Family & Supporters LUTE Welcome (Orientation) Schedule @ a Glance
LUTE Welcome is packed with Lute traditions that will help your student transition to PLU and meet faculty, staff and peers. Family and supporters, including parents, grandparents, partners, spouses, children, siblings, cousins, friends, mentors, sponsors, etc. are a key part of each student’s transition and journey at PLU.
Therefore, LUTE Welcome is also designed to welcome families and supporters to the Lute Community: Sessions on Saturday, August 30, 2025 are designed just for you while your new student spends time with their peer-led LUTE Group. There are also additional sessions throughout LUTE Welcome weekend that families and supporters are invited and encouraged to attend with their new Lute!
| SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2025 - EVENTS | TIME | LOCATION &/or how to ACCESS |
|---|---|---|
| LUTE Welcome (LW) Headquarters & Recharge Room Your one-stop-shop for all-things LW; stop by if/when you have any questions! | 8:00AM-4:00PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) Grey Area (Main Floor, North Side of Building) |
| Welcome to PLU: Opening Keynote Learn what it means for you and your student to join the Lute Community: Diversity, Justice, & Sustainability (DJS), Vocation, and Lutheran Higher Education. | 9:30AM-10:40AM | Olson Gym |
| Navigating the Transition Meet Vice President for Student Life Joanna Royce-Davis and Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Joanna Gregson as they walk you through how your role and relationship with your student may change as your student begins their PLU college experience. | 10:55AM-11:45AM | Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (First Floor) |
| ¡Bienvenidas, Bienvenidos, Bienvenides! Una orientación para familias y comunidad en español | 10:55AM-11:45AM | Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Ness Family Chapel Lobby (2nd Floor) |
| HUNGRY? There are a variety of lunch options near campus, including our walkable Garfield Street business district. Look for “Welcome to PLU” signs in the windows of restaurants partnering with Lute Welcome Orientation and let them know you are participating in Supporter Orientation. Stop by HQ for additional information. | 11:45AM-1:15PM | On Your Own |
| DJS Desserts Optional: Swing by the DJS Lounge to meet and mingle with Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability staff, students, and other new supporters and families. Supporters of students of Color and LGBTQAI2S+ students are particularly encouraged to stop by. | 11:45AM-12:45PM | Anderson University Center (AUC) DJS Lounge (AUC Lower Level) |
| Student to Supporter Hear from current PLU students how their parents and supporters helped them in their transition to and success at PLU, and possibly a few tips for what not to do. Opportunity for Q&A will be included. | 1:15PM-2:05PM | Scandinavian Cultural Center (AUC 100) |
| Supporter to Supporter Hear from current PLU students how their parents and supporters helped them in their transition to and success at PLU, and possibly a few tips for what not to do. Opportunity for Q&A will be included. | 2:15PM-3:00PM | Scandinavian Cultural Center (AUC 100) |
| Campus Partner Sessions - Session A An opportunity to hear from and ask questions of representatives from various campus departments and programs who you can partner with for the success of your student. 1. Alumni & Student Connections (AUC 133): Understand how you can empower your student's career development from day one. We'll provide you with a roadmap of the career resources available at PLU; including key milestones and tools your student can use throughout their four years to connect their liberal arts education to meaningful employment outcomes. 2. Campus Ministry (AUC 201): Engaging Faith & Spirituality at PLU - learn a bit about the opportunities in Campus Ministry and ways students of all faiths and spiritualities might find support, learning, and spiritual growth at PLU. 3. Campus Safety (Scandinavian Cultural Center): Come learn and ask questions about The Campus Safety Department and the services we offer the PLU community: safety, emergency programs, parking and student ID/LuteCard. 4. On Campus Housing (Regency Room/AUC 203): Navigating housing on campus--what you need to know and wish you knew. Learn about our processes, timelines and resources that can help you help your student. | 3:15PM-3:45PM | Locations vary -- check the left column for locations. AUC refers to the Anderson University Center. |
| Campus Partner Sessions - Session B An opportunity to hear from and ask questions of representatives from various campus departments and programs who you can partner with for the success of your student. 1. Center for Student Success (Mortvedt Library): The Fall Term for your Student - What does it look like? When does the stress really hit? How can you help? 2. Lutes Commute (The Cave/AUC): This session welcomes family members and supporters to the Lutes Commute community. Learn about the services and resources provided for commuting students to support their wellbeing, academic success, and a strong start here at PLU. 3. Library Services (Mortvedt Library): Attendees will learn about how the library serves students as a curricular support, as a place for learning, and as a space for collaboration and connection. 4. Wellbeing Services & Resources (Hong Hall): This is an introduction to the Wellbeing Services and Resources (WSR) Office, hosted in their new location. Learn about our component services (Accommodations, Counseling, Dean of Students, Food Pantry and Health) and how we support PLU students as they navigate their college experience. | 4:00PM-4:30PM | Locations vary -- check the left column for locations. AUC refers to the Anderson University Center. |
| Welcome to the Neighborhood A fun block party-style introduction to the Parkland community. Reception open to New Students, Families, Supporters, & Parkland Community Members | 4:30PM-6:30PM | Foss Field (Lower Campus) |
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