Welcome Cardinals!

We are so happy you are here! We have a great week lined up for you to meet new friends and learn all about your new home. Welcome Week for Fall will be Friday, August 18 - Tuesday, August 22 with the first day of classes beginning Wednesday, August 23. 

Schedule is subject to change. Students will receive a detailed schedule for Welcome Week upon arrival.

We cannot wait for you to join us for Welcome Week!

Chippy

Welcome Week Schedule 2023


Friday, August 18

8:00am - 12:00pm - New Student Move-In 

Various Residence Halls

Check your North Central College email for more information about how you will move into your Residence Hall.

9:30am - 10:30am - Cardinal First Family Breakfast (for first-gen students and families)

Old Main Lawn

This welcome breakfast is for all incoming first-generation college students* and their parents. Students will meet several Cardinal First Ambassadors (first-generation upper-level students), faculty and staff who were first-generation college students and Julie Carballo, director of First Generation Programs.

*First-generation students are defined as neither parent having a four-year degree.

11:00am - 2:00pm - Welcome BBQ

Jefferson Lawn (Outside Wentz Science Center)

Students, families, and guests are welcome to enjoy this opportunity to eat and chat with fellow Cardinals and other members of the campus community!

11:00am - 2:00pm - Commuter Student Check-In

Jefferson Lawn

Students living off-campus can check in, receive all Welcome Week materials, and meet the Commuter Student Services staff. Look for the Student Involvement tent!

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Optional Drop-in Advising

Oesterle Library, Room 100

The success team is hosting open drop-in advising sessions during Welcome Week to help students get registered or make any last-minute schedule changes before the semester starts. You can meet any member of our team. No appointment is needed! Stop by Oesterle Library Room 100, during the scheduled times for assistance.

2:30pm - 3:30pm - Opening Convocation

Wentz Concert Hall 

Join the faculty along with your family in this traditional event, when you are formally welcomed into the North Central academic community.

At the conclusion of the Opening Convocation, students and families will say goodbyes as students will continue to participate in Welcome Week activities.

Families, you are invited to a dessert reception in the Madden Theatre Lobby (downstairs from the concert hall), sponsored by our new dining partners, Parkhurst.

3:30pm - 5:00pm - Family Farewell Reception (Families & Guests Only)

Madden Theatre Lobby 

Families can connect with college administrators as well as other families. Desserts and refreshments will be served. 

3:30pm - 5:00pm — (First-Year Students) Meet Your First-Year Mentor 

Various Classrooms 

First year students, you will meet your First-Year Mentors outside of the Concert Hall, near the individual classrooms. You will be introduced to your CardClass classmates along with learning about the fun events at Welcome Week!

3:30pm – 5:00pm — (Transfer Students) Transfer Student Connection

Jefferson Lawn

Transfer students, join us to meet other new transfer students and our Transfer Student Network leaders, who are committed to helping YOU have a smooth transition to NC. You’ll also learn about our Transfer Tuesday Lunch workshop series for new transfer students, Transfer Faculty Mentors, Transfer Student Center, plans for National Transfer Student Week in October and much more. 

5:00pm - 7:00pm — (Resident Students) Meet Your Neighbors & Dinner

Various Residence Halls

Meet your Resident Assistant (RA) and learn about campus services and upcoming events. Resident student meetings will be on assigned floors.

5:00pm - 7:00pm - (Commuter Students) Commuter Student Connection & Dinner

Jefferson Lounge

Commuting to North Central?  You’re in good company!  This event is your chance to connect with other new commuter students. You'll also learn from junior and senior commuter students who share that experience and have lots of advice to help you navigate NCC as a commuter student. You’ll meet people and learn about campus resources and opportunities, dining options for commuters on campus, lockers available for commuters – and so much more!  You’ll also enjoy a delicious dinner with the group in Kaufman Dining Hall.

7:00pm - 7:45pm - CARD (First Year Seminar) Class Group Meeting

Various Classrooms 

You will regroup with your CARD Section and your FYM to do activities, including doing a time capsule, before making your way to Pfeiffer Hall for Red & White Night!

8:00pm - 10:00pm - Red & White Night (Traditions Night)

Wentz Concert Hall

In this celebration of passing down North Central’s traditions to the new class, you will kick off Red & White Night with student and faculty presenters in Pfeiffer Hall. From there, you will go to Jefferson Lawn to learn our Alma Mater before proceeding to Merner Field House for a pep rally. The night will conclude on Championship Plaza with a Welcome Bash.

Saturday, August 19

8:00am - 9:30am — Breakfast

Kaufman Dining Hall

9:45am - 10:45am - Cardinal Collab

Various Classrooms

You will work with your FYM to join another CardClass to network with other incoming Cardinals while participating in group events.

11:00am - 12:00pm - Cardinal Playfair: The Largest Game of Icebreakers

Jefferson Lawn

It's entertainment! It's fun! It's the perfect way to make new campus friendships. Cardinal Playfair is the best team-building experience that has a long-lasting effect on your campus experience. 

12:00pm - 1:00pm - Lunch and Take a Break! 

Kaufman Dining Hall

1:00pm - 3:00pm - Cardinal Challenges

Various locations

You will have the opportunity to compete in various games against your fellow incoming students and classmates.

3:00pm - 4:30pm - Cardinal Class Community

Various Locations

You will rejoin your Cardinal Collaborations groups for additional group events. These activities could include facilitated discussions on privilege, identity, and community building exercises.

