First Year LUTE Welcome (New Student Orientation) Schedule @ a Glance
LUTE Welcome Week is packed with Lute traditions that will help you transition to PLU and meet faculty, staff and peers. All Fall 2024 New Students (including new International Students) will be assigned to a peer-led LUTE Group; individual LUTE Group locations will be available on your LUTE Welcome name tag, which new students will receive at Check In.
| Required Session? | FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 8:00AM-4:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Required (Residents) | Move In & LUTE Welcome Check-In for Residents REQUIRED for Residents: First stop for new first-year and transfer residential students! | 8:00AM-11:30AM | Residence Halls (individual move-in times are assigned; check your PLU email for details) |
| Required (International Students) | International Student Orientation (Day 3) & Photo REQUIRED for International Students only | 8:00AM-1:00PM | Meet outside Anderson University Center (AUC) DJS Lounge (140) |
| Student Financial Services Drop-In Hours Optional: Have questions about your financial aid? Student Financial Services is available to drop in for questions! | 9:00AM-12:00PM | Hauge Administration Building, Room 102 | |
| Required (Commuters) | CAVE LUTE Welcome Check-In for Commuter Students REQUIRED for Commuters: First stop for new first-year and transfer commuting students! | 10:00AM-11:00AM | Anderson University Center CAVE (AUC Basement) |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Residents lunch on your own | 10:30AM-12:45PM | Options for Residents: 208 Garfield, Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons, & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| Required (Commuters) | CAVE Welcome for Commuter Students REQUIRED for Commuters: A special welcome program for new commuter students hosted by Dr. Joanna Royce-Davis, Vice President for Student Life, and Marie Tucker, Community Director for the CAVE Commuter Community | 11:15AM-11:50PM | Anderson University Center (AUC), Chris Knutson Hall (room 214) |
| DJS Desserts Optional: Swing by the DJS Lounge to meet and mingle with Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability staff, students, and other new students and families. | 11:30AM-12:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) DJS Lounge (AUC Lower Level) | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Commuters lunch in small groups (lunch is provided) | 12:00PM-12:45PM | Anderson University Center (AUC), Chris Knutson Hall (room 214) | |
| Required (All) | WELCOME TO PLU: REQUIRED: At this opening session for New Student Orientation, learn what it means to join the Lute Community: Diversity, Justice, & Sustainability (DJS), Vocation, and Lutheran Higher Education. | 1:00 PM-2:15PM | Olson Gym |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Time, First PLUS 100 Class Session & New Student Group Picture REQUIRED: Meet your LUTE Guide & Group | 2:15PM-4:00PM | Meet your LUTE Guide on Foss Field Throughout LUTE Welcome, find your individual LUTE Group meeting location(s) printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In. This time ends back at Foss Field for a New Student Group Picture at 3:30pm! |
| Required (All) | Parkland Night Market REQUIRED: A fun, "night market" style introduction to the Parkland community. Reception open to New Students, Families, Supporters, & Parkland Community Members | 4:30PM-7:00PM | Foss Field (Lower Campus) |
| Required (Residents) | BECOMING NEIGHBORS: REQUIRED for Residents: Residential Wing Meetings hosted by Resident Assistants (RAs) | 7:00PM-8:00PM | Learn your individual wing meeting location from your RA when you move in |
| LUTE Tradition: PLU Trivia hosted by ASPLU Optional: All new Lutes encouraged to attend! | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) CAVE (lowest level) |
| Required Session? | SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 7:30AM-1:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Snack Shack Pop Up Breakfast | 7:30AM-8:30AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Energizers REQUIRED Warm up for the day with your LUTE Guide and new friends! | 8:30AM-9:00AM | Find your individual LUTE Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In |
| Required (All) | Rotating Sessions REQUIRED for all new Lutes! Rose Window Group: Starts with Wellbeing & ABCs Black & Gold Group: Starts with Sounds of Solidarity | 9:00AM-11:50AM | Sounds of Solidarity (Karen Hille Phillips Center for Performing Arts) Becoming a Parkland Neighbor (Lagerquist Concert Hall) |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Lunches REQUIRED: Lunch Rotations with your LUTE Groups & Guides | 11:50AM-1:30PM | AUC Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) |
| Required (Veteran Students) | Veterans Community Meeting REQUIRED for all new Lutes who are Veterans! | 1:00PM-2:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Room 201 |
