Summer Orientation: Students
June 17–18 or 24–25
We’re so excited that you are going to be a part of BJU!
At Summer Orientation, you’ll get to set up your course schedule, connect with your professors, make friends with other new students—and be prepared to start your first year.
Thursday (Optional Early Arrival)
7–8 p.m. |
Early Arrival & Move-InWomen: Creel Residence Hall | Men: Ironside Residence HallBecause we have an early start on Friday morning, you can check in at your residence hall on Thursday evening. But if you’re arriving Friday on campus, you can check in between 7:30–9 a.m. at your residence hall. |
8–9:30 p.m. |
Welcome EventThe Den / Student Center |
10 p.m. |
Discipleship GroupResidence Halls |
Friday
7:30–8:30 a.m. |
Continental BreakfastStudent Center (2nd Floor) |
7:30–8:45 a.m. |
Move-In & Residence Hall Open HouseWomen: Creel Residence Hall | Men: Ironside Residence HallPick up your information packet and get your Summer Orientation room assignment. Please move into your room before the 9 a.m. Opening Session. The residence halls will be locked after 9 a.m. until lunch. The residence halls will be open again from 12–1:30 p.m. |
7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Information FairStudent Center (2nd Floor)A university is like a small community. Just as in your hometown, there are many wheels and cogs that keep life running smoothly at Bob Jones University. Once you’ve been here awhile, the services and opportunities that keep the campus running blend into the background of daily life. But if you’re here for the first time, they may be overwhelming. The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment, and anything else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. |
8–9 a.m. |
Placement Testing for English, Languages, and MusicAlumni 208This is your opportunity to take placement tests before you complete course registration. (Placement tests are available online. Talk with your admission counselor about how to complete these before arriving.) Do I need to take placement tests? If you have not yet taken the ACT, you need to take the English test. If you are planning to take music lessons in the fall, you should take a Music Test. If your Math ACT score is 30 or lower and you are enrolling in the following programs, you should take the Math Test to ensure that you are able to make the most effective use of your first-term credits.
If you are planning to take any foreign language class first semester regardless of your major, you should take the Foreign Language Test. |
8:15–8:45 a.m. |
Campus TourWelcome Center Lobby (Student Center)Meet a student orientation leader for a walking tour of campus. |
9–9:50 a.m. |
Session 1 — Opening SessionStratton Hall (Student Center)A personal BJU welcome and an overview of what we have to offer you as a student. We’ll also give you an overview of how to make the best use of your time during Summer Orientation. |
10–10:40 a.m. |
Session 2 — Student Session: Thriving in CollegeAlumni Building (Lecture A)Get tips from fellow students to help you to make a successful transition from high school to college in order to get the most out of the investment you’re making now that will affect the rest of your life. |
10:50–11:20 a.m. |
Session 3 — Breakout Sessions (Academic)(Choose from one of the following) Studying Ministry & Bible Seminary 113 — Dr. Kevin Oberlin This session will focus on the multiple majors available to a student looking to study the Bible or ministry, as well as explore the many vocational possibilities. Studying Business Alumni 217 This session will focus on diving deeper into the required courses for the major, the various concentrations, as well as a discussion on how to choose elective courses that maximize your hire ability after college. Studying Education and Human Services Alumni 110 — Dr. Scott Buhr and Dr. Julie Hartman This session will help prospective teacher education majors understand the requirements for becoming a teacher and gain a basic understanding of teacher licensure post-graduation. Educational, Child, and Family Studies degrees will prepare you for childcare roles, early intervention, arts integration, social services, teaching English as a second language, and more! If you are interested in working with children, adolescents, or adults in settings outside the classroom, we have a program for you. Learn more about the programs in both divisions, the internship opportunities, and potential careers for graduates. Studying Health Sciences Mack Building 103 — Dr. Amy Hicks This session will help students distinguish between the multiple health science concentrations offered and navigate the elective options. Studying Humanities, History, International Studies, & Political Science Alumni 110 — Dr. Brenda Schoolfield This session will also address how these courses enhance your ability to learn in your chosen discipline. Studying Criminal Justice Alumni 111 — Mr. Lance Crow This session will discuss the associate and bachelors programs in Criminal Justice along current on campus job opportunities and internships. Studying Music Fine Arts 224 — Dr. Michael Moore Studying Nursing Mack Building 102 — Mrs. Megan Lanpher and Mrs. Debbie Jones Studying Premed/Predent Mack Building 104 — Dr. Amy Tuck This session will give you an overview of the premed/predent major and provide tips of how to be successful in this major. Studying STEM Alumni Lecture B — Dr. Derrick Glasco and Dr. Melissa Gardenghi This session will address the requirements for the STEM fields of study and provide tips on how to be successful in these highly competitive majors. Studying World Languages and Cultures Alumni 112 — Dr. Amos Kasperek This session focuses on our majors, minors, and certificates, as well as specific courses like Global Fluency and program distinctives like the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Student Center, 2nd floor The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment, and anything else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. Alumni 207 |
