Bemidji State University’s 2014-15 academic year will officially begin when approximately 800 students participate in New Student Orientation activities, Aug. 22-24.
Orientation is the official kickoff to the academic year for all students who are new to the university, including both first-time college students and students transferring to BSU from other institutions. The schedule of activities begins with the BSU residence halls’ annual Move-In Day on Aug. 22 and continues with a series of activities for new students and their families throughout the weekend. Orientation weekend concludes with BSU’s traditional Sunday-night Convocation ceremony on Aug. 24.
Friday, Aug. 22
Residence hall move-in and orientation check-in will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Other activities scheduled include:
• An official welcome ceremony and group photo of all incoming freshmen at Chet Anderson Stadium at 2:45 p.m.
• A Parent Expo featuring information and activities for parents of new college students in the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center beginning at 3:45 p.m.
• Pontoon rides on Lake Bemidji, offered by BSU’s Outdoor Program Center, at the OPC boat house in Diamond Point Park from 5-8 p.m.
• Gathering for off-campus students at the Hobson Memorial Union’s Crying Wolf Room, beginning at 8 p.m.
• Bonfire and a live DJ at the campus fireplace behind the Hobson Memorial Union from 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23
The second day of Orientation features a BSU Family Connection meeting in the Crying Wolf Room at 10 a.m. This meeting is followed by a new-student gathering and a presentation, “Take Back College,” by noted speaker Ryan Penneau. Penneau’s message to new college students focuses on responsibility — taking responsibility for one’s own college experience and involvement, as well as personal attitudes and action. “Take Back College” means the college experience is there for an individual student to take and shape to suit them.
The day wraps up with BSU’s traditional “Party Hard in the Courtyard” student party between Oak and Walnut halls, beginning at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 24
The capstone of Bemidji State’s Orientation weekend is the candle-lit academic Convocation ceremony. Convocation officially marks the beginning of a student’s academic journey as a member of the BSU student community, and includes an induction ceremony and a gift to new students. Convocation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the BSU Gymnasium at the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center.
Ropes Course
New students can participate in the ropes course at BSU’s Hobson Memorial Forest. Transportation will be provided at various times throughout the weekend, departing from the John Glas Fieldhouse entrance of the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center. Residents of Oak Hall can participate in the ropes course on Sunday; Residents of Pine and Tamarack halls and all other freshman and transfer students are invited to participate on Saturday.
• Saturday: Pine Hall, 3:15 p.m.; Tamarack Hall and all other freshman and transfer students, 5:15 p.m.
• Sunday: Oak Hall B-Wing, 11:45 a.m.; Oak Hall C-Wing, 1:45 p.m.; Oak Hall A-Wing, 3:45 p.m.
A complete schedule of Orientation activities is available at the BSU Orientation Weekend website.
Contact
• Zachary Johnson, interim director, BSU Advising Success Center; (218) 755-4226
Links
• BSU Orientation Weekend website
• Ryan Penneau