Orientation Schedule

Thursday, August 25

8:00 am - 11:00 am: Dorm Move-In
*See more information at the link above
First Year Students:
8:00am - 8:30am  A - Da
8:30am - 9:00am De - I
9:00am - 9:30am J - M
9:30am - 10:00am N - R
10:00am - 10:30am S - V
10:30am - 11:00am W - Z

Transfer Students:
8:00am - 9:00am A - M
9:00am - 10:00am N - Z

9:00 am - 2:00 pm: Welcome Center *
Come to the welcome center on the lawn in front of Kerrwood Hall to check in for Orientation, get your academic advising appointment, and have your ID card photo taken. Westmont resources and departments are hosting tables under the tent to provide information and answer questions.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: IT Library Open House
Make sure your technology is fully set up for the semester by heading downstairs at the library to visit the IT department.  Get your ID photo taken, make sure you can connect to Westmont's network, log in to the myWestmont portal, and more.  If you visited on Thursday for your ID photo, you can pick up your ID card on Friday.

9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Health Center Open Hours
Stop by the Health Center on lower campus to meet the Health Center staff and visit the space. The staff is looking forward to supporting you during your time at Westmont.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Campus Walking Tour (Option 1)
An informative and enjoyable walk around the campus will combine knowledge of our historic campus with personal student experience.

11:00 am - 1:30 pm: Lunch
Your lunch time is determined by your move-in time to prevent long lines!
Move-in from 8-9am: 11-11:45am
Move-in from 9-10am: 11:45am-12:30pm
Move-in from 10-11am: 12:30-1:30 pm
All Transfer Students: 12:30-1:30 pm

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: IT Library Open House
Make sure your technology is fully set up for the semester by heading downstairs at the library to visit the IT department.  Get your ID photo taken, make sure you can connect to Westmont's network, log in to the myWestmont portal, and more.  If you visited on Thursday for your ID photo, you can pick up your ID card on Friday.

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Legacy Reception
Westmont alumni parents and their students are invited to a dessert reception with President Gayle Beebe, where a group photograph will be taken and refreshments will be served on Magnolia Lawn outside of Voskuyl Library.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Campus Walking Tour (Option 2)
An informative and enjoyable walk around the campus will combine knowledge of our historic campus with personal student experience.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Pre-Health Interest Session
Students considering Pre-Health studies are encouraged to attend an informal gathering with faculty from relevant departments in the Founders Dinning Room.

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm: Worship & Prayer *
Stop by the Murchison Gym anytime between 2:15-3:15pm to pause in the midst of a full day for an optional time of prayer and worship. Our God is good. Prayer teams will be available on the periphery of the tent to pray with and for you. Musical worship will be led by members of the chapel band.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Welcome Session *
Join us for this celebratory opening event of Orientation 2022 in the Murchison Gym. President Gayle D. Beebe will extend an official Westmont welcome, followed by an introduction to this year's Orientation Team and a message from our Campus Pastor.

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Orientation Small Group Meeting #1 *
Get to know a small group of your peers alongside your Orientation small group leader!

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Taco 'Bout Getting Involved Dinner *
Enjoy a taco dinner with your Orientation small group while "talking about" involvement opportunities on campus!

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Res Life Night *
Come to the Page MPR if you're living in Page, the Clark A Lounge if you're living in Clark, Emerson 2nd Floor Lounge if you're living in Emerson, and Armington C Lounge if you're a transfer student! Meet some of your closest community members — including your Resident Director (RD), Resident Assistant (RA), and other students living in your section!

* required

Friday, August 26

7:30 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast
Come eat breakfast in the Dining Commons!

8:30 am - 11:00 am: Library Open House *
Stop by to explore the library and fill your library passport with stamps along the way. Trade your library passport for your college ID card. The librarians will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments provided!

8:30 am - 11:30 am: IT Library Open House
Make sure your technology is fully set up for the semester by heading downstairs at the library to visit the IT department.  Get your ID photo taken, make sure you can connect to Westmont's network, log in to the myWestmont portal, and more.  If you visited on Thursday for your ID photo, you can pick up your ID card on Friday.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Departmental Open Houses
Department Open House Locations:
Art -- Adams 310
Biology -- Whittier Science 101
Chemistry -- Adams 216
Communication Studies -- Deane Chapel
Economics & Business -- Carroll Hall Classroom
Education -- Voskuyl Library 108
English -- Reynolds Hall, First Floor
History -- Deane Hall Lawn
Kinesiology -- Winter Hall 106
Mathematics & Computer Science -- Winter Hall Patio (behind Physics/Engr)
Modern Languages -- Reynolds Hall 209 & Second Floor Lounge
Music -- Music Building Front Porch
Philosophy -- Carroll Hall Lawn
Physics & Engineering -- Winter Hall 204
Political Science -- Winter Hall 212
Psychology -- Winter Hall Lawn
Religious Studies -- Winter Hall 216
Sociology & Anthropology -- Deane Hall Second Floor
Theatre Arts -- Porter Patio

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Faculty Office Hours
Opportunity to meet faculty and learn about different academic departments.

