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Fall Orientation

Week of Welcome (WOW)

Concordia University Irvine

Fall WOW

New Student Orientation
Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21, 2022

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!

W.O.W. Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 19th

7:30 am - 10:00 am: Mandatory - Residential Clearance

Grimm Hall Patio
Only students with holds on their account will need to clear their holds before being able to move into their housing placement. In order to speed up your check-in process, holds should be cleared prior to coming to campus.

  • Admissions
  • Registrar
  • Wellness
  • Student ID Cards
  • Bursar
  • Financial Aid

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

Students will be directed to the building where their housing placement is located in order to get their key. To ensure a smoother move in process, we ask that you show up at the assigned check-in time students will receive via their Eagles Email.

8:00am - 10:00am: Mandatory - Residential Check In

East Parking Lot/Upper’s Lawn
It is required for all new students to check-in during their assigned time. Students will get their welcome packet with their W.O.W. schedule for the weekend. To ensure a smoother move in process, we ask that you show up at the assigned check-in time students will receive via their Eagles Email.

10:00am - 11:00am: Mandatory - Commuter Clearance

Grimm Hall
Students with holds on their account will need to clear their hold before moving on to the next scheduled activity.

  • Admissions
  • Registrar
  • Wellness
  • Student ID Cards
  • Bursar
  • Financial Aid

11:00am - 12:00pm: Mandatory - Commuter Workshop

Library
Come meet other commuters, while enjoying fun games and a chance to win prizes! This workshop will also provide more information about Concordia, what to expect as a commuter, spaces to hang out around campus, and ways to get involved.

11:30am - 1:30pm: Lunch Zone

Common Lawn
Students, make sure to wear your wristband, as meals will be provided for all new students. Families, if you did not pre-purchase your meal tickets they will be for sale during meal times on the Student Union patio. for $15.

11:30am - 1:30pm: Mandatory - Academic/Resource Fair

CU Arena (Gym) Breezeway
Come check out all that our school has to offer to help you succeed academically, socially, and spiritually. Students who complete their SOAR passport by visiting each table will be entered into the Saturday Eagle Eye Awards Ceremony raffle, featuring a grand prize, and other prizes worth up to $500!

1:30pm - 2:00pm: Mandatory - Presidential and PAC Welcome

Amphitheater
New students will be addressed by Concordia University Irvine’s President, Dr. Michael Thomas, our ASCUI President, Alexis Wood, and the Peer Advising Coordinators (PACs).

2:00pm - 3:45pm: Mandatory - First PAL Time

Amphitheater
This session will provide students the opportunity to meet each other and create new friendships. In addition to meeting your peers, you’ll also meet your Peer Advising Leaders (PALs), and your PAL group, which is identified on the front of your nametag.

2:00pm - 3:45pm: Parent Session with Administration

CU Center
Parents are invited to hear from Concordia University leadership about what to expect from the Concordia experience and how to support your student through their first year. You will hear from:

  • Concordia University President - Dr. Michael Thomas
  • Senior Vice President, Provost - Rev. Dr. Scott Ashmon
  • Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students - Megan Bouslaugh
  • Athletic Director - Crystal Rosenthal
  • Associate Dean for Student Wellness - Michelle Laabs

3:45pm - 4:30pm: W.O.W. Family Worship

Amphitheater
Please join us for a special abbey west (campus ministry team)-led worship service. This is an opportunity to gather with your family to worship and hear a blessing as you prepare for this next chapter of your life.

4:30pm - 5:00pm: Transfer Workshop

Grimm Hall North 301
Transfer students and their families are invited to learn the ins and outs of succeeding academically at CUI through the resources available to them and hear about CUI’s unique Q & I general education courses from Dr. David Loy, Associate Dean for Christ College, and Laura Courvoisier, Associate Dean for Student Development.

4:30pm - 6:15pm: Dinner Zone

Commons Lawn
Students and families are welcome to pick up their dinner during this time and attend the specialty group sessions of their choice, or just enjoy their meal under the tent.

5:15pm - 6:15pm: Honors Welcome Session

DeNault Auditorium, Grimm Hall 120
Honors Program students and their families are invited to meet with Dr. CJ Armstrong, the Director of the Honors Program, to learn more about the program, the courses, and the experience they will have in the Honors Program.

5:30pm - 6:15pm: Spanish Parent Session

Unity Center
Join Gerry Duran for key information for your students' success presented in Spanish.

6:15pm - 7:00pm: Multicultural Community Reception

Library Patio
Students and families are invited to come and meet some of our Student Affairs staff who are here to support our diverse student populations as they transition to Concordia. Spanish speakers will be available.

7:00pm - 8:00pm: Mandatory - There's No Place Like Home

CU Center
This session is required for all new Residential and Commuter students. At this meeting, you will get a run-through of on-campus policies, learn about what fun events the Resident Assistants (RAs) have planned for you!

