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Fall Orientation

Week of Welcome (WOW)

Concordia University Irvine

Fall WOW

WOW Weekend
Friday, August 21 - Sunday, August 23, 2026

Parent, Family, and Supporter Orientation
Friday, August 21 - Saturday, August 22, 2026

Welcome to Concordia University Irvine!
On behalf of the entire Concordia community, we are so excited to share this Week of Welcome (W.O.W.) with you! This first week is a great opportunity for you to make connections with your peers and have an exceptional start to your college experience!

We hope that the W.O.W. experience will introduce you to some of our beloved traditions and showcase the hospitality of Concordia University Irvine. Orientation is full of fun and informative events that will help you adjust to life on campus as well as academically. With the help of your Peer Advising Leaders (PALs), faculty, and staff, we are excited to bring you into the Concordia family!

Week of Welcome at Concordia is designed to help you:

  • Create connections and relationships with your peers
  • Establish friendships you’ll have over the next four years and beyond!
  • Make lasting memories at events such as Throwdown, night time events, and so much more!
  • Introduce to you important campus resources and departments such as the Career Center, Academic Advising, Campus Safety, etc.
  • Support your successful transition to college!

WOW 2026 Weekend and First Week Schedule

*Note: Schedule is subject to change. You will receive a final printed schedule upon arrival for W.O.W.

Friday, August 21st

7:30am - 10:00am: Residential Check-In and Clearance

East Parking Lot/ Grimm Hall Patio
All new students will receive their check-in time via their Eagles Email. Please arrive at your scheduled time and check in at the East Lot. You will receive your welcome packet with the W.O.W. Schedule and your nametag. Residential Students will be directed to check in with RES Life.

Students with holds on their accounts will need to clear their holds before being able to move into their housing assignment. You can look up holds via your MyRecords account. In order to speed up your check-in process, holds with the following departments should be cleared prior to your arrival on campus.

  • Admissions
  • Bursar
  • Financial Aid
  • Registrar
  • Wellness Center

7:30am - 11:30am: Residential Move-In

Uppers Lawn
Residential students will check in at Uppers Lawn to meet their Resident Director and Resident Assistant. You will pick up your key and Hunt shirt at your designated building’s tent. Cars will be directed to move-in zones based on their housing assignment. Once the vehicle is completely unloaded, you will be directed to park in the Main Lot.

8:00am - 7:00pm: Information Booth Open

Student Union Patio
If you have any questions during the weekend, feel free to stop by the Information booth. Stop by the information booth for: extra schedules, lanyards, meal tickets, or for late check-in.

8:00am - 6:00pm: Eagle’s Landing Open

Eagle’s Landing (To left of Student Union)
If you need a snack or a coffee pick-me-up at any point during your busy day, our on-campus coffee shop is the place to go!

8:00am - 4:00pm: Bookstore Open

Bookstore (Gym Breezeway)
Pick up Concordia swag or purchase your textbooks at our bookstore, located in the heart of campus.

8:00am - 5:00pm: Mailroom Open

Mailroom (Ground Level of the Student Union)
Visit the Mailroom to set up your mailbox or pick up any packages. All personal mail can be sent to Concordia’s address:
Your Name
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

8:00am - 4:30pm: Campus Safety Open

The Campus Safety and Wellness Building (CSW)
Visit the Campus Safety office to receive information about parking decals, ID photos, along with the lost & found.

9:00am - 11:30am: International Student Mandatory Legal Orientation

Student Union 201
ALL new international students are required to attend the Mandatory International Student Orientation before starting classes at Concordia. This orientation is designed to provide all the information as an F-1 (undergraduate and graduate) or J-1 (ISEP) student and tools you will need to succeed as a student at Concordia. After orientation, student leaders called "PALs" (Peer Advising Leaders) will guide you to lunch. Following lunch, you will have a break and then all undergraduate students will transition to join W.O.W. (week of welcome) to connect with the new incoming freshman and transfer students for the fall 2026 semester. This is a great way to meet new friends and become familiar with Concordia before beginning classes!