11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Session 4 — Breakout Sessions (Academic)(Choose from one of the following) Alumni 116 — Mrs. Rebecca Weier You will receive tools to help you decide on the best way to pursue your passions. Your future career may be a job that doesn’t exist yet—so this session will focus on finding a major that gets you the skills to adapt and grow in any occupation. Studying Accounting Alumni 217 — Dr. Jeff Bryson This session will detail some of the distinct aspects of the major at BJU, the job market and the availability of specific ministry opportunities in the field. Get your questions answered in this informative session. Studying Communication, Journalism, Film, and Theatre Alumni 110 — Dr. Mary Mendoza This session provides an overview of the various programs (Communication, Media Technology, Journalism & Mass Communication, Cinema Production, and Theatre), as well as new certificates (Public Relations, Animation, Digital Media, Cinematic Arts, and Shakespeare Performance), including addressing career, ministry, and professional opportunities. Studying Kinesiology Mack Building 104 — Dr. Stephen Chen Our curriculum also provides a rigorous and hands-on experience to prepare you for wide range of health and fitness careers such as cardiac rehabilitation, corporate fitness, personal training, strength and conditioning, and wellness coaching. This session will focus on required courses and electives for this major, the certification exams, practicum, internship, and independent study opportunities as well as requirements needed to be accepted into graduate programs. Studying Sport Management Mack Building 103 — Dr. Tony Miller Studying STEM Alumni Lecture B — Dr. Derrick Glasco and Dr. Melissa Gardenghi This session will address the requirements for the STEM fields of study and provide tips on how to be successful in these highly competitive majors. Studying Visual Arts Fine Arts 21 — Mr. Jay Bopp This session will provide detailed information about the six art and design programs, job opportunities, and graduate school possibilities. Join us and have your questions answered about studying and practicing art and design. Student Center, 2nd floor The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment, and anything else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. Alumni 207 |
12–1:30 p.m. |
Major Mixer LunchKalmbach Room (Dining Common)Students and parents or guardians are invited to enjoy lunch while meeting the faculty and the dean of your school. You’ll also get to know other students in your chosen program. In addition, you’ll experience the variety of food options available in the dining common. |
1:30–2:15 p.m. |
Session 5 — Student Expectations with Q&AStratton Hall (Student Center)BJU is committed to providing an outstanding Christian liberal arts education purposely designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving and leading. We do this, in part, by holding to conservative lifestyle choices. The Student Life team will review key policies concerning student attire, music, and church attendance. (Parent and Student Q&A to follow.) |
2:30–3 p.m. |
Session 6 — Meet Your First-year Academic AdvisorVarious LocationsDon’t miss this important session for you as the student or family member. Your First-year advisor will help ease the transition to college life. Hear about the role our First-year advisors play in providing academic coaching, major advising, and their involvement with our Uni 101 Pathways course. They do more than assist with your class schedule. They will help you confirm your major selection and navigate through the first-year adjustments. |
3–5 p.m. |
Information FairStudent Center (2nd Floor)A university is like a small community. Just as in your hometown, there are lots of wheels and cogs that keep life running smoothly at BJU. For those that have been on campus for a while, the services and opportunities that keep campus running blend into the background of daily life. But if you’re here for the first time, they may be overwhelming. The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment—and whatever else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. |
3:10–3:40 p.m. |
Session 7 — Breakout Sessions: Academic & Student Support(Choose from one of the following) Alumni Lecture A — Mrs. Susan Young Alumni 115 — Dr. Melissa Gardenghi and Mrs. Donna Lawrence TBD Understanding Your Financial Statement Alumni 112 — Mrs. Katie Bucholtz Student Center, 2nd floor The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment, and anything else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. Alumni 207 |
3:50–4:20 p.m. |