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

Presidential Home (On-campus)
Calling all Parents! Join Dr. Michael Thomas, his wife, and others for drinks and dessert while your student gets settled on campus. This "open house" style event will allow you to meet other families, speak with President Thomas, staff and faculty members, and unwind from a long day of moving in.

8:00pm - 10:00pm: First Night Event

Student Union Patio
Follow the Golden Brick Road to the first night event in Oz! Enjoy some food, drinks, music, games, and meeting your peers.

10:00pm - 11:30pm: Movies in Lounge

Rho and Sigma Lounges

Saturday, August 20th

8:30am - 9:30am: Coffee Reception

Grimm Hall Patio
Start the day with coffee and light refreshments before the first events of the day. There will be coffee, tea, and water.

9:00am - 10:30am: Scavenger Hunt

Amphitheater
The PAL teams will explore, hunting for the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and see campus amenities. This will be the final chance for students to complete their SOAR Passport and earn a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of the grand prizes!

9:00am - 10:30am: Parent Session with Student Affairs

DeNault Auditorium, Grimm Hall 120
Hear from some of the Student Affairs directors, and other department leaders, about key campus resources, what life on campus looks like, and how to best guide your student through their transition to college.

10:30am - 11:30am: Closing Ceremony for New Students and Families

Amphitheater
Join us for a time of celebration and prayer as parent orientation comes to a close and new students receive their official welcome as Eagles!

11:30am - 1:00pm: Brunch

Commons Lawns

11:30am - 1:00pm: Root Beer Float Send Off

Commons Lawn
Snap a family picture at the photo booth and grab a root beer float served by CUI Alumni. This will conclude orientation for parents and families, as our new students continue to get acclimated into the CUI community!

1:00pm - 2:00pm: Mandatory - Advising/Career Center/Breakouts

CU Center
In the session, you will hear from the Student Success Team about course registration and class change protocols, and also about academic and career planning tools such as class schedules and finding on-campus jobs.

2:00pm - 2:30pm: Mandatory - Campus Technology

CU Center All new students are required to attend this session to learn about our IT services, how to use Blackboard, and all the exciting things our new campus app has to offer!

2:30pm - 3:00pm: Mandatory - Campus Safety

CU Center
In this session, you will hear from the directors of Campus Safety and the services offered to you 24/7. Following this session, you can pick up your ID card if you have not already.

3:00pm - 4:00pm: ID Card Distribution and Classroom Tours

Outside CU Center
Pull up your class schedule on your MyCUI app and your PAL will take you to your classrooms so you are ready and prepared for the first day of school. In addition, if you took your ID photo during check-in, you can pick up your ID card at this time.

4:00pm - 5:30pm: BBQ Tailgate

CU Center Patio
Join us for a tailgate with great food to fuel you for the biggest event of the day...THROWDOWN!

5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pep Rally and Hunt Introduction

CU Center Patio
You will NOT want to miss this. Learn about our schoolwide and year long spirit initiative and competition: THE HUNT!!

6:00pm - 8:00pm: Throwdown

Soccer Field
Get ready for some fun fueled and friendly competition between all the PAL teams! What's the prize? Tickets for the entire winning team to the Los Angeles Angels baseball game against the New York Yankees on August 29th!

8:00pm - 11:00pm: Late Night Programming

Rho, Sigma, and Quads
Pick one of the RES halls to hang out in and continue the Throwdown fun! Rho has video games, Sigma has karaoke, and Quads has s'mores!

Sunday, August 21st

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Brunch

Common Lawn

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: FYExplore: Explore Irvine (Reservations Required)

Make a reservation on our FYExplore shuttle and choose one of many places to spend the day, free of charge!

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: CU Active Open House

Sigma General
Come down to Sigma to learn about all things CU Active, Outdoor Rec, and all the fun events they have planned throughout the school year.

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Paint Party (Reservations Required)

Commons Lawn
Whether you are interested in making some wall art for your room or looking to relax with some painting, this is the event for you. Come to a guided painting session and refreshments. All supplies will be provided for you (See PALs for reservations or see page 13).

4:00 pm- 6:30 pm: Dinner & Dessert with the President

Commons Lawn
Use your meal swipes at the cafeteria and join President Dr. Thomas, Megan Bouslaugh, and Dr. Ashmon out on the commons lawn for dinner and a sundae bar provided by the ASCUI team.

6:30 pm- 7:30 pm: WOW Welcome Worship

CU Center
As John 1:1-4 shows us, Christ is the source of everything we know. Creation, life, everlasting life; it all begins and ends in Him. With our understanding of that truth comes the passion to celebrate Christ as the center and purpose of our worship. He is the source. Our Sunday evening service includes Holy Communion every week, utilizes a small acoustic ensemble, and shares the life-changing message of Jesus. Starting August 28th, CU Source will be held in Good Shepherd Chapel.

