NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION is just ahead for on-campus undergraduate students! Look over the things you need to know Before You Arrive. After that, check out the Orientation Week Schedule and Frequently Asked Questions below. We can't wait to see you on campus!
Please sign up for a FIRST STOP check-in time.
Before You Arrive
International students arrive at Andrews University from nearly 100 countries worldwide–some as first-year students and others as transfer students.
Each of you has unique needs that our Orientation Week program is tailored to meet.
Thursday arrival: If you have already had an orientation experience at another institution, you may sign up to participate in the whole week, or you may opt to sign up for a later Thursday, August 24, check-in. Transfer students arriving on Thursday will participate in an abbreviated Orientation experience, August 24-26.
* International transfer students also have the choice of arriving on Sunday or Thursday, with the added expectation that you attend International Student Orientation on Sunday, August 20 (for Sunday arrivals) or Sunday, August 27 (for Thursday arrivals). These are listed in the schedule.
* International first-year students should also plan as far as possible to arrive on Sunday, August 20. However, your day will begin with International Student Orientation from 9 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Thus, your FIRST STOP experience will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on August 20. New international students living in our residence halls may need to request an early move-in. See "Can I move into the Residence Hall early?" below.
If you arrive later in the week, please check in at the Enrollment Office on the first floor of the Administration Building during business hours (Mon-Thu, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Fri, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.).
If you haven’t received financial clearance before arriving, you will need to see our Student Financial Services staff located on the first floor of the Administration Building from Mon-Thur, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Fri, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. They will also be open on Sun, Aug 20, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sun, Aug 27, from 12-5 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Students must be registered for classes and financially cleared before moving into the residence halls.
If financially cleared, you may move into your residence hall on Sunday, August 20.
Move-in begins during your FIRST STOP appointment, where you will check in with Residence Life staff and receive your room key. After completing FIRST STOP, you may move your belongings into your assigned Residence Hall room.
PLEASE NOTE: When you set up your FIRST STOP appointment, you do not need to set up a separate Residence Hall check-in appointment if you plan to move in on Sunday during First Stop hours. Only those moving in before or after FIRST STOP (Sunday, August 20, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) need to set up a Residence Hall check-in time. This can be done in Step 6 of your Residence Hall Application
If you have a special need for an early move into the Residence Hall, see "Can I move into the Residence Hall early?" below.
REMEMBER: Students must be registered for classes and financially cleared before moving into the residence halls.
REMEMBER: Students must be registered for classes and financially cleared before moving into the residence halls.
Orientation Week Schedule—Fall 2023
International Student Orientation
Location: Dining Center, Lincoln Room
Description: This session is for new international undergraduates. Breakfast is provided. Please plan to attend, as it is required by law.
First Stop
Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Howard Performing Arts Center
Description: Be sure to sign up for a First Stop check-in time HERE. We'll produce your ID Card, check the status of your Registration, complete your Residence Hall check-in (for residential students), sign you up for a free Andreasen Center for Wellness membership, and much more.
Move into the Residence Halls
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Residence halls
Description: Move-in begins at First Stop. Once you have completed the check-in process at First Stop, you may move into your assigned room. REMEMBER: Students must be financially cleared before moving into the residence halls.
Parents and Supporters Conversation
Time: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Location: Newbold Auditorium
Description: Join Dean Alyssa Palmer and guests for a conversation about the challenges and changes ahead for you and your students during the transition to University life. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.
Convocation & Matriculation Ceremony
Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Location: Pioneer Memorial Church
Description: New students and their families are invited to attend this Convocation service, which will end with a special Matriculation ceremony underneath the bridge of the Undergraduate Learning Center.
President's Welcome Dinner
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Undergraduate Learning Center Lawn
Description: New students and their families are invited to join the University President, Dr. John Wesley Taylor, for a Michigan farm-to-fork dinner, catered by our very own Bon Appetit dining services.
Honors Freshman Rally
Time: 8:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Buller Hall, Newbold Auditorium
Description: Was your ACT composite score 25 or higher or your SAT (Math+Verbal) score 1200 or higher? Your GPA 3.50 or above? You might qualify for the Honors Program. Discover all of the benefits of being an Andrews Scholar.
Hispanic/Latino Students & Families Meet-Up
Time: 8:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Buller Hall, Room 108
Description: The Andrews University Latino Association invites new Hispanic students and their families to come and get acquainted!
Bridge to Success Students/Parents Meet-Up & Breakfast
Time: 9:00–9:50 a.m.
Location: Campus Center, Lincoln Room
Description: All Bridge to Success students are expected to attend and their parents are invited to accompany them.
New Student Assembly #1: GROW
Location: Howard Performing Arts Center
Description: This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken. Please bring your ID card with you.
