Your official welcome to Widener University! Over several days of engaging sessions and activities, you’ll meet classmates, get connected to campus life, and learn the ins and outs of being a Widener student. By the end, you’ll feel at home, confident, and ready to start your first semester strong.
Well, lots! Watch the video ➡️ featuring C.R.E.W. Leaders as they prep you for what to expect.
New students will need to attend all mandatory orientation program dates detailed below—beginning on either Monday or Tuesday depending on your scheduled move-in date or commuter status and continuing through Friday, August 22. Please plan accordingly.
Fall Orientation is led by the Office of Student Engagement with the help of our student C.R.E.W. Leaders. Have a question about orientation? These teams are your go-to support.
| 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. | International Student Move-In Day Upon arrival, incoming international students will receive a welcome bag with the first night essentials, meet the ISS team, enjoy a warm meal, and be escorted to their rooms to rest up for the night before the orientation program officially kicks off on Sunday. |
| 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | International Student Orientation (University Center — Legacy Lounge) Kick off the day with breakfast and a social hour to connect with fellow international students before diving into orientation. Morning sessions will cover essential topics like maintaining your immigration status, understanding U.S. customs, and navigating college life. In the afternoon, enjoy a shopping trip followed by a fun pool and pizza party! |
| 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | International Student Orientation (University Center — Legacy Lounge) After a full day of learning, Monday is all about fun and exploration! We'll start the morning with a visit to the Social Security Administration to apply for Social Security cards. Then it's off to Philadelphia for an afternoon of sightseeing, tasting iconic Philly food, and exploring the city's rich history. |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | International Student Orientation (University Center — Legacy Lounge) We’ll wrap up International Student Orientation by covering a few final details about on-campus employment and ensuring you're ready to begin working on campus with confidence. With everything in place, you’ll be all set to dive into Pride Experience II: New Student Orientation! |
| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | New Residential Student Check-In Welcome home to the Widener Pride! Residential students assigned to Moll, Sharples, Kapelski, Grasselli, Hanna, Thayer, and 505 East 13th Street residence halls are invited to check-in, pick up their residence hall key, student ID card, and orientation schedule. Please follow your move-in instructions provided by the Office of Student Living for a successful campus arrival process. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Optional Lunch (Pride Café) All unpacked? Join us at the Pride Café for lunch—students, your meal plan begins August 18, so bring your ID card. Families and guests—a one-time complimentary lunch is on us. Welcome to the Pride! |
| 4:15 p.m. | Welcome Remarks … and we’re off! The August Orientation Program officially kicks off with remarks from President Stacey M. Robertson as she welcomes you to the Widener University Community. Get some ice cream or a cold drink—and meet the first half of your classmates. |
| 4:45 p.m. | Families Say Goodbye Parents and families are encouraged to officially part ways with their students and wish them well on their first day at Widener. |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Dinner (Pride Café) |
| 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Widener Welcome Session Get excited and pumped about Orientation! You will hear from the O-TEAM and learn more about what to expect throughout the Orientation Program. Please get acquainted with your CREW Leader and follow your assigned group in the schedule for the rest of the week. |
| 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Pride Night: Glow Night Mini-Golf Join your classmates and your CREW Leaders for a low-key night of glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, mocktails, and music. |
| 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | New Residential Student Check-In Welcome home to the Widener Pride! Residential students assigned to Cann, Howell, and Turrell residence halls are invited to check-in, pick up their residence hall key, student ID card, and orientation schedule. Please follow your move-in instructions provided by the Office of Student Living for a successful campus arrival process. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Optional Lunch (Pride Café) All unpacked? Join us at the Pride Café for lunch—students, your meal plan begins August 18, so bring your ID card. Families and guests—a one-time complimentary lunch is on us. Welcome to the Pride! |
| 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m | New Commuter Student Check-In Welcome home! Our new commuter students are invited to check-in for the Orientation Program and pick up their student ID card. |
| 4:15 p.m. | Welcome Remarks … and we’re off! The August Orientation Program officially kicks off with remarks from President Stacey M. Robertson as she welcomes you to the Widener University Community. New students are invited to join their classmates and celebrate a new beginning at the Pride BBQ. |
| 4:30 p.m. | Families Say Goodbye Parents and families are encouraged to officially part ways with their students and wish them well on their first day at Widener. |
| 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Pride BBQ: Widener Summer Vibes It’s BBQ time! Join fellow classmates and celebrate the beginning of your time at Widener University. Great food, games, and fun times await! |
| 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Widener Welcome Session Get excited and pumped about Orientation! You will hear from the O-TEAM and learn more about what to expect this week. Please follow your assigned group in the schedule.
