Spring Orientation

Spring Orientation is designed specifically for students starting at Widener this spring. We recognize the experiences you’re bringing with you and are here to help you make a smooth, confident transition. You’ll finalize your class schedule, explore campus, connect with fellow students and faculty, and start building your place in the Widener community from day one.

What Can I Expect during Spring Orientation?

During spring orientation, you'll explore helpful resources and connect with faculty, staff, and students, all before the start of classes. The event is designed with your prior collegiate experiences and goals in mind, offering you an overview of how to get involved on campus and prepare yourself for academic, personal, and professional success.

Which Orientation program is right for me?

New and incoming transfer students entering Widener University in the spring semester will be assigned to one group and attend the Spring Orientation program. Please refer to chart below.

New and incoming transfer students entering Widener University in the fall semester will be assigned to one of two groups: Transfer Group A or Transfer Group B. This group assignment is based on number of credits transferred into Widener University in addition to other individual factors.

Please refer to the chat below to determine which orientation program you should attend.

Your Transfer Status	Orientation Program	Orientation Date	What's Next?
Spring Start	Spring Orientation	January 9, 2026 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Please return to this page in the late fall semester for additional information.
Fall Start: Group B	Transfer Student Orientation	August 21, 2026 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Please refer to the steps below to prepare for your Orientation Program.
Fall Start: Group A	Fall Orientation	August 24 - 28, 2026	Attend Fall Orientation

Preparing For Your Spring Orientation Program

This information applies to new and transfer students entering in the spring 2026 semester.
To register, please visit your Admissions Portal by Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
The Spring Orientation program will be held in-person and on-campus.
Incoming new residential students will be able to move in on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m. Complete move-in details are located on our Pack, Park, Move-In FAQ page.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

**ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE UNIVERSITY CENTER WEBB ROOM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED**
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	Program Check-In & Welcome Please arrive by 9:00 a.m. in the University Center Atrium to check-in. You will receive your student ID card and your schedule for the day.
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.	Welcome Remarks Join us for the official welcome to our Spring Orientation Program and learn more about your experience today.
9:55 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.	Roar to the Core: Academic Success Starts Here Get acquainted with faculty and staff in your academic area to discuss academic expectations, requirements, and other opportunities. Center for Continuing Studies \| University Center, Wyman Room Center for Education \| University Center, Room G Center for Social Work Education \| University Center, Room D College of Arts and Sciences \| University Center, Webb Room Exploratory Studies \| University Center, Room F School of Business Administration \| Meet in the UC Atrium School of Engineering \| University Center, Room A School of Nursing \| University Center, Room C
10:40 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.	Start Smart: Widener Finances Maureen McKellar, Financial Aid Counselor
11:05 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.	We’re All Widener: Exploring the Pride Community Joi Dallas Shaw, Director, Student Inclusion & Belonging
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Wellness at Widener: Feeling Good Inside and Out Ellen Campbell DeLuca, Director, Student Health Services Jeff Hofer, Staff Counselor
12:05 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.	Lunch & Learn: Involvement Starts Here – Light Lunch Provided Erich Bonitz, Assistant Director, Campus Engagement & Student Programs
12:55 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.	Student Conduct Lessons: Community Standards and Expectations Carlyle Lawrence, Assistant Dean, Community Standards & Advocacy
1:20 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.	Academic Success at Widener University Kim Robinson, Executive Director, Student Success and Academic Enrichment
1:45 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.	Wolfgram Memorial Library Orientation
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.	Academic Campus Tour (with your CREW Leaders)
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	New Residential Student Move-In (University Center, Main Atrium) New residential students will be able to check-in and begin moving into their spring housing assignment.
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.	Dinner & New Resident Meet Up (University Center – Pride Den) Take a break from moving in and join your fellow classmates, CREW Leaders, and Resident Assistants for a quick meal and check-in.
7:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.	Meet with your Resident Assistant New residents will meet their Resident Assistant, walk to their residence hall, and learn more about their new home.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Brunch (University Center – Davis Lounge) Join your fellow classmates and your CREW Leaders for a quick pick me up before you journey out into Springfield!
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Shopping Excursion in Springfield, PA! Ready to explore the surrounding areas? Need to secure a few more supplies for your residence hall? Join your fellow classmates and your CREW Leaders for a fun excursion to Springfield, PA. You’ll have a chance to visit the Springfield Mall, Target, and other convenient locations.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.	Dinner (University Center – Davis Lounge) Join your fellow classmates and your CREW Leaders for dinner and a quick touch point before heading to bowling tonight.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.	Bowling Night @ Bowlero Lanes (Meet at the Library Circle) Take a break, have some fun, and bowl your heart out! Meet at the front steps of the Wolfgram Memorial Library to catch the shuttle.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Brunch (University Center – Webb Room) Join your fellow classmates and your CREW Leaders for brunch. Use this opportunity to meet new people and ask questions before classes start.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	ROAR—An Insider’s Guide to the Pride (University Center – Webb Room) Your first semester at Widener starts on Monday. Take a moment to meet with your CREW Leaders to learn about the best campus hacks to ensure that you start your semester off on the right track.
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	PREP TIME! FREE TIME! Take a moment to catch your breath, prepare for classes by finding where your classes are, preparing your books and notebooks, and ensuring you have all your supplies ready. Your CREW Leaders will be available in the Pride Den Lounge in the University Center to meet and answer your questions.
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Dinner (University Center – Pride Café) Your first official meal of the semester begins tonight in the Pride Café – don’t forget to grab your student ID card and a new friend! Please check with your Resident Assistant to ensure that you are present for your first residential neighborhood meeting of the semester!