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 2024 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.

Required Session?FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 - EVENTSTIMELOCATION &/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!
8:00AM-5:00PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building)
Required (Residents)Move In & LUTE Welcome Check-In for Residents
REQUIRED for Residents: First stop for new first-year and transfer residential students!
8:30AM-11:30AMResidence Halls
(check your PLU email for details)
Student Financial Services Drop-In Hours
Optional: Have questions about your financial aid? Student Financial Services is available to drop in for questions!
9:00AM-12:00PMHauge Administration Building, Room 102
Center for Student Success Drop-In Hours
Optional: Have questions about your schedule or registration? Drop by the Center for Student Success to speak with Academic Advisors!
9:00AM-12:00PMMortvedt Library
Required
(International
Students)
International Student Orientation (Day 3) & Photo
REQUIRED for International Students only
10:00AM-1:00PMMeet outside Anderson University Center (AUC) DJS Lounge (140)
Required
(Veteran
Students)
Veterans Community Meeting
REQUIRED for all new Lutes who are Veterans!
10:00AM-11:00AMHauge Admin 200
Required
(Commuters)
Lutes Commute Welcome Check-In for Commuter Students
REQUIRED for Commuters: First stop for new first-year and transfer commuting students!
10:00AM-11:00AMAnderson University Center CAVE (AUC Basement)
HUNGRY?
Optional: Residents lunch on your own
10:30AM-12:45PMOptions for Residents: 208 Garfield, Anderson University Center (AUC) Commons, & Old Main Market (OMM)
Required
(Commuters)
Lutes Commute Welcome for Commuter Students
REQUIRED for Commuters: A special welcome program for new commuter students hosted by Dr. Joanna Royce-Davis (Vice President for Student Life), Luis Falcón (Community Director for the Lutes Commute Community), Eve Ellis, and Evelyn Rivera Narvaez.
11:15AM-11:50PMAnderson University Center (AUC), Chris Knutson Hall (room 214)
DJS Desserts
Optional: Swing by the DJS Lounge to meet and mingle with Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability staff, students, and other new students and families. Students of Color and LGBTQAI2S+ students are strongly encouraged to stop by.
11:30AM-12:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) DJS Lounge (AUC Lower Level)
Lutes Commute Lunch
Optional: Commuters lunch in small groups (lunch is provided)
12:00PM-12:45PMAnderson University Center (AUC), Chris Knutson Hall (room 214), The CAVE (Lower Level of AUC)
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.
1:00 PM-2:15PMOlson Gym
Required
(All)
LUTE Group Time, First PLUS 100 Class Session & New Student Group Picture
REQUIRED: Meet your LUTE Guide & Group

During this time, Family & Supporters are encouraged to attend Navigating the Transition or ¡Bienvenidas, Bienvenidos, Bienvenides!
2:15PM-4:30PM 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)
Parkland Night Market
REQUIRED: A fun, "night market" style introduction to the Parkland community. Reception open to New Students, Families, Supporters, & Parkland Community Members
4:30PM-6:30PMFoss Field (Lower Campus)
Required
(Residents)
BECOMING NEIGHBORS:
REQUIRED for Residents: Residential Wing Meetings hosted by Resident Assistants (RAs)
7:00PM-8:00PMLearn your individual wing meeting location from your RA when you move in
LUTE Tradition: PLU Trivia hosted by ASPLU
Optional: All new Lutes encouraged to attend!
8:00PM-9:00PMAnderson University Center (AUC) CAVE (lowest level)
Required Session?SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024 - EVENTSTIMELOCATION &/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-1:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building)
HUNGRY?
Optional: Snack Shack Pop Up Breakfast
7:30AM-8:30AMAnderson 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-9:00AMFind your individual LUTE Group meeting location 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 & ABCs
Black & Gold Group: Starts with Sounds of Solidarity
9:00AM-11:50AMTBD
Required (All) LUTE Group Lunches
REQUIRED: Lunch Rotations with your LUTE Groups & Guides
11:50AM-1:30PMAUC Commons & Old Main Market (OMM)
Public Transit Adventure & Dinner in Downtown Tacoma
Optional: Join us for a transit adventure to the heart of downtown Tacoma to visit various downtown attractions, including the Museum of Glass and a TBD dinner location (students eat together and pay on their own -- bring $)! 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 here to guarantee your paid spot! You are still welcome to come even if you do not reserve a spot in time, you 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 1:30pm. The group will be leaving promptly at 2pm so be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the check-in process.
1:30PM-7:00PMPierce County Public Transit
Downtown Tacoma

