Welcome Week 2026

In, of, and for the mountains
As we mark new beginnings with the start of the fall semester, we recommit to the principles of our institutional motto—In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains. Our elevated location is sacred and literally and figuratively puts us above the rest. Whether you are returning to the Den or joining us as a new Bobcat we invite you to participate in Welcome Week activities to celebrate, honor, and serve the mountains we call home.

Campus Housing Move-In

 

Fall Season Student-Athletes
Sunday, Aug. 9

Move-in times have been pre-assigned by team. Select the pre-assigned time on the registration form. This does not apply to athletes participating in winter sports.

 

New / Transfer Students (non-fall athletes):
Friday, Aug. 14

New students who are not participating in fall athletics will register for a move-in time. Immediately after new student move-in, all new students will participate in Campus Compass, Friday, Aug. 14–Saturday, Aug. 16. Campus Compass is an extended New Student Orientation experience that ensures students receive essential information about campus resources. 

 

Returning Students
Sunday, Aug. 16

Students who are not participating in fall athletics will sign up for a move-in time.

 

Move-In Registration

Are you new to Lees-McRae? Our friendly student leaders, faculty, and staff will be on hand during your move-in times to help answer questions and get you (and your stuff!) where you need to go.

Have questions? Check out our move-in FAQ

Campus Compass Schedule

2026 Schedule

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Move-In | Residence Halls
Williams Gymnasium
Please begin your check-in at Williams Gymnasium.
5:30–6:00 p.m. Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Individual Residence Halls
Meet your RA for your first floor meeting. You will get to know more about life in the halls, as well as meet your floor mates.
6:00–7:00 p.m. Dinner
The Summit
Grab dinner in The Summit before the New Student Welcome.
7:00–8:00 p.m.

New Student Welcome
Hayes Auditorium
Join us in Hayes Auditorium as Lees-McRae welcomes you to school. Hear from Vice President Jason Jones, your Residence Life and Housing team, and the Campus Life team. Learn about what we have in store for you for Campus Compass into your first week of classes.

8:00–10:00 p.m. Ice Cream Social
Individual Residence Halls
Grab some ice cream and get to know your hall mates.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

8:45–9:30 a.m. Health & Wellness at Lees-McRae
Hayes Auditorium
Discover the wealth of mental and physical health resources available on campus and learn how to effectively support your friends facing health challenges. Equip yourself with knowledge and strategies to effectively care for yourself and your peers.
9:45–10:30 a.m. Overcoming your First Bad Assignment: Student Success Resources
Hayes Auditorium
Equip yourself with the tools to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Gain invaluable insights on bouncing back from your first setback and cultivating resilience.
10:30–Noon Brunch
The Summit
Grab some brunch from The Summit before heading back to Hayes for mandatory information sessions.
12:00–1:00 p.m. Campus Safety and Operations: Staying Safe on Campus
Hayes Auditorium
Stay safe and protected on your academic journey. Learn about how campus operates under certain conditions and about the safety resources designed with you in mind.
1:00–3:00 p.m. Getting Involved on Campus
Hayes Auditorium
Join us for a fun-filled session involving games, prizes, and tips for how to get involved in all Lees-McRae has to offer.
3:00–5:00 p.m. Field Day
Tate Lawn
Join your peers in an exciting relay-style field day. Residence halls will be grouped together, with the winning area receiving a special prize!
5:00–7:00 p.m. Dinner
The Summit
Enjoy dinner before the nighttime events begin.
7:00–9:00 p.m. Pinnacle Party
Pinnacle Deck
Join us for a relaxing night on the Pinnacle Deck with music and games.
7:00–9:00 p.m. Black Light Dodgeball
The Student Recreation Center
Play a quick-paced black light dodgeball game at the SRC with a DJ and free glow bracelets!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Brunch
The Summit
Grab some brunch from The Summit!
Noon–5:00 p.m. Prepare for Your First Day of Classes
  • Find your classes: Take a walk around campus to locate your classes.
  • Prep your bag: Pack your laptop, charger, writing materials, and a snack!
  • Check your course materials: Look over your syllabi, check Brightspace, and view Self-Service.
  • Last-minute shopping: Buy any school or dorm materials you might need
  • Check out the Welcome Week schedule: Log on to Bobcats Connect to view the packed list of events for the upcoming week.
  • Relax: Your first day of classes will be busy, but just as fun!
5:00–7:00 p.m. Dinner
The Summit
Enjoy dinner before the nighttime events begin.
7:00–9:00 p.m. S’mores & Chat
Behind Historic Commons
Join us for s’mores, lawn games, and good conversations with your peers.

Frequently Asked Questions