4:30pm - 6:00pm - Dinner and Break

Kaufman Dining Hall

6:30pm - 10:00pm - Casino Night

Wentz Concert Hall, Madden Theater

You will get a chance to dress to impress (or not!) while participating in a range of casino-style and popular card games to win tickets for entry in a raffle for various prize baskets. There will also be fun Escape Rooms.

Sunday, August 20

8:00am - 9:30am – Breakfast

Kaufman Dining Hall

10:30am - 1:30pm — Downtown Naperville Excursions

Various Locations in Downtown Naperville

You will have your choice of various excursion events in Downtown Naperville. Enjoy time on Centennial Beach, explore downtown on a Trolley Tour, compete in a Photography Scavenger Hunt, or remain on campus for an Arcade in Stevenson Hall.

2:00pm – 3:00pm — Cardinal Class Community

Various Locations

You will rejoin your Cardinal Collaborations groups for additional group events.

3:30pm – 6:00pm — Mixers

Various Locations

You will have the opportunity to network amongst various student groups where you can meet others in your major, find friends with similar extracurriculars, and build relationships with students who share your interests.

6:00pm - 7:00pm – Dinner and Break

Kaufman Dining Hall

7:00pm – 9:30pm – Movie Night!

Meiley Swallow Theatre

You can join your new friends in Meiley-Swallow Hall to watch a movie and enjoy a retro-style candy and snack bar.

Monday, August 21

8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast

Kaufman Dining Hall

9:00am - 10:30am — CARD "Class" with Faculty

Various Classrooms

You will hear from Cardinal Directions faculty about college basics and knowledge for a successful transition to North Central College.

11:00am - 12:30pm — The Hook Up

Wentz Concert Hall 

Hooking up can often sound like harmless fun, but it can also be a cover for some very unhealthy behaviors. This engaging discussion pulls back the covers on hooking up, clarifying the importance of consent.

12:00pm – 2:00pm — Optional Drop-in Advising

Oesterle Library, Room 100

The success team is hosting open drop-in advising sessions during Welcome Week to help students get registered or make any last-minute schedule changes before the semester starts. You can meet any member of our team. No appointment is needed! Stop by Oesterle Library Room 100, during the scheduled times for assistance.

12:30pm - 2:00pm — Lunch and Break

Kaufman Dining Hall

2:00pm - 4:00pm — Say What?! Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Presentation and Discussion

Wentz Concert Hall 

Students are a diverse group of people, not only in their character and opinions, but also in their gender, race, ethnicity, age, and abilities. Catharsis Productions helps create a respectful environment and an inclusive culture where everyone loves to work, study, and prepare for a professional environment. They use humor, interactive talk, and exercises to create an impactful and meaningful learning environment for all participants. Say What?! utilizes research from psychology and adult learning theory mixed with real-world discussion and examples of cultural differences happening around us.

4:00pm - 4:45pm — "Conversations with the Cabinet" Ice Cream Social

Jefferson Lawn 

You will have an opportunity to meet members of North Central College’s Cabinet over complimentary Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

5:00pm - 7:00pm — Dinner

Kaufman Dining Hall

7:00pm - 9:00pm — Ran'D Shine - Welcome Week Comedy Magic Show

Wentz Concert Hall

Be awed and amazed by a night of illusion and sleight of hand that's full of laughs, hosted by the Weekend Programming Board. 

Tuesday, August 22

8:00am - 10:00am — Breakfast

Kaufman Dining Hall

10:00am - 11:00am — A Shot of Reality

Wentz Concert Hall 

A Shot of Reality is an alcohol awareness show that was created out of serious, painstaking research, but performed by two professional comedians who make the topic engaging. Covering multiple facets of responsible alcohol use, the show keeps students engaged with a powerful combination of levity and realistic discussion. A Shot of Reality has been performed all over the United States.

11:00am – 1:00 pm – Optional Drop-in Advising

Oesterle Library, Room 100

The success team is hosting open drop-in advising sessions during Welcome Week to help students get registered or make any last-minute schedule changes before the semester starts. You can meet any member of our team. No appointment is needed! Stop by Oesterle Library Room 100, during the scheduled times for assistance.

11:15am - 2:00pm — Lunch on the Lawn and Student Resource Fair

Jefferson Lawn

You will have the chance to speak with representatives from several campus offices and organizations to jumpstart you involvement for your first year on campus. Additionally, you will enjoy complimentary lunch on Jefferson Lawn provided by local vendors.

Transfer Students will have reserved tables to connect with Transfer Center staff and Transfer Network Student Leaders.

1:00pm - 3:00pm — Where are my classes?

Start at Jefferson Plaza

Orientation Staff will be all throughout campus to help you navigate your first day. Find out where your classes are located so that you can start your day on the right foot. 

4:30pm - 7:00pm — Dinner

Kaufman Dining Hall

5:30pm - 6:30pm — College Scholars Honors Dinner

Smith Hall, Old Main

Incoming College Scholars are invited to a welcome dinner hosted by the Honors Program.

6:30pm - 7:30pm — Honors Ice Cream Social

Ward Residence Hall, Multi Purpose Room

Honors students will have the opportunity to network and socialize over ice cream.

7:30pm - 11:00pm — Get Ready for Classes Tomorrow! 

Get a good night's rest and start your semester strong!