orientation
Orientation Week Via Hendrix
Orientation at Hendrix is a student-led experience designed to help new students feel at home from the moment they arrive. New Student Orientation for the Fall 2026 semester will begin on August 18 with move-in day and continue through August 23. Info will be sent to new students via their Hendrix email.
Guided by trained Orientation Leaders, students build friendships, explore campus traditions, and gain the confidence to start their college journey. Through small-group activities, community-building events, and meaningful connections, students quickly become part of a welcoming and supportive community. It is more than an introduction to campus. It is the beginning of the Hendrix experience.
The Orientation Team offers both OFF-CAMPUS and ON-CAMPUS Orientation trip options for incoming students. Regardless of your preference, all campus orientation groups will get to experience community building experiences along with a Saturday filled with fun. Students choose their top two rankings of trip categories (water, outdoor, or indoor). These selections will be determined by their first choice of either off-campus or on-campus.
Student Handbook
Make yourself familiar with the policies and procedures of the Hendrix community by reading the Hendrix Student Handbook.
2026 Orientation Week Schedule
Subject to change.
* denotes required events.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – Move In Day
8:00 am – 1:00 pm – *Residence Hall Move In
Various Residence Hall Locations
Head over to your residence hall and get moved in! The Orientation team will be eagerly waiting to help you move your things into your new home!
8:00 am – 1:00 pm – *Hendrix One-Stop Shop
Student Life and Technology Center (SLTC)
New students and families, please stop by and register for Orientation by 1 pm. Students will receive a Hendrix Orientation t-shirt, name tag, and program schedule. Students and families will also visit various departments and make connections moving through the One Stop Shop!
8:30 am – 3:00 pm – Hendrix Spirit Store Open
SLTC
Stop by the Campus Spirit Store to take the opportunity to purchase Hendrix swag! Go Warriors!
9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Post Office Open
SLTC
Stop by the post office to learn the ins and outs of campus mail service to include, for example, registering your phone number to receive package alerts. And if you registered a vehicle through the Hendrix website, it’s highly likely you will have mail; your parking sticker!
11:00 am – 1:30 pm – Lunch
SLTC Cafeteria (Second Floor)
Enjoy a wide variety of menu options prepared by the very friendly and welcoming Dining Services family.
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Family Farewell/Free Time
New students say goodbye to families as they depart from campus and then head to the Brick Pit to meet with your Orientation group.
4:15 – 4:45 pm – *Class of 2030 Welcome and Class Picture (New Students Only)
Brick Pit
Students will participate in a ceremonial class photo. Then students will walk as a group to the WAC for Engagement Session.
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm – *Student Orientation Group Session (New Students Only)
Brick Pit
Students will meet their Orientation groups and prepare for a week of fun! Orientation group leaders will have signs to help you find them! Check your name tag for your group number!
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – OR Group Dinner
Brick Pit and SLTC Cafeteria
After meeting your Orientation group and leaders, head to the Cafeteria to enjoy dinner as a group! See your Peer Leader for more information.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Warrior Welcome
Pecan Court and Brick Pit
Meet your classmates in a series of fun activities. We have something for everyone. Get out of your comfort zone and meet some new people!
9:30 pm – 10:30 pm – *Residence Hall Meeting
Various Residence Halls
If you are living on campus, it’s time to head home to meet those in your neighborhood!
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Zen Zone Open
SLTC Room 105
In need of a quiet, sensory-friendly environment? Then stop by the Zen Zone where calming activity resources will be available.
9:00 am – 9:45 am – Wake Up, Warriors!
Wellness & Athletics Center (WAC) Rec Gym
Join fitness instructor Tiffeny Crow for peaceful morning yoga. Just bring yourself and join your peers! Mats provided.
9:00 am – 11:00 am – Craft Session
SLTC Burrow
If you want to make your dorm feel more like home, make your own door decoration with help, to include great ideas, from Housing Area Coordinator, Tess Fritschie!
