Welcome Week Schedule
Welcome Week Schedule 2025
Friday, August 15
8:00am–12:00pm: New Resident Student Move-In
Various Residence Halls (First-Year and Transfers)
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 Continental Breakfast (First-Gen Students & Families only)
Wentz Concert Hall Lobby
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 First-Generation Programs team.
*First-generation students are defined as neither parent having a four-year degree.
10:00am–12:00pm: Commuter Student Check-In
Jefferson Lounge (Adjacent to Seager Residence Hall)
All first-year and new transfer commuter students should check in to receive important Welcome Week information.
10:30am–11:30am: Commuter Scavenger Hunt
Meet outside of Wentz Science Center (accessible west-side entrance)
Team up with fellow commuters to explore campus and discover key spots every commuter should know. Winning team gets free NC♡Commuters t-shirts!
11:00am–1:30pm: Welcome BBQ & Campus Resource Fair
Jefferson Lawn (Outside Wentz Science Center)
Kick off Welcome Week with food, fun giveaways, and helpful campus resources!
12:00pm–1:00pm: Optional Drop-in Advising | Laptop Assistance
Oesterle Library
LIB 100 Drop-in Advising | LIB 200 Laptop Assistance
2:30pm–3:30pm: New Student Convocation
Residence Hall/Recreation Center Arena
More details coming soon!
3:30pm–5:00pm: Family Farewell Reception (Families & Guests Only)
Went Concert Hall Lobby, Fine Arts Center
More details coming soon!
3:30pm–5:00pm: Meet Your First-Year Mentor (First-Year Students)
Various Classrooms
More details coming soon!
3:30pm–5:00pm: Transfer Student Connection (Transfer Students)
Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center
Meet fellow transfer students and start building your community from day one!
5:00pm–7:00pm: Meet Your Neighbors & Dinner (Resident Students)
Various Residence Halls | Kaufman Dining Hall
Get to know fellow resident students living in your on-campus community!
5:00pm–7:00pm: Commuter Connection & Dinner (Commuter Students)
Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center
Connect with fellow commuter students and learn about commuter life resources!
7:00pm–10:00pm: Red & White Night
Gregory Arena, Merner Fieldhouse | Championship Plaza
Join us for our beginning-of-the-year kickoff pep rally as we learn Cardinal traditions like the NCC Fight Song and Alma Mater, featuring exciting performances by our dance team, cheer team, and marching band! Get pumped for food trucks, music, Cardinal pride, and lots of fun!
Saturday, August 16
8:00am–9:30am: Breakfast
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for breakfast at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
11:00am–12:00pm: Choose Your Own Adventure!
Commuter Resource Tour
Meet on the main floor of the Harold & Eva White Activities Center (WAC)
Commuters may use one of their Commuter meal tickets.
Yoga
Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center
Join instructor Bernie for a chance to relax, recharge, and stay active!
Walk Your Schedule
Meet at Jefferson Lawn outside of Wentz Science Center
12:00pm–1:00pm: Lunch
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for lunch at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
1:00pm–3:00pm: Choose Your Own Adventure!
Painting Social
Larrance Academic Center (LAC)
Lounge on the Lawn
Jefferson Lawn
Just Dance Party
Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center
4:30pm–6:00pm: Dinner
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for dinner at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
7:30pm–10:00pm: Movie Night
Pfeiffer Hall
Join us for a movie night and snacks – submit your vote here!
10:00pm–11:00pm: Glow Fest
Jefferson Lawn & Jefferson Lounge (First-Year & Transfer Residents)
Celebrate your first late night and weekend on campus at Glow Fest, an event for first-year and transfer residents! Come hang out, meet other first-year and transfer residents, and enjoy glow in the dark fun and snacks.
Sunday, August 17
8:00am–9:30am: Breakfast
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for breakfast at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
10:30am–1:30pm: Downtown Naperville Excursions
Various Locations in Downtown Naperville
Students can choose to explore and shop downtown Naperville, visit Centennial Beach, or participate in various games outside of Jefferson Lawn. Please note that students are responsible for covering all costs associated with the event, including transportation and any other related expenses. Centennial Beach is $10 per student with a valid North Central College ID.
