirements to be a member, and the various services offered to TRIO Excel participants (All students are encouraged to attend).
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: ROTC Information Session
Knight Auditorium
This session is for students interested in the ROTC program.
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Pre-Health Students Mandatory Meeting
Peelle 207
This meeting is intended to assist students interested in any pre-health studies fields such as: Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Studies, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Pharmacy, etc. It is also open to students interested in careers in nursing, health care administration, and health care policy. The session is conducted by Ms. Marcia Boynton, Director of the Institute for Health Studies.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Computer Science Information Session
Jones 110
Join us for the Computer Science Information Session to learn more about the Computer Science majors and minors: our courses, program requirements, career-options, and more.
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Communication Majors Mandatory Meeting
Rush 116
This session is required for any student interested in majoring in Broadcasting, Film or Public Relations. Professors from the department will discuss program requirements, career options, and on campus options for professional development.
6:00 - 7:00 PM: Music Ensembles Information Session
Spencer Rehearsal Hall
This session is for any student interested in playing or singing in choir, orchestra, band, women’s a cappella, and jazz ensembles. All levels of experience are welcome.
7:00 - 8:00 PM: Music Majors/Minors Mandatory Session
Spencer Rehearsal Hall
This session is for any student interested in majoring or minoring in Music. Professors from the Music Department will discuss program requirements and opportunities.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Hypnotist
Dawson Auditorium
Keith Karkut has been practicing hypnosis for over 28 years. He creates an “on-stage party” fueled by water and something more powerful than any drug or alcohol: the student’s own mind. The result is an inspiring message with some real - yet entertaining - moments for the audience.
Wednesday, August 17
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Mandatory Session
Assigned Classroom
4:00 - 5:00 PM: English Majors and English or Journalism Minors Information Session
Valade 125
This session is for any student interested in pursuing one of these majors/minors. Students interested in any creative writing class are also welcome.
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Teacher Education Majors/Prospective Majors Mandatory Meeting
Jones 110
This session is required for any student who has declared or has an interest in becoming a Teacher Education major. It is designed to give students who may be interested in careers in elementary, secondary, or K-12 education more information about programs, required and suggested classes, faculty, and staff within the Teacher Education Department. Information will be presented on the certification requirements for Michigan as well. You will also get a chance to hear from current students in the program.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Modern Languages & Cultures Information Session
Valade 125
The department will discuss their various prerequisites, advancement placement options, available programs, and the need for second language acquisition across all specializations.
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Pre-Law Advising Session
Knight Auditorium
This is a session for any student interested in becoming a lawyer. It will focus on developing academic skills for law school, pre-law opportunities and programming, and the law school application process.
6:00 - 7:00 PM: Business Majors Mandatory Meeting
Jones 110
This session is for any student interested in majoring in any Business degree, including all specialties within the Bachelor in Business Administration degree. Professors from the department will discuss program requirements, important course sequencing, career options and success in the workforce.
7:00 PM Quad Mingle
The Quad
Join us at the freshmen quad where you will have an opportunity to get to know your classmates better while playing some yard games, winning prizes, listening to some music, and enjoying some delicious treats. We will have cornhole, volleyball, can jam, and much more! Not into games? Don’t worry we will also have custom street signs and custom keychains available for you to design and keep!
Thursday, August 18
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Community Plunge (Required for all Students)
Merillat Sport and Fitness Center Parking Lot
Plunge into community service with your classmates. Students will volunteer at a variety of different service locations throughout the community, both inside and outside. Dress according to the weather! Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. (Closed Toe Shoes)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Ritchie Marketplace
1:00 PM -5:00 PM First Day of Class Preparation
Academic Services Office
Stop by the Academic Services Office in Jones Hall to learn where your classrooms are located. Learn about how to sign up for tutoring sessions and receive academic support to make sure your first year is as successful as it can be.
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geology, and Environmental Science Majors and Minors Information Session
Jones 110
If you are interested in a major or minor in Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biology, this session is for you. Get an overview of the departments and career options in science. You will meet with faculty in small groups, get schedule advice, have a chance for lab tours (time permitting).
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Social Work Majors Information Session
Valade 125
This session is for any student interested in pursuing Social Work as a major or minor. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the social work program and recent career outlook for the profession, and explore how social work values and skills align with other disciplines.
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Department of Mathematics Information Session
Peelle 215
This session is for any student interested in a major or minor within the Department of Mathematics, including students interested in teacher education, and those from other disciplines with general inquiries about their mathematics requirements. Faculty will be available to discuss available programs and to answer student questions.
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Department of Art and Design Mandatory Information Session
Valade 125
Students will be introduced to the Department of Art and Design faculty and staff, receive valuable information about the department, and screen print their own department T-shirts!
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Sociology/Criminal Justice Majors Information Session
Knight Auditorium
This session is for any student interested in majoring (or minoring) in Sociology or Criminal Justice. Professors from the department will discuss core and elective coursework, internship experiences, career options, and preparation for college/workforce success.
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Physics and Engineering Information Session
Peelle 214
This session is for any student interested in the Physics major or the new Engineering dual-degree programs. Dr. Thompson from the Department of Physics will discuss the various programs offered and answer any questions you might have.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
Ritchie Marketplace
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Food Truck Rally and Movie on the Mall
Adrian College Mall
Spend the evening relaxing with multiple options of local food trucks while enjoying a movie out on the mall. Movie will start at sundown.
Friday, August 19
7:00 AM- 9:00 AM Breakfast
Ritchie Marketplace
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Mandatory Class Photo (please wear your class shirt)
Caine Student Center Terrace
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM: Cedar Point
Meet your Welcome Week Leader in the Merillat Parking Lot to check-in before getting on the bus.
Enjoy the day at Cedar Point! A meal voucher and all day drink pass will be provided!