New Student Orientation

Cheering Students

Welcome, Panthers!

Your adventure at GU starts now! New Student Orientation (NSO) is packed with activities designed to help you feel at home.

This is your moment to meet your roommate, connect with your RA, bond with your orientation group, and join the entire incoming class. We’re here to make you feel welcome, supported, and ready for the year ahead—and we’re going to have a lot of fun along the way!

 
Students dancing
 

New Student Orientation Schedule

Below you will see the schedule of exciting events we have in store for you during your first week here.  And don't forget to follow us on FacebookInstagram and Twitter and use #PantherMade during Orientation. Share your photos and experiences with us as you start your college journey. We are so excited to have you on campus! Review our campus map to find locations. See you soon, Panthers!

NSO 2025 Schedule

 

SATURDAY, AUG 23

  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm — New Student Move-In
    • Whitlock Music & Media Center Parking Lot (318 E. College Ave.)
  • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM — Lunch & Free Time
    • Dining Commons/Greenville Central at Armington Center 
    • Student resources available in Lower Armington
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM — Commuter Check-In
    • Joy House 
  • 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM 
    • Students: Experience First Introductions
      • Scott Field 
    • Parents & Guests: Parent & Guests Welcome
      • Dining Commons/Greenville Central at Armington Center
  • 4:30 PM — New Student Ceremony
    • Hogue Lawn
  • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM — Taste of Greenville
    • Scott Field
  • 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM — Parents Depart 
  • 7:30 PM — All Town Meeting
    • Whitlock Music & Media Center
  • 8:30 PM — New Student Mugging
    • Scott Field
 

Sunday, August 24

  • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM — Flapjack Flip
    • Whitlock Lawn
  • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM — Chapel Service
    • Whitlock Music & Media Center
  • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM — Free Time, Lunch, and Student Resources
    • DC/Greenville Central at Armington Center
    • Math Placement Test as needed
  • 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM — Panther Huddle
    • Experience First Classroom (check your schedule!)
  • 2:30 PM - 4:15 PM — Choose your own Adventure (see below for more info!)
    • Men's Soccer Scrimmage @ Francis Field
  • 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM — Playfair
    • Scott Field
  • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM — Choose your own Adventure (see below for more info!)
    • Women's Volleyball Scrimmage @ HJ Long
 

Monday, August 25

  • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM — Breakfast
    • Dining Commons/Greenville Central at Armington Center
  • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM — Panther Huddle
    • Whitlock Music & Media Center
  • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM — Scoops & Scholars
    • Ganton Circle, then Snyder Hall for Sciences or Dietzman Center for all other majors
  • 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM — Panther Huddle
    • Whitlock Music & Media Center
  • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM — Choose your own Adventure (see below for more info!)
    • Lake Day at Durley Camp
  • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM — GSGA Back 2 School Bash
    • Scott Field 
 

Choose your own Adventure

This year, we are excited to offer our new students the opportunity to tailor their NSO experience in a way that serves them! Multiple members of our faculty and staff will be available to share tips and tricks that can help alleviate some of the stresses students may be facing. During the "Choose your own Adventure" sessions, students can select from the following options:

Download the CYOA Schedule here!

Men's Soccer Scrimmage FREE T-SHIRTS (Sunday @ 2:30 PM only)

The stadium lights flicker on, the crowd hums with energy, and the players take the field. Every pass, every sprint, every goal pulls you deeper into the action. And the best part? You not only get a free t-shirt as your badge of honor for being part of the game, but you walk away with the memories you're making!

Women’s Volleyball Game FREE T-SHIRTS (Sunday @ 5:30 PM only)  

The gym is electric, the volleyball sails high, and the team dives, spikes, and blocks with unstoppable energy. Each rally feels like a heartbeat, quickening with the roar of the crowd. Come ready to cheer, support, and celebrate—and score a free t-shirt that proves you were part of the action. 

Resource Mapping - Bre Burkle

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast forest—you know what you need, but where do you begin? Bre hands you a map, showing hidden trails to tools, people, and support you didn’t even know existed. Suddenly, the forest doesn’t feel overwhelming—it feels full of possibility. Join this adventure to chart your own path and unlock the resources that can help you thrive. 

Juggling Like a Pro: The Art of Balance (Time Management) - Roy Mulholland

Three balls fly through the air. Then four. Then five. You watch in awe as Roy effortlessly keeps them moving, each catch and toss a metaphor for life’s competing priorities. In this adventure, you’ll learn not just how to juggle (yes, actually juggle!) but also how to keep school, work, and life in balance. Can you master the art of timing, rhythm, and focus before the balls hit the ground? 

Journaling - Kelli Pryor

The blank page waits. Pen in hand, you’re invited into a private world where your thoughts, dreams, and questions find a home. Kelli will show you how journaling isn’t just about writing—it’s about discovery, reflection, and sometimes even healing. Each word becomes a step on your journey, each page a record of growth. Are you ready to explore the story only you can write?  

Equine Center Tours  

Head out to the barn and meet some of our friendliest “teammates.” From majestic horses to playful cats and loyal dogs, the animals are always ready for a pat, a scratch, or even a cuddle. Fuel your body, clear your mind, and maybe even make a furry friend or two. 

The Gullies Nature Walk - Nathaniel Brown

Join Nathaniel Brown on this mindful walk through The Gullies – a Greenville favorite. This walk offers a chance to reconnect with yourself, recharge your energy, and return with a clearer, more relaxed state of mind.

Charting New Paths - Elliott Renfroe

This workshop, tailored to first generation college students, will inspire confidence and give you the tools you need to succeed at GU!

Nutrition Workshop - Scott Voyles

Learn simple, practical tips for eating well during your time here at GU. This workshop will cover smart choices in the dining hall, quick dorm-friendly meals, and how to keep your energy up for classes, sports, and campus life.

Class Schedule Tours - Enrollment Staff

Walk around campus with a member of our admissions team! They will show you where your classrooms are located and can help you feel ready to take on your first semester at GU!

Movie Night @ The Globe 

See a FREE movie (Freakier Friday @ 6:45PM or Sketch @ 7:00PM) at The Globe Theater with your new classmates! No need to buy tickets beforehand — just show up for a good time!

Journaling - Kelli Pryor

Get moving and meet new friends with casual games of sand volleyball (sand volleyball courts), basketball (the Rec Center), and pickleball (University Hall). All skill levels are welcome — whether you're here to compete or just have fun, it's a great way to connect and burn off some energy during orientation.

Lake Day @ Bond County Lake

Hang out with fellow students at the Bond County Lake! Enjoy boat tours, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, crafting, nine square basketball and more! End your afternoon with some ice cream and snacks while taking in the lovely views.

Wellness Wheel - Kristie Vitatoe

Discover how to take care of your whole self — mind, body, and spirit — while you're at GU. Learn tips and gain insight on how you can stay healthy in every area of your life!

Ready for your next steps?