10:00 am – 11:00 am – *Title IX Training
Mills A
Students must attend one of the two sessions offered. Note: Attendence will be taken.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Pick-Up Games Available
WAC
Pickleball, Basketball, Spikeball
Drop by to join Orientation leaders in various games! Beginners welcome. Led by Orientation co-coordinator Denver Norman!
10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Get Registered to Vote!
SLTC Burrow
It’s midterms year! Get registered to vote here in Faulkner County with the help of the League of Women Voters!
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch Available
SLTC Cafeteria (Second Floor)
12:45 pm – *Group Advising Begins
Brick Pit
Find your way to the Brick Pit where Orientation leaders will be waiting to help you find your advising group and your advisor!
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – *Group Advising Sessions
Various Locations
Students must attend this session. Note: Attendence will be taken.
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Individual Advising Sessions
Various Locations
Students must attend this session. Note: Attendence will be taken.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – *Title IX Training
Mills A
Students must attend one of two sessions offered. Note: Attendence will be taken.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Sit and Knit
SLTC Burrow
Whether you love to crochet, knit, or stitch, we have you covered! Bring your own materials or come borrow ours! Beginners welcome! Hosted by Director of Residence Life Greer Veon-Cronin.
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Building Community with LEGOS
SLTC 105
Come build community with LEGOS! Hosted by Assistant Director of Housing Operations, Alex Chandler. Legos provided.
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
SLTC Cafeteria
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – “Here at Homedrix”
SLTC Worsham
Watch your peer leaders in a series of skits that highlight the Hendrix experience designed to help you feel right at home in our community!
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Disco Daze!
SLTC Worsham, SLTC Lawn
Head over to the SLTC to boogie the night away! Join your classmates and Orientation leaders for disco-themed music, games, crafts, and MORE karaoke!
Thursday, August 20, 2026
8:00 am – 5:00 pm – *Individual Advising Sessions
Various Locations
9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Zen Zone Open
SLTC Room 105
In need of a quiet, sensory-friendly environment? Then stop by the Zen Zone where calming activity resources will be available.
9:00 am – 10:00 am – *Campus Community and Belonging Session
Mills A
Students must attend one of two sessions offered. Note: Attendence will be taken.
10:15 am – 11:45 am – *Community Standards and Safety Session
Mills A
Students must attend one of two sessions offered. Note: Attendence will be taken.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Hendrix ROCKS!
SLTC Worsham
Get your craft on with rock painting! Paint a rock and leave a rock on campus for someone to find!
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch
SLTC Cafeteria
11:30 am – 12:15 pm – United Methodist Leadership Scholars Meeting
SLTC 123 (Miller Center Suite)
12:15 – 1:00 pm – Miller Center Service Scholars Meeting
SLTC 123 (Miller Center Suite)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – *Campus Community and Belonging Session
Mills A
Students must attend one of two sessions offered. Note: Attendence will be taken.
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm – *Community Standards and Safety Session
Mills A
Students must attend one of two sessions offered. Note: Attendence will be taken.
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Doubles Pickleball Tournament
WAC Rec Gym
Grab a partner and hit the court for some friendly competition! No partner, no problem! We’ll pair you with a new friend. Whether you’re a pickleball pro or picking up a paddle for the first time, join the doubles tournament for plenty of fun and a chance to meet new friends.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Waterpalooza
WAC Pool
Beat the August heat with WATERPALOOZA! Have fun with your peers and make new friends with water guns and water balloons!
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Dinner
SLTC Cafeteria
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – An Evening with Shirttails
SLTC Worsham
Join Orientation leaders and the Shirttails Committee for a presentation highlighting the history of Hendrix’s biggest tradition: Shirttails! View performances from years past, enjoy some theater snacks, and maybe see some choreography sneak peeks for 2026!
Friday, August 21, 2026
9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Zen Zone Open
SLTC Room 105
In need of a quiet, sensory-friendly environment? Then stop by the Zen Zone where calming activity resources will be available.
7:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast
SLTC Cafeteria
8:30 am – 9:30 am – Academic Success Tours (Off-Campus Groups)
Various Locations
Join your OR group for a campus tour of offices and spaces designed to help you succeed Via academics and career readiness at Hendrix! Discover the Writing Center, Peer Tutoring, Student Activities Center, Business office, and more!
9:30 am – 11:00 am – Crafts and Coffee
SLTC Burrow
Need to de-stress? Need dorm decorations? Join us for craft making and espresso drinks made by your Orientation co-coordinator, Sarah Starnes!
10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Residence Life Bingo
SLTC Worsham
Join Residence Life for some BINGO and win prizes for your dorm!
11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Free time/pack for your OR trip!
Take this time to get ready for your OR trip.
11:00 am – 1:30 pm – Lunch
SLTC Cafeteria
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Off-Campus Trip Departures
Various Locations/Times – Look for more information from your Peer Leader!
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Academic Success Tours (On-Campus Groups)
Various Locations
Join your OR group for a campus tour of offices and spaces designed to help you succeed Via academics and career readiness at Hendrix! Discover the Writing Center, Peer Tutoring, Student Activities Center, Business office, and more!
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
SLTC Cafeteria
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – WAC Pool Party
WAC Pool
Bring a swimsuit and a towel and join your classmates and OR leaders for a fun night of swimming, diving, and good vibes!
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Various Times – On-Campus Trip Departures
Various Locations
7:30 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast
SLTC Cafeteria
Various Times – Arkansas Excursions
Various Locations
Follow the guidance provided to you by your Peer Leader leading up to today’s events, and don’t be late!
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch
SLTC Cafeteria
Various Times – Excursions Return to Campus
Various Locations/Times
On Campus groups return to campus.
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Beach Volleyball Game
Beach Volleyball Court
Join your on-campus classmates and OR leaders for a pickup game of volleyball! All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate!
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
SLTC Cafeteria
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Movie Night
SLTC Worsham
Join your peers and Orientation leaders for a fun night of film and popcorn! Lounge in chairs provided or bring your own blanket for extra coziness!
Sunday, August 23, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Off-Campus Trips Return to Campus
Various Times/Locations
Off campus trips arrive back on campus.
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Brunch
SLTC Cafeteria
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
SLTC Cafeteria
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Orientation Closing Ceremony
SLTC Worsham
Come and see the results of our attendance raffle, enjoy a special surprise from your peer leaders, and be prepared to perform chants with your group!
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Shirttails Meetings
Residence Hall Lobbies
Monday, August 24, 2026
7:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast
SLTC Cafeteria
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch
SLTC Cafeteria
TBD – Senate Block Party
The Village Lawn
Orientation Week may be ending, but Welcome Week is just beginning! Join Hendrix Senate and the Welcome Week committee for an opening Block Party! Enjoy food, games, and mingling with students of all classes and learn how YOU can get involved in your campus community!
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Dinner
SLTC Cafeteria
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Shirttails Rehearsals
Various Locations
Orientation Trips
Optional Orientation trips are planned for incoming students with options on or off campus. Regardless of your preference, all campus orientation groups will get to experience community building experiences along with a Saturday filled with fun.
Off-Campus Trip Options
If students select the OFF-CAMPUS* experience, they will select from the following options.
NOTE: These trips will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
Travel: Students will depart campus Friday afternoon and return Sunday afternoon via charter bus/15 passenger van transportation.
Lodging: Each participant will have their own bed in shared rooms or a single bunk bed in cabin style bunk room accommodations.
Meals: Some meals to be catered and some will be prepared by the Orientation Staff team; dietary needs will be accommodated.
Intensity: All activities are catered to a beginner level. Students will be encouraged to move at their own comfort level.
