Fall Orientation 2026
Be sure to follow the tags @soustudentlife, @souepic, @sou.student.support and
@souhousing on Instagram
Friday, September 18, 2026
Move-In Madness – Welcome to Your New Home!
8am-3pm University Housing
The moment is finally here—Move-In Day! Get ready to roll up, unload, and make your space your own as you settle into your new home away from home. Our friendly RAs and move-in crew will be on hand to help, answer questions, and keep the vibes high.
What to Expect:
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Smooth check-in at your residence hall
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Meet your roommates and neighbors
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Unpack and decorate your new space
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Grab snacks and refreshments to keep you going
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Music and energy to keep things fun
Once you’re all moved in, take a break and explore your new surroundings—campus is waiting! And don’t forget to check out the rest of Orientation Weekend for awesome events and ways to connect.
Welcome home!
Parent Q&A with the Dean of Students
4pm-5pm The Hawk Dining Hall Red Room
Location: Dining Hall Red Room
Invite: Robert Gibson, Dan Deneui, Anna
Parent Orientation Panel: Q&A with Campus Leaders
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Join us for an exclusive Parent Orientation Q&A featuring a panel of campus leaders, hosted by the Dean of Students. The panel will include the Director of Campus Public Safety, the Associate Provost, and the Executive Director of the La Clinica Student Health and Wellness Center.
Topics include:
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Academic expectations and student success
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Campus safety and student well-being
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Health and wellness services
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Student involvement and campus life
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Housing, dining, and campus resources
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How parents can best support their student from home
Whether you’re a first-time college parent or a seasoned pro, this session will help you connect with campus leaders, get answers to your most pressing questions, and leave with peace of mind.
Note: Need to hire Spanish interpreter.
Recharge & Reset: Orientation Break! (On your Own)
5pm-7:00pm
Recharge and reset!
You’ve been busy moving in, meeting new people, and getting settled—now it’s time for a well-earned break before the evening’s events.
Use this time to:
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Shop for last-minute essentials
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Enjoy a farewell dinner with family
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Take a nap
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Freshen up for the night ahead
Class of 2030 shirts: Set up in the SU Foyer—grab shirts on your way to hall meetings.
On Campus Housing Meetings (Mandatory)
7:00pm-8:00pm Stevenson Union (Arena and Rogue River Room)
Locations: RRR, Arena
Welcome to your new home away from home!
For On-Campus Students:
Meet your roommates, neighbors, and RA. Learn about community living, hall events, and campus resources.
Bring your energy and your questions—this is where your SOU adventure begins!
Off Campus Housing Meetings (Mandatory)
7:00pm-8:00pm Stevenson Union (Arena and Rogue River Room)
Locations: Gallery
Welcome to your new home away from home!
For Off-Campus Students:
Connect with fellow off-campus students, learn about resources and ways to stay involved, and build community.
Bring your energy and your questions—this is where your SOU adventure begins!
Hydro Hunt & Hype Night! (Mandatory)
8pm-10pm Stevenson Union Courtyard
Get ready for an epic water bottle hunt with prizes in the Student Union Courtyard! Search the lawns for hidden water bottles containing prize tickets.
After the hunt, stay for a high-energy DJ party in the courtyard. Meet new friends, celebrate, and enjoy the night.
Prefer a lower-stimulus environment? Head to the Low Sensory Space to unwind, play pool or ping-pong, or simply relax.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Howdy Neighborhood BBQ – Meet Your SOU Community!
11am-2pm Raider Village
Kick off your SOU experience with the Howdy Neighbor BBQ, a relaxed and welcoming event designed to help you connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Enjoy great food, fun activities, and opportunities to start building your Raider community.
Includes:
- BBQ dinner
- Craft activities
- Music and lawn games
- Fun giveaways and prizes
- Opportunities to meet new friends and campus community members
Whether you’re meeting your roommate, finding classmates, or simply enjoying a great meal, the Howdy Neighbor BBQ is the perfect way to begin your journey at SOU.
Chill Time Before Showtime! (On Your Own)
4pm-7:00pm
After a full day and game, use this time to relax, grab dinner, freshen up, or check in with family before the Outdoor Movie Night.
Outdoor Movie Night: Movie TBD (Mandatory)
7:30pm-10pm Raider Stadium Field
Kick back and enjoy a movie under the stars. Bring friends, a blanket, and a beverage. Popcorn and candy provided.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Choose your Own Adventure – Excursions (Mandatory)
11:00am - 4:00pm (Times Vary), Location Varies Sign-Up in HawkNEST
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Options:
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Downtown Ashland & Lithia Park (Street Adventure) 1pm – 4pm, Meet Outside of the Stevenson Union:
Stroll through charming downtown Ashland, check out local shops, grab a coffee, and explore the beautiful trails, creeks, and greenery of Lithia Park.
