WELCOME BACK WEEK

New student move-in takes place on Wednesday, August 20th. Students will be assigned a 2-hour window to check into their assignment and unload belongings based on the residence hall and floor. Check-in will take place between 8 a.m.-2:30p.m.

Check-In Process: Students will start in the Mirenda Center parking lot, participating in a drive-thru check-in experience. After they receive their key and student ID card, the students will proceed to the unloading zone for their residential community.

Students who have not completed all of their checklist items prior to move-in day, including resolving any needs with their bills and financial aid, will not be permitted to check into their residence hall until these items are resolved.

Additional information regarding the new student residential move-in day is available on the Move-In Guide Website.

This mandatory session for International Students only will help you:

• Understand the key immigration regulations for maintaining your F-1 visa status
• Learn how to manage your immigration record responsibly and independently

Please bring the following documents with you:

• Your passport
• Your signed Form I-20

Commuter students and their families will have the opportunity to build connections with each other, review important information for the start of the year, register for their parking pass, pick up their student ID, and pick up their books from the Bookstore prior to the Welcome BBQ. 

Join us for the Welcome BBQ, a festive gathering for all new students and their families following move-in day and commuter check-in. This special event marks the beginning of your Neumann journey with a warm welcome from President Dr. Domes, a delicious BBQ dinner, and the chance to connect with fellow students, families, faculty, and staff. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your arrival, build community, and start your Neumann experience with great food and even better company!

All new residential students are required to attend their designated Residential Community Meeting on move-in day. These meetings are a vital part of settling into campus life, offering important information about community expectations, safety protocols, and resources available in your residence hall. You'll meet your Resident Assistant (RA), connect with your neighbors, and learn how to make the most of your living experience at Neumann. It’s the first step in creating a respectful, supportive, and vibrant home away from home.

Students with a meal plan can enjoy a variety of breakfast options in Bruder Cafe. Whether you're craving something hearty or light, your meal plan has you covered—just swipe in and fuel up for the day ahead. Let’s start the semester strong, one bite at a time!

Begin Mission Day with a spirit of unity and purpose at our Opening Welcome and Prayer gathering. Neumann University President, Dr. Chris Domes, will offer words of inspiration and reflection, setting the tone for a day rooted in Franciscan values and shared mission. Following the welcoming remarks, our Tau cross distribution ceremony will invite each participant to embrace the symbol of St. Francis—a sign of peace, humility, and commitment to service. This meaningful start will ground us in gratitude and guide us into the day ahead.

The Sun Group will kick off the day by participating in a meaningful service project alongside their INT class, building connections while giving back to the community.

The Moon Group will begin with a Mission Tour to explore campus values and traditions, followed by their first INT class of the semester—an opportunity to dive into shared learning and reflection.

Take a midday break and recharge with lunch in the dining hall, where a wide range of options—from fresh salads to warm entrees—are ready to fuel your afternoon. It’s the perfect time to catch up with friends, swap stories from the morning, and gear up for the rest of the day’s activities.

The Moon Group will participate in a meaningful service project alongside their INT class, building connections while giving back to the community.

The Sun Group will have their Mission Tour to explore campus values and traditions, followed by their first INT class of the semester—an opportunity to dive into shared learning and reflection.

In this closing Mission Day session, students will reflect on The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi—a poetic celebration of the natural world and our place within it. Through guided reflection and creative expression, each participant will contribute to a communal prayer flag, offering words, symbols, and images that honor creation and express gratitude. Together, we’ll weave our voices into a shared tapestry of praise, inspired by Francis’s deep reverence for all living things.

Wind down your day with a hearty dinner in the campus dining hall, where you’ll find a variety of meal options to satisfy every appetite. It’s a great time to relax, connect with your pod, and refuel for the evening ahead. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something fresh and healthy, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Get ready to rally, compete, and connect in the Knights Cup—a high-energy program that brings students together for a series of intramural games and spirited competitions hosted by Athletics & Campus Recreation. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just in it for the fun, the Knights Cup offers something for everyone. It’s not just about winning—it’s about showing up, showing out, and making memories. Let the games begin!

Students with a meal plan can enjoy a variety of breakfast options in Bruder Cafe. Whether you're craving something hearty or light, your meal plan has you covered—just swipe in and fuel up for the day ahead. Let’s start the semester strong, one bite at a time!

Students will check in with their orientation pod leaders in Community Hall to line up to participate in the Academic Convocation ceremony.

Convocation is a special ceremony that marks the beginning of your academic journey at Neumann. You’ll hear inspiring messages from university leaders, student speakers, and alumni as we officially welcome you into the Neumann community. It’s a moment to celebrate your arrival, reflect on your goals, and feel the spirit of what it means to be a Knight.

Immediately following Convocation, join your fellow classmates for the Raising the Class Flag Ceremony—a proud Neumann tradition. Members of the incoming class will help retire the Class of 2025’s flag and raise their own, marking the start of their legacy on campus. The newly raised flag will fly in the Residential Quad throughout the year as a symbol of unity, pride, and the journey ahead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bruder Café, where you’ll find a variety of fresh, satisfying options to fuel your day. While you dine, take the opportunity to meet Lin Roberts, our registered dietician, who will be available in the dining hall to answer questions and share insights about the menu. Learn how to make the most of your campus dining experience—from balanced meals to dietary accommodations.

Get ready to power through an afternoon of discovery, teamwork, and campus know-how during The Neumann Circuit Round Robin. You and your Orientation Leader pod will rotate through three dynamic 50-minute sessions designed to jumpstart your Neumann experience:

Digital Literacy & HEDS Survey – Sharpen your tech skills and complete the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) survey to help us better understand and support your transition to college.

