Commuter First Year LUTE Welcome (New Student Orientation) Schedule @ a Glance
LUTE Welcome Week is packed with Lute traditions that will help you transition to PLU and meet faculty, staff and peers. All Fall 2025 New Students (including new International Students) will be assigned to a peer-led LUTE Group; individual LUTE Group locations will be available on your LUTE Welcome name tag, which new students will receive at Check In.
Please note that Friday, August 29th is reserved for Move-In for Residential Students (students living on campus). The official schedule for New Student Orientation will begin Saturday, August 30th.
| Required Session? | SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 2025 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 7:30AM-4:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Required (Commuters) | Lutes Commute Welcome for Commuter Students REQUIRED for Commuters: A special welcome and check-in for Commuter Students. Check in for New Student Orientation & meet fellow Commuters & Commuter Advocates! Scones, tea & coffee provided to all Commuters. | 8:30AM-9:15AM | Anderson University Center CAVE (Lowest Level) |
| Required (All) | Welcome to PLU: Opening Keynote REQUIRED: Learn what it means to join the Lute Community: Diversity, Justice, & Sustainability (DJS), Vocation, and Lutheran Higher Education. | 9:30AM-10:40AM | Olson Gym |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Time and Lunch REQUIRED: Meet your LUTE Guide & Group and get familiar with campus. While in your LUTE Group, you'll go to lunch in The Commons. During this time, Family & Supporters are encouraged to attend Navigating the Transition or ¡Bienvenidas, Bienvenidos, Bienvenides! Did you miss connecting with your LUTE Group? Head to Headquarters (2nd floor of the AUC) to figure out where to go. | 10:40AM-1:30PM | Meet your LUTE Guide on Foss Field. Throughout LUTE Welcome, find your individual LUTE Group meeting location(s) printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In. |
| Required (All) | Rotating Sessions REQUIRED for all new Lutes! Rose Window Group: Starts with Wellbeing Services & Resources; Black & Gold Group: Starts with Sounds of Solidarity | 1:30PM-4:30PM | Wellbeing Services & Resources -- AUC CK (AUC 214); Sounds of Solidarity -- KHP |
| Required (All) | Welcome to the Neighborhood: Connecting with Community REQUIRED: A fun block party-style introduction to the Parkland community. Come snag some food & meet community resources & businesses. Reception open to New Students, Families, Supporters, & Parkland Community Members | 4:30PM-6:30PM | Foss Field (Lower Campus) |
| Required Session? | SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 7:30AM-1:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Trinity Lutheran Service Optional: Meet Pastor Jen Rude in PLU’s Red Square at 9:40am and walk over as a group to Trinity Lutheran for 10:00am worship that will include a special welcome to students. | 9:40AM-11:00AM | Meet in Red Square at 9:40am | |
| PLU Community Garden Optional: Many hands make light work! Join us in harvesting produce to be donated to the Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry and light garden maintenance. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle. | 11:00AM-12:30PM | PLU Community Garden (811 121st St, across the street from Ingram Hall on 121st St.) | |
| Finding a "home" in Music Optional: College is one of the great times in your life, and performing in a high-level performing music ensemble can bring memories that last forever. You’ll find an instant community when you meet great people, perform fantastic music in inspired concerts, and even have the opportunity to travel with the group. Come to this session to learn more about participating in Music at PLU, including ensembles, private lessons, and courses available to all students, regardless of major. | 11:00AM-12:00PM | Lagerquist Concert Hall – Mary Baker Russell Music Center | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Brunch on your own | 11:30AM-1:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons | |
| Transit Adventure Optional: Join us for a transit adventure to the heart of downtown Tacoma for a visit to the Museum of Glass! Learn how to use Pierce County public transit systems and enjoy a self-led gallery tour and live glass blowing demonstrations in the hot shop. The cost of the trip will be covered for the first 30 students to reserve a spot, so make sure to RSVP to guarantee your paid spot! You are still welcome to come even if you do not reserve a spot in time, you would just need to bring $5 cash for an all day bus pass and $6 for a discounted Museum of Glass ticket. Attendees (whether you have RSVP'd or not) should meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in at 11:20am. The group will be leaving promptly at 11:50am so be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early. | 11:30AM-4:00PM | Meet in front of Harstad Hall @ 11:20AM | |
| Taste of Garfield St Optional: Wander down Garfield St and try a free drink or appetizer from a local restaurant on us! We will be handing out tickets to new students so you can try out new next favorite restaurant in Parkland. More details to come. | 12:00PM-4:00PM | Garfield St (tickets will be handed out in front of Harstad Hall, facing Park Ave) | |
| Required (IHON Students) | IHON New Student Orientation REQUIRED: For new International Honors students only | 1:30PM-2:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Room 133 |
| Board Games Optional: Looking for some low-key fun? Come play board games! A variety of board games will be available for play and folks are welcome to come with a group or on their own to meet new folks! | 1:00PM-4:00PM | AUC 203 (Regency) | |
| Scavenger Hunt Optional: Explore campus on a scavenger hunt! Folks who finish finding all the secret locations can turn in their completed clue sheets for a prize. Instructions for how to join the hunt will be provided to participates at the Headquarters table on the 2nd floor of the AUC anytime between 2:00pm-4:00pm. | 2:00PM -4:00PM | Get your scavenger hunt sheet at Headquarters (2nd floor of AUC) | |
| Sunset Watch at Chambers Bay Park Optional: Join for an adventure over to Chambers Bay Park to play yard games eat snacks and watch the sun set on the beach. Attendees should meet in front of Harstad Hall to check-in between 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., and the group will leave to shuttle to Chambers Bay Park at 5 p.m. Attendees should RSVP by completing this form. Spaces are limited and a waitlist will be collected. | 4:30PM-10:00PM | Meet in front of Harstad at 4:30pm to leave by 5:00pm | |