|
| 8:00 p.m. | Residence Hall Floor Meetings Your Resident Assistants are ready to welcome you to your new residential community. Arrive on time (with your roommate). #ResidewiththePride |
| 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast (Pride Café) |
GROUPS: MELROSE, PRIDE, & PIONEER | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Pride 101: Campus Hacks & Hot Spots Join your assigned CREW Leader and learn more about the Widener experience—its services, resources, and the vibe. This session includes an academic campus tour. Bring your schedule to learn exactly where to go on the first day of classes. Don’t be that lost student. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Lunch (Pride Café) |
| 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Conduct Matters Join our Assistant Dean of Students and your fellow CREW Leaders to discuss student conduct, community standards, and advocacy at Widener University and how to do your part. |
| 1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Session Transition Stretch your legs and we’ll be right back with our next session. |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Maximize Your Buzz Through comedy, multimedia, and practical advice, students will learn to make values-based choices about alcohol to change and shift perceptions. |
GROUPS: CHESTER & LEGACY | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Conduct Matters Join our Assistant Dean of Students and your fellow CREW Leaders to discuss student conduct, community standards, and advocacy at Widener University and how to do your part. |
| 9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Session Transition Stretch your legs and we’ll be right back with our next session. |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Maximize Your Buzz Through comedy, multimedia, and practical advice, students will learn to make values-based choices about alcohol to change and shift perceptions. |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Lunch (Pride Café) |
| 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Pride 101: Campus Hacks & Hot Spots Join your assigned CREW Leader and learn more about the Widener experience—its services, resources, and the vibe. This session includes an academic campus tour. Bring your schedule to learn exactly where to go on the first day of classes. Don’t be that lost student. |
ALL GROUPS | |
| 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner (Pride Café) |
| 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Pride Night: Outdoor BINGO Game Night Takeover |
| 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast (Pride Café) |
GROUPS: CHESTER & LEGACY | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Meet Your Title IX Team: Your Campus Allies Touch base with the team in the Title IX Office to learn more about our resources designed for the campus community. |
| 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Sex Signals An engaging, interactive program that uses humor and real talk to explore dating, consent, and communication. It challenges stereotypes and encourages students to think critically about healthy relationships. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Lunch (Pride Café) |
| 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Free Time! Prep Time! Use this time to recharge and reset—explore campus, find your classrooms, grab supplies, meet a new friend, and get ready to finish the week strong. |
GROUPS: MELROSE, PRIDE & PIONEER | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Free Time! Prep Time! Use this time to recharge and reset—explore campus, find your classrooms, grab supplies, meet a new friend, and get ready to finish the week strong. |
| 11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Meet Your Title IX Team: Your Campus Allies Touch base with the team in the Title IX Office to learn more about our resources designed for the campus community. |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Sex Signals An engaging, interactive program that uses humor and real talk to explore dating, consent, and communication. It challenges stereotypes and encourages students to think critically about healthy relationships. |
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch (Pride Café) |
ALL GROUPS | |
Session 1: 2:30 p.m Session 2: 3:15 p.m. Session 3: 4:00 p.m. | Experience Widener Workshops Get ready to experience Widener! Dive into fast-paced, 35-minute sessions offered multiple times—sign up, connect, and make every moment count. Attendance is tracked through the Experience Widener Involve app! Session Title & Room Location
|
| 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | University Honors Program Meeting This is an invite only meeting for members of the Honors Program. |
| 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner (Pride Café) |
| 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Pride Night: Comedy & Magic with Michael Kent Looking for a night of laughs and amazement? Comedy Magician Michael Kent gives the art of magic a facelift with irreverent comedy and satire that has earned him prestigious awards and thousands of fans across America. In a style reminiscent of a late-night talk show, Michael invites the audience to laugh with him at the absurdity of a modern-day magician. Michael’s audiences experience what it's like when a stand-up comic performs (and occasionally pokes fun at) the art of magic. Don’t miss this amazing performance! Bring a friend! |
| 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Crafts with CREW! Join your CREW Leaders for some make-it take-it fun! Make a new accessory for your residence hall room or create an item that will travel with you during your commute to campus. |
| 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast (Pride Café) |
| 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Academic Convocation Academic Convocation is a joyous occasion that marks the beginning of your academic career at Widener! |
| 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Pride Statue & Fight Song Ceremony Join your SGA President, CREW Leaders, and others for the Pride Statue ceremony and the singing of the Widener fight song. It's tradition! |
| 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Roar to the Core: Academic Success Starts Here Join your fellow classmates, faculty advisors, and deans for a dynamic intro to the academic expectations, core requirements, and opportunities that will define your Widener experience. School & Session Location
|
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Lunch (Pride Café) |
| 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Leveraging AI for Academic Success Join us for an interactive and hands-on workshop to discuss the ethical, appropriate, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your college journey—while interacting with classmates in real-life case studies.
