Fall 2025 New Student Orientation & Welcome Week Schedule

7:30 a.m. – Noon | CHECK-IN/RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS MOVE-IN
Check-In/Key Pick-Up Location: Moody Center
This one-stop check-in will include opportunities to take care of important business with many campus offices. You will receive your student ID, new student welcome packet, and residential students will receive their room keys. As soon as you have checked in, move-in may begin!

Residence Halls Move-In Schedule:

• Tinker A & Randolph 1: 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
• Tinker B & Randolph 2: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Tinker C & Randolph 3: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Commuter Students are encouraged to check in between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

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9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Parent and Family Hospitality Centers
Primary Location: Moody Center Plaza
Satellite Locations: Tinker Lobby & Randolph Hall 3rd Floor Entrance
A one-stop resource space for families looking to take a break from move-in, cool down, grab a quick snack, or meet University staff. Select campus offices will be available to answer questions or assist with your last-minute needs.

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M 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Commuter Students Welcome Reception
Location: Moody Center, the RAT/Commuter Lounge
While residential students are moving in, Commuter students and their guests are invited to the RAT for a welcome reception to meet members of the Commuter Student Association, their Orientation Leaders, fellow commuter students, and tour the Commuter Students Lounge.

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11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | LUNCH
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room
Hollins Students, Parents, and Families are welcome to enjoy lunch in Moody Center. $10 per guest.

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M 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | HOPE Scholars Induction Ceremony
Location: duPont Chapel, reception following ceremony on the Chapel Lawn
Reception Rain Location: Botetourt Reading Room
Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education (HOPE) Scholarship award recipients are invited to join President Hinton and members of Hollins Leadership for a welcome reception and induction ceremony. During the event, recipients will be recognized and will have an opportunity to network with fellow recipients.

This event is REQUIRED for HOPE Scholars.

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M 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Orientation Group Meeting 1
Meeting Location: Tinker Beach (Space between the Back of Tinker Hall/Front of Randolph Hall)
During this session, first-year students will meet their Hollins Community Connector (HCC) and Student Success Leaders (SSLs). HCCs and SSLs are upper-class Hollins students who will help you with your transition into college. Their first interaction with you will be to serve as your Orientation Leader (OL), guiding you through your first few days at Hollins.

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M 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Orientation Group Meeting 1
Meeting Location: Tinker Beach (Space between the Back of Tinker Hall/Front of Randolph Hall)
During this session, first-year students will meet their Hollins Community Connector (HCC) and Student Success Leaders (SSLs). HCCs and SSLs are upper-class Hollins students support your transition to college. Their first interaction with you, will be to serve as your Orientation Team Leaders (O-Team Leaders), guiding you through your first few days at Hollins.

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2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Supporting your Student Panel
Meeting Location: University Theater
Panel with Student Affairs & Academic Support Staff to assist parents and guardians in understanding the emotional, academic, and social transitions students experience.

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M 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | First-Year Pinning Ceremony
Location: duPont Chapel
New students officially begin their journey at Hollins with family and friends. President Mary Dana Hinton and the Student Government Association President will help welcome all new students to Hollins. Students should line up on the DuPont Lawn by 3:45 p.m. to process as a group into the chapel.

The Pinning Ceremony serves as a symbolic welcome for our incoming class, marking the beginning of their academic journey. Held during New Student Orientation, this special event brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumnae to celebrate the newest members of our community.

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5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Dinner with your HCC
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room
Have dinner with your Hollins Community Connector and members of your orientation group to debrief the day and check in with each other.

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M 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Residence Halls Floor Meeting
Location: Tinker and Randolph Halls Floor Lounges
Return to your Residence Hall floor for your first floor meeting! Your Resident Assistant (RA) will help you in getting to know the other students on your floor, and you’ll work together to set community expectations. REQUIRED for ALL Residential Students.

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8:00 p.m. | Hollins After Dark!
Location: Forest of Arden/Turf Under the Gym
Rain Location: Athletic Center, Auxiliary Gym
Beginning at 8 p.m., enjoy music, food truck, inflatable games, and loads of fun… and don’t forget the free giveaway!

M 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Community Expectations Concurrent Sessions
During this period you will participate in a series of concurrent sessions designed to introduce you to key resources and expectations at Hollins.