Meet in front of Harstad Hall to check in at 1:30pm.
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 -4:00PMGet your scavenger hunt sheet at Headquarters (2nd floor of AUC)
Taste of Garfield
Optional: Join us for a walking adventure to the heart of our own Parkland Neighborhood for a visit various attractions. Students will receive 1-2 tickets to try food and beverages at local Parkland restaurants (no charge to students). Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3:00PM-7:00PMMeet in front of Harstad Hall to check in and receive tickets
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-8:00PMMeet in front of Harstad at 4:30pm to leave by 5:00pm
Board Games & BYO Dinner Together
Optional: Looking for some low-key fun and/or folks to eat with? The Commons is not open on Saturday nights to buy food, but the dining area is always open to bring food, hang out, and dine together. BYO Dinner and join us for board games & hanging out! Light snacks will be provided.
5:00PM-7:00PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM) is open for purchasing food until 10pm
LUTE Tradition: A Night of Improv
Optional: Cheer and laugh as PLU’s Improv team (The Clay Crows) take to the stage for one amazing show of humor & comedy! Free show for all Lutes and doors open at 7pm.
7:15PM-8:00PMKaren Hille Phillips Center for Performing Arts
LUTE Tradition: Block Party
Optional: Show up to get down at this annual late night all campus party! Party the night away with the incoming first year class on the laser light dance floor and enjoy great Lute community.
8:00PM-10:00PMAUC Red Square
Required Session? SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 - EVENTSTIMELOCATION &/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!
8:30AM-11:00AMAnderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building)
Climbing Adventure
Optional:Join us for an off-campus adventure to Edgeworks in Tacoma for a climbing adventure. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially folks who have never climbed before! RSVP here! Space is limited to the first 15 people.
9:00AM-1:00PMMeet in front of Harstad at 9am
HUNGRY?
Optional: Brunch (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons to get a meal ticket!
9:30AM-12:30PMThe Commons
Trinity Lutheran Church Service
Optional: Meet up with University Pastor, Jen Rude, to check out Sunday services at Trinity!
9:40AM-11:15AMMeet in Red Square to walk to Trinity Lutheran Church (across the street from Mortvedt Library)
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.
10:00AM-10:45AMAUC Upper Campus Grassy Quad (between Xavier, KHP, Admin, and Hong Hall)
Hammock Hangout
Optional: Looking for a chill Sunday social time with fellow new Lutes? Come hangout outside with us!
10:00AM-11:30AMAUC Upper Campus Grassy Quad (between Xavier, KHP, Admin, and Hong Hall)
Point Defiance Picnic
Optional: Join GREAN Club in an off-campus trip to Point Defiance Park for a picnic (BYOLunch). Transportation is provided for a limited number of students. RSVP here!
10:30AM-1:30PMMeet in front of Harstad Hall
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.
12:00PM-01:30PMPLU Community Garden (811 121st St, across the street from Ingram Hall on 121st St.)
Campus Tour
Join Lute Guides for a guided campus tour; bring your class schedule to scope out where your classes are, ask questions about the best ways to get around campus, and learn about PLU!
2:00PM-3:30PMMeet at the AUC Clocktower
LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room
Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions!
3:30-4:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building)
Required (All) LUTE Group Meet Ups
REQUIRED Warm up for the day with your LUTE Guide and new friends!
4:00PM-4:30PMFind your individual LUTE Group meeting location
Drop In Ultimate Frisbee
Optional: Come swing by Foss Field during New Student Orientation and have a friendly pickup game of Ultimate Frisbee. This event is sponsored by our PLU Ultimate Frisbee Clubs. Register on imleagues.com or the PLU Rec App under the Outdoor Rec Tab. Students must complete an activity waiver to participate: Waiver Instructions
4:30PM-5:30PMFoss Field
Required (All)LUTE Tradition: PNW BBQ Bash & Field Day All Lutes are encouraged to attend! This is free and welcome for anyone to attend, including returning students4:30PM-7:00PMFoss Field
HUNGRY?
Optional: We encourage you to attend the PNW BBQ/Field Day for dinner! But, if that's not your preference, OMM will be open and the AUC Commons (4:30 - 7:30) will be serving a limited Soup & Salad Bar menu!
4:30PM-7:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons (AYCTE) & Old Main Market (OMM)
Required Session?MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - EVENTSTIMELOCATION &/or how to ACCESS
A Great Day To Rest
Take time to refresh for first day of classes & review Summer To-Do's New Student Checklist
All DayRelax on your own & finish tasks on your Summer To-Do's New Student Checklist
HUNGRY?
Optional: Breakfast (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons for a meal ticket.
7:00AM-9:30AMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM)
Required
(Fall Athletes
Only)
Athletics Compliance
Required for all Incoming Fall Athletes:
9:30-10:30AM - NCAA Clearance (This is a mandatory meeting for all student-athletes in which we cover PLU and NCAA rules, complete all necessary documentation, and welcome new student-athletes!)

