Welcome Week
Welcome Week 2023 is Aug. 20-23!
Schedule is subject to change.
Jump to a Specific Date:
- Friday, Aug. 18
- Saturday, Aug. 19
- Sunday, Aug. 20
- Monday, Aug. 21
- Tuesday, Aug. 22
- Wednesday, Aug. 23
- Thursday, Aug. 24
- More Events Through Labor Day
Friday, Aug. 18, 2023
| 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Approved Early Arrival Check In Maytag Student Center Info Booth Reserved for students who have received an early move-in slot. |
| 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet up With Your RA and Go to Dinner With Your Floor Central Market Student meal plans are active. |
| 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Dutch Debut Spend your first night on campus hanging out and having fun in Maytag Student Center. Play bingo, yard games, grab some free snacks and enjoy a relaxing first night at Central. Your SOS leader and RA will provide you with more details on when and where to meet up. |
Saturday, Aug. 19
| 8 a.m. – noon | Check in to Your Residence Hall at Your Assigned Time Check your email for information regarding your assigned time. Students and guests will check-in at a designated location. Please arrive at your time slot to help us maintain safety and preferred traffic flow. |
| 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Visit Offices in Central Hall as Needed Student Employment/Human Resources: lower level, Financial Aid: first floor Business Office: second floor |
| 9 a.m. – noon | Campus Post Office Open Maytag Student Center Pick up your campus post office box number and combination and practice opening your new mailbox! |
| 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Central Spirit Shoppe Open Maytag Student Center Grab some great Central gear or any last-minute class supplies. |
| 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Visit Pella Historical Village and Vermeer Mill Corner of East 1st St. and Franklin St. After you’re all moved in, take a stroll through downtown Pella and check out the historical village. Vermeer Mill Tours available at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. |
| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Brunch Open Central Market Students can use their meal plans. Family members and guests are welcome for a per person charge. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Legacy Lunch BMW Rooms, Maytag Student Center New students whose parents or grandparents attended Central are invited to join other legacy students and their families for lunch, which will be served promptly at 11:30 followed by a group photo for Civitas, the alumni magazine. Hosted by the Alumni Office. |
| Noon – 3 p.m. | IT Services Help Desk Open Maytag Student Center Need computer or other technical assistance? Visit the IT Services table in Maytag. For after-hours assistance, call 641-628-7010 or email itshelpdesk@central.edu and leave a message with your name, residence hall and room number and you will be contacted on Monday. |
| 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Root Beer Floats by the Pond Fred’s Patio, outside Maytag Student Center After moving in, families are invited to gather around the pond for a cool treat and the opportunity to mingle with SOS leaders and your Class Dean before the first student-only session begins. |
| 4 p.m. | Turning Over the Class Douwstra Auditorium, Central Hall This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. Your time at Central begins with an official welcome from President Mark Putnam and Student Body President Jenna Hernandez ’24. |
| SOS Group Meeting #1 Various Locations, departing from Douwstra Auditorium New students, join your SOS group at the conclusion of Turning Over the Class for your first opportunity to get to know other new students in your small groups. P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium is the alternate location for inclement weather. This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. |
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| 5:45 p.m. | New Student Picnic at Kuyper All new students are invited to a casual dinner on the lawn. Students will travel in SOS groups to and from the event. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking! In case of inclement weather, the picnic will be moved inside the H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. |
| 6:30 p.m. | PLAYFAIR at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium PLAYFAIR promises an engaging, fun opportunity for new students to build numerous connections with one another. This activity will begin immediately following the picnic on the football field. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. |
| 8:45 p.m. | Floor Meeting With Your RA Your Residence Hall Meet your floormates and learn about Central’s residential expectations. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 9:30 p.m. | Bonfire Around the Pond Peace Mall Bonfire Pit Gather around the pond for s’mores and music with your new classmates and friends! Sponsored by Residence Life. |
Sunday, Aug. 20
| Breakfast on Your Own Central Market is only open for lunch and dinner on weekends. |
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| 9 a.m. | Spiritual Wellness at Central (Interfaith Focus) Chapel Amphitheater Join the Campus Ministries team for a Welcome Week worship service. There also will be a challenge from Chaplain Joe. Attendance is optional. All are welcome! |