Session (Your HCC will escort you to these rotating sessions)	Location
Residence Halls Community Meetings: Students will have the opportunity to meet their residence hall and professional staff, and learn more about what it means to live in community.	Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Niederer Auditorium
Commuter Students Panel: Students who commute to campus will have the opportunity to hear from current Hollins commuter students.	Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Room 111
Here to Help: Safety and Support Resources at Hollins: This session will introduce intimate partner violence resources that exist for the campus community, explain the mandated reporting system, and identify for students various types of support from offices such as the Roanoke Sexual Assault Response and Awareness office, the Survivor Support Collective, and the Hollins University Safe Haven program.	Dana Science Building, Babcock Auditorium
Hollins University Honor Code and the Student Conduct Process: Students will be formally introduced to the University Honor Code and will learn about the Student Conduct Process at Hollins. At the conclusion of the session, students will sign the University Honor Code Pledge.	Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Room 119
How to College 101: Join Student Success Coaches Alison Sibol and Jessi Kingery for an engaging and interactive presentation focused on the skills and strategies you need to thrive at Hollins. Learn how to make the most of your academic journey and campus resources.	The RAT , Moody Center

Concurrent Session Rotation Schedule

Time	Community Meeting/Commuter Panel	Here to Help The RAT, Moody Center	Honor Code/Student Conduct	How to College 101
9:00AM – 9:40AM	Groups 1-3	Groups 4-6	Groups 7-10	Groups 11-14
9:50AM – 10:30AM	Groups 4-6	Groups 7-10	Groups 11-14	Groups 1-3
10:40AM – 11:25AM	Groups 7-10	Groups 11-14	Groups 1-3	Groups 4-6
11:35AM – 12:15PM	Groups 11-14	Groups 1-3	Groups 4-6	Groups 7-10

 

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12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Lunch
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room

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M 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Orientation Group Meeting 2
Location: First-Year Foundation Classrooms
Meet with your O-Team Leaders to check-in about orientation, connect with your orientation group members and debrief your first few days at Hollins.

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M 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Class of 2029 Group Photo @ The Rock
Location: The Rock
Your O-Team Leaders will walk you over to the ROCk for the “Class of 2029” photo.

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3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Rest & Recharge!
Location: Moody Center Lobby
Orientation is exciting—but it can also be a lot! This Rest & Refresh time is for you to take a break, enjoy a quiet moment, and recharge. Whether you need a comfy spot to sit, a light snack, or just a few minutes to breathe, this is your time to pause and refocus.

Mindful recharge kits: Drop by the Moody Lobby to pick up a mindful recharge kit that can assist you in relaxing your mind.

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5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Dinner
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room

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7:30 p.m. | Residence Halls Community Socials
Locations: Tinker and Randolph Hall Community Lounges
This event is organized by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Join your Resident Advisor for a fun evening of games, connections, and conversation with fellow community members.

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room

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8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Zumba!
Location: Athletic Center, Auxiliary Gym
Join us for a dynamic 45-minute total-body workout of cardio dance on the Quad! This fun and easy fitness class will combine high energy and motivating music. Put on comfortable shoes, fill up your water bottle and get ready to dance.

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M 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Meet your Advisor/ First-Year Foundations Professor
Location: First-Year Foundation Classrooms
During this meeting, your FYF Professor will provide a basic overview of the First-Year Foundations course syllabus and answer any questions you may have. The First-Year Foundations course is a required course for all incoming first-year/transfer students.

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M 10:45 a.m. – Noon | Belonging @ Hollins!
Location: University Theater
How will you help create an inclusive environment at Hollins? Participate in an interactive discussion while learning about our community commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive environment.

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Noon – 1:15 p.m. | Lunch
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room

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M 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Own Your Journey!
Location: University Theater
A strong part of the Hollins experience is to engage in what we call “high impact practices.” These can include doing an internship, studying abroad, working on research, and more. Join representatives from the Global Learning Hub, Wyndham Robertson Library, Eleanor D. Wilson Museum, and Career and Life Design as they show you some of the opportunities they can provide.

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M 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Passport to Success!
Locations: Various locations around campus, schedule below
The Passport to Success! series allows new Hollins students to explore our community, learn about our history and traditions, meet student leaders, and engage with staff in a fun and interactive way. Students will collect passport stamps at the conclusion of each session or visit to an office. Passports with 5 or more stamps will be entered into a raffle to win a prize! The Passport to Success! schedule is on the next page.

Passports will be issued to students by their O-Team Leaders.

Passport to Success! Travel around Hollins to learn about your new home and the resources it offers.