Campus Scavenger Hunt – Explore key campus locations, meet staff, and uncover hidden gems in a fast-paced, clue-filled adventure.

Reception Line Relay – Practice the art of introductions and build connections with fellow Knights in a fun, high-energy networking challenge.

Each stop on the circuit brings new insights, new faces, and a whole lot of Knight spirit. Let’s get moving!

Sessions start at 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:15 pm

Wind down your day with a hearty dinner in the campus dining hall, where you’ll find a variety of meal options to satisfy every appetite. It’s a great time to relax, connect with your pod, and refuel for the evening ahead. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something fresh and healthy, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Hop aboard the Springfield Mall Shuttle, your stress-free ride from campus to retail therapy! Running on a convenient 30-minute pick-up loop, this shuttle whisks you from campus straight to the mall and back—perfect for grabbing essentials or just enjoying a change of scenery.

Grab the mic or grab some dice — the night’s yours! Join us in the Sora Luna Lounge for an evening of music, laughter, and friendly competition. Whether you’re performing, cheering on friends, or deep in a game-winning move, you’ll have plenty of pizza, snacks, and good vibes to keep you going. NU Knights, this is your stage and your game board!

Dorm Storm event

Join us for a light breakfast/snack to hold students over before brunch.

Presentation by Elaine Pasqua

Many new students get caught up in their newfound freedom and party frequently, losing site of their academic goals. A substantial amount drops out due to alcohol and drug abuse and 25% admit that it hurt their grades. Join Elaine as she presents, “Surviving the Party.” Learn how easily the party can go wrong and how you can keep it right as she brings you eye-opening stories and strategies to keep yourself safe.

Students with a meal plan can enjoy a variety of brunch options in Bruder Cafe. Whether you're craving something hearty or light, your meal plan has you covered—just swipe in and fuel up for the day ahead. Let’s start the semester strong, one bite at a time!

Commuter Student Section

Commuter students are invited to a special section designed just for them—an opportunity to meet fellow commuters, enjoy brunch together, and feel more connected to campus life. Whether you're here for the day or just passing through, this space is for you.

Time Management & Study Skills presentation

Know the Code Trivia event

Emergency Preparedness presentation

Get to know some of our beloved Sisters over ice cream.

Wind down your day with a hearty dinner in the campus dining hall, where you’ll find a variety of meal options to satisfy every appetite. It’s a great time to relax, connect with your pod, and refuel for the evening ahead. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something fresh and healthy, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

We’re kicking off the semester with music, munchies, and good vibes! Enjoy beats from our live DJ while you grab some snack and hang out with your classmates. Let’s make this semester start off right!

First group of students attends:
Myth or Fact with Peer Educations — in the Bruder Gym

Second group of students attends:
Listen Up by Cogwell (3 simultaneous sessions) — Student Multipurpose Room, McNichol Room, and The Meagher Theatre (overflow)

First group of students attends:
Listen Up by Cogwell (3 simultaneous sessions) — Student Multipurpose Room, McNichol Room, and The Meagher Theatre (overflow)

Second group of students attends:
Myth or Fact with Peer Educations — in the Bruder Gym

Ease into the day with a relaxed and satisfying brunch in the dining hall, featuring a mix of breakfast favorites and hearty lunch options to keep you energized. It’s a great time to connect with friends, reflect on the morning, and enjoy a slower pace.

First-Generation Student Lunch

During brunch, a special lunch section will be reserved for first-generation college students—a space to celebrate your journey, build community, and connect with faculty and staff who are here to support you. Whether you’re sharing stories or simply enjoying the meal, this is a moment to honor your path and feel seen.

Topic: Consent, Sexual Assault, Bystander Intervention, & Healthy Relationships

The Jury is IN! Two students are in the same Calculus class. They become study partners. One night they meet up at a party. The story of their hook-up is clouded by alcohol. Did someone cross the line, or did both behave irresponsibly? Join our jury, hear the case, and decide for yourself! Where do you draw the line, and what does your school policy say about the situation? Our skillful, entertaining presenters confront common rape myths and tear down conventional defenses around acquaintance rape. At the end of this case study, the presenters motivate the entire audience to take a stand and speak up. We put the spotlight on communication, responsible decision-making and clear expectations. Plus, your entire community is challenged to consider their roles as bystanders.

Panelist: Jordan Kelso, Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. Candice Linehan, Delaware County Victim Assistance Center

This session will provide a walk-through for students of those technology tools they will need to be familiar with in their first semester: e-mail, Canvas, Self-Service, and printing. Dr. Hartwell will also take Q&A from the floor. Presentation with card swipe attendance.

This is a chance for incoming students to learn the inside scoop on what faculty expect and what "hacks" can set them up for success. Moderator-led Q&A will address topics and questions submitted ahead of time through CampusESP and by opening the floor. Presentation with card swipe attendance.

This session will provide a walk-through for students of those technology tools they will need to be familiar with in their first semester: e-mail, Canvas, Self-Service, and printing. Dr. Hartwell will also take Q&A from the floor. Presentation with card swipe attendance.

This is a chance for incoming students to learn the inside scoop on what faculty expect and what "hacks" can set them up for success. Moderator-led Q&A will address topics and questions submitted ahead of time through CampusESP and by opening the floor. Presentation with card swipe attendance.

Wind down your day with a hearty dinner in the campus dining hall, where you’ll find a variety of meal options to satisfy every appetite. It’s a great time to relax, connect with your pod, and refuel for the evening ahead. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something fresh and healthy, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Join us to open the semester in prayer. All are welcome.