Nest Weekend is designed to help new students get moved in, get connected, and begin the year with real momentum through community, traditions, and key orientation experiences.
** Please note that schedule details are still being finalized and are subject to change.
This early preview is here to help students and families plan ahead, but a detailed schedule with locations and full event descriptions will be released later this summer.
Saturday, August 15: Residence hall move-in and registration will take place throughout the morning by scheduled appointment time. Parent and family programming will follow that afternoon, with student-only evening activities later in the day.
Sunday, August 16: Worship, campus activities, and community events will take place throughout the day, including the True Blue Dinner on Sunday evening.
Monday, August 17: Required orientation sessions for all new students begin Monday morning.
Tuesday, August 18: Classes begin.
Commuter students are welcome at all Nest Weekend events and are required to attend Monday sessions.
Commuter attendance at Sunday’s True Blue Dinner is strongly encouraged.
Parents and families are invited to Saturday programming before student-only activities begin later in the day.
Students should plan to wear blue business casual or “Sunday best” attire for the True Blue Dinner on Sunday evening.
Questions? Contact Jessica Colley at [email protected]
8:00 AM–12:00 PM — Registration and Move-In | Southerland-Mabee Center (everyone will start here – it’s the same location as the VIP Day event)
11:00 AM–1:30 PM — Lunch | Mabee-Gwinup Cafeteria
1:45 PM–2:15 PM — Supporting Your Student (Parent Panel) | Manley Chapel
2:15 PM–2:30 PM — Meet the President | Manley Chapel
2:30 PM–2:45 PM — Farewell to Parents | Manley Chapel
After parents leave, the day keeps going with student-only events that bring the energy — giving new students the chance to meet people, settle in, and jump into the traditions and experiences that kick off life at Williams.
8:30 AM–9:30 AM — Continental Breakfast | Cafeteria
10:30 AM–11:30 AM — Chapel Service | Manley Chapel
11:30 AM–1:30 PM — Lunch | Cafeteria
1:00 PM–2:30 PM — Choose Your Own Adventure | Campus
1:00 PM–2:30 PM — Activity options include Craft Corner, Escape Room, Dirty Soda Bar, and more around campus.
2:45 PM–3:45 PM — Nest Group Session #2
3:45 PM–4:15 PM — Student Involvement Panel | Manley Chapel
4:15 PM–5:15 PM — Nest Group Competition | TBA
5:15 PM–6:30 PM — Break / Prepare for True Blue Dinner
6:30 PM–8:30 PM — True Blue Dinner | SMC
8:30 PM — Late Night Events in ResHalls
7:00 AM–8:00 AM — Breakfast | Cafeteria
All new students — freshmen, transfers, and commuters — are required to attend Monday’s sessions.
8:00 AM–10:00 AM — Commuter Registration & Textbook Pickup | Swain Admin. Bldg.
8:30 AM–10:00 AM — Williams Works Overview | Campus & Community
10:00 AM–10:45 AM — Classroom Tour with Nest Groups | Campus
10:45 AM–11:30 AM — Succeed at WBU | Manley Chapel
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Nest Group Session #3
12:00 PM–1:30 PM — Lunch | Cafeteria
1:30 PM–2:30 PM — Campus Life at WBU | Manley Chapel
2:45 PM–3:45 PM — Meet Your Major
3:45 PM–5:00 PM — Break / Change into blue Nest Weekend shirt
3:45 PM–4:45 PM — Commuter Mixer | Grill Lounge
5:00 PM — Eagle Walk | Meet at Startup Chapel
5:45 PM — Group Photo | Manley Chapel
6:00 PM–7:30 PM — Dinner | Cafeteria
6:30 PM–8:00 PM — Involvement Fair | SMC
8:00 PM–8:30 PM — Williams Works Launch | Cafeteria