Destination	Description	Location/Time
Drop-in Advising	Academic advising is essential during your time at Hollins. During this Drop-in advising session, FYF professors will be available to help you develop an academic plan, and answer any questions you may have.	Botetourt Reading Room
Student Involvement Panel	You’ll be able to gain an understanding of all of the opportunities to belong in different clubs and organizations on campus as well as view the calendar for the Fall Hollins Discovery Days.	Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Auditorium 3:00PM – 3:45PM
Hollins Tapestry	This interaction session will provide students with an overview of Hollins’ history to ensure students understand the history, culture, and value that drives our community.	VAC 119 3:00PM – 3:45PM
Hollins Traditions	Join members of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Hollins Activity Board (HAB) as they educate you on all the traditions we have @ Hollins.	Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Auditorium 4:00PM – 4:45PM
Meet the Deans	Join Dean Monica Carson Sheriff and Assistant Dean Dr. Dan for Boba to explore the multiple resources offered through the Dean of Students Office.	Dean of Students Office, Moody Upper-Level
Athletic Complex Open House	Learn more about the Hollins University Athletic Complex and how you can utilize it as a student.	Athletic Complex Lobby
Survivor Support Collective	The Survivor Support Collective invites all new students to meet their members and discuss how they support the Hollins community.	duPont Center, C.A.S.A. Office
Riding Center	The Riding Center is open for tours, to answer your questions, and to help you meet the horses.	Riding Center
Library Open House	Join staff of Hollins University Wyndham Robertson Library to learn about library resources and educational opportunities.	Library 1st Floor Lobby
The Green	Headquartered on the library’s first floor, The Green provides a highly visible, inviting gathering space for all. Career mentorship; global learning opportunities; resources for low-income, first-generation, and BIPOC and international students; and academic support networks are all located here. During this stop, students will meet and interact with the Green’s staff.	Library 1st Floor Lobby
Campus Security	Stop by to meet the Hollins Campus Security team and learn how they help keep our community safe. This is your chance to put faces to the names, ask questions, and hear about the services, tips, and resources available to you 24/7.	Moody Center
University Theater	The Hollins theatre department is a vibrant, creative community embodying our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and care. Stop by Moody Lobby to meet the Theater staff and learn more about Hollins Theater.	University Theater
Meriwether Godsey, Inc: Hollins Dining Services Partner	Hollins and culinary partner Meriwether Godsey team together to provide all of Hollins’ dining and catering services. Their mission is to: To provide fabulous food, true service, and strong stewardship. To carefully and creatively prepare meals, every day. To take care of all our resources: natural, financial, and people.	Moody Lobby

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6:30 p.m. | Mock SGA Senate Meeting
Location: Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Niederer Auditorium
Senate, the legislative arm of the Student Government Association, is a good way to get involved in student government. See how weekly student Senate meetings are conducted. You can also get more information on how to run for an open first-year cabinet position.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is a vital part of Hollins life. All undergraduates are members of SGA. With more than 80 SGA positions, you can be an active leader on campus. SGA Senate Meetings are hosted weekly during the academic year, typically occurring on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the VAC. SGA Senate Meetings are open to the entire campus community.

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7:30 p.m. | Monday Bingo Bash!
Location: Moody Center, Ballator Gallery
Join the Office of Student Activities and members of the Hollins Activity Board (HAB) for the first of our popular, weekly bingo games. It’s a great chance to meet other Hollins students and to win Hollins apparel.

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Yoga on the Chapel Lawn!
Rain Location: Athletic Center, Auxiliary Gym
Start your morning with a 45-minute yoga session on the Quad! This class is for all levels and will be a relaxing start to your day. Bring your own yoga mat if possible; limited mats will be provided.

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10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Walk Your Class Schedule
Location: Tinker Beach
Your O-Team Leaders will assist you in finding your route to class as you prepare for your first day of classes at Hollins.

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Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Community Lunch Picnic on the Quad!
Location: Front Quad
The Hollins community will gather for a lunch picnic to celebrate the beginning of the academic year. Excellent opportunity for you to meet staff, faculty, and peers.

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M 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | No Zebras!
Location: University Theater
This interactive session empowers students to recognize potentially harmful situations and take action in safe, effective ways. Through real-life scenarios and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to step in, speak up, and support your peers—building a community of care and accountability at Hollins.

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M 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Orientation Group Meeting 3
Location: First-Year Foundation Classrooms
Meet your O-Team Leaders for your final orientation group meeting. During this meeting they will lead a reflection activity and share tips for a successful first day of classes at Hollins.

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M 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Opening Convocation,
HERE U BELONG
Location: duPont Chapel
Start the semester off with one of our great Hollins traditions. New students will be welcomed into the campus community, seniors will process in their robes for the first time, and President Hinton will officially open the academic year.

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7:30 p.m. | Throwback Movie Night
Location: Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Niederer Auditorium
Join us for a fun and relaxed evening as we kick back with a classic favorite film on the big screen! Throwback Movie Night is the perfect chance to laugh, snack, and connect with the Hollins community. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided.

Concession stand opens at 7:30 p.m., movie starts playing at 8:00 p.m.