10:15 am - 11:15 am: Foreign Language Placement & Advising
Students planning to continue taking the same language as in high school who have not already taken the placement test must complete this 20-minute placement test at this session in the library's computer lab. A representation from the Modern Language department will be available to help determine the appropriate course for you to take. Students who have provisionally "placed out" of the requirement through the online exam MUST confirm their placement at this time.

11:15 am - 12:15 pm: Lunch
Come eat lunch in the Dining Commons!

11:15 am - 12:45 pm: Intercultural Programs Lunch
Students of color, international, missionary and third-culture students, and Cultural Diversity Awardees and their families are invited to hear about the programs and opportunities associated with Westmont's commitment to diversity. Lunch with be served at Noon on Magnolia Lawn; program begins at 11:30pm.

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm: We are Westmont - First Look *
Westmont is committed to cultivating a diverse community based on Biblical foundations. Join students and faculty at Murchison Gym as they share their stories and offer wisdom on their journey into and at Westmont.

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm: Orientation Small Group Meeting #2 *
In your second small group, you'll discuss ways to get involved on campus and learn about important college resources.

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Service of Commitment *
Join faculty robed in traditional academic regalia for this formal ceremony of welcome into the Westmont community. Students will sit separately from parents and take their First Walk at the end of the service, which anticipates their Last Walk at Commencement. Location: Murchison Gym. 

5:00 - 5:30 pm: Families Say Goodbye
Students and families say goodbye before students head off to dinner with their section and families leave campus.

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Dinner
Come eat dinner in the Dining Commons!

5:30 pm - 7:15 pm: Augustinian Scholars' Dinner
Augustinian Scholars are invited to hear more about the rewards and challenges of this important program on Magnolia Lawn. All Augustinian Scholars received an invite to this event during the summer.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Family Feud - Westmont Students vs. Faculty *
Westmont students and professors duke it out in Westmont Family Feud as they respond to questions about Westmont College life including relationships, thriving, academics and more.

8:30 pm - 10:30 pm: The Carnival
The 80's/90's themed Carnival will feature something for everyone including an inflatable obstacle course, human foosball, games, snacks, dancing, and prizes. You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet other students and let loose! Location: Murchison Gym.

*required

Saturday, August 27

7:30 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast
Come eat breakfast in the Dining Commons!

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Hike Campus Trails & Tour the Vegetable Garden
Experience the natural beauty of Westmont with a morning hike on the Paul Willis Trail. This hike will focus on sustainability initiatives on campus, and will even make a stop at our organic garden. Meet at the Clark Shuttle Stop!

10:15 am - 12:00 pm: For Women and Men Only Meetings *
Discuss gender-specific issues that arise in college. Led by Westmont staff, these discussions provide a safe place for candid conversations about topics that matter. Location: men in GLC Simmons Center, women in Page MPR.

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Lunch
Come eat lunch in the Dining Commons!

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Student Employment Session
Planning to work during your time at Westmont? Join the Student Employment Coordinator for a detailed discussion of how to access job listing on Handshake, finding work both on and off campus and the student employment process here at Westmont. Virtual Event. Click the link to join via zoom: https://westmont.zoom.us/j/96177626159

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Pool & Fitness Center Open Hours
The pool and fitness center are open for students to use.