Session 8 — Breakout Sessions: Academic & Student Support(Choose from one of the following) Alumni 210 — Mrs. Bethany Webb This session will make you aware of the range of instructional methods, educational strategies, and resources available to students at BJU. Alumni 115 — Dr. Melissa Gardenghi and Mrs. Donna Lawrence Alumni 111 — Commander David Champ Come to this session and learn about the plans and protocols in place to deal with any emergency scenario. The speakers will also address student vehicle registration and parking requirements. Student Center, 2nd floor The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment, and anything else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. Alumni 207 Alumni Lecture B |
4–4:30 p.m. |
Campus TourWelcome Center Lobby (Student Center)Meet a student orientation leader for a walking tour of campus. |
4:30–5 p.m. |
Session 9 — Breakout Sessions: Academic & Student Support(Choose from one of the following) Alumni 216 — Mrs. Amy Streeter This session will address the accommodations and services provided by the University and the required documentation needed to receive academic accommodations. Beginning with the End in Mind — Career Services Alumni 110 — Mr. Shawn Albert Alumni Lecture A — Mrs. Susan Young Alumni 111 — Commander David Champ Come to this session and learn about the plans and protocols in place to deal with any emergency scenario. The speakers will also address student vehicle registration and parking requirements. Understanding Your Financial Statement Alumni 112 — Mrs. Katie Bucholtz Student Center, 2nd floor The Information Fair is your opportunity to learn about the departments that are here to help you acclimate to college life. Please take time to visit the more than 15 booths set up on the second floor of the Student Center. Each booth is packed with information that you will want to know. Topics range from meal plans, parking permits, financial aid, academic supports, student employment, and anything else you might need. The Information Fair will be open on Fridays from 7:30–9 a.m., 10 a.m.–12 noon, and 3–5 p.m. Alumni 207 Alumni Lecture B |
6–7 p.m. |
SupperKalmbach Room (Dining Common)Meet your orientation group for supper in the dining common. |
7:30–8:15 p.m. |
Bruins QuestStratton Hall (Student Center)Join your orientation leader and group for a fun, interactive activity. |
8:30–9:30 p.m. |
Praise & FellowshipPavilion (back campus)Enjoy a time of testimonies, singing and snacks on back campus. Come prepared to worship God and enjoy fellowship with new friends. |
10 p.m. |
Discipleship GroupResidence Halls |
Saturday
8–9 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast with the DeansAlumni Building (1st and 2nd floors) |
9–9:30 a.m. |
Campus TourWelcome Center Lobby (Student Center)Meet a student orientation leader for a walking tour of campus. |
9–9:30 a.m. |
Session 10 — Breakout Sessions: Student Life & Organizations(Choose from one of the following) Learning How Your Major Connects to Ministry Alumni 210 — Mr. Jordan Baun and Dr. Kevin Oberlin The School of Religion experience features real-life training for today’s ministry, including double majors and special opportunities, such as subsidized student trips to Israel. Come and see how you could be a part of the SOR community. Societies & Extracurricular Activities Alumni Lecture A — Dr. Matthew Weathers (June 18) | Mr. Aaron Burk (June 25) This session will inform you of extra-curricular activities and explain the purpose of literary societies at BJU. Alumni 110 — Dr. Pearson Johnson & Miss Rachel Dahlhausen Come and hear about some of the common challenges faced by incoming students and have your questions answered about counsel and care at BJU. Alumni Lecture B |
9:30 a.m.–11 a.m. |
Financial Aid and The Hub OpenStudent Center (2nd floor) |
9:45–10:15 a.m. |
Session 11 — Breakout Sessions: Student Life & Organizations(Choose from one of the following) Alumni 111 — Mr. Aaron Burk Societies & Extracurricular Activities Alumni Lecture A — Dr. Matthew Weathers (June 18) | Mr. Nick Gore (June 25) This session will inform you of extra-curricular activities and explain the purpose of literary societies at BJU. Alumni 110 — Dr. Pearson Johnson & Miss Rachel Dahlhausen Come and hear about some of the common challenges faced by incoming students and have your questions answered about counsel and care at BJU. Alumni 115 Alumni Lecture B |
10:30–11 a.m. |
Session 12 — Breakout Sessions: Student Life & Organizations(Choose from one of the following) Alumni 111 — Mr. Aaron Burk Learning How Your Major Connects to Ministry Alumni 210 — Mr. Jordan Baun and Dr. Kevin Oberlin The School of Religion experience features real-life training for today’s ministry, including double majors and special opportunities, such as subsidized student trips to Israel. Come and see how you could be a part of the SOR community. Alumni 110 — Dr. Pearson Johnson & Miss Rachel Dahlhausen Come and hear about some of the common challenges faced by incoming students and have your questions answered about counsel and care at BJU. Alumni 115 |
11:15 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Session 13 — Closing SessionStratton Hall (Student Center)The Summer Orientation team will share some final tips to wrap up the weekend. And it’ll be time to gather your stuff and get ready to return in August. |
12–1 p.m. |
Move out of residence hallsThank you for coming to Summer Orientation. Have a safe trip home! We look forward to seeing you again when you return for Welcome Week. |
When to Arrive
Check-In
Friday, 7:30–9 a.m.
