Orientation & Welcome Week

You’re about to start your Pioneer journey, but it’s a big step. Take a deep breath because we’ve got you covered. Whether you’ll be living on campus or commuting, Welcome Week is filled with activities that will help you get to know your fellow Pioneers and start making memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll also attend your first cultural seminar classes, learn academic success strategies and explore the many student organizations, volunteer opportunities, recreational sports offerings and more that add value to your Carroll experience. Nontraditional students are encouraged to attend virtual, or in-person Welcome Sessions sponsored by the Office of Student Success.

Important Welcome Week Events:
  • President's Picnic
    • Friday, Sept. 1, 2023
    • 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    • Main Lawn
  • Commuter student check-in:
    • Friday, Sept. 1, 2023
    • 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
    • Campus Center Lobby
  • Opening Convocation:
    • Friday, Sept. 1, 2023
    • 2:45
    • Shattuck Auditorium
Students in a crowd during welcome week

What to Expect at Welcome Week

You'll learn a lot of names, have a lot of fun, make new friends and get a real taste of life at Carroll (hint - it's a blast).

Activities

All week long, our friendly and encouraging Orientation Mentors will guide you through activities and programs that will help you get comfortable with Carroll University. Learn more about a few of our key programs below.
Students playing games on Main Lawn

Playfair

One of the best way to get to know your classmates—we do icebreakers, play games and laugh A LOT.

Students in a crowd on campus

The Great Scavenger Hunt

We help you get to know campus and highlights of the neighborhood through a giant scavenger hunt packed with interactive clues.

A live band playing on campus

Evening Programming

The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down—each evening we host activities to keep Pioneers busy and engaged.

Welcome week picnic on main lawn

President's Welcome Picnic

Grab your shades for a picnic lunch with Carroll President, Dr. Cindy Gnadinger, to wrap up Welcome Week.

Freshman Day of Service

​You’ll find that Pioneers have a passion for leaving things better than they found them. Carroll has a strong culture of community service—you might say it’s in our DNA. Our students log more than 14,000 volunteer hours annually, beginning with Freshman Day of Service during Welcome Week, when you’ll join your entire incoming class in giving back. It’s an opportunity for us to make a significant impact on our community and the people who live here.

Six Week Challenge

fans in stands

Transitioning to college life can be a little overwhelming. Our Six-Week Challenge helps with a lineup of events and activities during the first six weeks of fall semester. You’ll be encouraged to stay on campus and get involved for six weeks before making your first visit home.

Six Week Challenge Activities

See Carroll For Yourself

Panoramic View of campus