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Explore the World - Global Education Opportunities
Join the Global Education Office for a discussion on study abroad and off campus program opportunities. You'll learn about what to keep in mind as you look ahead. Location: Page MPR.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Club Workshop - NSTEP
Dance workshop for new students to come learn an easy hip hop dance, receive more information on who the NSTEP team is and get them excited for auditions. Location: Dance Room.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Club Workshop - Acts 2 Fellowship
We're Acts 2 Fellowship and we want to welcome you to Westmont College! We are a Christian student club on campus! We'll be playing lawn games, eating and hanging out. Come by, hang with us and get connected with other students! Location: Winter 106.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Club Workshop - Feminist Society
Come enjoy a little gathering with baked goods, other snacks and free club merchandise (stickers/pins). We want to help welcome you and make you feel like you have a home here on campus. Location: Winter 206.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Club Workshop - Jestmont
We are Jestmont, Westmont's gallivanting improvised theatre club. Join us for an insider's tour of the theatre department, waggish improv games, and the comprehensive scoop on arts and entertainment on campus (choir, Spring Sing, theatre, music, acapella, poetry, and the school newspaper will all be represented). Location: Winter 106.

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Club Workshop - EQ Club
A time to connect and talk about emotional intelligence. Location: Winter 206.

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Dinner
Come eat dinner in the Dining Commons!

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Coffeehouse
Enjoy an evening of coffee and Westmont talent. Sponsored by the Westmont Activities Council. Location: Murchison Gym.

*required

Saturday, August 27

7:30 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast
Come eat breakfast in the Dining Commons!

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Discover Your Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara off the beaten shuttle path. Urban Initiative students will take you to experience some of the hidden gems of SB and show you ways that you can be involved in your new city. Meet an Urban Initiative member at the DC parking lot, up the stairs from the Dining Commons, to begin. Your food is covered by Urban Initiative. 22 spots available for each departure time. Sign up here.

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Explore Santa Barbara
Head to East Beach or explore State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Shuttles will leave from Page Hall every 15-20 minutes beginning at noon. After 5:00pm, the shuttles will revert to their regular schedules.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Dinner
Come eat dinner in the Dining Commons!

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Orientation Small Group Meeting #3 *
Orientation small groups meet for a special time of commissioning prior to the start of classes. Class t-shirts will be distributed during these meetings.

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm: All-Campus Worship Night
All students are invited to take a deep breath on the evening before classes begin to sing and pray together at a worship night to kick-off the new year together. Returning students, new students, transfer students — this is for you!

*required

Thursday, August 25

8:00 am - 11:00 am: Dorm Move-In
*See more information at the link above
First Year Students:
8:00am - 8:30am  A - Da
8:30am - 9:00am De - I
9:00am - 9:30am J - M
9:30am - 10:00am N - R
10:00am - 10:30am S - V
10:30am - 11:00am W - Z

Transfer Students:
8:00am - 9:00am A - M
9:00am - 10:00am N - Z

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Parent Welcome Tent
Come to the Parent Welcome Tent on the lawn in front of Kerrwood Hall next to the Student Welcome Center. Meet fellow parents and Parents Council members, get answers to your questions and enjoy light refreshments and conversations.

9:00 am - 2:00 pm: Welcome Center 
Parents can swing by the Parent Tent to pick up name tags and more information from Parents Relations staff and Parent Council members. Meet fellow parents and Parents Council members, get answers to your questions and enjoy light refreshments and conversation. You’ll also find Parents Council members at Page, Emerson and Clark who can answer your questions. If you have not yet registered, please stop by the tent for on-site registration.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Campus Walking Tour (Option 1)
An informative and enjoyable walk around the campus will combine knowledge of our historic campus with personal student experience. Location: Front of Kerrwood Hall.

11:00 am - 1:30 pm: Lunch
Your lunch time is determined by your student’s move-in time. Please follow the schedule below to alleviate congestion.
Move-in from 8-9 a.m. 11-11:45
Move-in from 9-10 a.m. 11:45-12:30
Move-in from 10-11 a.m. 12:30-1:30*
All Transfer Students 12:30-1:30*
Those attending the Legacy Reception or First-Generation Session with a move-in time from 10-11 may eat lunch starting at 12 noon. Lunch is included in the cost of Parent Orientation registration. Otherwise, you can pay at the door: Lunch: $9.00, Children: 2-10 $5.00 Westmont students on a meal plan: no charge. Location: Dining Commons.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Campus Walking Tour (Option 2)
An informative and enjoyable walk around the campus will combine knowledge of our historic campus with personal student experience. Location: Front of Kerrwood Hall.

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Legacy Reception
Parents who are Westmont alumni and their students are invited to a dessert reception with President Gayle D. Beebe. A group photograph of children of Westmont alumni will be taken on Magnolia Lawn at 1:35 p.m. Location: Upper Magnolia Lawn (in front of the library).

