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Welcome Week

If you are flying directly to BJU from your home, schedule your flight to arrive in the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (airport code GSP)

Do you need shuttle service from the airport or bus station?

Residence Hall Move-In

You will receive an email to your BJU student email account Saturday morning, Aug. 21, with your room number. The residence halls will open at 8 a.m. There will be smiling faces and willing volunteers to help you move in from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Your ID card will provide access to your residence hall. If you need help finding your residence hall, check out our campus map or ask another student or a member of the faculty or staff for directions.

Once you move in, you’re ready to check in!

Students moving in

Check-in

Check-in is where you can pick-up your class T-shirt, booklet with schedule information, academically check-in and complete your schedule, meet your First-year advisor, look for a job, and so much more.

Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m. at the Davis Field House and finishes at 3 p.m. so you and your family can attend the 4 p.m. Presidential Welcome.

Technology Resources will be at check-in to help you connect your electronic devices to the University WI-FI and network. Please bring these with you to Check-in.

Students checking in

Auditions for Music Lessons and Groups

If you’re taking music lessons for the first time at BJU or if you want to join a music group, you’ll need to audition before you register for classes. Music groups are open to all students, regardless of what academic program you’re in. If you’re planning to join a music group, you’ll be able to reserve space for it on your schedule in StudentCentral when you register for classes.

Placement Tests

Placement tests are given to determine the level of instruction that you should register for. You should take all placement tests that apply to you before registering for classes. Following each test, you will be informed which course(s) you should register for and/or waive.

Meet Your Academic Advisor & Register for Classes

Your First-year Academic Advisor will be at the Davis Field House during check-in to answer any questions and help you finalize and officially submit your schedule.

For returning students, all advisors will be in their offices Mon.–Tues. of Welcome Week to answer any questions about registration or your classes, or to talk with you about your career plans.

If you attended summer orientation, all you’ll need to do to complete your registration is to accept your preregistered class schedule.

Student meeting with a faculty member

Students represent their society

Students at the new student activity

Society Rush

Society Rush is a crazy time of year where you’ll choose a society to get involved in for the rest of your college experience. It's good to do your research ahead of time, take advantage of all the freebies you’re offered, and have a blast meeting and hanging out with other students.

Welcome Activity

We’re glad you’ve joined the Bruin Nation! To celebrate and to get to know you a little better, our Student Engagement & Success team hosts a fun activity where you’ll eat good food, meet other new students and enjoy games together.

Opening Exercises

Your official welcome as a BJU Bruin comes during this annual tradition. After you join the procession into the Founder’s Memorial Auditorium, you’ll be challenged by student leaders and hear your professors commit to supporting you through prayer and encouragement. This annual tradition not only sets the spiritual tone for the year, but also bookends your college experience. And most importantly, you’ll hear encouraging and challenging messages that will help orient your heart toward following Christ and cultivating a lasting relationship with Him.

Campus Opportunities Expo

Explore dozens of ways you can get involved in the student body at the Campus Opportunities Expo. All student organizations gather in one location and set up booths so you can find the opportunities that interest you. Make sure you talk with the student representatives and ask about openings in their group for you. Some may want you to complete your first year before you can join, but it’s good to let them know now that you’re interested.

Community Outreach Fair

Outreach in the local community is a vital part of your education at BJU. At the Community Outreach Fair you’ll have the opportunity to explore and sign up for events that will take place during the first few weeks of school.

Welcome Week introduces you to life at BJU and helps your transition to college life. We have exciting activities planned as you learn how to succeed at BJU.

Monday, Aug. 23 (Registration Day)

8–11:45 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

  • New Student Orientation (Stratton Hall)
    This intense but enjoyable time will get you up to speed with campus life, and provide a good start for your academic career. This is a required meeting for all first-year and transfer students.

11 a.m.

  • Society Preview (Stratton Hall)
    Wondering what societies are? Hearing about “Rush”? Come see what it is all about. For new students only.

12:30–4:30 p.m.

  • First-year Advisors (Academic Resource Center, Alumni 213)
    If you have questions about your schedule, your First-year advisor is in the Academic Resource Center to answer your questions.

1–4 p.m.

6:40 p.m.

  • Class of 2025 Processional Meeting (Rodeheaver Auditorium)
    Your class will be presented by the student body leaders and welcomed by the president as members of the university community. The incoming freshman class processional is a tradition of the Opening Exercises each year.

7 p.m.

  • Opening Exercises for 2021–22 Academic Year (Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium)
    Your class will be welcomed by the student body leaders and President Pettit as well as members of the university community. Dress is formal attire for tonight’s service. New students, please arrive by 6:40 p.m. to be seated in your designated section.

Tuesday, Aug. 24

  • Society Rush Begins (Ends Saturday, Sept. 11)

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • International Student SEVIS Registration (The Hub - Student Center, 2nd Floor)
    All F-1 international students must register with SEVIS for their initial enrollment of the academic year.

8:30 a.m.

  • Major Meet & Greet (Locations listed in Welcome Week booklet)
    For all new students to meet classmates and the advisor for their program. The faculty in your program of study are eager to welcome you to the family. Make connections that will help you as you face the challenges of your new pursuit.

10 a.m.

  • Student Seminar (Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium)
    This seminar explains how the student covenant and the code of conduct contribute to helping the whole student grow toward Christlikeness. Required meeting for all students. Breakout session will follow at 10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

  • Campus Opportunities Expo (Student Center Mall)
    Different from the Summer Orientation’s Information Fair, this event will introduce you to opportunities on campus to get involved with different organizations, associations and forums to enrich your college experience.

1–3 p.m.

7 p.m.

8:15–9:15 p.m.

  • Day Student Eat n’ Greet (Dining Common, Kalmbach Room)
    Enjoy refreshments and take the opportunity to meet the president, Student Leadership Council members and the Student Development & Discipleship team as well as make connections with others. During the event you can enter to win $100 in Bruins Bucks!

9:45–10:15 p.m.

  • Society Prayer Meetings (Locations listed on StudentCentral and Welcome Week booklet)
    This is your first of several chances to check out the society you may want to join. You may attend any society of your gender.

Wednesday, Aug. 26

  • Drop/Add Period Begins (Closes Monday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m.)
    Access under the Registrar menu option in StudentCentral.

  • Classes Begin
    After completing registration, please print and follow your class schedule, as rooms may have changed since Summer Orientation.

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • International Student SEVIS Registration (The Hub - Student Center, 2nd Floor)
    All F-1 international students must register with SEVIS for their initial enrollment of the academic year.

11 a.m.

7 p.m.

10–11 p.m.

  • Residence Hall Parties
    Please look for an email giving you more information.