Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013
2–7 p.m.
Parent Orientation Check-in/Information Desk
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse
Check in and receive information (along with a campus map) that will help you navigate Parent Orientation Weekend.
4–8 p.m.
Residence Hall Move-in
Residence Halls
Your student will check-in at his or her residence hall lobby where a Resident Assistant (RA) will give him/her a room assignment and key. Students with last names A-L may begin moving into Mabee Hall at 4:00 p.m. Last names M-Z may begin moving in at 4:30 p.m. Residents of Ruter Hall begin move-in at 4:00 p.m., while students of Brown-Cody or Kurth Halls begin moving in at 5:00 p.m. Transfer students should report to the Residence Life Office in the Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center.
5–7:30 p.m.
Pirate Feast
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
New Pirates and their parents require sustenance and nutrition for the heavy lifting that accompanies shipping off to college. The galley is open. Stop in for your evening meal. There is no formal program during the meal.
6:30 p.m.
Varsity Athlete and Sport Club Meetings
All gather together first in The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater, then go to rooms as listed below. Please note that rooms are subject to change.
F.W. Olin Building
Men’s Baseball, F.W. Olin Room 105
Women’s Softball, F.W. Olin Room 226
Women’s Basketball, F.W. Olin Room 207
Men’s and Women’s Swimming, F.W. Olin Room 111
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track, F.W. Olin Room 324
Men’s Basketball, F.W. Olin Room 209
Men’s Soccer, F.W. Olin Room 305
Men’s and Women’s Tennis, F.W. Olin Room 323
Men’s Lacrosse, F.W. Olin Room 110
Women’s Volleyball, F.W. Olin Room 222
Women’s Soccer, F.W. Olin Room 322
Fine Arts Building
Men’s and Women’s Golf Room 137
Women’s Lacrosse Room148
Football Alma Thomas Theater
8:00–9:30 p.m.
Greetings from Georgetown!
The Williamson County Courthouse
The Greater Georgetown Association of Southwestern University Alumni invites new parents to enjoy a private event at the historic Williamson County Courthouse, located at the center of the Georgetown Square. Hear about Georgetown and Southwestern history, tour the courthouse and enjoy appetizers and drinks.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Check-in/Information Desk
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse
Check in and receive information that will help you navigate Parent Orientation Weekend.
9–9:15 a.m.
Orientation Welcome
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Join us for an official welcome from University President Edward B. Burger.
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Academic Life Panel: Beyond the Grade
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Degree plans. Study abroad. Advising. First-Year/Advanced-Entry Seminar. Paideia®. Faculty and academic administrators discuss the University’s educational program, academic enrichment opportunities and resources for academic success.
10:30–11:30 p.m.
Student Life Panel: Making the Most of Southwestern’s Other Education
The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater
Now that your sons or daughters are “settled” into their residence halls and have experienced their first meals in the Commons, it’s time to know what else happens outside the classroom.The professional Student Life staff will provide an overview of their programs and answer your questions. Parents’ first questions usually evolve around health services, counseling, campus safety and security, orientation week and other student activities. These are followed closely by career planning and internships, campus diversity, athletics, recreational activities, and spiritual and religious life.
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
First in Texas Brunch
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Enjoy a brunch celebrating Southwestern’s rich heritage as Texas’ first institution of higher education. There is no formal program during the meal.
2–2:50 p.m.
Diversity and Inclusion: At the Core of the Southwestern Experience
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballrooms
The Diversity Enrichment Committee invites you to participate in a session designed to encourage your interaction with other attendees around the University’s Core Values, which include: Cultivating Academic Excellence, Fostering Diverse Perspectives, Being True to Oneself and Others and Respecting the Worth and Dignity of Persons.
3:30 p.m.
Matriculation Convocation
Corbin J. Robertson Center, Robertson Courts
The defining event of Orientation Weekend, the matriculation ceremony marks the official induction of students as members of the Southwestern community. Faculty dress in academic regalia for this formal ceremony. Casual dress is encouraged for families and students. Seating begins at 2:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
New Student Photo
Watch as your student joins his/her fellow students for a photo of all incoming Pirates immediately following the matriculation ceremony.
Parent Orientation concludes!
Thank you for attending Parent Orientation. We wish you safe travels as you journey home.
Your student’s orientation experience will continue during the course of the week. You are more than welcome to join us for our Saturday Dinner, Sunday Orientation Worship Service and Sunday Southwestern Traditions Brunch, all with details listed below.
Additional student programming, in which parents are invited:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Captain Ruter’s Feast
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Meet our larger-than-life mascot, Captain Ruter, at a dinner honoring Southwestern’s athletic achievements, past and present. There is no formal program during the meal.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013
10:30 a.m.
Orientation Worship Service
Lois Perkins Chapel
Come enjoy Sunday worship in the beautiful Lois Perkins Chapel. University Chaplain Beverly J. Jones will be leading this service aimed at new students. This year’s theme is “Spiritus Creator” and will focus on navigating faith, spirituality, academics and campus life at Southwestern. This is a great opportunity to meet other students in a friendly atmosphere. After worship all are invited to gather at noon over lunch in the Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center for fellowship and to learn resources, programs and organizations here to help you get involved and grow in your faith. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Beverly Jones at jonesb@southwestern.edu or by calling 512-863-1056.
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Southwestern Traditions Brunch
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L. E. Mabee Commons
Discover some of Southwestern’s favorite traditions while enjoying a traditional Sunday brunch.
