group of students walk down the steps Fall leaves and trees in the background in front of a building with a sign reading "Hoover Library".

New Student Orientation: Spring 2026

Spring 2026 New Student Orientation Friday, Jan. 23 - Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

New Student Orientation (NSO) brings you onto campus before returning students arrive for the spring semester. Designed to engage and excite you about McDaniel, NSO is filled with activities and events to acclimate you to your new college community.

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Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 Day 1 Schedule

Spring Orientation events will be led by your transfer peer mentors, Sarah and Shannon.

Residential Student Move-In Gill Center/Klitzberg Pavilion | 9 a.m. - noon

Are you living on campus? Come to Ensor Lounge to check in, pick up your keys, and move into your residence hall for the semester.

McDaniel Identification Card 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | IT Help Desk, Hoover Library McDaniel Parking Permit | Campus Safety, 152 Pennsylvania Ave.

Do you need your McDaniel 1Card or parking permit? Use this time to take care of these two “must-haves.”

Commuter Student Check-in 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Ensor Lounge, Upper-Level Roj

Stop by Ensor Lounge anytime during this timeframe for mandatory check-in and a chance to meet other new students. Then, get your McDaniel 1Card, parking permit, and textbooks.

Complete your New Student Checklist 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | ONLINE

Welcome to the Hill! If you haven’t already done so, please complete all of the steps on your new student checklist.

Advising Questions 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Student Success, Hoover Library

If you have any advising questions, stop by our office and we’ll be happy to help.

Classroom Tours 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Ensor Lounge, Upper-Level Roj

Curious about where your spring classes are? Have your schedule ready, and your peer mentors will show you where to go.

Lunch 1-1:45 p.m. | Wahrhaftig Room, Hoover Library

Join the Center for Experience & Opportunity (CEO) for some chicken tenders and other light lunch options.

Introduction to the Hill 2-3:30 p.m. | Hoover Library, Room #210

The Office of Student Success is excited to welcome you to the Hill! During this time, you’ll get to know each other a little better and learn more about campus resources.

Dean’s Remarks 3:30 p.m. |

Dean of Students Phillip Sullivan will introduce himself and provide an official college greeting.

Ceremonial Bell Ringing 4 p.m. | Red Square

Led by Dean Sullivan, this traditional ceremony represents the formal beginning of the academic semester. (You’ll only ring the bell now and when you graduate!)

Reception 4:15-5:30 p.m. | Ensor Lounge, Upper-Level Roj

Celebrate your beginning at McDaniel with new friends and refreshments.

Pizza and Games 7 p.m. | Rec Lounge, Roj Student Center

Join your peer mentors and the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) for pizza, games, and fun!

Saturday, Jan. 24 Day 2 Schedule

Brunch at JeannieBird 10:30 a.m. | Ensor Lounge, Upper-Level Roj

Meet your peer mentors for a walk to downtown Westminster’s famous JeannieBird Baking Company.

Green Terror Swimming 1 p.m. | Harlow Pool, Roj Student Center

Come cheer on the men’s and women’s swim teams as they take on Goucher College.

Getting Ready 2-5 p.m. | Location varies

Use this time to get set for the semester: Browse What’s Up McDaniel for campus events, review your syllabi in Blackboard, and put the finishing touches on your room if you’re living on campus.

Dinner 5:30 p.m. | Englar Dining Hall

Hungry but don’t want to eat alone? Join your peer mentors for dinner in “Glar.” Meet up at the high tables just outside the dining hall.

Movie Night 7 p.m. | Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science

Join us for a fun evening featuring a great movie and plenty of snacks. Bring your new friends, sit back, and enjoy the show!

students gather around a table carving pumpkins at Halloween time

Office of Student Engagement Getting Involved at McDaniel Something for Everyone

The Office of Student Engagement creates a vibrant out of classroom atmosphere for McDaniel College. We help maximize your experience through engagement with social events, student organization membership, leadership development programs, Student Government Association, Greek Life and more.

70+ student-led organizations, covering interests as varied as community engagement, academic, political interest groups/honor societies, recreation, environmental and social issues.

Get Involved!