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10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | First Day of Class Photo Booth
Location: Moody Center, Plaza
Location: Moody Center, Lobby
Your parents may not be here to snap a photo of you on your first day of classes, however, we’ve got it covered. Stop by to take a “First Day of Class” photo to share with your family and friends.

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4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Student Groups Mixers
Location: See table below…
Opportunity for students to connect with peers in their associated programs to unwind, connect socially, and reflect on their first day of classes at Hollins.

Program Mixers	Location
Commuter, HU Connect, Transfer Students	Moody, Commuter Students Lounge
HOPE Scholars	Moody, Ballator Gallery
International Students	Moody, Goodwin PDR

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5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. | Hollins Riding Information Session
Location: Moody Center, Janney Lounge
Students interested in the Hollins riding program are welcome to attend. Please bring your dinner.

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7:30 p.m. | Tinker Day Hat Decorating
Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room
Start preparing for one of our great traditions, Tinker Day, by decorating a Tinker Day hat (hats and supplies provided). All new students are invited and encouraged to attend!

M 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Hollins Beginnings: Navigating the First 7 Weeks
Location: Moody Center, Goodwin PDR
Hollins Beginnings, a workshop series offering support during your transition to college. Each week, campus offices and/or your Hollins peers will share information and experiences related to the week’s topic. You can attend the sessions that interest you or attend them all — each session will have door prizes!

First-year students MUST attend at least 2 of the 7 sessions to fulfill their First-year Foundations Seminar requirement. If you have questions about the workshop series, please email the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@hollins.edu).

Hollins Beginnings Fall 2025 Schedule

Date	Session
Sept 4	“Cupcakes & Careers” presented by the Office Career and Life Design
Sept 11	“Holistic Wellness- Mind, Body, Spirit “ presented by Health and Counseling Services
Sept 18	“Getting Involved and Coping with Homesickness” presented by Hollins Community Connectors
Sept 25	“The Library and You” presented by Library Services
Oct 2	“Managing Your Time” presented by the Student Success Coaches
Oct 9	“Finding and Keeping your People” presented by Hollins Community Connectors
Oct 23	“Stay the Course” presented by the Dean of Students Office

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7:30 p.m. | Stuff-a-Plushie
Location: Front Quad
Rain Location: Moody Center, Main Dining Room
Join us for a beloved Hollins tradition, where you can create a personalized Hollins Plushie. Supplies provided by Hollins Activity Board—just bring yourself!

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4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Shuttle Service to Downtown Roanoke and more…
Location: Shuttle will pick-up/drop-off at Cromer Bergman Alumnae House
Transportation service to the downtown Roanoke area, Target shopping plaza, and Valley View Mall. Shuttle departs on the hour (4PM, 5PM, 6PM, etc.).

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6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Student Athlete Welcome Reception
Location: Athletic Complex Lobby
Join fellow student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff for a special welcome reception. This is a great opportunity to connect with your teammates, learn about Hollins Athletics, and hear what it means to be a student-athlete at Hollins. Light refreshments will be served.

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7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Welcome Week Block Party!
Location: Moody Parking Lot
Celebrate the end of your first week as a college student by joining your peers at this late night, fun filled event. Grab some grub, play a game, and get some Hollins swag before catching some Zzzz’s for the night.

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11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Roanoke Romp! Kick-Off
September 6 Destination: Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival
The Roanoke Romp! exploration series is meant to expose students to the greater Roanoke and surrounding areas. Occurring on selected Saturdays during the fall semester, the series will take students to various attractions and venues in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Students are required to register for this event, limited spaces available. Transportation to and from these excursions will be provided by Hollins.

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4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Shuttle Service
Location: Shuttle departs from Moody Plaza
Transportation service to the downtown Roanoke area, Target shopping plaza, and Valley View Mall. Shuttle departs on the hour.

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7:30 p.m. | Trivia Night @ The RAT!
Join us for an exciting evening of trivia action! This dynamic competition features three engaging rounds where your knowledge will be put to the test. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or just looking for some fun, you can participate solo or team up with friends to tackle challenging questions across various categories.

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3:00 p.m. | Welcome Week Tie-Dye Extravaganza!
Location: Forest of Arden
Rain Location: Athletic Complex Covered Patio
Join us as we wrap up Hollins Welcome Week and New Student Orientation with a splash of color! New students will tie-dye their official class shirts, while returning students will create their own Welcome Week shirts provided by the Dean of Students Office.

Limited shirts are available—first come, first served—so be sure to arrive early! Want to get even more creative? Bring your own items to tie-dye and make something uniquely yours. Let’s end the week in true Hollins style: colorful, connected, and ready for the year ahead!