*The OFF-CAMPUS Orientation trip will require a $100 fee that will be added to the incoming student’s Fall 2026 bill to cover travel and lodging expenses. Space is limited for each OFF-Campus experience.
Possible Water Activities
- Kayaking at Riverview Cabins – Looking to cool off this August? We have you covered with our excursions to Oden, Arkansas! Choose one of our three trips to spend some time on the Ouachita River canoeing, kayaking, or splashing around.
Possible Outdoor Activities
- Hiking at Mount Sequoyah – Let’s get outdoors! With lodging located at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville, AR, two trips will explore the Natural State through hiking trails in the beautiful Devil’s Den State Park!
- Hiking at Ferncliff – Let’s get outdoors! With lodging located at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR, this trip will explore the Natural State through hiking trails in the beautiful Pinnacle Mountain State Park!
Possible Indoor Activities:
- City Adventure at Mount Sequoyah – Looking to explore more about local culture? This trip will explore the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art with lodging located at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville, AR!
- City Adventure at Ferncliff – Let’s hit the town! Two trips will explore the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts with lodging located at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR!
On-Campus Trip Options
If students select the ON-CAMPUS experience, they will select from the following options below.
Please note: Some of these trips will require extensive time outdoors in the Arkansas sun.
Travel: All Saturday activities will receive transportation via Charter Bus/15 passenger van.
Lodging: Each participant will remain in their residence hall accommodation.
Meals: Some meals to be catered and some will be prepared by the team; dietary needs will be accommodated.
Intensity: All activities are catered to a beginner level. Students will be encouraged to move at their own comfort level.
Possible Water Activities
- Conway Water Park – Our most popular on-campus trip selection is BACK for another year! Spend a few hours cooling off at the outdoor aquatics center on one of two trips to the local Conway Community Center!
- Magic Springs Arkansas – Spend the day at Magic Springs Amusement and Water Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas! Full of roller coasters, water slides, and swimming pools, there is something for every thrill-seeker here!
Possible Outdoor Activities:
- Crater of Diamonds State Park – Have you ever noticed the diamond on the Arkansas license plate and wanted to search for your own? With a day trip to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, you can dig for diamonds and hike through one of several scenic trails!
- Hiking at Petit Jean – Enjoy a day trip hiking Petit Jean State Park, located just 40 minutes from Hendrix campus!
- Arkansas Travelers Baseball Game – Support your local minor league baseball team at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock! This day trip gets you one free ticket to watch the Travs take on the Springfield Cardinals at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 22nd.
Possible Indoor Activities:
- Hendrix Art Tour – Do you have a passion for art? Spend Saturday morning getting a complete tour of the Hendrix Art Building with the opportunity to try out various art projects! Led by Hendrix Art faculty members and Orientation leaders, try your hand at activities including ceramics, screen printing, and painting!
- Skating at Arkansas Skatium – Have an interest in roller skating, ice skating, or BOTH? The Arkansas Skatium in Little Rock has you covered! Enjoy free admission to both a roller rink and an ice rink all in one to stay cool for the afternoon!
- Gaming at Vortex Arcade – Enjoy free play on retro arcade games at the new Vortex Arcade! Located in Sherwood, AR, this indoor location has games, retro decor, and televisions to provide fun all afternoon!
- Climb Conway – Enjoy 4,000 square feet of bouldering walls at the indoor climbing gym, Climb Conway! Access to climbing shoes, chalk, and indoor climbing walls is included in this fun, beginner-friendly indoor activity!
Trip Selection Form
The Trip Selection Form is located on Campus Web in the New Student Checklist.
If you do not know your login information, please email helpdesk@hendrix.edu.
Student Schedule
Our 2026 Move-In Day and OR Week Schedule is live!
Contact the Orientation Team
For more information, please reach out to the Orientation Team!
Phone
Address
1600 Washington Avenue, Conway, AR 72032-3080
Your Next Steps Via Hendrix
Not an incoming student? Connect with an Admission counselor and take the first step toward success Via Hendrix.