New Student Orientation

FALL Welcome to Ouachita's World

Friday, August 22 - Monday, August 25, 2025

The purpose of new student orientation is to introduce you to life at Ouachita and to help you make the most of the opportunities that await you.

During Welcome to Ouachita’s World (WOW), you will have the opportunity to get to know other new students, meet some of Ouachita’s outstanding faculty and staff and spend time with WOW student leaders.

New student orientation will provide you valuable information about the resources that are here for you, as well as help you get plugged in across campus.

We are committed to your success and to helping you achieve your educational and personal goals. WOW is all about you, so jump in and take advantage of all that orientation offers! Welcome to Ouachita!

Friday, Aug. 22

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. – Move In

1:30-3:00 p.m. – Cone-Bottoms Lawn Party, Meet the President

3:00-4:00 p.m. – New Beginnings, JPAC

The remainder of the Orientation schedule is for students only.

4:15-4:45 p.m. – WOW Opening Session, JPAC

4:45-6:00 p.m. – Family Group Introductions

6:00-7:00 p.m. – Dinner, Ouachita Commons

8:00-9:00 p.m. – Welcome Worship, JPAC

9:00-11:00 p.m. – Late Night with RecLife, SPEC, Tiger Den and Village Lawn

Saturday, Aug. 23

9:00-10:00 a.m. – WOW Family Time

10:00-11:30 a.m. – WOW Large Group Session – Life at Ouachita, Walker

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m. – Residence Hall Meetings

3:00-3:45 p.m. – WOW Family Time

3:45-4:30 p.m. – WOW Large Group Session – Academics, Walker

4:30-5:30 p.m. – Academic Majors Mixer, various locations

5:30-7:00 p.m. – Dinner, Ouachita Commons

7:30-9:00 p.m. – Scoops (Dessert) at Faculty/Staff Homes

9:30-11:00 p.m. – Live Music #atDrJacks

Sunday, Aug. 24

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Church with Family Groups

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch, Ouachita Commons

1:30-2:00 p.m. – WOW Large Group – Traditions at Ouachita, Walker

2:00-4:30 p.m. – Water Day, Village Lawn

5:00-6:00 p.m. – Dinner

6:00-7:00 p.m. – WOW Family Time

7:00-9:00 p.m. – Silent Disco, Tiger Den

Monday, Aug. 25

8:00-9:30 a.m. – Breakfast

9:30-10:30 a.m. – WOW Large Group – Class Starts Tomorrow, Walker

10:30-11:00 a.m. – Sodexo Dining Services Information & Snack Break, Walker

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Chapel, Elrod Center, IT Services Information, JPAC

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch, Ouachita Commons

1:30-3:00 p.m. – WOW Family Time

3:00-4:15 p.m. – Involvement Fair, Beginning at the Tiger Statue

5:00-6:30 p.m. – Dinner

7:00-7:45 p.m. – WOW Family Time

7:45-8:30 p.m. – Tigers4Life, JPAC 

8:30-9:00 p.m. – Beanie Ceremony, Ampitheatre

9:00-10:30(ish) p.m. – Purple and Gold Party, Walker Conference Center

What does WOW stand for?
WOW stands for “Welcome to Ouachita’s World” which is Ouachita’s New Student Orientation event.

What Ouachita traditions will we experience at WOW?
WOW itself, is the first big tradition that new students will take part in. It offers a taste of all that Ouachita has to offer!

Where should I check for WOW updates?
We will post updates on this webpage, obu.edu/wow.

Will I need money for WOW activities?
No, WOW activities are already covered in your orientation fees, so nothing will have to be out-of-pocket.

Where do I get my nametag?
Your nametag and schedule will be waiting for you when you move in your room.

Will I have time to get my student ID and pick up books from the bookstore?
Yes! If you haven’t had your ID photo taken, Student Development will be open for you have your Ouachita student ID made.

Where & when do I pick up my parking pass?
Campus Safety will be distributing and applying parking permits during move-in.

NOT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT AT WOW?

Check out this video to get a glimpse into what WOW in the fall typically looks like.