First Events:

Monday, August 22

Chapel
10:30am-11:00am
CU Center
Take a break in your day to join the Concordia community for chapel. Each day of the week caters to a different style of worship and features messages from members of our community. We hope you will join us to learn more about Jesus and how we can apply his teachings to our lives.

Opening Convocation and Scarving
4:30pm-5:15pm
CU Center
This is the traditional opening lecture and traditional scarf ceremony! All new students receive the ceremonial Concordia scarf unique to this year’s incoming class.

The Hunt Field Day
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Soccer Field
The all-school Hunt for the Golden Eagle Trophy has officially begun!! At this event, you will contend for Hunt points with all your fellow teammates from Rho, Sigma, Quads, or Commuter. Wear your official Hunt shirt, and be ready to cheer and compete in Field Day!

Tuesday, August 23

Chapel
10:30am-11:00am
CU Center
Take a break in your day to join the Concordia community for chapel. Each day of the week caters to a different style of worship and features messages from members of our community. We hope you will join us to learn more about Jesus and how we can apply his teachings to our lives.

Beloved and Battalion Small Group Kickoff
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Beloved (women’s small group) - Uppers Lawn
Battalion (men’s small group) - Heritage Garden
Meet the leaders of our on-campus bible studies at this kickoff event. Men’s small groups will meet in Heritage Garden and women’s groups will meet on Uppers Lawn.

Honor One Another
8:00pm - 9:30pm
CU Center
Gather as a campus community to learn about honoring your neighbor and Title IX policies. This is a mandatory session for all new students. Attendance will be taken.

Wednesday, August 24

Involvement Fair
Sponsored by ASCUI
11:00am - 2:00pm
Gym Breezeway
Check out all of the ways you can get involved through clubs and organizations on campus.

ABS (Athletes Bible Study) Kick Off
Gym
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Food, games and fellowship! ABS will continue to meet weekly, same time and place!

Thursday, August 25

Chapel
10:30am-11:00am
CU Center
Take a break in your day to join the Concordia community for chapel. Each day of the week caters to a different style of worship and features messages from members of our community. We hope you will join us to learn more about Jesus and how we can apply his teachings to our lives.

Theater Kick-Off and Interest Meeting

SHOUT! Tailgate
Sponsored by Abbey West
8:30pm - 9:30pm
CU Center
Kick off the school year with a SHOUT! Tailgate before worship!

SHOUT!
Sponsored by Abbey West
9:30pm - 10:30pm
CU Center
Shout! is a student-led evening worship experience marked by praise, singing, personal reflection, and prayer with other students. The atmosphere is low-light and low-tech, but high in participation. The music is acoustic and earthy, and the devotions are testimonial in style, led by students from the CUI community.

Friday, August 26

Chapel
10:30am-11:00am
CU Center
Take a break in your day to join the Concordia community for chapel. Each day of the week caters to a different style of worship and features messages from members of our community. We hope you will join us to learn more about Jesus and how we can apply his teachings to our lives.

Beach Bash
Sponsored by LEAD Student Activities
4:30pm - 8:30pm
Corona Del Mar Beach
Beach Bash is one of Concordia’s favorite traditions. Head to the beach for a night filled with games, worship, and free dinner at Corona Del Mar! You can even earn HUNT points for your team at the Spikeball Tournament. Transportation is provided!

Saturday, August 27

Night of Hope
Sponsored by Abbey West
7pm - 9pm
Amphitheatre
Night of Hope (NOH) is an annual student-led benefit concert held at Concordia University Irvine. The official purpose of Night of Hope is to bring hope to attendees and raise awareness for an organization that, in turn, brings hope to individuals in our larger community. This event utilizes art to showcase the true hope that only Christ can bring. Through this purpose, we work to bring unity among Concordia’s students, faculty, friends, and local-global communities surrounding us.

Monday, August 29

Concordia University Irvine Night at Angel Stadium
Sponsored by the Office of Orientation & First-Year Experience and the Office of Alumni & Family Relations
6:38pm
Join the Concordia community as we cheer on the Angels (or Yankees…) at Angel Stadium. Transportation is provided for new and current students

Tuesday, August 30

Part-Time Employment and Internship Hiring Expo
Sponsored by Career Services
11:00am - 1:00pm
Gym Breezeway
Interested in working a part-time job or being a student worker on campus? Join us for this expo for your chance to meet employers and enter for your chance to win a sweet giveaway!

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 $200 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.
  • Order meals for friends and family that will join you during WOW weekend.

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

Special Hotel Rates

CUI is pleased to offer special rates in partnership with Hilton Garden Inn. The hotel is close to Concordia and offer competitive rates and comfortable spaces.

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn Irvine
2381 Morse Ave
Irvine, CA 92614
Book Hotel

Helpful Resources

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 CUI as a parent.

Contact Us

Concordia University Irvine
First-Year Experience

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

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