| 9:45 a.m. | Group Sessions in Douwstra Auditorium ALICE Training There are more ways than one to be prepared for a violent event. ALICE Training prepares us for a violent intruder event, introducing individuals to a new set of skills that will greatly increase odds of survival during a violent intruder situation. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 10:20 a.m. | Group Sessions in Douwstra Auditorium Wellness on Campus At Central we know that the choices you make about your health and well-being impact your success in college. This session will introduce students ito the seven-dimension, holistic model of wellness, which is integrated into students’ activities both inside and outside the classroom. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 10:45 a.m. | Group Sessions in Douwstra Auditorium Our Sustainable Campus In a fun and fact-filled Q&A with current students, faculty, and staff, learn what Central is doing to be a leader in sustainability education and how you can get involved. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 11:15 a.m. | Lunch With Your SOS group in Central Market |
| Noon | Group Sessions in Douwstra Auditorium Title IX: It’s On All Of Us Central’s chief talent, equity and engagement officer, Jill Anderson, will provide important information related to Title IX and what it means for students at Central. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 12:30 p.m. | Group Sessions in Douwstra Auditorium Can I Kiss You? Event Award-winning author, publisher and speaker Mike Domitrz returns to Central for a fun, impactful program on dating and intimacy. Featuring supporting remarks from President Mark Putnam and Student Body President Jenna Hernandez ’24. This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. |
| 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Dining Services Student Employee Meeting Van Emmerik Studio, Maytag Student Center Your orientation to your on-campus job with Central Market, Fred’s, the Global Café or Catering. This meeting is mandatory for all Dining Services student employees. |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | Explore Pella & Campus! Enjoy your afternoon by becoming acquainted with your new home! Check out the list of suggested activities found on the Dutch Connect app (iOS or Android) and at the end of this document including local discounts for Central students for a fun-filled afternoon. |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | A Cappella Choir Auditions Auditions will be scheduled ahead of time by the music department. Please check your email for details on your audition time and location. To sign up for an audition, email Mark Babcock at babcockm@central.edu. |
| 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner on Us – A Central Tradition Central faculty, staff, alumni, and community members welcome small groups of new students for dinner in their homes as a fantastic way to connect with many members of the Central and Pella community. Transportation provided. Check with your SOS leader for your specific group’s departure time and location. This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. |
| 7:30-9 p.m. | Neighborhood Night Join new friends from around the building and discover all that your residence hall has to offer. From board games and ping-pong to kitchen and craft supplies, there is so much fun to be had in your new neighborhood! While exploring your new home, meet a group of your closest neighbors and take a selfie. Post the picture to your Instagram with the hashtag #MetMyNeighbor for a chance to win Spirit Shoppe swag!The winner will be announced via Student Development’s Instagram page (@CentralOneStop1853) on the first day of class. Live in the townhouses or McKee? See your RA about Neighborhood Night at Nederlanders Tap & Golf. |
| 9 p.m. | The Calm Wallace Spencer Stepenske Amphitheater Join Chaplain Joe Brummel and the Campus Ministries team for a spiritually uplifting opener to the academic year. Attendance is optional. All are welcome! |
Monday, Aug. 21
| 7:15 – 9:30 a.m. | Full Breakfast Open in Central Market | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:30 – 10 a.m. | Continental Breakfast Open in Central Market | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 – 9:50 a.m. | Pre-Health Programs Overview Van Emmerik Studio, Maytag Student Center Meet Central’s pre-health advisor, and learn more about the opportunities and requirements of the pre-health programs on campus. Attendance is highly recommended for all new students interested in a pre-health program. |
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| 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | A Cappella Choir Auditions Auditions will be scheduled ahead of time by the music department. Please check your email for details on your audition time and location. To sign up for an audition, email Mark Babcock at babcockm@central.edu. |
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| 9 – 10:10 a.m. | Academic Exploration Sessions Learn more about Central’s majors and academic departments in which you might participate. You’ll find out about experiential opportunities available to you, complementary fields of study and opportunities post-graduation. Information is the same at each session, so you have the opportunity to attend multiple sessions to meet your interest needs. Attend the sessions that are of interest to YOU. Attendance is highly recommended for all new students. Session 1: 9 – 9:30 a.m. | Session 2: 9:40 – 10:10 a.m.
