Welcome Week

Campus Check In

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Joyce & Walton Family Center

Make this your very first stop on campus! Get all of your business taken care of at this one-stop shop: room keys, ID card, schedule, mailbox key, and vehicle registration. We look forward to welcoming you and getting you started on the right foot!

Bookstore Open

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2nd floor, Powell Campus Center

Pick up all that you need for your first semester at Alfred.

Opening Barbecue

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Under the Tent, Brick Hall Lawn

Please join us for our annual kick-off barbecue for new students and their families.

The People in Your Neighborhood - Required for Students

1 p.m.
Holmes Auditorium, Harder Hall

This mandatory meeting will introduce you to some of the very important people in your neighborhood. These people are here to make your time here at Alfred University safe, fun and productive. We will discuss resources available for students in various situations.

It Takes a Village: How to Support Your Student - Families Only

1 p.m.
Miller Theater

Family session with the Student Experience Unit. Includes representatives from the Career Development Center, the Center for Advising, the Center for Student Involvement (events & student clubs), the Center for Academic Success (tutoring & accommodations), Dining Services, Health and Wellness, the Judson Leadership Center, and Residence Life. 

Class Picture

2 p.m. 
Fiat Lux Sign

Before lining up for Opening Convocation, the class of 2029 will meet at the Fiat Lux sign, next to the Powell Campus Center, for a class picture. 

Allen Walk

2:30 p.m.
Allen Way a.k.a. Academic Alley

New Students will walk from the class picture to the McLane Center for Opening Convocation through the "Allen Walk" to officially begin our 189th year of learning.

Opening Convocation - Required

3 p.m.
McLane Center Gym

Convocation is an important event that welcomes students to their journey at Alfred. President Mark Zupan and a representative from the Student Senate will give opening remarks. 

Commuter Reception

4 to 5 p.m.
Alumni Lounge, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Meet other commuter students and helpful staff who will discuss services and programs of particular interest to you.

Free Time and Goodbyes

4 to 5 p.m.
Throughout Campus

This is the ideal time to finish moving into your room and say goodbye to your family.

Dinner and ID Pick Up

5 p.m.
Ade Dining Hall

Pick up your ID card and have dinner at Ade Dining Hall. Experience some of the delicious options available to you daily in our dining halls.

LLC Meetings - Required

7 p.m.
Various Locations, Powell Campus Center

• Wellness LLC/Cannon Hall
  • Meet in the Kenyon Allen Room, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center
• Creativity & Innovation LLC/Tefft & Moskowitz Halls
  • Meet in Nevins Theater, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center
• Community Engagement LLC/Kruson Hall & all other first-year students
  • Meet in the Knight Club, 3rd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Transfer Student Reception

7 p.m.
The Community Table, 2nd floor, Powell Campus Center

Meet other transfer students and ask the staff questions to help your transition to Alfred go smoothly. 

Playfair - Required

8 p.m.
Joyce & Walton Family Center

Playfair is a huge interactive party hosted by returning students. AU students often list Playfair as one of their most memorable first experiences here at Alfred University. 

Breakfast

8:30 a.m.
Ade Dining Hall

College Work Study Meeting

9 a.m.
Nevins Theater, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

This is a mandatory meeting only for students who have College Work Study as part of their financial aid offer. College Work-Study procedures, regulations, and job opportunities will be reviewed. 

Getting a Job on Campus

9:30 a.m.
Nevins Theater, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Learn how to land a campus job! This session covers where to find openings, how to apply, and tips for making a great impression. Perfect for students looking to earn money and gain experience while in school.

Supporting Your Success - Required

10 a.m.
Various Locations

Programming with unit deans, faculty & staff to support your academic success. Lunch is included and will be served in the Powell Cafe at designated times for each college. 

• School of Art & Design and Performing Arts
  • Meet in Harder Hall - Holmes Auditorium
• School of Engineering
  • Meet in McMahon - Room 356/357
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • Meet in Miller Theater
• College of Business
  • Meet in Olin - Room 301

Information Technology Services (ITS) & Navigate Training - Required

3 p.m.
Holmes Auditorium, Harder Hall

Learn how to use Alfred University's ITS resources and the Navigate platform. This session will cover tech support tools, scheduling features, and tips to stay on track academically and connect with campus services.

Dinner

5 p.m.
Ade Dining Hall 

S'mores with Student Senate

7 p.m.
Outdoor Patio, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Join Student Senate for a cozy evening of conversation and s’mores around the fire! Share your ideas, ask questions, and get to know your student representatives in a fun, relaxed setting.

Movie Under the Stars

8:30 p.m.
Outdoor Patio, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Join us for Movie Under the Stars featuring Pitch Perfect! Free picnic blankets will be given to the first 100 students. Rain location - Nevins Theater.

Observatory Visit

10 p.m.
Outdoor Patio, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Discover the wonders of the night sky with a visit to the Stull Observatory! Meet at Powell at 9:50 PM!

Cartoons & Coffee

8:30 to 10 a.m.
Nevins Theater, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Enjoy coffee and cartoons with the Center for Advising and Chloe the poodle! 

Yoga on the Lawn

Rain Location: Kenyon Allen Room, 2nd floor, Powell Campus Center

Brunch

10 to 1 p.m.
Ade Dining Hall

Pine Hill Hike

Explore the beautiful Pine Hill trail right here on campus! This is a moderate hike that requires sturdy shoes (please refrain from wearing sandals or Crocs). 

eSports Open House

Explore the eSports space, play some games, and discover what we have in store for the upcoming year. 