10:00am - 11:00am: Commuter Check-In and Clearance

East Parking Lot/ Grimm Hall Patio
All new students will receive their check-in time to their Eagles Email. Please arrive at your scheduled time and check in at the East Lot. You will receive your welcome packet with the W.O.W. Schedule and your nametag.

You can look up holds via your MyRecords account. In order to speed up your check-in process, holds with the following departments should be cleared prior to your arrival on campus.

  • Admissions
  • Bursar
  • Financial Aid
  • Registrar
  • Wellness Center

10:00am - 11:00am: Coffee Lounge in Denault for Commuters

Denault Auditorium
Commuters, come enjoy some coffee while you wait for the commuter workshop to begin at 11:30.

11:30am - 12:30pm: Commuter Workshop

DeNault Auditorium, Grimm Hall 120
Meet other commuter students, learn about lounge spaces on campus, and hear about all of the fun commuter events to add to your calendar- including $1 commuter lunches! Make sure to attend for your chance to win some awesome prizes to make your life as a commuter easier!

12:30pm - 1:30pm: Parent Session in Spanish #1

Unity Center
Join WINGS & First Gen Coordinator Brianna Garza Farin for a parent session in Spanish to get key information about supporting your student during their Concordia experience.

11:30am - 2:00pm: Lunch Zone

Commons Lawn

11:30am - 2:00pm: Academic Department and Campus Resource Fair

Gym Breezeway
Check out all that Concordia has to offer to help you succeed academically, socially, and spiritually. Students who check in via QR code will be entered into the Saturday Closing Ceremony raffle for a chance to win prizes worth up to $500! If you have not taken your ID photo yet, make sure to visit Campus Safety’s booth by the gym entrance.

2:00pm - 2:30pm: Presidential Welcome

Nelson Amphitheater
Students, Families, and Supporters are invited to join us for the official start to W.O.W. President Michael Thomas and ASCUI (Associated Students of Concordia University Irvine) President Brody Collins will share a few words about the Concordia experience.

2:30pm - 4:00pm: First PAL Time

Nelson Amphitheater
All new students will take the incoming class of 2030 photo. First-time, first-year students will break off into their PAL (Peer Advising Leader) groups, as indicated by the team name of their nametag. This time is your opportunity to get to know your team, meet with your PAL, and get excited for the events of the weekend!

2:30pm - 4:00pm: Transfer Workshop

Grimm Hall 302
After taking the new student group photo, transfer students will follow their Transfer Mentor to the Transfer Workshop. Transfer Success Coach, Alyssa Cloward, will lead you through a time of networking and learning about campus and local resources specific to the transfer student experience. Join for a chance to win prizes!

2:30pm - 4:00pm: Parent Session with Administration

CU Arena
Parents, Families, and Supporters are invited to hear from Concordia University Irvine leadership about what to expect from the Concordia experience and how to support your student during their first year.
You will hear from:

  • Dr. Michael Thomas, President
  • Rev. Dr. Scott Ashmon, Senior Vice President, Provost
  • Megan Bouslaugh, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
  • Quinton Anderson, Campus Pastor
  • Tim Odle, Vice President of University Operations and Athletics

4:00pm - 4:30pm: WOW Family Worship

Nelson Amphitheater
Gather in worship with the Concordia family in this special worship service, led by our campus ministry team, abbey west, and Campus Pastor Quinton Anderson.

4:30pm - 7:00pm: Dinner Zone

Commons Lawn

4:30pm - 5:30pm: Honors Welcome Session

DeNault Auditorium, Grimm Hall 120
Honors Program students and supporters are invited to meet with the Director of the program to learn more about the experiences and courses offered for Honors students.

4:30pm - 5:30pm: Athletics Session

Hear from the Athletic Director, Crystal Rosenthal.

5:00pm - 6:00pm: Disability Access Services (DAS) Orientation for New Students (Learn how to use AIM)

Paul and Cathy Schroeder Library and Learning Commons, Testing Center
Stop by the Testing Center to look at our facilities and meet the Director of DAS, Stephanie Staley. Light refreshments provided.

6:00pm - 7:00pm: Unity Center Open House

Unity Center Annex
Come visit our Multicultural Center and learn about our various cultural clubs and ways to get involved!