| Braver Angels Conversation & Voter Registration Event Optional: Join the Braver Angels for an all-sides conversation about voter registration topics. Not registered to vote yet? You can do it at this event! | 1:00PM-4:00 PM | Location TBD | |
| Public Transit Adventure & Dinner in Downtown Tacoma Optional: Join us for a transit adventure to the heart of downtown Tacoma for a visit various downtown attractions, including dinner (students eat together and pay on their own -- bring $)! Learn how to use Pierce County public transit systems and enjoy a docent-led gallery tour and live glass blowing demonstrations in the hot shop! The cost of the trip will be covered for the first 26 students to reserve a spot, so make sure to RSVP to guarantee your paid spot! You are still welcome to come even if you do not reserve a spot in time, you would just need to bring $5 cash for an all day bus pass. Attendees (whether you have RSVP'd or not) should meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in between 1:30pm-2pm. The group will be leaving promptly at 2pm so be sure to arrive at least 5 minutes early. | 2:00PM-7:00 PM | Pierce County Public Transit Downtown Tacoma Meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in between 1:30pm-2pm |
|
| Walking Tour & Dinner in Parkland Optional: Join us for a walking adventure to the heart of our own Parkland Neighborhood for a visit various attractions, including dinner (students eat together and pay on their own -- bring $)! Attendees (whether you have RSVP'd or not) should meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in between 2:30pm-3pm. The group will be leaving promptly at 3pm so be sure to arrive at least 5 minutes early. | 3:00PM-7:00 PM | Meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in between 2:30pm-3pm | |
| Board Games & BYO Dinner Together Optional: Looking for some low-key fun and/or folks to eat with? The Commons is not open on Saturday nights to buy food, but the dining area is always open to bring food, hang out, and dine together. BYO Dinner and join us for board games & hanging out! | 5:00PM-7:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| LUTE Tradition: A Night of Improv Optional: Cheer and laugh as PLU’s Improv team (The Clay Crows) take to the stage for one amazing show of humor & comedy! Free show for all Lutes and doors open at 7pm. | 7:15PM-8:00PM | Karen Hille Phillips Center for Performing Arts | |
| LUTE Tradition: Block Party Optional: Show up to get down at this annual late night all campus party! Party the night away with the incoming first year class on the laser light dance floor and enjoy great Lute community. | 8:00PM-10:00PM | AUC Red Square |
| Required Session? | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 8:30AM-4:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Trinity Lutheran Church Service Optional: Meet up with University Pastor, Jen Rude, to check out Sunday services at Trinity! | 9:40AM-11:15AM | Meet in Red Square to walk to Trinity Lutheran Church (across the street from Mortvedt Library) | |
| Hammock Hangout Optional: Looking for a chill Sunday social time with fellow new Lutes? Come hangout outside with us! | 10:00AM-11:30AM | AUC Upper Campus Grassy Quad (between Xavier, KHP, Admin, and Hong Hall) | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Brunch Rotations with LUTE Guides | 10:30AM-12:30PM | Find your individual LUTE Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In | |
| Campus Tour Optional: Take a tour to get to know the campus! | 11:00 AM-12:00PM | Depart from the Admission Welcome Center (127 Hauge Administration Building) | |
| PLU Community Garden Optional: Many hands make light work! Join us in harvesting produce to be donated to the Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry and light garden maintenance. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle. | 12:00PM-01:30PM | PLU Community Garden (811 121st St, across the street from Ingram Hall on 121st St.) | |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Meet Ups REQUIRED Warm up for the day with your LUTE Guide and new friends! | 12:30PM-1:00PM | Find your individual LUTE Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In |
| Required (All) | LUTE Tradition: PNW BBQ Bash & Field Day Optional: All new Lutes encouraged to attend! Food will be served through the Commons, but is free and welcome for anyone to attend! Throughout the AUC, there will be rooms set up with music, games, and other festivities, including a Photobooth! | 4:30PM-7:00PM | Weather Location Change: Anderson University Center (Commons & Other Locations, including CK [214], Regency [203], and Scan Center [100]) |
