Welcome Weekend

Welcome Weekend

Fall 2023 Welcome Weekend starts Friday, August 25th. We look forward to welcoming you as a new Wellsian!

Schedule

Welcome weekend is a chance for you to become more familiar with Wells, meet your classmates, and explore the local community. The Student Affairs team has planned a series of events that you can take part in, enjoy, and learn from all weekend long. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Student Life team - we're always ready to assist you.

Time Event Location
8:00am - 12:00pm New Student Check In and Move In Macmillan Circle
All new students (first year and transfer) are expected to arrive during this window to maximize their transition experience to Wells in preparation for their first classes on Monday, August 28, 2023.
12:00pm - 1:00pm Get Settled/Lunch Main Dining/Ryerson
The Main Dining Hall is open to all who wish to stop by and grab a bite before starting their afternoon of activities.
1:15pm Welcome to Wells Walk Front of Main/Sycamore
All new students and families/guests meet wearing the Wells shirt you received at check in. Under the leadership of Wells’ Collegiate President, Liz Purcell all will be greeted by Wells employees and students (athletes, student OL team, RA staff, research interns, etc) on your way to Macmillan Hall.
1:30pm Presidential Welcome and Wells College Honor Code Ceremony Phipps Auditorium
A required campus rite of passage dating back 150 years at Wells College. All new students sign the College’s Honor Code, committing to standards of excellence and values fundamental to the Wells community.
2:30pm Getting Settled Various
Wells will have representatives from our Financial Aid, Business Office, Mail Room, Bookstore, Grind, Apogee (residential wifi and internet), and College ID services available to assist families/guests and students. Additional shuttles will be available for trips to Ithaca and Auburn to get final necessities for room and snack set up.
5:00pm Community Dinner Main Dining/Ryerson
All are welcome to enjoy dinner provided by Wells College’s Hallmark Dining Services. Not a required activity, but complementary to all who wish to join us.
5:45pm Bell Ringing/Family and Guest Send Off  
As we signal one more opening to the school year, we also offer families and guests a grateful and heartfelt send-off.
7:00pm Mandatory Floor/Community Meetings Various (see below)
All new students will have a community meeting to review general campus safety and security as well as plans for the remainder of the weekend. Commuter students in Sommer Center Commuter Lounge. Residential students please see your residences for posted locations.
8:00pm Game and Late Night Munchies The Well
Check out the campus’ pub and game room and grab a hearty snack as a Welcome to THE WELL!
Time Event Location
11:00am - 1:00pm Brunch Main Dining Hall
Bring your ID to use your campus meal plan. Commuter students are welcome to stop in at no charge; complements of Student Orientation. Wear Wells, red, or black gear in celebration of Wells.
1:15pm Village Discovery Hunt Front of Main/Sycamore
 
1:30pm - 3:00pm Discover Aurora/Village Adventures Village of Aurora
Students will work in teams to solve clues and receive points/prizes for participation, teamwork, and quick thinking.
3:00pm AuroraFest Parade Aurora Firehouse
Discover Aurora to conclude at parade start. All students welcomed to join in the community celebration and walk with Wells College’s community of faculty, staff, administrators, and students.
4:15pm AuroraFest 2023 Wells College Golf Course
New students and student leaders to check in at Wells Orientation table and pick up coupons for all food table and food truck items.
5:00pm On Campus Dinner Main Dining Hall
Options for new students include to remain at AuroraFest enjoying entertainment and food, or head back for dinner and/or a late afternoon break.
Students will re-convene per arrival schedule at 7:45 pm with student leaders.
8:00pm Mentalist: Robert Channing Phipps Auditorium
With appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show, America’s Got Talent, The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and Steve Harvey Show, the talents of Robert Channing are well-known and regarded, and we are excited to bring him to you here at Wells! This promises to be one of the most amazing, mind-expanding, fast-paced, entertaining shows you will experience! The event is open to all Wells College students, staff, and faculty as well as the Aurora community for free.
Time Event Location
8:00am - 9:00pm Breakfast Main Dining Hall
 
9:15am - 11:45am Real Life @Wells Stratton Hall Lobby

These are mandated highly interactive and quick-paced sessions! The College staff will be tracking student attendance. Please attend, as additional time will be expected of students who miss these sessions to make these up at the College’s scheduling. Topics:

  • Bystanders and Upstanders in a learning community
  • What is Title IX and why does it matter?
  • Creating a safe community
  • Getting Involved at Wells

 

12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch Main Dining Hall
 
1:00pm - 5:00pm Alternate Orientation Zabriske 106
Required for all who did not attend summer sessions. Students will be notified and attendance taken. Further time will be required of students who miss this special opportunity Orientation session to ensure appropriate academic placement. This is a requirement.
1:00pm - 5:00pm Get Ready @Wells Sommer
Open to all new students who attended a summer orientation session. Opportunities to tour your student schedule, plan and organize your academic materials, learn about managing your stress, and check in with you Collegiate Cabinet to learn more about first year and transfer student involvement.
5:00pm Dinner Main Dining Hall
 
7:00pm Yard Games and Italian Ice Truck Sommer Lawn
Welcome back to returning students, open to all! A chance to relax before classes begin on Monday, August 28th.

A regular meal and class schedule will run through the day.

Time Event Location
7:00pm Convocation Macmillan Circle
Rain: Phipps Auditorium
The official ceremony marking the start of the academic year. All students, faculty, and campus staff and administrators celebrate Wells and honor our membership in this academic community.

Questions about Welcome Weekend