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| 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | ALMA Auditions Auditions will be scheduled in advance with the music program. To schedule an audition or learn more, contact Gabriel Espinosa at espinosag@central.edu. |
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| 10:20 – 11 a.m. | Faculty Panel: What Will Class Be Like? Douwstra Auditorium, Central Hall A panel of faculty members, hosted by Class Dean Oscar Reynaga, will clue you in on what they expect from students in the classroom, sharing tips and advice and answering your questions before the semester begins. Attendance is highly recommended for all new students. |
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| 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lunch Open in Central Market | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 a.m. – noon | Orchestra Auditions Cox-Snow Music Center Check your Central email for your audition date, time and location. If you do not have a pre-assigned audition time but are interested in joining a music ensemble, email Mark Babcock at BabcockM@central.edu. |
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| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Transfer Luncheon Rooms 106-108, Central Market An opportunity for transfer students to enjoy an informal lunch to get to know their faculty advisers and ICS section instructor. |
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| 11:15 a.m./12:30 p.m. | Mentors in Violence Prevention Event Roe Center Further information and support can be found online on the counseling and campus safety Central webpages or under the “shield” icon on the Central app. This is a mandatory session for all new students |
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| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | Instrumental Music Ensembles Info Session Cox-Snow Recital Hall Calling all musicians! If you are interested in joining any of Central’s instrumental music ensembles, plan to attend this informational session. |
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| 2:30 – 5 p.m. | Explore Pella and Campus! Enjoy your afternoon by becoming acquainted with your new home! Check out the list of suggested activities found on the Dutch Connect app (iOS or Android), including local discounts for students for a fun-filled afternoon. |
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| 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | ALMA Auditions Auditions will be scheduled in advance with the music program. To schedule an audition or learn more, contact Gabriel Espinosa at espinosag@central.edu. |
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| 5 – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner With Your Floor and Floor/House Meetings Central Market Spend some time getting to know your RA and others living on your floor. Check with your RA for exact dinner and meeting times. This is a mandatory session for all new students |
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| 7 – 8 p.m. | BIPOC+ Coalition Meet and Greet BMW Rooms, Maytag Student Center We invite students of all backgrounds no matter race, religion, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and/or identification to participate in this event. We aim to foster respectful, brave and safer spaces where all can share their truths and lived experiences while encouraging and supporting each other through tough conversations in both affinity and multicultural groups. |
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| 8 – 11 p.m. | CAB Back-to-School Block Party Weller Lawn Free for students, this event features a rock climbing wall, tie-dye t-shirts, Over the Top ice cream and much more! This is a casual, hangout event. Stop by and check it out. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Graham Conference Vermeer Banquet Hall. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. |
Tuesday, Aug. 22
| 7:15 – 9:30 a.m. | Full Breakfast Open in Central Market |
| 9:30 – 10 a.m. | Continental Breakfast Open in Central Market |
| 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Complete Your Student Employment Paperwork Financial Aid Office, Ground Floor of Central Hall Visit Financial Aid if you still need to complete your student employment paperwork. Don’t forget to bring your original identification documents. Check your Central email for more details. |
| 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Academic Advising Appointments Check your Central email or the myCentral homepage for your assigned 15-minute appointment time and location. |
| 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lunch Open in Central Market |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Orchestra Auditions Cox-Snow Music Center Check your Central email for your audition date, time and location. If you do not have a pre-assigned audition time but are interested in joining a music ensemble, email Mark Babcock at BabcockM@central.edu. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Honors Luncheon Honors students, check your Central email for your invitation with more information, hosted by Ashley Scolaro, professor of psychology. |
| 12:30 – 1 p.m. | Step Into Central The Pond Meet your SOS leader by the pond for a special program signifying both the start and future culmination of your educational journey at Central. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Welcome Week Wrap-up & Tips for Tomorrow Various Classrooms Your session will take place with your Civitas instructor in the classroom where you will meet in the fall. Your SOS leader will help you find your classroom. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 2 – 4 p.m. | Orchestra Auditions Cox-Snow Music Center Check your Central email for your audition date, time and location. If you do not have a pre-assigned audition time but are interested in joining a music ensemble, email Mark Babcock at BabcockM@central.edu. |
| 3 – 6 p.m. | Music Auditions Cox-Snow Music Center
Check your Central email for your audition date, time and location. If you do not have a pre-assigned audition time but are interested in joining a music ensemble, email the contact listed for your ensemble. |
| 3:30 – 5 p.m. | Explore Pella and Campus! Enjoy your afternoon by becoming acquainted with your new home! Check out the list of suggested activities found on the Dutch Connect app (iOS or Android), including local discounts for students for a fun-filled afternoon. |
| 4 – 7 p.m. | Music Auditions Cox-Snow Music Center
Check your Central email for your audition date, time and location. If you do not have a pre-assigned audition time but are interested in joining a music ensemble, email the contact listed for your ensemble. |
| 4 p.m. | Women’s Soccer |
| 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner Open in Central Market |
| 6 p.m. | Athletics Department Student Employment Meeting P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium This meeting is mandatory for all Athletics Department student employees. |
| 7:15 – 9 p.m. | Maytag Madness Maytag Student Center Enjoy free snacks, play a variety of fun games, enjoy free succulents, novelty items, swag and win great prizes! Check with your SOS leader for your group’s reserved time. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. This is a mandatory session for all new students and their SOS leaders. |
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Have a great first day of classes! Please check Campus Dining hours/menu via the Dutch Connect app (iOS or Android) or the Campus Dining webpage.