Pickleball

Test your skills against others on the Pickleball court! 

Make-n-Take Air Plant Terrarium

Create your own mini ecosystem! Join us for a Make-n-Take Air Plant Terrarium event—craft a unique, low-maintenance terrarium to take home and enjoy.

Returning Student Check-In

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joyce & Walton Family Center

Returning students, make this your very first stop on campus. Get all your business taken care of at this one-stop shop, where you can pick up your room keys, schedule, and vehicle registration. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and getting you started on the right foot.

After the Fire - Required

Fire safety training for all new students living in residence halls. 

Mini Golf & Plant Giveaway

Play mini golf and repot a mini succulent or spider plant to take home. Cuttings are taken from the plants around the AU Libraries and grown in repurposed K-cups. While supplies last! 

Tie Dye T-shirts

3 to 5 p.m.
Under the Tent, Brick Hall Lawn

Get creative at our Tie-Dye T-Shirt event! We’ll provide the shirts and supplies—just bring your imagination.

Backstage Pass: Welcome to the Arts

3 to 5 p.m.
Miller Performing Arts Center

• Dance It Out
  • 3 to 3:30 p.m., Miller 301
  • No experience? No problem! Come move, groove, and let loose in a high-energy, welcoming dance session.
•  Jam Session
  • 3:30 to 4 p.m., Miller 302
  • Grab an instrument and jam with the Alfred Pop Ensemble! Play your favorite tunes or try something new - no pressure, just fun. 
• Improvisation Theatre
  •  4 to 4:30 p.m., CD Smith, III Theater
  • Step on stage and into the moment. Join a group improv game - laugh, play, and surprise yourself.
• Cabinet of Winged Curiosities
  •  4:30 to 5 p.m., Costume Shop
  • Create your own vintage headpiece using wire, fabric, and sparkle! Design something bold, bizarre, or beautiful - totally your style. 

Dinner

5 p.m.
Ade Dining Hall

Honors Orientation

5 p.m.
Honors House, 8 Park Street

Required for all first-year Honors Students. This event will include dinner, group work, and an opportunity to meet your fellow Honors Students. 

Chalk the Walk

All supplies are provided free of charge by Partners for Prevention in Allegany County.

• $250 first-place prize!
• $150 second-place prize!
• $100 third-place prize! 

All artwork should include a tobacco, drug, or alcohol free message to be eligible for prizes

Block Party

Block Party is a club fair hosted by the Center for Student Involvement, so you can explore our student clubs and organizations. Get involved! Includes walking tacos from King Alfred's Kitchen, balloon animals, a dunk tank, giant light bright, and music by WALF. 

Cartoons & Coffee

8:30 to 10 a.m.
Nevins Theater, 2nd Floor, Powell Campus Center

Enjoy coffee and cartoons with the Center for Advising and Chloe the poodle! 

Yoga on the Lawn

Rain Location: Kenyon Allen Room, 2nd floor, Powell Campus Center

Brunch

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ade Dining Hall

Bagel Brunch at Hillel House

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hillel House, 18 South Main Street

All students are welcome to celebrate the start of the new school year with a bagel brunch sponsored by Hillel at Alfred. 

Returning Student Check-In

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joyce & Walton Family Center

Returning students, make this your very first stop on campus. Get all your business taken care of at this one-stop shop, where you can pick up your room keys, schedule, and vehicle registration. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and getting you started on the right foot.

The Hook Up - Required

11 a.m.
Holmes Auditorium, Harder Hall

An engaging discussion that "pulls back the covers" on hooking up, clarifies when it’s actually sexual violence, and prepares bystanders to recognize predatory behavior (and stop it) —presented by Catharsis Productions. 

Farmers' Market

1 to 3 p.m.
Village Bandstand

Pick up some treats and enjoy meeting our local farmers and artisans. The farmers’ market runs every Sunday through October.

Foster Lake Trip

1 to 3 p.m.
Shuttles from The Brick Hall

Come explore our beautiful Foster Lake, which offers an easy walk around the lake, trees for hammocks, a lovely beach area, and picturesque views. Van Leaves from outside the Brick Residence Hall.

Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center Tours

1 to 3 p.m.
Shuttles from The Brick Hall

Explore the Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center with tours of our state-of-the-art facilities! Meet the horses, learn about riding programs, and discover what makes this center a standout part of campus life.

Lawn Games, Music, and Ice Cream on the Quad

3 to 5 p.m.
Outside Powell Campus Center

Have fun playing some games and getting the chance to meet other new students before classes start on Monday. Free ice cream while supplies last! 

Judson Leadership Center (JLC) Open House

4 to 6 p.m.
Judson Leadership Center

Stop by for a snack, explore the JLC, and learn about the program opportunities available. 

African Student Association Cookout

Starting at 5 p.m.
2nd Floor Patio, Powell Campus Center

A “welcome back” cookout hosted by the African Students Association (ASA). All are welcome!

Dinner

5 p.m.
Ade Dining Hall

Honors Reception: Death by Chocolate

7 p.m.
Honors House, 8 Park Street

A reception for new and returning honors students. 

Floor Meetings - Required

8 p.m.
Individual Residence Halls

One of the most important aspects of living in a residence hall is establishing community standards. This time is set aside for your first community “floor” meeting. Here, you will learn about the individuals you share space with on your floor and in your residential community, and also establish appropriate standards. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions of your RA and learn about residence life policies, which you are expected to follow.