Bemidji State University’s Class of 2022, which includes a freshman class expected to number around 750 students, will get its first taste of college at BSU’s Orientation weekend, Aug. 24-26.

Orientation welcomes 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 Aug. 24 and continues with a series of activities for new students and their families throughout the weekend. BSU’s traditional Convocation ceremony will take place Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

Residence hall move-in and Orientation check-in will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Other activities scheduled include:

• A Parent Sendoff at 1 p.m. in the Walnut Hall Upper Deck.
• An official welcome ceremony and Class of 2022 group photo at Chet Anderson Stadium at 2:30 p.m.
• Convocation begins at 3:30 p.m. in the BSU Gymnasium at the Gillett Wellness Center. 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.
• A welcome picnic on the Hobson Memorial Union Lakeside Lawn from 6-8 p.m.
• Gathering and social for off-campus students at the Hobson Memorial Union’s Crying Wolf Room, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
• A welcome dance for all new students in the Hobson Memorial Union’s Crying Wolf Room beginning at 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUG. 25

The second day of Orientation features an Orientation Leader Time, meeting at the Walnut Hall Lawn at 10 a.m.

This meeting is followed by “Take Back College,” a presentation by motivational speaker Ryan Penneau. He will explore the often difficult transition from high school to college and the challenges that come from moving away from home, choosing a major, making new friends, adjusting to new-found freedom and more. Penneau’s message to students is to embrace their personal responsibility for their own educations and commitment to lifelong learning.
Penneau’s presentation will take place in Hagg-Sauer 100 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Students also will attend a 10:30 a.m. “Life on Campus: What You Need to Know” session and a “Meet the Class of 2022” event at the Gillett Wellness Center at 1:30 or 3 p.m.

BSU’s Campus Activities Board will offer a presentation to incoming students beginning at 8 p.m. in the Gillett Wellness Center.

SUNDAY, AUG. 26

Ropes Course

New students can participate in the ropes course at BSU’s Hobson Memorial Forest from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students will be divided into groups and depart at various times throughout the day.

Other activities scheduled include:

• Orientation Leaders will lead walking tours of campus between 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Transfer student orientation starts at 11 a.m. in the Beaux Arts Ballroom of the upper Hobson Memorial Union.
• Sunday in the Park in Diamond Point Park from 1-5 p.m., weather permitting.

Official Orientation Weekend activities conclude with a campfires and s’mores at the residence halls beginning at 9 p.m.

A complete schedule of Orientation and Welcome Week activities is available online.