|
| 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner (Pride Café) |
| 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Pride Night: Outdoor Movie Night Buckle up for a whirlwind of fun at our Twisters-themed movie night! Grab your popcorn, find shelter (or a cozy seat), and ride out the storm as we screen Twisters—a perfect mix of thrills, laughs, and new friends. It's going to be a great night you won't want to miss! |
| 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Pop Up Karaoke Start your vocal warm-ups, because it is time for karaoke! Do your best popstar impression and perform a favorite song for your fellow classmates. This will be a night of entertainment to remember. |
| 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Brunch (Pride Café) |
| 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Prep Time! Free Time! Take a well-deserved breather—use this time to explore campus, track down your classrooms, grab your supplies, and get set for a strong start. All programs during this time are optional and designed to be fun, flexible, and just what you need to settle in. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Widener University Bookstore Take a well-deserved breather—use this time to explore campus, track down your classrooms, grab your supplies, and get set for a strong start. All programs during this time are optional and designed to be fun, flexible, and just what you need to settle in. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Campus Tours Bring your class schedule and join a CREW Leader to show you the ins and outs of getting to your classes on time. |
| 12:00 p.m. | Weekend Campus Shuttle Forgot to bring something from home? Take advantage of the campus shuttle to the Springfield Mall and other locations to grab all your necessities. Please stop by the Campus Safety Department window on the ground level of Old Main or call (610) 499-4200 to request the shuttle. We appreciate your patience as wait times will vary. |
| 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Grit 'N Wit Challenge Grit ‘N Wit is a high-energy challenge just for first-year students, combining physical obstacles with mental puzzles. Form a team of 2–6 and race against the clock to solve problems and complete the course. The fastest team wins — so bring your focus, energy, and a few new friends. |
| 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Sand Volleyball Game Join the CREW Leaders and your fellow classmates for a game of sand volleyball. All skills levels are welcome! |
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Game Day with OSIB Break out your competitive spirit with the Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging! Join Pride Mentors and OSIB Student President's Council leaders for team Taboo in the Multicultural Lounge. Find us on the lower level of the University Center. All are welcome to play or cheer from the sidelines! |
| 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Dinner (Pride Café) |
| 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Pride Night: Old School Pool Party Lights, music, friends, and good vibes! Join your Class of 2029 classmates and CREW Leaders for the first pool party of the year! |
| 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | RecFest! The Pride Recreation Center will be open late until 9:30 p.m. Stop by to work out, take a tour, shoot hoops, play video or lawn games, sign up for a club sport, or simply explore all of our recreational opportunities on campus. Participate in activities or complete our "PRC" challenge card to earn raffle tickets for a chance to win awesome prizes. Wear sneakers and athletic gear if you plan to exercise or just come as you are to meet and connect with fellow classmates. |
| 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Brunch (Pride Café) |
| 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Prep Time! Free Time! Take a well-deserved breather—use this time to explore campus, track down your classrooms, grab your supplies, and get set for a strong start. All programs during this time are optional and designed to be fun, flexible, and just what you need to settle in. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Widener University Bookstore Need to pick up your books or grab a new Widener t-shirt? Please visit the Widener University Bookstore for all of your start the semester needs. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Campus Tours Bring your class schedule and join a CREW Leader to show you the ins and outs of getting to your classes on time. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Women's Soccer Team Scrimmage Take a moment to support the Widener University Women's Soccer Team and cheer them on during their first scrimmage of the season. |
| 12:00 p.m. | Weekend Campus Shuttle Still need to grab an item from the store this weekend? Take advantage of the campus shuttle to Walmart, Wawa, or Shoprite to grab all your essentials. Please stop by the Campus Safety Department on the ground level of Old Main or call (610) 499-4200 to request the shuttle. We appreciate your patience as wait times will vary. |
| 12:00 p.m. | Sand Volleyball Game Join the CREW Leaders and your fellow classmates for a game of sand volleyball. All skills levels are welcome! |
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Apogee Scholars Orientation Workshop An invite only event for new members of the Apogee Scholars Program |
| 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Back Bash Join the Pride Activities Council to welcome back the entire Widener University campus community for dinner, music, entertainment, and giveaways throughout the night! Dinner service will start at approximately 4:00 p.m. Don’t miss it! Bring a fellow classmate! |
No. There is no official sign up process for the Pride Experience 2: Fall Orientation program, like there was earlier in the summer. New students are automatically registered and are expected to attend all required orientation programs as outlined on the orientation schedule provided on this page.