(Residence Halls)
Plan to arrive by 8 a.m. to move into your residence hall room and collect your packet before the 9 am session. If you are holding a reserving in the Residence Hall, all of your check-in materials will be at the Residence Hall. Please go to the Residence Hall first before coming to the Student Center for breakfast and the 9 am session in Stratton Hall.
Driving Directions
Orientation
Friday, 8 a.m. — Saturday noon
Hotels for Families
We’re pleased to be able to recommend the following locations for you to stay during your visit to Greenville. Be sure you ask for the special rate offered to guests of BJU. Please see our complete list of recommended Greenville area hotels.
Arriving in Greenville? We can pick you up
If you’re arriving by plane, bus or train, we can give you a ride to and from campus. Shuttle service is provided from:
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
- Greenville bus station
- Greenville train station
To request a shuttle, contact the Welcome Center by 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to your arrival.
Arriving outside the Greenville Area
Shuttle Service from Major Airports
Vendors at these airports provide shuttle service.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — 3 hours from Greenville
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) — 2 hours from Greenville
Shuttle arrangements can be made by calling 800-669-6463. When scheduling flights, please keep in mind your travel time to and from BJU and the airport.
Personal Items
- Bedding & pillow (twin size)
- Toiletries, towels, washcloths
- Clothes and shoes
- Paper, pens and pencils for notes
- Social Security card (needed to apply for campus job)
- Official copies of your completed high school and/or college transcripts (if not previously submitted)
Financial Aid Documents
If you need to provide any Financial Aid documents, bring those. Contact Financial Aid with any questions.
Job Documents
If you have already secured a student job, you can bring the documents requested from HR.
What to Wear
Women
- Class dress is recommended for Friday daytime meetings. (Modest dresses or skirts to the knee or business casual pants; shirts or tops to the shoulder)
- For evening and Saturday, pants/jeans/capris are fine
- We ask that you not wear shorts
Men
- Class dress is recommended for Friday daytime meetings. (Collared shirts and casual pants)
- For evening and Saturday, T-shirts/jeans are fine
- Hair trimmed neatly (off the collar and with your ears showing)
- We ask that you not wear shorts
Attending
Who should attend Orientation?
You should! (Well, all new freshman/transfer students and their parents or guardians.)
Orientation is a fantastic opportunity for both you and your family to prepare for the school year. You’ll get to tour campus, meet other new students, schedule your classes, discover opportunities for work and ministry, find out how to get help when you need it, connect with faculty, and much more.
Should I bring my parents or guardians?
Yes, we highly recommend it! As mentioned above, Summer Orientation is great preparation for your family too. They’ll attend some sessions with you, and some sessions designed just for them.
They’ll learn along with you what to expect during your years at BJU and how they can best support you. They’ll also enjoy connecting with other families.
Should I bring my brothers and/or sisters?
We invite your family to join you at Summer Orientation. We offer a special event for your siblings entering the 6th–12th grades. It’s Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the cost is $25.
I had a family member attend BJU previously; do I need to come to Orientation?
Absolutely! Orientation is a personalized experience. You’ll get to figure out your course schedule, take care of financial aid and look for job opportunities. And you’ll get to make your own friends as you connect with faculty, current students and other new students.
Plus, because BJU is always seeking to improve its programs and services, you never know what may have changed from when your family member attended! Orientation is the perfect chance to learn what to expect.
Definitely! BJU has its own mission, academic requirements, policies and student services. Orientation will help you understand what BJU has to offer.
In addition, as a transfer student you’ll get to take care of important details like reviewing transcript evaluations, meeting with a faculty member and registering for classes.
Orientation lasts for two days, beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday and ending at noon on Saturday. In order not to miss any of the sessions or activities, please make travel plans according to these times. This will give you an extra night in the residence halls and allow you more time to spend connecting with our student leaders and other students attending Summer Orientation.
I want to attend the same Orientation as my friend; how do we do this?
You and your friend can attend the same Orientation if you each make a reservation for the same weekend. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend registering as early as possible!
Academics
Do I meet with an academic advisor during Orientation?
Yes, you’ll meet with your first-year advisor to work out your course schedule for the fall semester.
Will I be able to schedule my courses during Orientation?
Yes, you’ll work out your course schedule for the fall semester when you meet with your first-year advisor.
Accommodations
As a new student, can I stay off campus during Orientation?
If you will be a residence student in the fall, you should stay in the residence halls. If you live in the Greenville area and will be a commuter student, you are strongly encouraged to stay in the residence halls for Orientation. Plus, it just makes it easier to get to the morning sessions, as well as get to know other new students.
Housing and meals for students are complimentary.