10:30-11:30AM ABC TRAINING (Active Bystander Training)
9:30 AM-11:30AMCheck with your coach for the meeting location
HUNGRY?
Optional: Breakfast (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons for a meal ticket.
10:30AM-2:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM)
Mashel Falls Hike
Optional: Join Outdoor Rec for an off-campus hiking opportunity! Sign up ahead of time, as space is limited to the first 20 students!

Register on imleagues.com or the PLU Rec App under the Outdoor Rec Tab. Registration: Open Until Sep 1st '24 at 11:00AM

Itinerary for Little Mashel Falls Hike (additional description on PLU Rec App / imleagues.com)
11 AM arrive at the Columbia Center and depart for trailhead
12:15 PM Arrive at trailhead
12:30 PM Begin hike
3.5 hours to hike and see the falls
4:00 PM Depart from trailhead to PLU
5 PM Arrive at PLU 5 PM

Students must complete an activity waiver to participate: Sign Ups & Waiver Instructions
11:00AM-5:00PMMashel Falls (meet Meet at the Columbia Center)
LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room
Optional: Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions!
1:00PM-3:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building)
Wang Center Presentation
Optional: Join the Wang Center to learn about Study Away opportunities, what you should be doing now to plan ahead, and other global learning engagement opportunities
1:30PM-2:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Regency Room (203)
Pickleball
Optional: Join the PLU Pickleball Club for a series of pick-up games. All levels of pickleball players are welcome, including beginners! Equipment will be provided.
2:00PM-4:30PMPLU Tennis Courts
Required
(IHON
Students)
IHON New Student Orientation
REQUIRED: For new International Honors students only
3:30PM-4:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Room 133
HUNGRY?
Optional: Breakfast (Look for the Lute Guides if you want somebody to sit with). If you don't have a meal plan, find a Lute Guide in The Commons for a meal ticket.
4:30PM-7:00PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons (AYCTE) & Old Main Market (OMM)
Spin Class
Optional:
Join Campus Rec for an invigorating Spin Class! This full-body workout is perfect for building cardiovascular strength and endurance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this 45-minute ride, set to energizing music, offers a fun and challenging experience. With only 18 spots available, be sure to sign up soon through the PLU Rec App under Group X or on imleagues.com. The class will be held in the Columbia Center's second-floor dance studio.
6:00 PMColumbia Center second floor Dance studio
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 timesCheck for emails & posters in your residence halls for specific starting times
Required Session?TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 - EVENTSTIMELOCATION &/or how to ACCESS
HUNGRY?
Optional: Breakfast on your own
7:00AM-9:30AMAnderson 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-9:45AMAnderson 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-9:00AMFind 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-9:30AMFind 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-10:00AMRed Square
Required (All) LUTE Tradition: Convocation
REQUIRED: A PLU tradition to open the academic year!
10:00AM-11:00AMOlson Gym
HUNGRY?
Optional: Lunch on your own
10:30AM-2:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM)
First Day of Fall 2024 Semester
You got this, Lutes!
Starting at 11:50AMTip: 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-7:30PMAnderson University Center (AUC) Commons & Old Main Market (OMM)

LUTE Welcome (Continued): The First Six Weeks

The first six weeks is a critical time in a new semester for new and continuing students alike to get rooted and set their routines so they can THRIVE at PLUBelow is a list of Welcome Week events and other highlighted activities in the first six weeks of fall 2024 semester to get you started! Throughout the academic year, check out the PLU Events Calendar to see even more!

LUTE Welcome (Back): The First Six Weeks
Open to ALL Lutes
DATE TIMELOCATION &/or how to ACCESS
Drop in Academic Advising
Pop by and say hello to your academic advisor!
Tuesday, 9/3/24 thru
Friday, 9/6/24
9:00AM-5:00PMCenter for Student Success (Mortvedt Library)
Outdoor Rec Rental Shop Opens for the Fall
Choose your own adventure with the Outdoor Rec (OR) rental program! From hammocks to tents, sleeping bags to backpacks, and everything in-between, Outdoor Rec has a wide selection of gear for your next excursion!
Wednesday, 9/4/249:00 AMVisit the OR Website
Queer Connections
Come join us for a queer student meet and greet, enjoy some treats, and find out how you can get involved with PLU's queer community. This is the first queer program of the year and an awesome way to kick off the first week of school!

