Welcome to Union!
We are so excited that you will soon be joining the Union family! It is our desire that your time at Union be filled with endless opportunities to learn and grow during this exciting time in your life. New Student Orientation is a great time for us to help you learn about Union while also allowing you to meet new friends, get to know the culture of the University, and have lots of fun during your first days at college! While your orientation dates depend on when you enroll at Union for the first time, we will make sure you feel at home!
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is the next step in completing the process of becoming a Bulldog. Once you make a tuition deposit, you will receive an e-mail with details to register for orientation. Because there are a limited number of student spots for each orientation session, we highly recommend that you register as soon as you receive your email. That will give you a better chance to choose your preferred date. Orientation will allow you to:
- Meet one-on-one with an academic advisor and register for classes
- Receive more information on academic life and what you can expect in the classroom
- Spend the night in an on-campus apartment to experience life as a Union resident
- Explore the various organizations, clubs, sports and other extra-curricular activities available to you
- Interact with student leaders and members of student organizations
- Learn about and participate in exciting campus traditions
- Have your photo taken for your official Union ID and pick up your parking sticker
- Get a glimpse of the opportunities, fun, and excitement that you will have as a student!
What to Bring
Students will be staying in an on-campus apartment during orientation. Please plan to bring the following items with you:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes (the two days are casual)
- Linens, pillows, towels, and toiletries
- Vehicle Insurance information
Parents & Guests
During orientation, parents and guests will also participate in a variety of sessions that will aid your family in the transition to college life. Parents and guests can expect to receive more information on student life, financial aid, safety, student academic expectations, and opportunities that are available for all students at Union.
While students will stay on-campus during the orientation, parents and guests will need to plan for their own accommodations off-campus. Union has special rates at local hotels.
Welcome Week
A Time for Educating. A Time for Engaging. A Time for Energizing. A Time for Exalting.
Our next Welcome Week is scheduled for August 12-16, 2027
Opportunities for New Students
Life Groups
Life Groups are student-led discipleship groups for new students. Life Groups provide an opportunity for students to find Biblical community and supports students as they transition to life as a Union student. As students get accustomed to new classes and a new community, Life Groups serve as a source of belonging and mentorship.
Life Groups typically consist of 8-10 new students who are led by an upperclassman male and female. Life Group Leaders will invest in the lives of new students by facilitating Biblical discussions, creating fellowship opportunities, and building a welcoming community. Life Groups will walk through a book of the Bible together and spend time in fellowship each week. Life Groups may go to the movies, play pickleball, go on hikes, play board games, or do whatever the group wants to do!
How Do I Join a Life Group?
- Get to know the leaders on Instagram @uulife_groups.
- Meet the Life Group Leaders during the Life Group Fair at Welcome Week.
- Select your top 5 leader pairs that you connected with at the Life Group Fair.
- Your two Life Group Leaders will contact you on Monday of Welcome Week!
Questions about Life Groups?
Contact Hayden Phillips ([email protected]), the Assistant Director for Campus Ministry and Men’s Discipleship.
Freshman Council
Freshman Council is an exciting opportunity for new students to get involved in student leadership & student government from the very beginning of your college career! The Council holds the important responsibility of serving as a voice for the freshman class as well as helping students get involved in Union life. Members of the council will receive the exciting opportunity to plan events for the freshman class, offer resources to fellow classmates, and provide support to the Student Government Association. You will be mentored by upperclassmen serving on SGA, receive specialized leadership training by a Union staff member, and attend a leadership retreat to help you learn more about your individual strengths and those of other members of Freshman Council! More than just an opportunity to serve fellow classmates, Freshman Council offers you the opportunity to receive leadership training that will benefit you throughout your college years!
The Council consists of 15-17 members who are chosen through and application and interview process with SGA officers, mentors, and the Freshman Council advisor in early Fall. If selected, it is the responsibility of each council member to keep close relationships with their peers and listen to their concerns and suggestions. You will have a huge opportunity to make an impact on Student Life at Union.
Council Responsibilities
In addition to developing close relationships with your fellow classmates, the Freshman Council has the opportunity to plan many activities, including social and service events, for the freshman class and the entire student body.
Past activities have included:
- Fall festival for all freshmen
- Concerts
- Serving with area non-profits to build houses for lower income families
- Participating in Day of Remembrance
- Attending a leadership retreats/conferences
In addition, Freshman Council elects officers from within its members, including a Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and four Senators. Each Senator will represent the Freshman Class at Student Senate and will vote on important issues that affect the class and the entire student body. The Council is also required to attend Student Senate every other week and write bills that will positively impact Union’s campus.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Freshman Council, please contact Will McCuistion, Assistant Director for Student Experience and Communications, [email protected].