| BBQ & Field Games on Foss Field Optional: Join us for a BBQ and field games hosted alongside music by DJ Sol. PLU's Ultimate Frisbee teams will be hosting a pick-up game for anyone to join. | 4:30PM - 6:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons | |
| Bob Ross Paint Night Optional: Painters of all levels welcome! Enjoy some italian sodas and watch Bob Ross while you paint your own masterpiece! All supplies provided. | 7:00PM-8:30PM | TBD |
| Required Session? | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 7:30AM-1:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Mashel Falls Hike Optional: We are happy to be leading a trip to Little Mashel Falls this September 1st! This is a 5.0 mile hike with an elevation gain of 500ft with stunning views of three waterfalls. This hike is a great way to experience the incredible nature of the PNW, all within an hour drive of campus. We are hoping you will tag along with us to learn more about Outdoor Rec, make some new friends, and jam out to some sick tunes on the car ride. We plan on hiking for around 3 and a half hours total, which gives us plenty of time for lots of water breaks and pictures. Outdoor Rec will be providing snacks so please let us know if you have any allergies that we need to be aware of. If you have any questions about the hike to Little Mashel Falls or anything Outdoor Rec related, please reach out to us at our email: outdoor@plu.edu or our Instagram pluoutdoor_rec! New students can sign up at imleagues.com under the Outdoor Rec tab, or on the PLU Rec App. Space is limited. | 11:00AM-5:00PM | Mashel Falls (meet Meet at the Columbia Center) | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Brunch on your own | 11:30AM-1:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons | |
| Wang Center Info Session Optional: Come learn about studying away during your time at PLU. It's never too early to start planning for your study away trip(s)! | 1:30PM-2:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) 203 | |
| Yin Yoga w/ PLU Football Optional: Join some of the PLU Football Team to practice Yin Yoga. Modifications will be available to ensure all individuals are able to participate, including beginners. | 1:30PM-2:00PM | Lawn in front of Hauge Admin | |
| Scavenger Hunt Optional: Explore campus on a scavenger hunt! Folks who finish finding all the secret locations can turn in their completed clue sheets for a prize. Instructions for how to join the hunt will be provided to participates at the Headquarters table on the 2nd floor of the AUC anytime between 2:00pm-4:00pm. | 2:00PM -4:00PM | Get your scavenger hunt sheet at Headquarters (2nd floor of AUC) | |
| Spin Class Optional: Spin is a full body workout and a highly effective way to build cardiovascular strength and endurance. Designed for all ages and fitness levels, Spin offers a challenging 45-minute ride with fun, energizing music. It’s the perfect opportunity to get your heart pumping while you burn some serious calories. Sign up on the PLU Rec app or imleagues.com under the Group X Tab. | 4:00PM-5:00PM | Columbia Center 2nd Floor Dance Studio | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Dinner on your own. | 5:00PM-8:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons | |
| Bowling Bash Optional: Break the ice and the pins at our bowling bash! The first 20 attendees will enjoy free bowling, arcade credits, chips, and drinks. Don’t miss out on the fun! RSVP coming soon! | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Meet in front of Harstad at 5:30pm to walk to Paradise Lanes together | |
| Required (Residents) | Love Where You Live: Community Building REQUIRED for all Residents Gathering for residential students in their communities | Check for emails & posters in your residence halls for specific starting times | Check for emails & posters in your residence halls for specific starting times |
| Required Session? | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUNGRY? Optional: Breakfast on your own | 7:00AM-9:30AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 8:00AM-9:45AM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) | |
| Required (All) | LUTE Group Energizers REQUIRED Warm up for the day with your LUTE Guide and new friends! | 8:30AM-9:00AM | Find your individual LUTE Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In |
| Required (All) | Academic Advising Meetings REQUIRED: Meet with your advisor to get off to a great start! | 9:00AM-9:30AM | Find your individual Advising Group meeting location printed on your name tag, which you received at Check In. If you don't have your nametag, stop by LW Headquarters! |
| Required (All) | Gather for Bell Ringing REQUIRED: Congregate in Red Square for the annual tradition of ringing the bell & processing to Convocation | 9:35AM-10:00AM | Red Square |
| Required (All) | LUTE Tradition: Convocation REQUIRED: A PLU tradition to open the academic year! | 10:00AM-11:00AM | Olson Gym |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Lunch on your own | 10:30AM-2:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) | |
| Required (Transfers) | Transfer Coffee Mingle with Faculty Required: Come meet with faculty & departmental leadership in your academic programs! This is a chance to ask questions about your intended major, make sure you're on track with your academic plans, and get to know the faculty who make PLU a great place to learn. | 11:15AM-12:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Atrium (Lower Level) |
| First Day of Fall 2024 Semester You got this, Lutes! | Starting at 12:15PM | Tip: check out your classroom locations during LUTE Welcome weekend ahead of your first day so you know where to go! | |
| HUNGRY? Optional: Dinner on your own | 4:30PM-7:30PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) |
We Look Forward to Meeting You
LUTE Welcome Week – New Student Orientation is an exciting series of experiences designed to welcome new students to PLU’s vibrant community and allow you to get connected, to be involved and to stay informed.
Interested in finding a job, studying abroad, and/or joining a club? Your LUTE Group guide will connect you to these resources and more, while you make friends with fellow Lutes.
Social Media