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2022

Welcome Weekend

Schedule 

FAQs

Student Life

Take Flight With Your New Classmates

Welcome to Notre Dame College!

As a new Notre Dame College student, you’ll get a head start on a successful, enjoyable college career with our traditional Welcome Weekend experience. Whether you’re a first-year, transfer, residential or commuter student, these days prior to the start of fall on-campus classes are a continuation of your summer orientation session. You’ll get your first taste of the many opportunities our campus has to offer, making new friends and creating lasting memories.

Welcome Weekend is a mandatory event for all incoming new students. Details for fall 2023 are forthcoming!

Move-In Schedule

Students! Be sure you check on which day your move-in is scheduled for. Move-in times and dates are strictly enforced so please pay special attention to the time and date that has been given to you. If you have questions or you need special accommodations for move-in please contact Residence Life at 216.373.5274.

Move-in Schedule for Spring 2023
  • New and transfer students: Saturday, January 14, after lunch
  • Returning students: Sunday, January 15, beginning at noon

Move in check in will begin in the Administration building. New students must have completed their vector solutions online training before they can move on campus. After checking in at the check-in table students will be given a key to their residence hall room. Students must check in first and given a Fast Pass before they can receive a key to their room.

We look forward to having you on campus. Let’s go Falcons!!

Photo Gallery

View photos from our previous Welcome Weekends. See all our photo albums.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Welcome Weekend?

Welcome Weekend consists of intentional academic, social and community-building activities, structures and programs to help new and transfer students make a successful transition to Notre Dame College.

Am I required to attend Welcome Weekend?

Welcome Weekend is the start of your college experience and attendance is expected of all first-year students. The welcome experience engages undergraduates in the culture of the College immediately upon their arrival on campus. The first three weeks of a first-year student’s experience are critical to their success. Your First Year Falcon’s (FYF) class will meet during Welcome Weekend and attendance will be taken.

Do I need to be at every Welcome Weekend event?

Yes! We strongly encourage students to start their Notre Dame experience with Welcome Weekend. You’ll get a head start on learning academic expectations and enjoy social events to help you connect with your new classmates. You’ll also discover firsthand the many opportunities our campus has to offer.

I'm a commuter. Am I included in Welcome Weekend activities?

Yes! About 40 percent of Notre Dame undergraduates live off-campus and we want to make sure you feel connected on campus from the start. Notre Dame is your home too – even though you’re not living on campus, you’re part of our family. The experience during Welcome Weekend is important for commuters.

I'm an upper class transfer student. Why do I need to attend Welcome Weekend?

Even though you have experience with the academic expectations, responsibilities and opportunities of college life, we want to make sure you form meaningful connections with your new classmates, faculty and College community. Welcome Weekend helps you become part of the Falcon family and begin building those lasting relationships that will make your time on campus successful.

Do my parents attend Welcome Weekend?

There is a special Welcome Weekend Kickoff and Parent Send-Off that we encourage all parents or guardians to attend. The remainder of Welcome Weekend is designed for new students only.

Will returning students be at Welcome Weekend?

Yes! Your Welcome Weekend leaders will be upper-class students. Returning students also participate in several activities, so you’ll start to make connections with them immediately upon your arrival on campus.

I already attended orientation. How is Welcome Weekend different?

These days prior to the start of fall on-campus classes are a continuation of your summer orientation session. At Welcome Weekend, you’ll discover the many opportunities our campus has to offer, get a head start or learning academic expectations and enjoy social events to help you connect with your new classmates.

Why is Academic Opening Convocation part of Welcome Weekend?

Opening Academic Convocation marks the official start of the academic year. It serves as a bookend to your college career along with your graduation. During convocation, the College president, faculty and returning students officially welcome new students to the educational community. The tradition aims to honor and ease the first-year and transfer students’ transition to higher learning and living.

During the ceremony, each new student is presented a small medal featuring the College seal. The medallion represents the start of each student’s pursuit of personal, professional and global discovery as members of the Notre Dame family of scholars.

What is proper attire for Welcome Weekend?

Students are encouraged to dress comfortably and for the weather. Shorts and t-shirts are common. Students are asked to wear less-casual clothing to the Opening Academic Convocation.

What if I don’t have my College ID during Welcome Weekend activities?

A big part of Welcome Week is helping you to get all you need to get a smooth start as a new student on campus. Obtaining a College ID will be part of the scheduled process.

Some Welcome Weekend activities involve food. What if I have special dietary needs?

If you have special dietary needs or any other concerns, or email Dr. Chris Gill at dcgill@ndc.edu about your specific dietary needs.

What if my sports team has practice or meetings during Welcome Weekend activities?

Athletics teams will not schedule practices or other activities during Welcome Weekend events. Students are allowed free time at some points during the experience, so sports teams may request your attendance at those times. In addition, Welcome Weekend includes specific times for all affinity groups to connect with new students.

What if I am sick during Welcome Weekend?

If you’re unable to attend some Welcome Week activities due to illness, you will need to contact the Dean of Students, Dr. Chris Gill, to make other arrangements to ensure your transition to the College is smooth and successful. His email address is dcgill@ndc.edu.

What if I do not have someone to attend Welcome Weekend with me?

No problem! You’ll immediately meet Welcome Weekend leaders and will get to know other students during small-group activities. Welcome Weekend also features several social events to help you connect with your new classmates.

Get Ready for Welcome Weekend

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