| Drop In Ultimate Frisbee Optional: Come swing by Foss Field during New Student Orientation and have a friendly pickup game of Ultimate Frisbee. This event is sponsored by our PLU Ultimate Frisbee Clubs. Register on imleagues.com or the PLU Rec App under the Outdoor Rec Tab. Students must complete an activity waiver to participate: Waiver Instructions | 4:15PM-5:30PM | Foss Field | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: We encourage you to attend the PNW BBQ/Field Day for dinner! But, if that's not your preference, OMM will be open and the AUC Commons (4:30 - 7:30) will be serving a limited Soup & Salad Bar menu! | 4:30PM-7:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons (AYCTE) & Old Main Market (OMM) |
| Required Session? | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Great Day To Rest Take time to refresh for first day of classes & review Summer To-Do's New Student Checklist | All Day | Relax on your own & finish tasks on your Summer To-Do's New Student Checklist | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Breakfast & Lunch Rotations with LUTE Guides | 7:00AM-9:30AM 10:30AM-2:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| Mashel Falls Hike Optional: Join Outdoor Rec for an off-campus hiking opportunity! Sign up ahead of time, as space is limited to the first 24 students! Register on imleagues.com or the PLU Rec App under the Outdoor Rec Tab. Registration: Open Until Sep 3rd '23 at 11:00AM Itinerary for Little Mashel Falls Hike (additional description on PLU Rec App / imleagues.com) 11 AM arrive at the Columbia Center and depart for trailhead 12:15 PM Arrive at trailhead 12:30 PM Begin hike 3.5 hours to hike and see the falls 4:00 PM Depart from trailhead to PLU 5 PM Arrive at PLU 5 PM Students must complete an activity waiver to participate: Sign Ups & Waiver Instructions | 11:00AM-5:00PM | Mashel Falls (meet Meet at the Columbia Center) | |
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 1:00PM-3:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Wang Center Presentation Optional: Join the Wang Center to learn about Study Away opportunities, what you should be doing now to plan ahead, and other global learning engagement opportunities | 1:30PM-2:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Regency Room (203) | |
| Required (IHON Students) | IHON New Student Orientation REQUIRED: For new International Honors students only | 3:00PM-4:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Room 133 |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Dinner in the Commons | 4:30PM-7:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons (AYCTE) & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| Required (Residents) | Love Where You Live: Community Building REQUIRED for new ResidentsResidential Wing Meetings hosted by Resident Assistants (RAs) | 7:00PM-8:00PM | Learn your individual wing meeting location from your RA when you move in |
| Required Session? | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUNGRY? Optional: Breakfast on your own | 7:00AM-9:30AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 8:30AM-9:45AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Energizers REQUIRED Warm up for the day with your LUTE Guide and new friends! | 8:30AM-9:00AM | Find your individual LUTE Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In |
| Required (All) | Academic Advising Meetings REQUIRED: Meet with your advisor to get off to a great start! | 9:00AM-9:30AM | Find your individual Advising Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In. If you don't have your nametag, stop by LW Headquarters! |
| Required (All) | Gather for Bell Ringing REQUIRED: Congregate in Red Square for the annual tradition of ringing the bell & processing to Convocation | 9:35AM-10:00AM | Red Square |
| Required (All) | LUTE Tradition: Convocation REQUIRED: A PLU tradition to open the academic year! | 10:00AM-11:00AM | Olson Gym |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Lunch on your own | 10:30AM-2:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| First Day of Fall 2024 Semester You got this, Lutes! | Starting at 11:50AM | Tip: check out your classroom locations during LUTE Welcome weekend ahead of your first day so you know where to go! | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Dinner on your own | 4:30PM-7:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) |
| LUTE Welcome (Back): The First Six Weeks Open to ALL Lutes | DATE | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop in Academic Advising Pop by and say hello to your academic advisor! | Tuesday, 9/3/24 thru Friday, 9/6/24 | 9:00AM-5:00PM | Center for Student Success (Mortvedt Library) |
| Outdoor Rec Rental Shop Opens for the Fall Choose your own adventure with the Outdoor Rec (OR) rental program! From hammocks to tents, sleeping bags to backpacks, and everything in-between, Outdoor Rec has a wide selection of gear for your next excursion! | Wednesday, 9/4/24 | 9:00 AM | Visit the OR Website |