Alternative Activity: Board Games & Esports
Students can choose to join us in Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition with a variety of board games and esports matches.
Lunch on your own!
2:00pm–4:00pm: Cardinal Community – Fast Friends
Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center
Join the Dyson Wellness Center and Peer Health Educators for an interactive workshop about developing healthy peer relationships!
Session I – 2:00pm–3:00pm
Session 2 – 3:00pm–4:00pm
4:30pm–6:00pm: Dinner
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for dinner at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
6:00pm–9:00pm: Choose Your Own Adventure!
Late Night Roller Rink
Get ready to roll with our awesome Roller Skating Rink in Residence Hall/Recreation Center (Res/Rec).
Relaxation Craft Station
Unwind and get creative in Larrance Academic Center (LAC).
Late Night Open Gym
Burn off energy and have fun in Gregory Arena, Merner Fieldhouse —open to all skill levels!
Monday, August 18
8:00am–9:30am: Breakfast
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for breakfast at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
10:00am–11:00am: Cardinal Community – CARD 110
Various Classrooms
11:00am–12:00pm: The Hook Up
Wentz Concert Hall – Required Presentation
Hooking up can often sound like harmless fun, but it can also be a cover for some very unhealthy behaviors. Join the Office of Title IX in this engaging discussion that "pulls back the covers" on hooking up, clarifies the importance of consent when it’s actually sexual violence, and prepares bystanders to recognize predatory behavior (and stop it).
12:00pm–1:30pm: Lunch
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for lunch at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
12:00pm–2:00pm: Dyson Dog Day
Jefferson Plaza
Join the Dyson Wellness Center to hang out with some furry friends and relieve some beginning-of-the-year jitters, stress, and anxiety!
12:00pm–2:00pm: Optional Drop-in Advising | Laptop Assistance
Oesterle Library
LIB 100 Drop-in Advising | LIB 200 Laptop Assistance
2:00pm–3:00pm: Shot of Reality
Wentz Concert Hall – Required Presentation
Join the Dyson Wellness Center for this alcohol awareness program performed by two professional comedians who engage students in conversations about responsible alcohol use, drunk driving, peer pressure, and safety strategies, equipping students with the knowledge to make informed choices.
3:30pm–5:00pm: "Conversations with the Cabinet" Ice Cream Social
Jefferson Lawn
Join North Central College President and senior leadership team, enjoying ice cream and casual conversation that foster community and connection!
4:30pm–6:00pm: Dinner
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for dinner at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
6:00pm–8:00pm: Comedy + Magic with Tyler Korso
Wentz Concert Hall
Join the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging for comedian and magician, Tyler Korso, who blends his witty stand-up comedy with surprising magic moments to bring you a show like no other!
Tuesday, August 19
8:00am– 9:30am: Breakfast
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for breakfast at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
10:00am–11:00pm: Say What?!
Wentz Concert Hall – Required Presentation
Join the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging in this interactive workshop where participants learn how to create a more respectful campus through greater cultural understanding.
11:30am–12:30pm: Cannabis
Wentz Concert Hall – Required Presentation
More details coming soon!
12:30pm–2:00pm: Lunch on the Lawn & Campus Resource Fair
Jefferson Lawn
Join us for food, activities, and helpful campus resources!
12:30pm–2:00pm: Optional Drop-in Advising | Laptop Assistance
Oesterle Library
LIB 100 Drop-in Advising | LIB 200 Laptop Assistance
2:00pm–3:30pm: Cardinal Community – Global Connections
Jefferson Lawn
Join the Center for Global Education to build meaningful relationships with international and domestic students through engaging activities and cultural exchange.
4:30pm–6:00pm: Dinner
Kaufman Dining Hall
Join us for dinner at K-man!
Commuters may use their Commuter meal ticket.
5:30pm–7:30pm: College Scholars Honors Dinner & Ice Cream Social
Smith Hall, Old Main (2nd Floor)
More details coming soon!