6:00pm - 7:00pm: Campus Ministry Center Open House

Campus Ministry Center
Come visit our Campus Ministry center and learn about ways to get involved with our campus ministry team, bible studies, missions, and more!

7:00pm - 9:00pm: Parent, Family, and Supporter Happy Hour

President Thomas’ Home (On Campus behind the Good Shepherd Chapel)
Calling all Parents and Supporters! Join Dr. Michael Thomas, his wife, Kim, and other key members of the Concordia community for drinks and desserts while your student gets settled on campus. This “open house” style event will allow you to meet other families, speak with President Thomas, and unwind from a long day of moving your student into their new home.

7:00pm - 8:30pm: Town Hall and Campus Safety

Nelson Amphitheater
This session is required for all new students, both residential and commuters. You will learn about safety resources on campus and hear about campus policies. At the end of this session, you will get to meet your Resident Assistant (RA) and the other residents in your hall to learn about the fun events in the residence halls. Meet with our Campus Safety team to learn about their resources and services. Those who attend will earn the chance to win prizes worth up to $500!

8:30pm - 10:00pm: Late Nite

Rho Commons
Kick off your first night at college with the party of the year! Pick up a snack from the dessert truck, snap a picture with your new besties at the photo booth, and dance the night away with your fellow Golden Eagles.

10:00pm - 11:30pm: Late Night Activity (Optional)

TBD
Not ready for the night to end? There will be an optional opportunity to make some more memories to end your first night on campus!

Saturday, August 22nd

8:00am - 9:00am: Optional: Morning Hike up French Hill

French Hill
If you want to get the day started early, join some PALs for this Concordia tradition of hiking French Hill! Meet at the base of the hill behind Rho by the soccer field.

8:00am - 9:00am: Coffee Reception

Grimm Hall Patio
Start the morning with coffee, tea, and light pastries before the first events of the day.

8:00am - 2:00pm: Eagle’s Landing Open

Eagle’s Landing (To left of Student Union)
If you need a coffee pick-me-up at any point during your busy day, our on-campus coffee shop is the place to go!

8:30am - 1:30pm: Information Booth Open

Student Union Patio
If you have any questions during the weekend, feel free to stop by the Information booth. Stop by the information booth for: extra schedules, lanyards, meal tickets, or for late check-in.

9:00am - 10:00am: Parent Session with Student Affairs

CU Center
Parents and Supporters are invited to hear from key Student Affairs Directors about campus resources, life on campus, and how to best guide your student through their transition to college. There will be a resource table outside of Denault where departments will provide flyers on events that are coming up and some information that will be helpful for the parents.

You will hear from representatives from the following departments:

  • Residence Life
  • Wellness Center
  • Student Life and Leadership
  • Outdoor Recreation and CU Active
  • Academic Advising
  • Campus Safety
  • Career Services
  • Around the World
  • And more!

9:00am - 10:00am: Academic Advising and Student Involvement Sessions

DeNault Auditorium and Grimm Hall Classrooms
Academic Advising will provide you with information concerning course registration, career planning, and academic advising to ensure your degree completion! Then, Amanda Norris, the Associate Dean of Student Life, will lead you in a series of breakouts to introduce you to student life, resources, and ways to get connected. Scan the QR code at this session to check in for a chance to win a prize worth up to $500!

10:00am - 11:30am: Family Brunch

Student Union

10:00am - 2:00pm: Bookstore Open

Bookstore (Gym Breezeway)
Pick up Concordia swag or purchase your textbooks at our bookstore, located in the heart of campus.

11:30am - 12:30pm: Opening Academic Convocation

CUI Arena
Join us as Parent, Family, and Supporter Orientation comes to a close and the new academic year begins. New students will hear from the President, ASCUI President, and CUI Bono Professor of the Year about their calling as a Concordia student. New students will be commissioned by the Provost, surrounded in prayer by faculty, and receive a Concordia scarf from alumni to welcome them into the Concordia community.

12:30pm - 1:30pm: ID Card Distribution

Student Union Patio
Make sure to visit the Campus Safety tent to pick up your ID card if you took your photo on Friday at the Academic and Resource Fair!