StartWell Session #1
Description: Please attend the StartWell Session you were assigned at First Stop (either Session 1 or 2). These sessions are required and help us get you off to a great start at Andrews.
StartWell Session #2
Location: Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall
Description: Please attend the StartWell Session you were assigned at First Stop (either Session 1 or 2). These sessions are required and help us get you off to a great start at Andrews.
Math Placement Exam
Time: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Science Complex, Haughey Hall, Rooms 133 & 317
Description: Check HERE to see if you should take the Math Placement Exam. If at all possible, prepare for and take the MPE before coming to campus. Otherwise, you can take it at this time.
Undergraduate Leadership Reception (Supper Provided)
Location: Dining Center, Lincoln Room
New International Student Dinner
Location: Faehner Home
Description: New international students are invited to enjoy a meal at the home of vice president Frances Faehner. Meet in the PMC parking lot at 5:30 p.m. for a bus ride to the Faehner home.
Community Life Orientation
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom (the link will be emailed to new community students on Monday afternoon, August 21)
Description: Community students will receive important information about navigating campus life from Dean Matthew Fitting. This is a required meeting for all community students.
Lamson Hall Orientation
Time: 8:00–9:30 p.m.
Location: Lamson Christman Chapel
Description: Residential students will receive important information about your living community from your Residence Hall deans and Residence Life staff. This is a required meeting for all residents.
Meier Hall Orientation
Time: 9:00–10:30 p.m.
Location: Meier Carter Chapel
Description: Residential students will receive important information about your living community from your Residence Hall deans and Residence Life staff. This is a required meeting for all residents.
Meet Your Department Breakfast
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Undergraduate Learning Center Lawn or Johnson Gymnasium (if it rains)
Description: Come have breakfast with faculty and other new students from your academic departments.
Departmental Introduction
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
Location: Academic Departments
Description: After breakfast, you will go with your fellow majors for an introduction to your academic department.
Individual Academic Advising
Time: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Advisors' Offices
Description: If you need to meet with your academic advisor, schedule a time this afternoon or at another time your advisor appoints.
Honors Orientation
Location: Buller Hall, Room 250
Description: This is an academic orientation for students planning to enter the J. N. Andrews Honors Program (a Library Introduction is included)
Library Introductions
Description: Please attend the 30-minute Library Introduction you were assigned at First Stop.
New Student Assembly #2: LEARN
Location: Howard Performing Arts Center
Description: This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken. Please bring your student ID card with you.
Family Groups
Time: 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Location: Howard Performing Arts Center Lawns
Description: It's time to meet your Family Group Leaders and get acquainted with the rest of the students in your Family Group. Please attend the group you were assigned at First Stop. We'll be in the lobby of HPAC to remind you of your group number if you forgot it.
Beach to Bluff Excursion
Location: Silver Beach, St. Joseph, MI
Description: Time to take a break! Join your Family Group and others for a trip to beautiful Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph Bluff. Beach wear, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. There will be beach activities and time to explore the iconic St. Joseph pier and downtown area.
Load Buses for Silver Beach
Location: PMC Parking Lot
Arrive @ Silver Beach at 10:30 a.m.
Silver Beach Pizza Lunch
Time: 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Shadowland Pavilion
Description: Enjoy the pizza voted Southwest Michigan's best under the Shadowland Pavilion next to the St. Joseph Pier!
Load Buses and Return to Andrews
Arrive @ Andrews: 3:00 p.m.
New Student Assembly #3: BELONGLocation: Howard Performing Arts Center
Description: This is a required meeting and attendance will be taken. Please bring your student ID card with you.
Family Groups
Description: This is your second Family Group session. You'll meet in the same spot as you did on Tuesday night.
Student Success Workshops #1-3
| Session Title & Location | 10:00 - 10:45 a.m | 10:50 - 11:35 a.m. | 11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. |
|
Coping Strategies for College
Buller Hall, Room 149
|
Groups #1-4 | Groups #18-22 | Groups #13-17 |
|
Essential Study Skills
Buller Hall, Room 150
|
Groups #5-8
|
Groups #1-4
|
Groups #18-22
|
|
Academic Tips & Tools
Buller Hall, Room 250
|
Groups #9-12
|
Groups #5-8
|
Groups #1-4
|
|
First Steps to Career Readiness
Buller Hall, Room 251
|
Groups #13-17 | Groups #9-12 | Groups #5-8 |
|
Optimizing Physical Wellbeing
Buller Hall, Room 108
|
Groups #18-22 | Groups #13-17 | Groups #9-12 |
Student Success Workshops #4-5
Location: Buller Hall
Description: The table below shows where your Family Group will be during each workshop session.