I'm moving on campus early: First-year residential students participating in a pre-orientation program or athletic team and moving in prior to August 18 will receive special instructions from their program director or head coach confirming arrival time and location. First-year early arrival participants, whether residential student or commuter student, will begin the fall orientation program on Tuesday, August 19 at 4:15 p.m. and maybe required to follow a custom orientation schedule.
I'm moving on campus: Every first-year residential student will receive an email from the Office of Student Living with an assigned move-in date and time for either Monday, August 18 or Tuesday, August 19. On both dates, your kick-off orientation session will follow later that same day at 4:15 p.m.
I’m a commuter student: The commuter student orientation experience begins on Tuesday, August 19 at 3:15 p.m.
I’m an international student: The international student orientation experience begins on Sunday, August 17 at 9:00 a.m.
All first-year residential students moving on campus in August and starting classes in the fall semester received an email with detailed instructions from the Office of Student Living regarding their move-in process. Please visit our Pack, Park, Move-In FAQ page for specific details about the move-in day process at Widener University.
There are a few simple ways to set yourself up for a smooth orientation experience:
We know navigating orientation can feel like a lot — but that’s why your CREW Leader is here to help! They’ll make sure you know exactly where to go, what to do, and when you’re welcome to do your own thing!
In general:
(But trust us—you’ll want to check out both!)
Yes! Orientation is for all new students, whether you're living on campus or commuting. Commuter students attend Pride Experience II alongside residential students and are expected to participate in all mandatory orientation events beginning on Tuesday. You’ll get valuable info, meet new people, and get plugged into campus life from the very start.
Things happen—we get it. If you miss a day, just:
Your orientation group assignment will be shared during your check-in process on August 18 or August 19. You will use your group assignment to follow the orientation schedule.
Your CREW Leader is a current student who will guide you through orientation alongside a small group. You’ll meet them at the beginning of orientation and stick with them all week. You’ll meet your assigned CREW Leader during your welcome session on August 19.
You’ll:
Even though you’re assigned a go-to CREW Leader, feel free to engage and ask questions to any CREW Leader during orientation. They’re all here to support you.
There’s plenty to do! Some ideas:
No. All orientation sessions are designed for current new first-year students at Widener.
Fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 25th. To view additional important academic dates, view the academic calendar.
You’ve got options!
Need help finding where you're going? Check out our interactive digital map. Here, you'll see a birds eye view of campus with real-time walking directions around your new home away from home.
Explore Interactive Map
Download Map PDF
Learn More About Our Campus
Involve is an app that allows students to view and check in to events, and allows event organizers to track attendance.
Guidebook allows students to see their schedule during their Pride Experience 2. Just like Involve, Guidebook also allows students to see upcoming events on campus!
Canvas is an absolute necessity for Widener students! This app serves as the hub for all your classes. It is used to view assignments, grades, and make submissions.
Download (iOS)
Download (Android)
University Center, Lower Level
University Center, Lower Level
Office of Student Engagement
University Center
Office of Student Engagement