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm: Worship & Prayer
Stop by the Murchison Gym anytime between 2:15-3:15pm to pause in the midst of a full day for an optional time of prayer and worship. Our God is good. Prayer teams will be available on the periphery of the tent to pray with and for you. Musical worship will be led by members of the chapel band.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Welcome Session
Join us for this celebratory opening event of Orientation 2022 in the Murchison Gym. President Gayle D. Beebe will extend an official Westmont welcome, followed by an introduction to this year's Orientation Team and a message from our Campus Pastor.

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Overview of Student Life
At Westmont, life outside the classroom offers a rich combination of activities, residential living and developmental experiences. In this session, Edee Schulze, vice president for student life, will provide an overview of all the opportunities available to students. Location: Murchison Gym.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Welcome BBQ Picnic
Relax on Kerrwood Lawn and enjoy a great meal. Meet other parents as well as faculty and staff. Please note that students will eat dinner with their Orientation small groups. Location: Kerrwood Lawn.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Out-of-Area Parent Reception
Whether you live outside of California or far enough from Santa Barbara to require a lengthy drive, come connect with fellow parents and gain valuable perspective from parents who know the ropes. Colorado Parents Council members Rich and Torrie Oswald will lead the session and provide a time for questions and answers. The Oswalds share: "We’ve attended this session every year since 2018, and we've navigated travel logistics from kids missing flights, to cancelled flights, to having no car, to moving out, to finding storage units, etc. Through it all, we've secured many parent friendships and have been reminded, Westmont is never too far from ‘home’." All parents are welcome.

Friday, August 26

8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Prayer Chapel Open Hours
Stop in the prayer chapel to lift up prayers for your student and the college as classes get ready to begin.

8:45 am - 9:15 am: Continental Breakfast
Join us in Page Hall for continental breakfast!

9:15 am - 10:00 am: President Beebe Welcomes Parents & Families
President Gayle D. Beebe welcomes you to the Westmont community, examines the value of a Westmont education in today’s world and highlights the college’s priorities. He will answer questions, and members of his executive team will add insights and suggest ways to support your student. Location: Page Hall Multipurpose Room.

10:00 am - 10:45 am: Core of the Classroom
Our provost will share the unique qualities of a Westmont education. Professors and students will highlight the special nature of faculty-student relationships at Westmont. Location: Page Hall Multipurpose Room.

10:45 am - 11:30 am: Parents Council Perspectives
Meet our Westmont Parents Council members and learn how they’ve navigated their student’s college life, gain practical parental insights about the Westmont experience and get answers to your questions. Location: Page Hall Multipurpose Room.

11:15 am - 12:45 am: Intercultural Programs Lunch
Students of color, international, missionary and third-culture students, and Cultural Diversity Awardees and their families are invited to hear about the programs and opportunities associated with Westmont's commitment to diversity. Lunch with be served at noon on Magnolia Lawn; program begins at 11:30pm.

11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Lunch
Join us in the Dining Commons for lunch!

*1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: COVE Career Center Session
COVE Career Center: Discover how you can work with us as we prepare your student for a major, a mission, and meaningful internships and careers. Presenters: Paul Bradford and Cassie Wicoff-Wiltsey. Location: Kerr Student Center, Founders.

*1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Students' Care Session
Students’ Care: College comes with unique challenges for students, particularly in this post-pandemic season. Learn about college emotional health, how to support your student, and ways to cultivate healthy communication patterns from the start. Presenters: Stu Cleek, Dean of Students; Rob Hughes '04, Director of Health Services; and Eric Nelson, Director of the Counseling Center Location: Winter 210L.

*1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Chapel, Worship, & Spiritual Development Session
Hear Scott Lisea ’88, our campus pastor and assistant to the president for church and community relations, present his vision of chapel, our community life and the spiritual development of your students. Location: Porter Theatre.

*1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Student Success Session
The Center for Student Success is a very important resource for all incoming students. Each new Warrior is assigned a Student Success Coach and is strongly encouraged to take advantage of the support and services offered by the center to help each student thrive at Westmont. Presenters include: Eileen McQuade, Associate Dean of Faculty; additional presenters to be announced. Location: Page Hall Multipurpose Room.

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Service of Commitment
Join faculty robed in traditional academic regalia for this formal ceremony of welcome into the Westmont community. Students will sit separately from parents and take their First Walk at the end of the service, which anticipates their Last Walk at Commencement. Location: Murchison Gym. Student attendance expected.

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Families Say Goodbye
Students and families say goodbye before students head off to dinner with their section and families leave campus.