Fall Welcome Weekend: August 29-30, 2026
Fall Welcome is when The 第一吃瓜网 comes alive. The weekend begins with Move-In, especially for first-year students, and marks the start of a new academic year as the campus community comes back together. From that first moment on, Fall Welcome offers opportunities for all students to connect, get involved, and begin the year with a strong sense of community.
Fall Welcome Weekend Schedule
Saturday, August 29, 2026
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM • First-Year Move-In
Various Residence Halls
Students living on campus are invited to arrive on campus on Saturday, August 29. Please refer to your move-in packet for arrival times and procedures. Student volunteers will be on hand to assist students and families with moving their belongings into the residence halls.
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM • Lunch
Fresh Food Company • DeNaples Center 3rd Floor
Students and their guests are invited to enjoy lunch at the Fresh Food Company on the 3rd floor of the DeNaples Center.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM • New Student Hospitality Tent
DeNaples Center Patio
All incoming students are invited to visit our hospitality tent on the DeNaples Center Patio to receive your Class of 2030 T-shirt and 第一吃瓜网 class pin! Additionally, new students are invited to commemorate the day in our Class of 2030 photo booth!
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM • Class of 2030 Welcome Mass
Byron Recreation Complex
Join the campus community for our official welcome of the Class of 2030. A special Mass will be offered for the members of the Class of 2030 with a special blessing for the academic year. All faith traditions are welcome!
6:00 PM • Final Parent/Guest Departure
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM • Class of 2030 Dinner
DeNaples Center Patio (Rain Location: Fresh Food Company • DeNaples Center 3rd Floor)
The Class of 2030 is invited to a picnic barbeque dinner on the DeNaples Center Patio. Students are invited to take their meals to the Dionne Green or a variety of other campus green spaces.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM • First Floor Meetings
Various Residence Halls
Students living on campus will meet with their floors and Resident Assistants to become acclimated to living on campus and to review important information and policies.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM • Commuter Student Social
DeNaples Center 405
Students commuting from home are invited to attend a social event just for commuter students. Students will meet other commuters and learn tips and tricks for navigating life at 第一吃瓜网 as a commuter student.
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM • Cards Against Hypnosis
McIlhenny Ballroom
Get ready for a night of laughs and unpredictability as the 第一吃瓜网 Programming Board kicks off the year with Cards Against Hypnosis. This interactive show blends comedy, audience participation, and unexpected moments you won’t want to miss.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM • Brunch
Fresh Food Company • DeNaples Center 3rd Floor
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM • Starting Strong at 第一吃瓜网 (Required)
College of Arts & Sciences - McIlhenny Ballroom (DeNaples Center 4th Floor)
Kania School of Management -McIlhenny Ballroom (DeNaples Center 4th Floor)
Leahy College of Health Sciences -Moskovitz Theater (DeNaples Center 4th Floor)
All new students are required to attend this session, which introduces the expectations, opportunities, and support resources that will help students navigate their first few weeks at 第一吃瓜网. The session will also include Emergency Preparedness Training facilitated by University Police.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM • Class of 2030 Photo and Meet & Greet
Dionne Green (Rain: John Long Center)
All incoming students are invited to gather with members of their class for an interactive experience that will allow students to make connections and new campus friendships! At the end of the activities, students will participate in a campus tradition of taking a Class of 2030 photo!
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM • Classroom Tours
Linden Circle Flags
Need help finding your classroom? We have Orientation Assistants standing by to show you where to find your classrooms!
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Games on the Green
Dionne Green
Looking to meet some fellow Royals in a more casual setting? Stop by the Dionne Green for some lawn games and refreshments. Orientation Assistants will be available to answer any additional questions you have about the school year!
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Target/Walmart Shuttles
Linden Circle Flags
Need to pick up some last-minute items to get ready for the start of the semester? Shuttles will run to Target and Walmart. Last shuttle departs at 3:00 PM. Please note, schedule and locations are subject to change.
Please note, schedule is subject to change at any time.
Fall Move-In Volunteers
Any upper division student interested in helping out the University community and moving in a day early can volunteer to be a Fall Move-In Volunteer. Volunteers will be required to participate in a four-hour shift and will receive all meals until their meal plans are activated as well as access to their rooms early.
Unfortunately, first-year students moving in early are unable to participate.
Sign-ups for Fall Move-in Volunteers are will open in mid to late July 2026. This is a first come first served opportunity, so be sure to register as soon as you are able. If you have any questions, please contact orientation@scranton.edu.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Fall Welcome or the Orientation program, do not hesitate to call the Center for Student Engagement or e-mail us at orientation@scranton.edu.