Campus Community / People of SU

Welcoming Fall

Written by Allison Nitch and Tina Potterf

September 13, 2022

A campus scene taken from a distance. A small group of students sitting outside and surrounded by campus greenery.

Image credit: Yosef Kalinko

Orientation Programs' team offers a slew of events that build traditions and foster community for new students. 

The changing of the leaves, the longer nights and the flurry of activity on campus means fall quarter is just around the corner. And at Seattle University, this means a series of events for incoming and returning students, kicking off September 17 with Move-In and continuing with Fall Welcome happenings and programming into early October. The first official day of classes—in-person again this academic year—is September 21.

Fall Welcome offers a host of special programs and events designed to provide an exciting and engaging experience for students that celebrate Seattle U traditions, orientation groups, social activities and more, while fostering meaningful connections.

“Orientation Programs is beyond excited to welcome this year’s incoming class! This year’s program has focused on five goals—sense of belonging, personal formation, inclusive excellence, academic excellence and embracing independence,” says Nick Cubita, director of Orientation Programs. “The Fall Welcome experience is an exciting opportunity to kick off the year with new and exciting experiences we’ve never hosted before. We look forward to meeting our new Redhawks and supporting their transition to our community. Hawks Up!”

Here’s a look at some of the events ushering in Fall Welcome: 

Move-In Weekend

Residence halls are getting ready for the arrival of a wave of students who will start their Seattle University journey by moving into their new digs, their home-away-from-home for the next few years. New students will make the move on Saturday, September 17, followed the next day by returning students. 

The university offers residential options at Bellarmine Hall, Campion Hall, Chardin Hall, Xavier Global House, Murphy Apartments, Kolvenbach community, Vi Hilbert Hall and The Douglas. Before moving onto campus or attending classes this fall, undergraduate students are required to provide proof of immunity to measles and documentation that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Learn more about the residence halls at https://www.seattleu.edu/housing/residences/

New Student Convocation 

New Student Convocation is an important rite of passage for new students at Seattle University. As undergraduate students’ first academic ceremony, SU celebrates the start of their journey each September and includes discussions around the Common Text. The 2022 New Student Convocation will take place on Monday, September 19 as a part of Fall Welcome.

This year’s Common Text is Know My Name by Chanel Miller. And, for the first time at a convocation, the Common Text author will be joining the program during a virtual conversation about her art and writing.

More information, including time and additional details for faculty, staff and students, will be posted at https://www.seattleu.edu/studentdevelopment/new-student-convocations/.

RedFest

RedFest is an exciting tradition for new students. “At this event, students will outline the SU logo for our class photo, meet RedZone and some of our Athletics teams and enjoy open lawn games and snacks,” says Cubita. “Students who attend receive their RedFest T-shirt, which will fill our class photo with Redhawk spirit. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!”

Mass of the Holy Spirit 

Each year, Seattle University students, faculty and staff come together to ask for God's blessings upon the new academic year at the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The mass is a longstanding tradition at Catholic universities around the world, with a featured guest delivering the homily at the event, which is September 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church (820 18th Ave, Seattle.)

Fall Involvement Fair

Hosted by the Center for Student Involvement, the annual Fall Involvement Fair allows to meet and join club representatives, university departments and off-campus partners. The 2022 event will be held on Tuesday, October 4, in The Quad. 

For questions, please contact asuncioa@seattleu.edu