12:30pm - 1:30pm: CU Later: Root Beer Float Send Off

Student Union Patio (under the pergola)
Snap a family picture at the photo booth and grab a root beer float served by Concordia Alumni! This event concludes Parent, Family, and Supporter Orientation.

1:30pm - 2:00pm: Optional: DAS Parent Open House

Testing Center
If you have additional questions about Disability Access Services, feel free to stop by the Testing Center to chat with Stephanie Staley.

2:30pm - 3:00pm: The Hunt Introduction

Nelson Amphitheater
Hear from the Hunt Coordinators about the school-wide competition known as The Hunt! Win free SWAG!

3:00pm - 3:30pm: Campus Technology and MyCUI

Nelson Amphitheater
New Students will learn about IT Services and the campus app, MyCUI. Scan the QR code at this session to check in for a chance to win a prize worth up to $500!

3:30pm - 4:00pm: Campus Traditions: Beach Bash, Midnight Madness, Concordia Christmas, and More!

Nelson Amphitheater
Concordia University Irvine has a ton of fun traditions that you should participate in during your time here.

4:00pm - 4:30pm: PAL Team Time and Campus Tours

Around Campus
Spend time in your PAL team and bring your class schedule for a classroom tour so you are prepared for school to start on Monday!

4:30pm - 6:00pm: Food Truck Dinner and Throwdown Tailgate

CU Arena Lawn
Grab some dinner with your PAL Team and get decked out in your team color for the biggest event of the day... THROWDOWN!

6:00pm - 8:00pm: Throwdown

Soccer Field
Get ready for everyone’s favorite WOW tradition. Come ready for some fun-fueled and friendly competition between all of the PAL teams! The winning PAL Team wins tickets to an Angels game in September!

8:00pm - 10:00pm: After Party in the Lounges

Rho Commons, Sigma General, and The Outdoor Basketball Court
Keep the fun going in the RES hall lounges! Grab some nachos and play video games in Rho; sing your heart out at karaoke, have some s'mores dip, sip on customized sodas in Sigma; and watch a movie with popcorn and classic movie theater snacks on the Outdoor Basketball Court.

Sunday, August 23rd

8:00am - 9:00am: Optional: Morning Hike up French Hill

French Hill
If you want to get the day started early, join some PALs for this Concordia tradition of hiking French Hill! Meet at the base of the hill behind Rho by the soccer field.

10:30am - 1:00pm: Brunch

Student Union

11:00am - 12:00pm: Waffle “Wednesday”

Rho Commons
Join us for the first Waffle Wednesday of the year! Meet the Rho RD, Tori Clemens for some waffles and activities. This will be a great time to meet with other new students and get connected!

2:30pm - 4:30pm: Wavefest

Soccer Field

Get ready for the ultimate water day during WOW! Join us on the soccer field for an action-packed day filled with exciting water games, including slip-n-slide kickball and other fun, water activities designed to keep you cool and entertained!

5:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinner and Dessert with ASCUI

Student Union Patio
Join your PAL team for the last meal of WOW Weekend. Enjoy dessert served by the ASCUI Executive Board.

Meal swipes are active for this meal, so make sure to have your MyCUI digital ID ready. Commuter students can pick up meal tickets from their PAL.

7:00pm - 8:00pm: Back to School Worship

CU Arena
Conclude WOW weekend with a time of worship, led by abbey west, with your PAL Team.

WOW 2026 First Week Events:

Monday, August 24th

Opening Worship
10:30am - 11:00am
CU Arena
Join us for the first chapel of the school year to hear about this year’s theme verse!

The Hunt: Field Day
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Soccer Field
Wear your Hunt shirt and deck out in your team color to compete in all of the Field Day Activities for points for your team! Show up early to get face paint on and get ready to compete.

Tuesday, August 25th

Life Group Mixers
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Uppers Lawn
Meet the abbey west Men’s and Women’s Ministry Coordinators and find out how to get involved in a small group for the year.

Honor One Another
8:00pm - 9:30pm
CU Arena
New Concordia Golden Eagles are invited to attend a conversation about honoring our neighbor and hear from Megan Bouslaugh and Mrs. Mo about Title IX resources on campus.

