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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?

Check-in & Move-in

When you arrive on campus, head to your Residence Hall to move into your room. If you are a residence hall student, you will receive your room assignment by email.

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.

You can also bring your laptop to the Information Technology (IT) station and we’ll connect it to the campus network. We’ll have this station open during check-in hours.

Students moving in

Once you move in, you’re ready to check in! Check-in for new and transfer students is open from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Davis Field House.

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.

If you need special housing accommodations, submit an accommodations request.

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.

SAT/ACT and Placement Tests

We require all students to take the ACT or SAT.

Your scores and any placement tests you take determine the level of instruction you should register for in various subject areas. Make sure to take all placement tests that apply to you before registering for classes. Following the tests, we’ll let you know which courses to register for.

  • English Placement Test—If you fall into one of the following categories, you’ll need to take this test: you have no SAT/ACT scores yet, you have an associate degree and transferred fewer than 6 English credits, or you have a baccalaureate degree and transferred fewer than 9 English credits.
  • Mathematics Test—If you are taking a mathematics course the first semester you’re here and have no SAT/ACT scores yet, you’ll need to take this test.
  • Mathematics Proof Techniques—Required of students registering for a 300-level or above math course who have not completed Ma 150. If passed, Ma 150 will be waived; if not passed, Ma 150 will be required prior to taking any 300-level or above math course. Testing will take approximately 45 minutes.
  • Modern Language Tests (Chinese, French, German and Spanish)—If you’re taking a modern language course in a language you’ve studied before, you’ll need to take a placement test for that language. If you’re new to a foreign language, when you go to the testing center, all you’ll need to do is indicate that you’re beginning in that language.
  • Computer Science Tests—Required of students who wish to try to waive CpS 110 (Computer Science I) and begin with CpS 209 (Computer Science II). Students must qualify to take Ma 105 (see math tests above). The test is in two parts: a multiple choice part that should take approximately 45 minutes, and (if that is passed) a programming part that should take no more than 60 minutes.
  • Music Qualifying Test—If you’re auditioning for a music lesson and aren’t in a music program, you’ll need to take this test. Depending on your test results, you may need to take MT 098 Fundamentals of Music (0 credit, 0 load) during the semester of your first music lesson.
  • Rudiments of Music Test—If you’re studying in a music program and will be taking MT 105 Theory I, you’ll need to take this test. Depending on your test results, you may need to take MT 099 Rudiments of Music (0 credit, 0 load) during the same semester as MT 105.
  • Music Theory Test—If you are studying in a music program and want to place out of or validate music theory courses (such as MT 105 and 106) on the basis of your previous music training, you’ll need to take this test.

Placement Tests Online

Using your BJU login

Take Tests

If you don’t have a BJU login

  • Create an Account
  • Select that you’re taking an online course
  • In the course selection, select “PLCMT: Any Placement Test”
  • Take Tests

Meet Your Academic Advisor & Register for Classes

Once you’ve auditioned and taken all placement tests you need, you’ll need to meet with your academic advisor. You can find your advisor’s name and office location on your admission certificate or on StudentCentral.

All advisors will be in their offices on Monday and Tuesday of this week, so be sure to meet with yours about your class schedule. They’re available to answer any questions about registration or your classes or to talk with you about your career plans. You can register for classes before or during your meeting with your advisor.

To register for classes and arrange your schedule, log on to StudentCentral. Make sure you indicate any times you plan to work or have music lessons or groups—doing so will make things go much smoother.

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.

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.

Welcome Activity

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

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.

Saturday, Aug. 31

8 a.m.–10 p.m.

  • Residence Hall Move-In
    When you arrive on campus, go ahead and head to your Residence hall and move in before coming to the Davis Field House. Check your student email to locate your residence hall.

8 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • Student Services Hub Open (Student Center, 2nd Floor)
  • 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.

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

  • All New Student Check-in (Davis Field House)
    Come to the DFH to complete your academic check-in, pick up your class shirt, activate your ID card, and more.

1–4 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

  • New Parent Orientation — Letting Them Grow (Stratton Hall)
    If you were unable to attend Summer Orientation, this offers a quick overview of the topics covered in the parent sessions.

4 p.m.

  • Presidential Welcome to New Students & Parents (Davis Field House)
    Welcome to Bruin Nation! Bring your parents and meet Dr. Pettit and student body leaders as you begin your transformational journey.

4:30 p.m.

  • New Student Class Picture (Davis Field House, Front Steps)
    Wear your new class T-shirt and say “Go Bruins!” It’s your first school picture…well, besides all the selfies you’ve been snapping. We’ll take your freshman class picture in front of the Davis Field House.

10:30 p.m.

  • Hall Meeting for Residence Hall Students

Sunday, Sept. 1

  • Church Services (Greenville Area)

1:30 & 2:30 p.m.

  • Campus Tours (Welcome Center)
    This is not your normal campus tour! Learn the ins and outs of campus, shortcuts to get from class to class, in and out of chapel, and the fastest way to lunch!

8 p.m.

  • New Student Welcome Activity (Activity Center)
    Head to the Activity Center where you will have a chance to meet the Student Development & Discipleship staff and get to know other new students as well. Casual attire is recommended.

Monday, Sept. 2 (Registration Day)

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Student Services Hub Open (Student Center, 2nd Floor)
  • 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.

8–11:45 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. You will meet and interact with peer leaders and First-year Advisors who will give you the inside scoop about college life at BJU. This is 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.

2 p.m.

  • Missionary Kid Forum & Fellowship (Alumni Building, Center for Global Opportunities)
    If you’re a new student and a missionary kid, please join us as a panel of MKs talk about their experiences in adjusting to life at BJU.

6:40 p.m.

  • Class of 2023 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.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

  • Society Rush Begins (Ends Saturday, Sept. 7)

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.

9:30 a.m.

  • New & Transfer Student Seminar (Stratton Hall)
    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. Day students will meet either in Stratton Hall or Lecture A. Residence Hall students will meet by hall. Please check the Welcome Week for your meeting location.

11 a.m.

  • Chapel (Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium)
    (Come at 10:40 a.m. and we’ll help you find your seat.) Check your email and/or StudentCentral for your chapel seat assignment, and bring this information with you to chapel.

11:45 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.

8–9:15 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, Sept. 4

  • 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.