Transfer 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 sessions for new Transfer Students are noted below; however, new Transfer Students are encouraged to join us for all of the sessions and opportunities below to support your transition to PLU!
| 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! | 8:30AM-11:30AM | Residence Halls (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 (Veteran Students) | Veterans Community Meeting REQUIRED for all new Lutes who are Veterans! | 10:00AM-11:00AM | Hauge Admin 200 |
| Required (Commuters) | Lutes Commute 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) |
| Required (Commuters) | Lutes Commute 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 the 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) | |
| Required (Transfer Students) | Lunch with Deans & Department Heads REQUIRED for new Transfer Students only Lunch is provided! | 12:00PM-12:45PM | AUC Regency Room, 203 |
| 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 & 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 A fun, "night market" style introduction to the Parkland community. Reception open to New Students, Families, Supporters, & Parkland Community Members | 4:30PM-6:30PM | 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 | TBD |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Lunches REQUIRED: Lunch Rotations with your LUTE Groups & Guides | 11:50AM-1:30PM | AUC Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) |
| Public Transit Adventure & Dinner in Downtown Tacoma Optional: Join us for a transit adventure to the heart of downtown Tacoma to visit various downtown attractions, including the Museum of Glass and a TBD dinner location (students eat together and pay on their own -- bring $)! Learn how to use Pierce County public transit systems and enjoy a self-led gallery tour and live glass blowing demonstrations in the hot shop! The cost of the trip will be covered for the first 30 students to reserve a spot, so make sure to RSVP here to guarantee your paid spot! You are still welcome to come even if you do not reserve a spot in time, you just need to bring $5 cash for an all day bus pass and $6 for a discounted Museum of Glass ticket. Attendees (whether you have RSVP'd or not) should meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in at 1:30pm. The group will be leaving promptly at 2pm so be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the check-in process. | 1:30PM-7:00PM | Pierce County Public Transit Downtown Tacoma Meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in at 1:30pm. |
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| Scavenger Hunt Optional: Explore campus on a scavenger hunt! Folks who finish finding all the secret locations can turn in their completed clue sheets for a prize. Instructions for how to join the hunt will be provided to participates at the Headquarters table on the 2nd floor of the AUC anytime between 2:00pm-4:00pm. | 2:00PM -4:00PM | Get your scavenger hunt sheet at Headquarters (2nd floor of AUC) | |
| Taste of Garfield Optional: Join us for a walking adventure to the heart of our own Parkland Neighborhood for a visit various attractions. Students will receive 1-2 tickets to try food and beverages at local Parkland restaurants (no charge to students). Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. | 3:00PM-7:00PM | Meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in and receive tickets | |
| Sunset Watch at Chambers Bay Park Optional: Join for an adventure over to Chambers Bay Park to play yard games eat snacks and watch the sun set on the beach. Attendees should meet in front of Harstad Hall to check-in between 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., and the group will leave to shuttle to Chambers Bay Park at 5 p.m. Attendees should RSVP by completing this form. Spaces are limited and a waitlist will be collected. | 4:30PM-8:00PM | Meet in front of Harstad at 4:30pm to leave by 5:00pm | |
| 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! Light snacks will be provided. | 5:00PM-7:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) is open for purchasing food until 10pm | |
| 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-11:00AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Climbing Adventure Optional:Join us for an off-campus adventure to Edgeworks in Tacoma for a climbing adventure. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially folks who have never climbed before! RSVP here! Space is limited to the first 15 people. | 9:00AM-1:00PM | Meet in front of Harstad at 9am | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Brunch (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons to get a meal ticket! | 9:30AM-12:30PM | The Commons | |
| 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) | |
| Yin Yoga w/ PLU Football Optional: Join some of the PLU Football Team to practice Yin Yoga. Modifications will be available to ensure all individuals are able to participate, including beginners. | 10:00AM-10:45AM | AUC Upper Campus Grassy Quad (between Xavier, KHP, Admin, and Hong Hall) | |
| 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) | |
| Point Defiance Picnic Optional: Join GREAN Club in an off-campus trip to Point Defiance Park for a picnic (BYOLunch). Transportation is provided for a limited number of students. RSVP here! | 10:30AM-1:30PM | Meet in front of Harstad Hall | |
| 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.) | |
| Campus Tour Join Lute Guides for a guided campus tour; bring your class schedule to scope out where your classes are, ask questions about the best ways to get around campus, and learn about PLU! | 2:00PM-3:30PM | Meet at the AUC Clocktower | |
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 3:30-4:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Meet Ups REQUIRED Warm up for the day with your LUTE Guide and new friends! | 4:00PM-4:30PM | Find your individual LUTE Group meeting location |
| 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 | 4:30PM-5:30PM | Foss Field | |