All students enrolled in INT 100 are required to attend as part of their class requirements. Attendance will be taken.

Wednesday, August 26th

ASCUI Involvement Fair
11:00am - 2:30pm
Gym Breezeway
Check out all of the ways you can get involved with Clubs and Organizations at the annual Involvement Fair. From Surf Club to academic societies, there is a place for you to find community and explore your interests!

Nursing Mixer
4:30pm - 7:30pm
Grimm Hall 302
All Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway (FANP) students, pre-nursing minors, or students interested in the field of nursing are warmly invited to attend our upcoming Nursing Mixer. Join us to build meaningful connections, ask questions, and learn more about the resources and support available to you as you begin your journey into the field of nursing.

School of Business Mixer
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Commons Lawn
All School of Business students are invited to attend this mixer to meet faculty and current students within the department and learn how to be a successful Business Major!

ABS (Athlete Bible Study) Kickoff
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location TBD
Join the abbey west ABS Coordinators for the first Athlete Bible Study of the year. Spend some time in fellowship with other athletes and learn how you can pursue your faith together.

Thursday, August 27th

Theatre/ Film/Dance Kick-Off Meeting
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Studio Theatre
Meet the directors, faculty, new and retying students, learn how to get involved both on and off stage, and learn more information for those on theatre scholarships! The last 30 min of this meeting will be a specific audition workshop for those interested in auditioning for the fall musical, presented by the musical's director, Prof. Susanna Vaughan.

Study Abroad Info Night
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eagles’ Landing Patio
Learn about Concordia's study abroad programs, hear firsthand experiences from study abroad students and know your next steps to apply. Explore over 50 countries to study abroad during your academic experience at Concordia University Irvine! A semester abroad is more than just travel; it's an exercise in expanding your worldview. Where will your adventure take you? Discover Programs Abroad and the study abroad resources at cui.edu/studyabroad.

SHOUT! Tailgate
8:30pm - 9:30pm
Location TBD
Stop by the tailgate for games, food, and fellowship before evening worship.

SHOUT! Kickoff
9:30pm - 10:30pm
Location TBD
Join your Concordia community in this entirely student-led worship service that happens every Thursday night. Spend some time in worship, hear a student's devotion, and spend time in small group discussion and prayer.

Friday, August 28th

Beach Bash
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Corona Del Mar
Grab your friends and meet at Corona Del Mar Beach for this beloved Concordia tradition. Celebrate the end of the first week of school with hot dogs, hamburgers, worship, a Spikeball tournament, and a bonfire!

New Student Orientation

Week of Welcome (WOW) is for all incoming students - First-Year freshman, transfer students and readmitted students.

Registration & Fees

All new students will receive a $300 New Student Orientation fee their student account whether or not they choose to participate. This fee covers costs for Week of Welcome activities, as well as programming & resources for new students in their first year. These activities are designed with you in mind to help you transition successfully to Concordia University Irvine.

Preparing for Orientation

We want to be sure you have everything you need as you prepare for the Fall semester. If you have questions at any step along the way, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of First-Year Experience Programs & Initiatives at (949) 214-3059 or email [email protected].

  • Complete each step found in Concordia’s Checklist for Admitted Students.
  • Check MyRecords weekly for any HOLDs placed by the Bursar Office, Office of Financial Aid, or Wellness Center for any outstanding paperwork you have yet to submit.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct.
  • Purchase your books needed for each class by viewing your class schedule in MyRecords and selecting "Buy Textbooks."
  • Visit Campus Safety online to apply for your student ID card and parking permit.

Continue to check your Eagles Email as this will be the way the University will send you important information.

Special Hotel Rates

To book at a local hotel, please see our Hotels and Travel Page.

Parents & Guests

We welcome students to bring parents and guests to attend orientation. Please refer to our Parents and Family Orientation Page for information about our Fall Orientation and how to get involved at Concordia University Irvine as a parent.

Contact Us

Concordia University Irvine
First-Year Experience

Phone: (949) 214-3065
Email: [email protected]

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