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Wildlife Images, 11:00am – 4pm, Pick-up by the Hawk Dining Hall:
Get up close with rescued animals while learning about conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Whether you’re meeting a playful otter, a majestic raptor, or a curious bear, this experience offers a wild twist to your college adventure.
The bus will pick students up at The Hawk Dinging Hall at 11:00am. The bus will leave at 11:15am. DON’T BE LATE! Students will be brought back at 4pm.
- Sunday Funday Maker Space, 12pm – 4pm (Drop in):Prefer to stay close? Hang out in the Stevenson Union (SU), where you can craft, build, or design something awesome!
No matter what you choose, this is your time to unwind, explore, and connect with new friends! Sign up early to secure your spot!
- Student Rec Center, 1pm – 3pm (Drop-in):
Get moving, have fun, and connect with new friends during a guided activity at SOU’s Student Rec Center. Try something new, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy an active afternoon in a welcoming space.
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Monday, September 21, 2026
We deeply value our diverse community and recognize that mandatory events on Monday, September 21, 2026, conflict with Yom Kippur. Observant students are fully excused from attending in-person events on this day. Please email advising@sou.edu for alternative options.
Campus Lessons: Pop Culture Edition
9:30am-11:30am, Check-in at 9am Stevenson Union
Campus Lessons: Pop Culture Edition is an interactive, educational event that uses familiar TV shows and movies as teaching tools to help students explore essential college success skills. By analyzing popular characters, storylines, and pivotal moments on screen, students connect entertainment to real-life campus lessons—such as time management, help-seeking, decision-making, resilience, communication, and navigating academic and social systems.
Food Pantry Bingo
6:30pm - 8pm Stevenson Union, Arena
Discover resources, meet new people, and win prizes—all while making sure you know how to access free and nutritious food on campus. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, laugh, and leave with goodies!
Ice Cream Social & Karaoke Night! (Mandatory)
8pm - 10 pm Stevenson Union, Diversions
Ice Cream Social & Karaoke Night!
Sing your favorite songs while enjoying an ice cream bar. A great chance to meet new friends and have fun.
Location: SU Diversions Night Club
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Meet Your Major (Mandatory)
11am-12pm
Kick off your academic journey by connecting with your major, faculty, and academic support.
| Business, Innovation & Leadership, Healthcare Administration | Britt Hall 176 |
| Communication & DCIN | Britt Hall 217 |
| English, Spanish & Culture | Central Hall Conference Room |
| Creative Arts, EMDA | Art Building 101 Set Up in Lobby |
| Psychology | Taylor Hall 30 |
| Education Studies – Early Childhood Dev. | EP 195 |
| Health & Exercise Science, Pre Physical Therapy & OAL | LMP 034 |
| Music | Music Recital Hall |
| STEM | SC 151 |
| Social Sciences | TA 29 |
| Theatre | Main Stage Theatre |
| Undeclared – Exploring Majors | Library, Meese Room 352 |
Week of Welcome 2026
Monday, September 21, 2026
- Food Pantry Bingo
- 6:30pm – 8:00pm | Stevenson Union Arena
- Ice Cream Social & Karaoke Night
- 8:00pm – 10:00pm | Stevenson Union Diversions
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Meet Ashland & Beyond
- 11:00am – 2:00pm | Stevenson Union Courtyard
Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Student Club Fair
- 11:00am – 2:00pm | Stevenson Union Courtyard
Friday, September 25, 2026
- On Campus Job Fair
- 11:00am – 2:00pm | Stevenson Union Courtyard
- Glow Fest (Hosted by EPIC)
- 8:00pm – 12:00am | Stevenson Union Arena & Diversions
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Lets Talk About Sex
- 5:30pm | Stevenson Union SJEC
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- SU Open House & Therapy Dogs
- 11:30am – 1:30pm | Stevenson Union
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- SJEC/MCC Say Hey Networking Social
- 11:30am – 1:30pm | Stevenson Union SJEC
Log in to Hawk N.E.S.T.
Use your SOU email and password to sign into our student engagement platform called Hawk N.E.S.T. Hawk N.E.S.T. is your online landing to News, Engagement, Support, and Teamwork. On this platform, you can find, join, and interact with all of our active student-led clubs as well as view and register for upcoming events.
Raider Student Services Drop-In’s
The RSS Office in the SU Bookstore is open for walk-in traffic all week!
Email: StudentServices@sou.edu or
RSS Phone: 541.552.6600
General Announcement
Activate your membership at the Student Recreation Center – your membership includes access to our fitness equipment, gymnasium, the Climbing Center, the Esports Hub, drop-in fitness classes, and more! Visit recreation.sou.edu for hours and more information.
Week of Welcome event updates are coming! Please keep checking this webpage for more details as we approach September!
Be sure to follow the tags @soustudentlife, @souepic on Instagram.
Please feel free to explore our Student Handbook to become more familiar with SOU’s campus departments and resources.
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