| Weekly Wednesday Chapel | Wednesdays (beginning 9/4/24) | 10:30AM-11:00AM | Ness Family Chapel |
| Intramural Sports Sign ups available Create a Team / Join a Team or signup as a free agent and we will try and find you a team | Thursday, 9/5/24 | 8:00 AM | imleagues.com or the PLU Rec App |
| LUTE Tradition: Engagement Fair Meet and mingle with PLU & Parkland clubs and organizations! | Thursday, 9/5/24 | 4:00PM-6:00PM | Red Square |
| Weekly Friday Prayers Chapel | Fridays (beginning 9/6/24) | 10:30AM-11:00AM | Red Square |
| ASPLU Senate Elections Info Session Looking to get involved? Come learn about running for an ASPLU Senator position! | Friday, 9/6/24 | 2:00PM-2:30PM | AUC, Room 134 |
| Natural Sciences Opportunity Fair | Friday, 9/6/24 | 3:00PM-4:00PM | Grassy Area between Rieke and Morken |
| Initial Academic Advising Meetings Academic Advisors will schedule a time to meet with each of their students 1:1 during the month of September! | Friday, 9/6/24 thru Friday, 9/27/24 | Various Times | Center for Student Success (Mortvedt Library) |
| Breathe and Be – Spiritual Practices in Community | Mondays (beginning 9/9/24) | 10:30AM-11:00AM | Ness Family Chapel |
| ASPLU Senate Elections Info Session Looking to get involved? Come learn about running for an ASPLU Senator position! | Monday, 9/9/24 | 10:30AM-11:00AM | AUC Regency (Room 203) |
| ASPLU Senate Elections Info Session Looking to get involved? Come learn about running for an ASPLU Senator position! | Tuesday, 9/10/24 | 6:00PM-6:30PM | AUC, Room 134 |
| ASPLU Senate Elections Info Session Looking to get involved? Come learn about running for an ASPLU Senator position! | Wednesday, 9/11/24 | 1:00PM-1:30PM | AUC Regency (Room 203) |
| Weekly Yarn Group | Thursdays (beginning 9/12/24) | 3:45PM-5:00PM | Trinity Lutheran Church Parkland 12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444 |
| Volleyball Vs. Pacific University | Friday, 9/15/23 | 7:00 PM | Olson Gymnasium |
| Cross Country PLU Invitational | Saturday, 9/16/23 | 10:00 AM | |
| Women's Soccer Vs. Whitworth University | Saturday, 9/16/23 | 12:00 PM | Lute Soccer Field on the Synthetic Turf |
| Football Vs. California Lutheran University | Saturday, 9/16/23 | 12:00 PM | Sparks Stadium |
| Men's Soccer Vs. Whitworth University | Saturday, 9/16/23 | 2:30 PM | Lute Soccer Field on the Synthetic Turf |
| Volleyball Vs. Linfield University | Saturday, 9/16/23 | 7:00 PM | Olson Gymnasium |
| Women's Soccer Vs. Whitman University | Sunday, 9/17/23 | 12:00 PM | Lute Soccer Field on the Synthetic Turf |
| Men's Soccer Vs. Whitman University | Sunday, 9/17/23 | 2:30 PM | Lute Soccer Field on the Synthetic Turf |
| ASPLU Senate Elections Info Session Looking to get involved? Come learn about running for an ASPLU Senator position! | Monday, 9/16/24 | 7:00PM-7:30PM | AUC Regency (Room 203) |
| Featured Speaker: Dr. Jason Kilmer REQUIRED for all new Lutes! “Beer Goggles” to Blackouts, “the Munchies” to Memory Effects: The Science of Alcohol and Cannabis Does alcohol really make people more social? How do substances affect quality of sleep? Does cannabis/marijuana impact memory and attention? In this presentation, learn the answers to these questions and more. Resources: Situational Tolerance Video Check In with Yourself Washington | Wednesday, 9/18/24 | 6:00PM-7:30PM | Olson Auditorium |
| Study Away Fair | Wednesday, 9/20/23 | 10:00AM-2:00PM | Anderson University Center |
| Campfire Worship | Wednesday, 9/20/23 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM | Pflueger Fire Pit |
| Volleyball Vs. University of Puget Sound | Wednesday, 9/20/23 | 7:00 PM | Olson Gymnasium |
| On The Road , hosted by the Center for DJS | Saturday, 9/21/24 | Various Times | Location TBA |
| Volleyball Vs. Alumni | Saturday, 9/23/23 | 4:00 PM | Olson Gymnasium |
| Golf PLU Invitational | Sunday, 9/24/23 thru Tuesday, 9/26/23 | Various | |
| Homecoming & Family Week | Monday, 9/30/24 thru Sunday, 10/6/24 | Various Times | Various Locations |
| Volleyball Vs. George Fox University | Friday, 10/6/23 | 7:00 PM | Olson Gymnasium |
| Football Vs. Pacific University | Saturday, 10/7/23 | 1:00 PM | Sparks Stadium |
| Volleyball Vs. Lewis & Clark University | Saturday, 10/7/23 | 6:00 PM | Olson Gymnasium |
| Women's Soccer Vs. Willamette University | Sunday, 10/8/23 | 12:00 PM | Lute Soccer Field on the Synthetic Turf |
| Men's Soccer Vs. Willamette University | Sunday, 10/8/23 | 2:30 PM | Lute Soccer Field on the Synthetic Turf |
We Look Forward to Meeting You
LUTE Welcome Week – New Student Orientation is an exciting series of experiences designed to welcome new students to PLU’s vibrant community and allow you to get connected, to be involved and to stay informed.
Interested in finding a job, studying abroad, and/or joining a club? Your LUTE Group guide will connect you to these resources and more, while you make friends with fellow Lutes.
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