| 10 a.m. – Noon and 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
ALMA Auditions Auditions will be scheduled in advance with the music program. To schedule an audition or learn more, contact Gabriel Espinosa at espinosag@central.edu. |
| 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Area Meetings Various Locations. Sponsored by Residential Life. This is a mandatory session for all new students. |
| 8 p.m. | Hall Council Kick-Off Events Learn what hall council is all about and meet the executive board members of your hall. Watch for signs with time and location in the residential areas. |
Thursday, Aug. 24
More Events Through Labor Day
Friday, Aug. 25 |
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| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free Smoothies Market Patio, Sponsored by Campus Ministries |
| 6 – 9 p.m. | Live Music at Smash Park (Pella public event) |
| 8 – 10 p.m. | Late Night Central Game Show Night Various Locations, Sponsored by Student Development |
Saturday, Aug. 26 |
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| 1 – 3 p.m. | Welcome Week Service Project Maytag BMW Rooms Make tie blankets for the Care Bags Foundation. Care bags are distributed to displaced, abused and disadvantaged children worldwide. All students are invited! |
| 8 p.m. | CAB Movie on the Wall Join the Campus Activities Board for a fun movie-viewing experience on the lawn outside of the fieldhouse complete with popcorn and make-your-own stuffed animal. Stop by the CAB table during Welcome Week events to vote on which movie you think should be selected for the event! In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Douwstra Auditorium. |
Sunday, Aug. 27 |
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| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Bingo at Smash Park (Pella public event) Smash Park Pella |
Tuesday, Aug. 29 |
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| 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Student Support Services (SSS) Picnic Gaass Hall, Sand Volleyball Court Come for the food, stay for the games and enjoy lots of fun getting to know fellow students in the SSS program! Rain location is the Maytag BMW rooms. Sponsored by Student Support Services. |
Wednesday, Aug. 30 |
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| 6 – 8 p.m. | Student Involvement and Organization Fair Around the Pond Get connected with leaders from many of Central’s great student organizations, grab a snow cone and learn how you can get involved right away! In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Graham Conference, Vermeer Banquet Hall. Sponsored by Student Involvement. |
Thursday, Aug. 31 |
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| 2 p.m. | Men’s Soccer Home Match Central College Soccer Field |
| 4 p.m. | Women’s Soccer Home Match Central College Soccer Field |
Friday, Sept. 1 |
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| 6 & 6:45 p.m. | Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Central College Cross Country Course |
| 6 – 9 p.m. | Live Music at Smash Park (Pella public event) Smash Park Pella welcomes the positive vibes of The Sheet to their outdoor patio Friday, Sept. 2! |
| 7 p.m. | Central Scavenger Hunt Fred’s Patio Find sign-up details in the Crier and on Dutch Connect for this fun, challenging event! Groups of two to four players will compete for prizes, including gift certificates to Smash Park, Ironside Ax Throwing, Dutch 200 Bowl, Nederlander’s Tap & Golf and The Queue Esports Lounge! |
| 8 p.m. | Volleyball Home Match P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium |
Saturday, Sept. 2 |
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| 10 a.m. | Women’s Tennis Home Matches Central College Tennis Courts |
| 1 p.m. | Football vs. St. Olaf (Minn.) Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium |
| 3 p.m. | Volleyball Home Match P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium |
| 7 – 9 p.m. | Sand Volleyball Tournament Find sign-up details in the Crier and on Dutch Connect the week of Aug. 29! Five- to six-person coed teams (at least two persons of a different gender). |
Sunday, Sept. 3 |
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| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Bingo at Smash Park (Pella public event) Smash Park Pella |
| 8:30 – 10 p.m. | Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag Team up with new friends and compete for Capture the Flag glory across campus. Glow sticks provided. Sponsored by InterVarsity, Campus Ministries and FCA. |
Monday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day) |
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| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Labor Day Barbecue Market Patio |
| 1 – 4 p.m. | Paddle Boarding at Robert’s Creek |
Explore Pella & Campus!
- Hike, bike, swim, explore at Lake Red Rock
- Check out one of Pella’s local coffee shops
- Catch an afternoon matinee at Pella Cinemas
- Get in a workout at the Maytag Wellness Center
- Enjoy some quiet time to yourself with a book, a nap or a walk
- Visit one of the many ice cream or frozen yogurt shops
- Put together a puzzle in Maytag (available to check out at the Information Center on the first floor)
- Check out some of the many great locally-owned businesses around the square downtown.
- Challenge yourself to a windmill hunt with friends – how many can you find in Pella?
- Grab a friend and have a relaxing time on one of the swinging benches by the pond.