| Required (All) | LUTE Tradition: PNW BBQ Bash & Field Day All Lutes are encouraged to attend! This is free and welcome for anyone to attend, including returning students | 4:30PM-7:00PM | 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 (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons for a meal ticket. | 7:00AM-9:30AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| Required (Fall Athletes Only) | Athletics Compliance Required for all Incoming Fall Athletes: 9:30-10:30AM - NCAA Clearance (This is a mandatory meeting for all student-athletes in which we cover PLU and NCAA rules, complete all necessary documentation, and welcome new student-athletes!) 10:30-11:30AM ABC TRAINING (Active Bystander Training) | 9:30 AM-11:30AM | Check with your coach for the meeting location |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Breakfast (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons for a meal ticket. | 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 20 students! Register on imleagues.com or the PLU Rec App under the Outdoor Rec Tab. Registration: Open Until Sep 1st '24 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) | |
| Pickleball Optional: Join the PLU Pickleball Club for a series of pick-up games. All levels of pickleball players are welcome, including beginners! Equipment will be provided. | 2:00PM-4:30PM | PLU Tennis Courts | |
| Required (IHON Students) | IHON New Student Orientation REQUIRED: For new International Honors students only | 3:30PM-4:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Room 133 |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Breakfast (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons for a meal ticket. | 4:30PM-7:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons (AYCTE) & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| Spin Class Optional: Join Campus Rec for an invigorating Spin Class! This full-body workout is perfect for building cardiovascular strength and endurance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this 45-minute ride, set to energizing music, offers a fun and challenging experience. With only 18 spots available, be sure to sign up soon through the PLU Rec App under Group X or on imleagues.com. The class will be held in the Columbia Center's second-floor dance studio. | 6:00 PM | Columbia Center second floor Dance studio | |
| Required (Residents) | Love Where You Live: Community Building REQUIRED for all Residents Gathering for residential students in their communities | Check for emails & posters in your residence halls for specific starting times | Check for emails & posters in your residence halls for specific starting times |
| 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! | 8:00AM-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 |
| Queer Connections Come join us for a queer student meet and greet, enjoy some treats, and find out how you can get involved with PLU's queer community. This is the first queer program of the year and an awesome way to kick off the first week of school! We welcome our new and returning 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty to join us. This year's theme is Falling into Community, so please join us for Fall treats, activities, and the opportunity to connect with fellow queer Lutes. | Wednesday, 9/4/24 | 2:30PM-3:30 PM | AUC 133 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Neurodiverse Lutes Meet & Greet Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year! PLU’s Neurodiverse students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet. | Monday, 9/9/24 | 3:30PM-5:00PM | AUC 214 East (CK East) |
| Pacific Island Lutes Meet & Greet Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year! PLU’s Pacific Islander students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet. | Tuesday, 9/10/24 | 4:00PM-5:30PM | Sand Volleyball Courts |
| Weekly Yarn Group | Thursdays (beginning 9/12/24) | 3:45PM-5:00PM | Trinity Lutheran Church Parkland 12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444 |
| Monthly Community Meal Join neighbors from PLU, Trinity Lutheran, and Parkland for a FREE meal every 2nd Thursday. Volunteers also needed! | Every second Thursday | 5:00PM-6:00PM | Trinity Lutheran Church Parkland 12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444 |
| Black Lutes Meet & Greet Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year! PLU’s Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet. | Monday, 9/16/24 | 3:00PM-4:30PM | AUC 133 |
| Native American & Alaska Native Meet & Greet Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year! PLU’s Native American & Alaska Native students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet. | Tuesday, 9/17/24 | 3:30PM-4:30PM | Kreidler Lounge |
| 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 | Lagerquist Concert Hall (Mary Baker Russell Building) |
| Asian Lutes Meet & Greet Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year! PLU’s Asian students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet. | Thursday, 9/19/24 | 3:00PM-4:30PM | AUC Regency (203) |
| Offline Cafe Take a few hours each Wednesday for some tech-free, screen-free space to read, craft, be in community, etc. A partnership between Campus Ministry, Center for Vocation, and Trinity Lutheran. Hosted at Trinity Lutheran. | Every Wednesday, starting 9/19/24 | 3:00PM-5:00PM | Trinity Lutheran Church Parkland 12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444 |
| Latinx Lutes Meet & Greet Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year! PLU’s Latinx students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet | Friday, 9/20/24 | 3:00PM-4:30PM | Scandinavian Cultural Center |
| On The Road On the third Saturday of the academic year, students are invited to participate in On the Road (OTR), a day-trip to build connections and explore beyond PLU. Rooted in our values of diversity, justice, and sustainability, OTR will center community building through a diverse selection of activities that uplift our interconnectedness to each other and our environments. Students will choose their day-trips connecting them with peers of similar interests and an excited student-faculty-staff co-facilitator team. The day will close with an all OTR participant dinner and evening activities to share our experiences and connect as a larger community. | Saturday, 9/21/24 | Various Times | Location TBA |
| Homecoming & Family Week | Monday, 9/30/24 thru Sunday, 10/6/24 | Various Times | Various Locations |
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