| Session Title & Location | 2:00 - 2:45 p.m | 2:50 - 3:35 p.m. |
|
Coping Strategies for College
Buller Hall, Room 149
|
Groups #9-12 | Groups #5-8 |
|
Essential Study Skills
Buller Hall, Room 150
|
Groups #13-17
|
Groups #9-12
|
|
Academic Tips & Tools
Buller Hall, Room 250
|
Groups #18-22
|
Groups #13-17
|
|
First Steps to Career Readiness
Buller Hall, Room 251
|
Groups #1-4 | Groups #18-22 |
|
Optimizing Physical Wellbeing
Buller Hall, Room 108
|
Groups #5-8 | Groups #1-4 |
Pre-Professional Rally
Location: Buller Hall, Newbold Auditorium
Description: Students in pre-professional programs (pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-law) are invited to attend this introductory session looking to the journey ahead.
Location: Administration Building, Lower Level
Location: Lincoln Room, Dining Services
Description: If are a Transfer student, please plan to join us at this welcome dinner!
Orientation Activity (TBD)
Location: TBD
New Student Assembly #4: RESPECT
Faculty Barbecue with Family Groups
Location: Howard Center Lawn
Proximity Vespers: New Student Edition
Location: Pioneer Memorial Church
Afterglow Experience
Location: PMC Youth Chapel
Description: Do you have a song or spoken word you'd like to share with others? Perhaps something that has been encouraging in your own spiritual life? This will be an "open mic" time of sharing with your new campus family.
Pioneer Collegiate Sabbath School with Homemade Breakfast
Location: Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) Commons
Description: All new and returning college students are welcome. Enjoy a homemade breakfast from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m. and a Sabbath School discussion afterward.
PMC, New Life, One Place Worship Services
Location: PMC, HPAC (New Life), Newbold Auditorium (One Place)
PMC Welcome Potluck
Location: In front of PMC
Description: PMC church members will host a lasagna potluck lunch following the 11:45 a.m. service. Join a table hosted by one of our local families and make some new friends!
ACW Fun & Fitness Night
Time: 8:15–11:00 p.m.
Location: Andreasen Center for Wellness
Description: Come and experience all that the Andreasen Center for Wellness has to offer! We'll start with sundown vespers. After the program, there will be basketball and volleyball in the gymnasium, swimming in the pool, relaxation in the Healing Oasis (dry sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and waterfall, infrared room), and treats in the courtyard. It's going to be a great evening!
International Student Orientation
Frequently Asked Questions
You will receive an Andrews ID card when you come to campus. Please note that you must be financially cleared for it to be activated.
You can purchase a great selection of books, supplies and University merchandise at the Bookstore. For textbooks, check out the Bookstore's First Day® Complete program, a cost-effective, all-in-one solution that guarantees you'll be ready for the first day of class!
Meals in the Terrace Cafe are on a fixed price, all-you-care-to-eat basis. Your Andrews ID card and meal plan will work at the cashier if you are financially cleared. Otherwise, be prepared to pay with a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted.
Please note: For dietary accommodations, please contact the main office 269-471-3161 to speak with the executive chef directly and set up a meeting to discuss your specific situation.
Yes, all students are allowed to have a vehicle on campus. To register your vehicle, go to our Vehicles & Parking webpage.
The purpose of these sessions is to provide you and the University with information that will serve your wellbeing. All new students will be assigned a StartWell session at First Stop and are required to attend.
We recommend that you complete your math placement before arriving on campus. The Math Placement Exam is available now—you can use the provided materials to review and then take the exam with remote proctoring. The purpose of the MPE is to maximize student success in beginning mathematics courses by placing the student in an appropriate-level course.
Do you need placement? Check on your "Academic Information" on your iVue page and compare your score to the prerequisite of the math class needed for your major (if no major requirement then you want at least a P2 score). If you are unsure, then contact the Department of Mathematics at math@andrews.edu.
How do you get started now? Follow the instructions on the Department of Mathematics webpage to sign up for the preparation and placement module (cost of about $20) and start preparing.
All students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to receive any recommended COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters.
Vaccination is still the best opportunity reduce the likelihood of contracting and spreading the virus.
Please note: Masking, social distancing, and vaccination guidelines are subject to change based on local, state and national conditions and recommendations. Currently, no mandates are in place. Students should maintain good hygiene practices (hand-washing, surface sanitizing, staying home when sick) at all times.
Andrews University makes necessary accommodations for students with disabilities, both learning and physical. Students requesting support from the Student Success Center should provide written documentation from a qualified professional as early as possible.
For more information, please visit the Center for Intensive English Programs (CIEP) website.
Through AU Alert, Andrews will send emergency notification alerts to the campus. During emergencies and weather closings, text messages, emails and voice calls will be sent to registered recipients. Be informed and register online.