Wednesday, September 7, 2022
9–11 a.m.
EC check-in and move in
Upper Gwinn Commons
Students will check-in at Upper Gwinn between 9–11 a.m. EC Leaders and MEP staff will be there to guide students and help them move into their residence halls.
Note: This is a brief move-in window for students, with time to move in their belongings and get a few things set up. Students will have time to settled into and their rooms more fully set up after 12 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, during New Student Orientation.
10:30–11 a.m.
Commuter student check-in
Upper Gwinn Commons
Commuter students are welcome to check-in any time between 10:30–11 a.m. The EC Orientation session begins at 11 a.m.
11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Opening Welcome
Upper Gwinn Commons
After moving in, students, guests, and families will make their way back to Upper Gwinn. In this session, we will introduce the Early Connections Program and Multi-Ethnic Programs staff. We will be celebrate first-generation college student experiences through spoken word.
Families, guests, and students, along with EC student leaders and staff, will have time together honor the significance of what it means to come to college and participate in a time-honored tradition and EC student send-off.
12–1:30 p.m.
Student Lunch
Gwinn Commons
EC students and EC leaders will have time to interact together — and share great food.
12–1:30 p.m.
Parent and Family Lunch
Tiffany Loop
Parents and families are invited to join Multi-Ethnic Programs staff for a catered lunch. Families will have the opportunity to learn more about Multi-Ethnic Programs, Early Connections, and ask any general questions they may have about their student attending SPU.
2–3 p.m.
Drum Café
Upper Gwinn Commons
EC students will participate in a dynamic and interactive rhythm and percussion session facilitated by Drum Café.
3–5 p.m.
Social Media Scavenger Hunt
Come ready to get creative with an epic social media scavenger hunt, where you will be exploring campus and getting to know local neighborhoods nearby. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll hit the pavement in search of the next clue and your chance to win great prizes!
5–6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Gwinn Commons
EC students and EC leaders can take a break over another great meal.
6:30–7:15 p.m.
EC Small Groups Open Mic Prep
Demaray Hall - Rooms Available for practice 254, 255, 259, 261, 353, 354, 355, 356, 358, 359, 360
Sign yourself or your group up in this link
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7:30–9 p.m.
Open Mic Night
E.E. Bach Theatre
At Open Mic Night, you’ll have the chance to express yourself (and hear from others) through spoken word, dance, song, music, juggling, joke telling etc, as well as perform something with your EC small group ... no talent is too big or too small!
Thursday, September 8, 2022
8–9:10 a.m.
Breakfast
Gwinn Commons
EC students and leaders will have breakfast together in Gwinn Commons.
9:15–9:30 a.m.
Group Photo
Royal Brougham Pavilion
9:30–10 a.m.
“Minute-to-Win-It” Games
Royal Brougham Pavilion
Come prepared to start the day right with lots of laughter and participate in minute-to-win-it games in your EC small groups!
10–11 a.m.
Transitioning to College 101 and Hopes/Fears
E.E. Bach Theatre in McKinley Hall
Students will have an opportunity to reflect on and share their hopes and fears about coming to college and being first-generation — while also being reminded that they are not alone. Students will also learn about the practical next steps as they move into New Student Orientation.
11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Rap and Spoken Word Workshop
E.E. Bach Theatre in McKinley Hall
SPU 2008 alum Philip “Sharp Skills” Jacob will lead an interactive workshop focused on tapping into the power of your identity and the strength of community through rap and music word.
12–12:15 p.m.
Close and Dismiss
Early Connections Orientation is now officially over and students will transition into New Student Orientation.