We welcome our new and returning 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty to join us. This year's theme is Falling into Community, so please join us for Fall treats, activities, and the opportunity to connect with fellow queer Lutes.
Wednesday, 9/4/242:30PM-3:30 PMAUC 133
Weekly Wednesday Chapel Wednesdays
(beginning 9/4/24)
10:30AM-11:00AM Ness Family Chapel
Intramural Sports Sign ups available
Create a Team / Join a Team or signup as a free agent and we will try and find you a team
Thursday, 9/5/248:00 AMimleagues.com or the PLU Rec App
LUTE Tradition: Engagement Fair
Meet and mingle with PLU & Parkland clubs and organizations!
Thursday, 9/5/244:00PM-6:00PMRed Square
Weekly Friday Prayers ChapelFridays
(beginning 9/6/24)
10:30AM-11:00AM Red Square
Natural Sciences Opportunity FairFriday, 9/6/243:00PM-4:00PMGrassy Area between Rieke and Morken
Initial Academic Advising Meetings
Academic Advisors will schedule a time to meet with each of their students 1:1 during the month of September!
Friday, 9/6/24 thru
Friday, 9/27/24
Various TimesCenter for Student Success (Mortvedt Library)
Breathe and Be – Spiritual Practices in CommunityMondays
(beginning 9/9/24)
10:30AM-11:00AM Ness Family Chapel
Neurodiverse Lutes Meet & Greet
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year!

PLU’s Neurodiverse students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet.
Monday, 9/9/243:30PM-5:00PMAUC 214 East (CK East)
Pacific Island Lutes Meet & Greet
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year!

PLU’s Pacific Islander students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet.
Tuesday, 9/10/244:00PM-5:30PMSand Volleyball Courts
Weekly Yarn GroupThursdays
(beginning 9/12/24)
3:45PM-5:00PM Trinity Lutheran Church Parkland
12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444
Monthly Community Meal
Join neighbors from PLU, Trinity Lutheran, and Parkland for a FREE meal every 2nd Thursday. Volunteers also needed!
Every second Thursday5:00PM-6:00PMTrinity Lutheran Church Parkland
12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444
Black Lutes Meet & Greet
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year!

PLU’s Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet.
Monday, 9/16/243:00PM-4:30PMAUC 133
Native American & Alaska Native Meet & Greet
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year!

PLU’s Native American & Alaska Native students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet.
Tuesday, 9/17/243:30PM-4:30PMKreidler Lounge
Featured Speaker: Dr. Jason Kilmer
REQUIRED for all new Lutes!
“Beer Goggles” to Blackouts, “the Munchies” to Memory Effects: The Science of Alcohol and Cannabis
Does alcohol really make people more social? How do substances affect quality of sleep? Does cannabis/marijuana impact memory and attention? In this presentation, learn the answers to these questions and more.

Resources:
Situational Tolerance Video
Check In with Yourself Washington
Wednesday, 9/18/246:00PM-7:30PMLagerquist Concert Hall (Mary Baker Russell Building)
Asian Lutes Meet & Greet
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year!

PLU’s Asian students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet.
Thursday, 9/19/243:00PM-4:30PMAUC Regency (203)
Offline Cafe
Take a few hours each Wednesday for some tech-free, screen-free space to read, craft, be in community, etc. A partnership between Campus Ministry, Center for Vocation, and Trinity Lutheran. Hosted at Trinity Lutheran.
Every Wednesday, starting 9/19/243:00PM-5:00PMTrinity Lutheran Church Parkland
12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444
Latinx Lutes Meet & Greet
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year!

PLU’s Latinx students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to connect at this start of the school year meet and greet
Friday, 9/20/243:00PM-4:30PMScandinavian Cultural Center
On The Road On the third Saturday of the academic year, students are invited to participate in On the Road (OTR), a day-trip to build connections and explore beyond PLU. Rooted in our values of diversity, justice, and sustainability, OTR will center community building through a diverse selection of activities that uplift our interconnectedness to each other and our environments. Students will choose their day-trips connecting them with peers of similar interests and an excited student-faculty-staff co-facilitator team. The day will close with an all OTR participant dinner and evening activities to share our experiences and connect as a larger community. Saturday, 9/21/24Various TimesLocation TBA
Homecoming & Family Week Monday, 9/30/24 thru
Sunday, 10/6/24
Various TimesVarious Locations

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.